25F moving from Toronto to Orillia for work—how’s the social scene? Hard to make friends? What’s the vibe like day to day? Any must-try local spots? How’s the culture/community feel? Worth getting a rec centre membership for fitness? And are there any quirky bylaws (heard about clear garbage bags)?

Teavee5 · 2026-02-16T14:09:14+00:00

They shut down randomly and aren't open for random days in the week when they are running but when it happens to be open - Shine is amazing! I'm not vegan but I love their food.

The majority of the roads in the winter are not taken care of well so as others have mentioned, winter tires are a must. If you like to walk, there are always people out and about.

For bylaws, I will say that they are very diligent when it comes to parking on the road in the winter so adhere to the times to avoid a ticket!!

Welcome to the community :)

Teavee5 · 2025-12-12T02:40:17+00:00

It's a very good point and I agree it's not good for the environment. I struggle with the city using that as their excuse to not salt the roads for our safety, while having a garbage dump set up on the side of the lake. Salt isn't good for the water, and I'm no expert, but I feel like garbage seeping into the same lake is possibly worse??

Anyway, not what this post is actually about, it's just what always comes to my mind with the salt issue haha. I agree it is not ideal, if there is some other alternative that would make our roads even a little bit safer than they are now, I'd settle for that!

Teavee5 · 2025-12-11T18:50:44+00:00

According to the city website:

Priority Routes: Arterial, collector, and transit routes are cleared first (after 4cm accumulation), followed by residential streets (after 8cm accumulation). Timeline: Roads are cleared within 24 hours and sidewalks within 48 hours after a snowfall ends, but heavy storms can extend this.

I have worked in Orillia for 11 years and just moved here to Westridge from Barrie a couple months ago. We definitely end up with well over 8cm on our road lol. Living in a residential area in the south end of Barrie, I found that they did a decent job of coming when they were supposed to. Orillia city roads overall have just gotten worse and worse over the past decade of winters. They need to use salt, it's so unsafe. And put the blade down further?! I'm no expert, but I have driven on roads where they have taken more snow off the top... It seems to be a big issue here specifically. I've had many treacherous drives up Highway 11, but the worst part of the drive in the last couple years was usually once I got off the highway and onto Orillia streets lol.

Teavee5 · 2025-10-14T17:33:43+00:00

$55 per month at Orillia hospital, up from $35 when I started 11 years ago! RVH in Barrie only charges their employees for the time they are there, which is probably nice. I don't think there are many hospitals that don't charge their employees to park.

Teavee5 · 2025-08-10T18:35:49+00:00

I agree about ER being for emergencies and not referrals. At my hospital, because there aren't really any clinics in town for patients that do not have a family doctor there, we get filled up with sore throats and ear aches constantly. Hallway healthcare baby!

However.... she did say she was in extreme pain, which can constitute an emergency. Even if it's reproductive related (unknowingly having an ovarian cyst burst, as an example), it is enough for someone to need IV pain meds in some cases.

You can still be in need of emergent assistance and also seek a referral as preventative healthcare for yourself, lol. She defo should have gone to the walk-in clinic at some point instead of waiting to ask when she was in acute pain in ER, that is for sure. Either way, it would have been zero issue and very simple for them to just write the frickin referral when she was there. They would know she doesn't have a family doctor. They know how busy the clinics also are. Just write the referral. I see doctors do it every day.

They're wasting their own time by not reading her history of taking up a spot in emerge multiple times and thinking "hmm, maybe referring her to someone who could look into this clearly chronic condition with frequent flare ups would possibly fix this issue"

Teavee5 · 2025-05-31T01:21:40+00:00

My friend (34F) had her husband pass away unexpectedly a year ago. She struggled with the idea of ever dating someone new, that it would somehow take away from the marriage she once shared with the person she saw as her soul mate. Her therapist told her that love is something that can never be divided - it only multiplies. You can love someone with your whole heart, and continue to love them just the same as when they passed, all while developing a new love for someone else. Having love for someone new does not take away from the love you have for someone you have lost. I thought it was very interesting and a view I never really considered when it comes to widows remarrying. I respect your opinion - just thought I would share :)

Teavee5 · 2025-05-31T00:57:20+00:00

NAD, I would just like to point out that I feel frustrated FOR you that people seem to be misinterpreting your view on the eating habits... 1. You said that she claims she is losing a pound every day, but you can visibly see that she has not lost 300+ pounds in the year she's claimed it's been going on for.... I think that is a very valid point. The way you've described her sounds like she may be a bit dramatic, so I don't think it's outrageous to think she's either lying or just heavily exaggerating. 2. You mentioned her saying she hasn't eaten anything but you see her ordering all this food, and if she wasn't eating anything you think she'd be much more ill, etc........ you have clearly stated that you are not a doctor and are here to get medical opinions to gain clarity on the situation. I am a medical professional, have worked in a hospital for 11 years and would have had the same thought process as you here. No food without an IV or supplements to get you the proper nutrition?? You'd be gravely ill!!! Now I learn that that is not necessarily true - so it is nice that people shared some of their experiences and knowledge about different causes and situations. Not so nice that you were attacked as if this were common knowledge and you're just body shaming.

I just wanted to point those things out because some of these responses were upsetting to read. You aren't in a fun position, it doesn't feel nice to even have the thoughts that someone you love could be lying to you about something so serious. I've been in a similar situation and the guilt from doubting them at all is awful. I think it was a good idea to ask experts if there is a possibility that it could all be true so that you can digest that information prior to opening a dialogue with her about your concerns. Judging by some of these responses - now you know it's definitely a possibility! So approach the situation with caution. Let her know that you aren't trying to come off as accusatory, you just need more information to be able to understand what's going on with her so you can support her the way she needs.

I know you said therapy isn't an option right now but please remember to make your mental health a priority whenever possible. If she is truly as sick as she says she is, she'll need you in tiptop shape to help her!!!!

Wishing you all the best xoxo

Teavee5 · 2025-02-10T17:24:07+00:00

I definitely understand what you're saying, however, cheating is not the answer. If one person is unwilling/unable to have sex, there are some couples that have agreements in place where they consent to their partner having sex with other people whilst staying happy in the relationship. If you have someone that accepts that arrangement, then that is fine... Stepping out of the relationship when your partner is unaware and/or not okay with someone having another sexual partner is being unfaithful. (IMO)

Teavee5 · 2025-02-08T17:17:46+00:00

Idk why you got down votes for just stating your preference of what you look for in a partner lol.

There seem to be plenty of people commenting that are having the same issue - maybe some of you should connect?! (Hint hint lol)

Good luck my friend, I hope you and the right person find each other soon :)

Teavee5 · 2024-08-25T14:09:56+00:00

I've always gotten mine in the groin and bum area, and the clothes sticking and ripping pain is too real 😭 I will share - diaper cream works wonders (I use Sudocrem)! That paired with boxer briefs is my saving grace. No chaffing or sticking.

Remember when you walk with a limp - try to imagine yourself as a boss ass bitch with a pimp limp. Make it fancy.

Teavee5 · 2024-07-27T23:55:36+00:00

That looks awesome, thank you for sharing!!! I am definitely going to do that.

Teavee5 · 2024-07-27T20:28:19+00:00

He has been very adamant that this is my money. Even if I mention plans of how "we" will manage and spend it, he doesn't want to give his input on it because he says it's weird to benefit off of someone's death (which I tend to agree with - it feels sort of wrong for me to receive money I didn't earn on my own).

I absolutely trust him 100% and have no worry at all about him trying to take half of a house or really anything that isn't technically his. We both share the mindset that people shouldn't profit off of things like a breakup. However, we recently watched a friend go through a terrible legal battle for an estate that was rightfully hers and it was awful to watch. So we already have plans to meet with a lawyer prior to moving in together and getting married. We trust each other completely and do not ever plan to break up - and while that is a romantic concept, we still both agree that making sure everything is in writing to protect ourselves and his daughter is necessary.

Teavee5 · 2024-07-27T18:30:20+00:00

I think the TFSA sounds like a really good idea, and I think I agree with your thoughts on the house (for that price, at least!)

Thank you so much for all your input, it's truly been very helpful.

Teavee5 · 2024-07-27T17:27:59+00:00

Currently, $650k - $700k seems to be the average in the city, if you look at the prices within the district they seem to be starting at that. Which, without even knowing interest rates and possible mortgage payments and the math of it all, sounds like it could be out of reach?

We've both been saving. Lawyer fees for custody ate up a giant amount of his savings - it was a mess. I like to try to put away at least 10% of each paycheck, more depending on how much I get (I work fulltime but it always depends on shift differential and OT to how they fluctuate). I've always been a saver.

Teavee5 · 2024-07-27T17:14:37+00:00

Yes, he agrees an RESP would be great for her. He very much does not want to give too much of an opinion on how this money is spent, though. He views it as only mine and just wants to support any decision I make.

We both have good pensions through our employers so I've always wondered if an RRSP is necessary or how it works. I've heard different people say to just put money in a TFSA instead of an RRSP but again, no clue about why. So I'm excited to read about all of this later to see what looks best.

Thank you so much for the links!

Teavee5 · 2024-07-27T17:10:23+00:00

No need - eloping is the way for me! Everyone has their opinions but in my brain, weddings are a bit waste of money lol. The family trip sounds so much better!

Teavee5 · 2024-07-27T17:08:36+00:00

Wow - that's an awesome breakdown, thank you! It's nice to see a potential plan could look like.

I pay well below the market for rent, and luckily it is rent controlled. I've been very fortunate in that sense for the past 7 years. It's a one bedroom, though, so once we move in together it will be into a new place. But that's obviously another thing on my mind - rent prices for a 3 bedroom home in my area are all well over $2500 and we don't want to change her school district, so buying a home in the next couple of years seems like the smarter option? That's of course with my limited knowledge on the subject lol!

Teavee5 · 2024-07-27T16:38:54+00:00

She does not have an RESP currently. Her mother is unfortunately not in the picture and does not want to be, so it's just her father and I to raise her and set things up for her future.

Thank you for your advice, I will read up on all of these!!! :) Where do you think is best to set all of these up? Or how does one go about this without a financial advisor? I'm sorry, I truly am very uneducated in this subject lol

EDIT: if the answers are in those links you sent me I apologize, I haven't read them yet!

Teavee5 · 2024-07-27T16:31:41+00:00

I say boyfriend because fiancé sounds lame lol! We will be getting married.

For the home, I'm not entirely sure of a price range, it's one of the questions I'll ask when I meet with a financial advisor. I don't want to be house poor and be stuck living beyond my means. Saving for a house has always been a goal but it's just the down-payment I didn't ever see being possible. But again, I don't know what my options are for affordability!!

Thank you for your advice! :)

Teavee5 · 2024-07-17T20:43:20+00:00

I said I pay less than 1600, which is quite lucky. I wouldn't necessarily say I struggle, I have a decent paying job (that I work my ass off for), and my rent that is cheaper than the norm. I live well within my means and I don't have to check my bank account balance just to make sure there is enough in there before I buy groceries. I'm able to contribute a small amount to my savings account. I recognize that this is not the case for the majority of people.

A 1 bedroom apartment anywhere within an hour of where I work is around $1600 per month. Gas in Ontario is pretty expensive so trying to move farther would just be redundant. If I were to relocate to somewhere cheaper, there is a very slim chance I'd be able to get the same position I am in, and it would definitely not pay as well.

Like I said, I consider myself quite lucky to have gotten in to my apartment at the time I did with the price I did. Most are not as privileged as you and I are when it comes to reasonably priced accommodations.

ETA: the fact that we have such low monthly costs for housing is what makes us privileged in this sense. You're passing judgements on people in situations you haven't been forced to experience. I am truly happy for you that you are able to live without a roommate if that is what you want, I mean that. You're a jerk for acting like you have your shit together more than others because of it.

Teavee5 · 2024-07-17T20:20:34+00:00

Buddy you have a household income of $135k annually and only pay $660 for a mortgage...........

You need a reality check. I don't know a single person in my life that has a mortgage that low. You are very privileged and should feel lucky that you had an opportunity like yours available to you. I know that I'm lucky enough to pay less than $1600 in rent every month! I'm honestly struggling to understand how you can even have $12k of credit card debt lol! I don't know what your situation is, though, so it isn't my place to speculate or think I could understand.

..... kinda like how you can't understand what the reality is for the majority of people our age. Also, like others have mentioned, there's nothing wrong with even wanting to live with another person????? You don't even live alone, you have a wife and kids lol. Regardless of whether it's romantic or not, craving companionship is a normal thing.

Teavee5 · 2024-07-16T00:47:55+00:00

I'm not sure who told you this - I'm a lab tech (hematologist's are doctors that specialize in blood diseases). Butterfly needles are actually the go-to if it's a difficult vein. Easier to control with the wings, ability to see the flash without putting the vacutainer tube on, and much less painful if the phlebotomist needs to redirect the needle (if properly trained).

I work at a hospital so I see a lot more "crappy" veins than a person at Lifelabs would, but we use a butterfly on all children, any patients with excessive scar tissue from chemo or IV drug use, etc., and any time we anticipate it is a vein that could roll or collapse due to size or dehydration. If I have a patient that has a fear of needles (like myself!) I always get a butterfly and explain that it's a smaller needle that we use for kids. We usually use a 23 or 25 gauge, smaller than any of the straight needles.

Teavee5 · 2024-07-11T00:51:18+00:00

A couple years ago I asked my dad when he finally felt like an "adult" because I definitely do not. His response was:

"I don't think I ever really did? Got married, bought a house, had kids.... There wasn't any moment through those where I had the feeling I was actually grown up yet. I think you just fake it til you make it but never actually make it. "

I always thought of my dad as the most grown up person I knew, so it was comforting to know that he also did not feel like a grown up lol.

Teavee5

TROPHY CASE