Mayor's Welcome

Welcome to Orillia, the Sunshine City at the top of Lake Simcoe and on the beautiful shores of Lake Couchiching!

Orillia is a dynamic, vibrant city with a strong vision - a vision of a healthy, progressive community that respects people and promotes growth in a sustainable environment.

As Mayor, I would like to thank you, on behalf of Council, for the opportunity to bring positive change to our City.  The newly-elected Council is committed to working together for the betterment of this fine City.

Over the past few years, residents of our City have witnessed positive growth and development including an $82-million expansion of Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital and the opening of the new Lakehead University campus, which now hosts over 1,000 students and 100 faculty and staff. This state- of-the-art university offers a unique combination of arts and sciences through conventional and high-tech Smart Classrooms.

This year, Money Sense magazine rated Orillia one of the top 10 Canadian Small Cities to Live. As well, Orillia has been named among the top three communities in Ontario, and among the top 10 in Canada, in which to invest by the Real Estate Investment Network.

Residents and athletes alike are delighted with the new $26-million West Orillia Sports and Recreation Complex, and soon they will be able to take advantage of the new Library currently under construction in the heart of our City.

Our Council is committed to accountability to our taxpayers, to serving our residents and businesses first, and to encouraging economic prosperity in a sustainable, responsible manner. Working with our community neighbours is vital to achieving these goals.

The City has undertaken a restructuring of the Economic Development Committee to enhance and further develop this City's economic strengths. This new Council has also embarked on the creation of a Strategic Plan, in which Council members have outlined not only a community vision, but also five strategic priorities.  One of these priorities is to support business to improve Orillia's competitive position.  The focus of this strategic priority is to support existing businesses and industry, establish a strategy for "City Core" revitalization, develop the waterfront to its potential, and develop new opportunities and partnerships. Physician recruitment is also a top priority of this new Council.

Orillia is also noted for its fabulous four-season activities, as well as its long and impressive historical heritage.  Orillia's vibrant and picturesque downtown, along with its charming shops and wide variety of dining establishments, offers something for everyone. 

Angelo Orsi
Mayor

mayor@orillia.ca