ONTARIO — Ontario City Council approved its 2026 permanent appropriations Monday evening during a special meeting. The budget totals $21,227,596, a decrease of $116,708 from the 2025 total of $21,344,304. Fourth Ward Councilman and finance chair Jason Bilyj said the city continues to prioritize responsible spending. “Ontario always operates within its means,” he added. “That’s […]
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Rejection rings out for Walker Lake Road: Ontario Council delivers unanimous ‘No’
ONTARIO — The Walker Lake Road rezone faced weeks of public opposition — and Wednesday night, it led to an emphatic vote. After a public hearing and multiple meetings, council voted unanimously against rezoning Walker Lake Road from R-2 to a planned unit development (PUD), effectively shutting down Redwood USA LLC’s proposal. Rad Schneider, vice […]
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Ontario residents urge city officials to reject Walker Lake Road rezoning
ONTARIO — Concerns continue to grow over a proposed rezoning along Walker Lake Road, where residents urged city officials to reject the plan during Wednesday evening’s meeting. The second reading of the proposal, which would change the property from R-2 Medium Density Residential to a Planned Unit Development, received multiple comments during public commentary. In […]
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Spirited debate peppers Walker Lake Road rezoning issue at Ontario City Council meeting
ONTARIO — Residents filled council chambers and experienced a spirited discussion Wednesday night as Ontario City Council weighed the proposed Walker Lake Road development. Zoning, traffic impact and long-term maintenance were the hottest topics of debate. Radd Schneider, vice president of acquisitions for Redwood USA LLC, addressed questions raised during a previous council meeting, which […]
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Ontario approves 2026 School Travel Plan for walking & biking safety
ONTARIO — Ontario residents could see safer streets, more sidewalks and improved bike paths in the coming years without spending a dime from local taxes. On Wednesday night, Ontario City Council unanimously approved a resolution accepting a Safe Routes to School School Travel Plan for Ontario Local Schools. The plan outlines strategies designed to improve […]
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Residents raise concerns over Walker Lake Road development
ONTARIO — Traffic backups, crowded classrooms and high rent prices dominated the conversation Wednesday night as Ontario residents packed City Council to weigh in on a proposed rezoning that could reshape Walker Lake Road. City leaders opened a public hearing during the regular council meeting to consider rezoning property on Walker Lake Road from R-2 […]
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Walker Lake Road rezoning hearing set; Ontario City Council approves fleet
ONTARIO — Ontario City Council will consider a rezoning request for property on Walker Lake Road during a public hearing at 7 p.m. Jan. 21. The hearing will take place during council’s next regular meeting and will focus on a request to rezone the property from R-2 Medium Density Residential to a Planned Unit Development. […]
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Ontario resident voices backyard chicken, property line issues
ONTARIO — The desire for backyard chickens has crossed the street into Ontario. A city resident voiced her support for the issue Wednesday night during the public participation portion of the City Council meeting. Sue Swank, an Olive Drive resident, pointed out Mansfield lawmakers approved backyard chickens by a 4-3 vote Dec. 2. “I know […]
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‘The best city around’: Knapp, Sapp & Rehfeldt reflect on years of service in Ontario
ONTARIO — Mayor Kris Knapp, Councilman Troy Sapp and Councilman Dave Rehfeldt bid adieu at Wednesday night’s Ontario City Council meeting. It marked the end of an era, as this was the trio’s final meeting in office. Knapp thanked his fellow council members, city staff and the community for their support throughout his role as […]
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Ontario City Council At-large brings three candidates to the ballot
ONTARIO — Three candidates are vying for votes to be the next at-large council person in Ontario. The at-large city council seat carries a four-year term and salary of $8,962.92. Find information for each candidate below, organized alphabetically by last name. Brennen Matthew Finfgeld Brennen Finfgeld, 25, is a lifelong Ontario resident and 2019 graduate […]