In 2003, a group of Oro-Medonte residents came together to oppose the construction of a major development that would negatively impact Lake Simcoe, its watershed and promote urban sprawl. It soon became clear that this undertaking would take time and commitment; so in 2004, WORA became a non-profit corporation. We cover Wards 3 and 4 of Oro-Medonte Township.
Our Mission
To work in cooperation with resident and conservation groups to promote responsible planning and sustainable development that protects the quality of life in the Township of Oro-Medonte and the environmental sensitivity of Lake Simcoe.
While our focus is on broad community wide issues, we engage with and support local community action groups.
Our members stay engaged to get informed and, if need be, advocate on issues that may impact our environment. These activities include:
- Participating in workshops and provincial consultations on regulations relating to the Lake Simcoe Protection Act
- Supporting organizations that share our interests
- Monitoring the agenda of Oro-Medonte Council
- Maintaining awareness among our members of ongoing issues and developments
Some Past Projects
In 2004, we opposed the UCCI Development’s proposal to construct 400 homes and a golf course spanning O-M Line 4 and O-M Line 5 from Lake Simcoe to Ridge Road. This development would have promoted urban sprawl and compromised provincially designated green space. After a four year challenge, a settlement was reached at the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) which stopped the proposal.
We participated in the creation of the Lake Simcoe Protection Act; WORA represented the community during the consultation process leading to the Lake Simcoe Protection Act, enacted in 2008 to protect the Lake Simcoe Watershed.
The Executive Board – West Oro Ratepayers’ Association (WORA)
Directors:
Domenic Natale – President
Michael Higgins – Vice President
Helena Lazar – Director
Bryn Pressnail – Director
Ingrid Schroeter – Director
Barry Lipson – Director
Advisory Board:
Anne Golden
Bruce McCartney
Leslie Pressnail
Our Executive Board members are volunteers. Our Directors are elected by the membership who serve an open-ended term. Our Financial Statements are presented and approved at our Annual General Meeting held in late Summer.
We gratefully acknowledge our founding President, Dr. Ron Golden, who passed away in 2019. Ron’s passionate and dedicated leadership is deeply missed and will continue to inspire us in our efforts to protect our community’s rural heritage and environment.
WORA 