Meet Your Councillors

David was born and raised in Orillia, along with his four brothers Allan, Ray, Wayne and Brian. His father Ray was a former City of Orillia employee in the Parks and Recreation department. David now lives in Ward 1 with his wife Nancy. Their daughter Emily is attending the University of Guelph.

David may look familiar to you from his years spent in the automotive business in Orillia. He has worked at Reg Smith Motors, Orillia Dodge and Thor Motors. While working, he earned his Microsoft Certifications and became co-owner of Northern Business Equipment. He is now employed as the I.T. Technician for a neighbouring Municipality.

David can often be found walking, riding his bicycle and attending various events in Ward 1 and throughout the community.

It is David’s goal to remain open and transparent to ensure that the people he represents are informed and involved in the decisions made at City Hall.

Contact Information:

Phone: 705-330-1789

Email: dcampbell@orillia.ca

 Whitney Smith

Whitney Smith is an influential fourth-generation business leader born in Orillia. With a lineage steeped in entrepreneurial spirit, her great-grandfather made his mark with Smith's Meat Market downtown, while her grandfather, Reg Smith, proudly helmed Reg Smith Motors. Whitney's father, Michael Smith, extended this legacy of industriousness into land development, erecting several apartment buildings in Orillia and playing a significant role in providing affordable housing to the community. This deep-seated heritage ties Whitney to Orillia, where she has resided for over 70 years on her father's side and more than 50 years on her mother's side. Her love for Orillia is unwavering.  

At the professional forefront, Whitney is the established founder and CEO of The Smith Investigation Agency Inc., Smith Security Inc., and Training Centre Canada. Her private investigative agency stands as the largest in Canada, with a national operational scope. Under Whitney's adept leadership, Smith Security Inc. dispenses top-notch security services throughout Ontario. Furthermore, her training platform is a testament to her commitment to quality and professional growth, ensuring upcoming security and investigative professionals receive exemplary training. 

But Whitney is not all work and no play! She's a proud Canadian explorer at heart, so much so that she's working on her private Pilot's license. Whitney's loyal companion, a yellow lab named Kahshe, accompanies her on all her escapades. Whitney also loves hunting, boating, riding her Harley, and as a Christian, actively participating in her church's leadership team. She cherishes downtime in the great outdoors, particularly when shared with family and friends.  

As a city Councillor, She's eager to use her voice and heart to represent the people of Orillia and Ward 1, bringing her down-to-earth spirit and business acumen to the role. If you have any questions or concerns or want to chat, she's always just a phone call or email away. Whitney Smith is passionate about serving her beloved hometown and committed to doing so in a way that's personable, accessible, and genuine.

Contact Information:

Phone: 705-330-6838              

Email: wsmith@orillia.ca

Ralph Cipolla believes in Orillia.  He grew up here, started his business here and raised his family here.  For over forty years he has committed to making Orillia a better place both as a private citizen and as Councillor.  He has been elected councillor in Ward 2 for three consecutive terms and was elected in 1977 becoming Orillia's youngest councillor.  During Ralph's tenure on council he has served on various committees including the Mayor's Lakehead Task Force, which was instrumental in bringing Lakehead University to Orillia. Ralph was also the chair of the committee that produced "The Action Plan for Affordable Housing." Ralph's accomplishments include: Founder of St. Bernard's Breakfast Club, which has become the model that is now used across Ontario, President of the Elizabeth Overend Non Profit Housing Orillia Inc., Recipient of Canada's 125th Anniversary Medal for Community Service Award, Orillia's Citizen of the Year in 1991, founder of the Orillia's Perch, Jazz and the Leacock Wine Festivals, Director of the Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Orillia Soldier's Memorial Hospital Board and many, many others. In 1971 Ralph opened C.C. Pant Shop which has been in operation at the same downtown location ever since. He constructed Collegiate Court in 1979 and operated the renowned restaurant, Carmines at that location for many years. Ralph attended Guardian Angels School and Park Street Collegiate Institute.  He has been married to Dianne for 42 years. They have three children; Laura, Carmen John and Cara, and four grandchildren. Ralph remains passionate and committed to the City of Orillia and is ready to assume a new leadership role. 

Contact Information:

Phone: 705-323-2466

Email: rcipolla@orillia.ca

 Luke Leatherdale

Luke lives in Ward 2 of Orillia with his lovely partner Elizabeth. Luke was born in Orillia as the 7^th generation of Leatherdales in the area. He has a deep love for Orillia and is passionate about helping to maintain its uniqueness amid smart growth ideas. 

He has travelled extensively throughout the United States with some adventures in Europe. He loves to lift weights and run as his main hobbies. He enjoys getting outdoors in all weather conditions. He went to school at Georgian College in Orillia for Police Foundations and landed a job as a security guard at Orillia's Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, then decided to try out a stint as a custodian for the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board. Always passionate about Orillia, he then pursued City Council and was elected on Oct 24, 2022. 

Luke is an excellent listener, and he believes his door-knocking work was the main reason he got elected. People want to be heard, and Luke is dedicated to representing what his constituents want when making decisions at City Hall. 

Contact Information:

Phone: 705-330-7959              

Email: lleatherdale@orillia.ca

As a young professional, I am energetic and hardworking. If you have a problem, I’ll be the person on your doorstep making sure it gets fixed. Additionally, I am very active in Orillia. This is my second term as a city councillor. Since 2018, I have served on over 15 committees for the city. I have been teaching part-time at Georgian College; I volunteer for both Helping Hands and the Lighthouse Shelter; and I wrote for the Packet & Times as a political columnist. Growing up, I was a student at Park Street Collegiate Institute. 

I also have past experience in politics and journalism. I have a Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto and I have worked as a political aide. Additionally, I have been published in thirty newspapers across Canada including the Toronto Star, Ottawa Citizen, and Calgary Herald. 

I always love to hear from people! If you ever have a comment, question, or idea, please feel free to reach out to me. 

Hopefully, talk soon. 

Contact Information:

Phone: 705-279-3249

Email: jfallis@orillia.ca

 Jeff Czetwerzuk

Jeff Czetwerzuk (Cheddar-Chuck), was born and raised in Orillia. Jeff went to elementary school, high-school, College and University in Orillia. Jeff has received his Child and Youth Care diploma from Georgian College and his Honours Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Lakehead University. Jeff is highly involved with both institutions as he is on the Georgian College Alumni Executive Council and Lakehead's Alumni Simcoe Chapter. Jeff was a student leader at Georgian College, being elected to both the Georgian College Student Association and the Georgian College Board of Governors. At Lakehead Jeff was a part of the Lakehead University Student Alumni Association supporting students throughout their studies. 

Orillia has always been Jeff’s home. Jeff is really happy to call Orillia home like his grandparents did who came over from the Ukraine just after the Second World War. Jeff's Grandparents built a home in Orillia when they arrived with the help of the City of Orillia and the community. Jeff is committed to giving back to the community that helped support his family.   

Jeff is very passionate about the community and has spent hundreds of hours volunteering for many different events, causes, and community initiatives. Jeff is the current president of Rotaract Orillia which is a part of Rotary International and is a club for young adults who are passionate about serving their community. Rotaract runs many events to support the community such as "trick or eat" which supports the Sharing Place Food Centre.  

Jeff is committed to serving the citizens of Orillia by being involved in the community, being responsive, and being committed to creating positive change.   

Contact Information:

Phone: 705-330-6033              

Email: jczetwerzuk@orillia.ca

 Ward 4

Tim Lauer and Janet-Lynne Durnford represent Ward 4

 Tim Lauer

Born in 1950 and raised in Orillia, I have spent the past 49 years working as an independent contractor. After 35 years as a painting contractor I now work in real estate.

I became involved in municipal affairs in 1991, accepting an appointment to Orillia's Committee of Adjustment. In 1997 I was elected to Orillia Municipal Council and served 4 consecutive terms concluding in 2010. Re-elected in 2018 and 2022, I am currently serving my seventh term.

Over the years I have been fortunate to have had a personal involvement in the arts, sports, recreation, industry, police services, social services and the environment. This involvement has given me a keen awareness of how important all aspect of our community are to the overall health of the City. It has also allowed me to interact with the people whose energy and creativity drive this City and to share a sense of responsibility with those same community-minded people that make a difference.

Contact Information:

Phone: 705-330-2036

Email: tlauer@orillia.ca

Janet-Lynne has been an Orillian since moving here with her parents at the age of eight. She attended Orillia Central School, Marchmont Public School, and Park Street Collegiate, before attaining an Honours BA in English, and a Bachelor of Education. She and her husband Max have raised two children in Orillia. After a 30-year career as an elementary school teacher, she retired in October 2022 to take on her new role as Orillia City Councillor for Ward Four. 

Janet-Lynne has been an Orillia Farmers' Market vendor, a long-time union representative at her workplace, and has served on the boards of the Orillia and District Arts Council and Mariposa Arts Theatre. She is a cofounder of Mosaic Productions, a theatre company that has raised over $50,000 for local women’s and children’s charities. As co-host of Rogers TV Arts Scene Orillia, she promoted our vibrant local arts community. 

She is a life-long learner who loves to act, garden, read, walk her dogs, and spend time with family. Janet-Lynne is committed to working with other members of council, residents of Ward Four, and all citizens of Orillia to ensure a bright and sustainable future for the Sunshine City.  

Contact Information:

Phone: 705-330-6281              

Email: jdurnford@orillia.ca