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Orillia Hall of Fame - Induction Ceremony Takes Place Oct. 30, 2025
Members of the public are invited to the presentation at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chamber at the Orillia City Centre (50 Andrew St. S.) followed by a reception with light refreshments in the Tudhope-McIntyre Boardroom.
2025 Inductees
Harriett “Hattie” Todd
Todd was a dominant force advocating for women’s rights, public health, and education. As Orillia’s first female high school teacher and elected official, her passion was evident. Todd led initiatives for school vaccinations and health programs, equal pay for female teachers, and adult education. She served as President of the East Simcoe Women’s Institute (WI), as well as the Provincial and National WIs, and was instrumental in the creation of the Commonwealth WI. Todd advocated for first aid training, women’s voting rights, and support programs for rural women. During World War I, Todd fundraised for the Red Cross and led her WI to donate an ambulance and two field hospitals for Simcoe County Battalions serving in France. She was also essential in coordinating Orillia efforts to battle the Spanish Flu epidemic in 1918, resulting in one of the lowest infection and death rates of any Canadian municipality.
Stephen Graham
Graham is a multi-talented athlete and dedicated member of the Orillia Special Olympics program. Throughout his lengthy career, he has competed in over 25 Provincial Games, ten Canadian National Championships, and three World Winter Games, earning numerous medals in international competition, including five gold, one silver, and one bronze. Graham’s excellence has been recognized with many honours including being named Orillia Athlete of the Year, Special Olympics Canada Male Athlete of the Year, Special Olympics Male Athlete of the Year (the only athlete to win twice), and receiving the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his exceptional achievements and contributions to the community. Graham has been torchbearer for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, 2015 Pan Am Games, and 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, and starred in a Coca-Cola commercial for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
Dr. Richard Johnston
Johnston is a distinguished physician and community leader with a commitment to education. He served as a respected obstetrician and gynecologist for 45 years and was a supportive mentor at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. Johnston instituted perinatal rounds, was instrumental in raising the overall standard of care, and his standardized order sets now apply to every hospital procedure across Canada. His medical leadership extended provincially and nationally, including roles on the council of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and as founding chair of the Ontario Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Johnston was awarded a Lifetime Membership by the Ontario Medical Association for his outstanding service. He has also co-founded several community initiatives including the Take a Vet to Dinner event and associated scholarship and the Orillia Museum of Art and History annual fundraising dinner.
Established in 1964, the Orillia Hall of Fame Award is presented to individuals who have received provincial, national, or international recognition in their field of excellence. Past Hall of Fame inductees include Gordon Lightfoot, Stephen Leacock, Rick Ley, and Elizabeth Wyn Wood.
About the Selection Panel:
The purpose of the Selection Panel is to determine recipients of the Order of Orillia Award and inductees into the Orillia Hall of Fame. The group operates at arm's length from Council to solicit and review nominations and to determine the manner of award and presentation following City Policy 1.3.1.5. In other matters as directed by Council, the Panel may act as an advisory group reporting to Council Committee. The panel is comprised of four (4) eligible electors of the City of Orillia and one (1) member who may be resident in the local area.
About the Awards:
Order of Orillia
The Order of Orillia is an award which provides recognition to the unsung hero; the people who have dedicated their lives to make a difference in the community and enrich the lives of others through volunteering. Nominations for the Order of Orillia Award are closed for this year. Any new nominations received will be reviewed and considered for future awards presentations.
Order of Orillia Nomination Form (fillable PDF version)
List of Order of Orillia Recipients
Order of Orillia Booklet - 2024 Edition (2025 edition is under construction)
Orillia Hall of Fame
The Commemorative Awards Selection Panel is focused on celebrating Orillia’s past and present residents who have remarkable achievements in such areas as the arts, sports, philanthropy, and politics. Nominations for the Orillia Hall of Fame are now closed. Any new nominations received will be reviewed and considered for future awards presentations.
Hall of Fame Nomination Form (fillable PDF version)
Hall of Fame Book - 2020 Edition - the Hall of Fame book is updated once within each four-year term of Council.
List of Orillia Hall of Fame Members
Orillia Hall of Fame Banners
A downtown street banner is created for each member inducted. A variety of the banners are displayed along Mississaga Street by the Downtown Orillia BIA Management Board as space permits throughout the summer and fall each year.
Staff Contact: Jocelyn French
We attempt to make our website documents accessible, however, some of these documents may not completely meet the AODA accessibility requirements. If you require assistance or communication support, please contact Jocelyn French, Staff Resource: 705-325-7544.
