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Dave Dawson

Dave Dawson

Dave Dawson was born and raised in Orillia and returned to his hometown to become sports editor of The Packet & Times in 1991. He chose to stay in Orillia, to raise his family here and to serve the community as a reporter, editor and freelance writer ever since. He is thrilled to be the community editor of OrilliaMatters.com and looks forward to continuing the tradition of bringing the stories that matter to Orillians to their fingertips every day. Dave is also very involved in the community; he coached various sports when his kids were younger and, today, is a valued board member of Sport Orillia, a member of the Building Hope campaign for the Lighthouse Soup Kitchen and Shelter and is also part of the committee selected to choose this year's Citizen of the Year.

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Recent Work by Dave

Aquatics supervisor at Orillia Recreation Centre facing child luring, sex assault charges

Aquatics supervisor at Orillia Recreation Centre facing child luring, sex assault charges

"The City of Orillia has been made aware of an investigation involving an employee and that this individual is no longer actively employed with the city,' says official
Area teen cycles to a pair of titles at world championships

Area teen cycles to a pair of titles at world championships

Isabella Holmgren struck gold in short-track and cross-country event in Andorra; Ava Holmgren also brought home a bronze medal after 'fabulous' week of racing
Bracebridge man who drowned trying to save another honoured

Bracebridge man who drowned trying to save another honoured

The 51-year-old jumped into river to help rescue man who fell from the pier; he was one of 17 from across North America recognized by the Carnegie Hero Fund
Orillia student charged with mischief after weapons call at school

Orillia student charged with mischief after weapons call at school

Teen sent a Snapchat of what appeared to be a weapon to students, sparking large police presence and lockdown; three other local schools were put in hold and secure
Gerry Dee stuck in Hwy. 400 crash; Orillia Opera House show postponed

Gerry Dee stuck in Hwy. 400 crash; Orillia Opera House show postponed

'People were just hanging out, chatting and having a few laughs anyway,' said patron after Friday night show was unexpectedly postponed
Woman succumbs to injuries after apartment fire

Woman succumbs to injuries after apartment fire

'It's a tragic circumstance any time someone loses their life in this type of manner,' said Orillia OPP official of 67-year-old woman's death; cause under investigation
Apartment fire leaves residents from 28 units homeless — for now

Apartment fire leaves residents from 28 units homeless — for now

One person was taken to hospital with 'serious' injuries after fire at Orillia apartment building; Firefighters encountered 'heavy smoke and intense heat'
Orillia faces $3.25M lawsuit over deadly 2022 Legionella outbreak

Orillia faces $3.25M lawsuit over deadly 2022 Legionella outbreak

Family of man who died filed statement of claim alleging his 'injuries and death were caused solely by the negligence' of the city and its contractors
'Heartbreaking': Family, community mourn death of six-year-old

'Heartbreaking': Family, community mourn death of six-year-old

'It's a sad day for Orillia,' says mayor after young girl was killed in downtown crash; a candlelight vigil is being planned and a fundraiser has been started for family
Coldwater brothers injured in crash face long road to recovery

Coldwater brothers injured in crash face long road to recovery

Lukas Saunders, 15, suffered traumatic brain injury in New Year's Eve crash in Oro-Medonte
More work by Dave >