Downtown Tomorrow Plan

The Downtown Tomorrow: Linking Orillia's Core to the Water study (Downtown Tomorrow Plan) recommended 33 strategic initiatives and 20 priority action items to better connect Orillia’s downtown core and waterfront areas. The Downtown Tomorrow Plan identified opportunities to extend several City streets to the waterfront, redesign and extend Centennial Drive, and extend the retail experience to the waterfront.  The Plan also identified the importance of the City acquiring strategic properties to assist with development of the City’s waterfront for the purpose of increasing the supply of housing in the Downtown. This initiative was undertaken when the City undertook the Waterfront Redevelopment Project.

This vision informed the development of 12 Guiding Development Principles that builds on Orillia’s rich heritage and natural setting. Connecting the waterfront and main street extends the historic walkable pattern of streets and blocks to the waterfront. This resulted in the Waterfront Redevelopment Project, a major milestone on the City’s Downtown Tomorrow journey. 

Learn more about the Waterfront Redevelopment Project, including the current status, at orillia.ca/waterfront.

The Downtown Tomorrow Community Improvement Plan (DTCIP) launched on January 1, 2017. This program seeks to encourage growth in Downtown Orillia by providing grants designed to stimulate development, including projects such as façade improvements, signage, feasibility studies, building improvements and the creation of residential units.

The Residential Grant Program, included in the DTCIP, offers grants to offset the cost of rehabilitating existing residential units and/or constructing new residential units, including conversion of excess commercial and/or vacant space on upper stories of commercial and mixed-use buildings to create one or more net residential units.

For more information, including program details and evaluation criteria, visit orillia.ca/downtowncip.

The City of Orillia, in partnership with the Downtown Orillia Management Board (DOMB), also undertook a Downtown Orillia Retail Mix Analysis. This study outlined which products and services currently exist, while identifying the types of businesses which should be sought through business attraction efforts. See more information about the Retail Mix Analysis.

The City’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law is very supportive of permitting upper-storey residential dwellings in the City’s Downtown to help increase the supply of housing. The City also has 10 permit parking spaces dedicated to allow 24 hour parking, 7 days a week throughout the whole year to help accommodate the overnight parking needs of new downtown residents.

Downtown Tomorrow Community Improvement Plan (DTCIP)

The Downtown Tomorrow Community Improvement Plan (DTCIP) launched on January 1, 2017. A Community Improvement Plan (CIP) is a tool authorized by the Planning Act and Municipal Act that allows municipalities to offer financial incentives such as grants and loans to property owners and business tenants in order to encourage downtown, neighbourhood and community revitalization.

The DTCIP program seeks to encourage growth in Downtown Orillia by providing grants designed to stimulate development, including projects such as façade improvements, signage, feasibility studies, building improvements and the creation of residential units. Over time, the DTCIP is expected to increase tax assessment, employment opportunities and housing options in the City's core as part of a longer term plan to revitalize the downtown and link it more closely to Orillia's waterfront.

For more information about the DTCIP program, visit orillia.ca/downtowncip.

Downtown Orillia Retail Mix Analysis

The City of Orillia, in partnership with the Downtown Orillia Management Board (DOMB), also undertook a Downtown Orillia Retail Mix Analysis. This study outlined which products and services currently exist, while identifying the types of businesses which should be sought through business attraction efforts. See more information about the Retail Mix Analysis.

Downtown Orillia Streetscape Improvement Plan (DOSIP)

The Downtown Orillia Streetscape Improvement Plan (DOSIP) Project officially began on July 11, 2018. 

Last reconstructed in 1978, the City’s downtown streetscapes have served the City well and has contributed to the unique charm and atmosphere of Orillia’s core. Innovative and well designed, the downtown streets have, however, started to show signs of age and will inevitably be in need of repair. In anticipation of this reality, the DOSIP was envisioned to create a streetscape plan that will inform future detailed engineering design and the reconstruction for the City's main downtown historic streets.

Building on the work undertaken during the last reconstruction project, the DOSIP has endeavored to create a well-designed, environmentally friendly, fully inclusive and accessible streetscape that will further define the City's downtown as a destination environment and contribute to an increasingly vibrant business community.

The DOSIP envisions a multi-functional and multi-modal typology for Mississaga Street and key cross streets that will be implemented through future streetscape and public space improvements. Enhanced connectivity between Mississaga Street and the waterfront will facilitate two-way multi-modal traffic along the corridor, will enhance the tourism attraction ability of the City’s core, and will stimulate new economic opportunities and employment.

Learn more at the DOSIP project page.

The Downtown Tomorrow Plan recognized that the redevelopment of former industrial and commercial lands in the "South Core" (the area generally south of Elgin Street), may take longer to initiate and fully implement. An important first step that was identified was the preparation of a Secondary Plan, as an amendment to the Official Plan, informed by the vision for the area reflected in the Master Development Concept. 

At this time, a secondary plan for the South Core has not materialized; however, the City's 10-Year Forecast identifies a new Official Plan as a 2023 capital project.

A new 34,000 square foot OPP Detachment was constructed and officially opened in 2020 in the developing West Ridge area of Orillia. 

In the summer of 2021, the previous OPP Detachment located at 66 Peter Street was demolished. 

Staff are currently undertaking a functional design and cost estimate for 66 Peter St. as the location of the City's future Transit Terminal and Parking Structure. 

The Downtown Tomorrow Plan recommended working with Lakehead University, Georgian College, and the Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital to identify potential locations for a shared academic facility, and formally establishing a "higher education working group" to pursue the opportunity and generally improve linkages between Lakehead, Georgian and Downtown on an ongoing basis.

The City has continued to foster an ongoing, positive relationship with Lakehead University and Georgian College. In 2019, the City signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Lakehead University.

The Downtown Tomorrow Plan recommended encouraging Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH) to expand and to improve the physical relationship between the hospital and Downtown. The Plan also encouraged the hospital to develop a transportation and parking strategy that seeks to reduce parking demand, promotes the use of shared parking lots, and considers more remote parking options.

The City of Orillia facilitated an Economic Impact Study for OSMH to better understand the economic impacts associated with the potential expansion/relocation of OSMH. The City continues to work with OSMH to encourage improvements, including a Future Hospital project.

The City retained a consultant to complete a Heritage Conservation District Study, and then began work on developing the Plan. However, due to concerns expressed by the property owners to be impacted by the implementation of such Plan, the City decided not to pursue the adoption and implementation of a Heritage Conservation District Plan.  The City does have a Municipal Heritage Committee, which is mandated by the Ontario Heritage Act and governed by Chapter 103 of the City of Orillia Municipal Code.  The Municipal Heritage Committee is responsible for the stewardship of the designated properties in Orillia and advises Council on matters relating to man-made heritage and planning. 

The Municipal Heritage Committee has developed a Virtual Walking Tour of Heritage Orillia. 

The Downtown Tomorrow Plan recommended the City continue to nurture the arts scene by encouraging the retrofitting of older buildings for studio, exhibit and performance space through financial incentives, and continuing to support established and new arts events and affordable housing projects.

The City has continued to nurture the arts scene in many ways, including supporting the formation of the Art in Public Places Committee, through the Downtown Tomorrow Community Improvement Plan (DTCIP) grant program, and through the General Grants Program and Cultural and Festival Grants Program. 

The City has worked to attract specialty retailers through various initiatives, including the Retail Mix Analysis, the Downtown Tomorrow Community Improvement Plan (DTCIP) grant program, and the establishment of the Peter Street Arts District. 

The City of Orillia, in partnership with the Downtown Orillia Management Board (DOMB), undertook a Downtown Orillia Retail Mix Analysis. This study outlined which products and services currently exist, while identifying the types of businesses which should be sought through business attraction efforts. See more information about the Retail Mix Analysis.

The City also provides support to the Downtown Orillia Management Board (DOMB), which supports making Downtown Orillia a primary hub for business in the region.

The My Main Street Local Business Accelerator Program, led by the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO), has been designed to help drive business and restore vibrancy to local communities across southern Ontario in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program supports the revitalization of 65 main street communities by providing each with a dedicated Main Street Ambassador, customized marketing research, data analysis and non-repayable funding contributions for small businesses. Over the 2022 year, the City of Orillia will be participating in this program to help grow existing businesses and bring new entrepreneurs to the Business Improvement Area (Downtown Orillia). Visit the My Main Street project page for more information.

Additionally, the City’s Business Development Office pursues the attraction of specialty retailers through their economic development portfolio (activities include promotion at Greater Toronto area-based trade shows, the hosting of international delegations and the touring of newcomers and entrepreneurs through the City). Learn more at businessinorillia.ca.

The Downtown Tomorrow Community Improvement Plan (DTCIP) launched on January 1, 2017. This program seeks to encourage growth in Downtown Orillia by providing grants designed to stimulate development, including projects such as façade improvements, signage, feasibility studies, building improvements and the creation of residential units.

The Facade Improvement Grant Program, included in the DTCIP, offers a grant to offset the cost of eligible front, side and rear façade improvement and restoration works to commercial, institutional, residential and mixed use buildings, including retail storefront display areas and signage.

For more information, including program details and evaluation criteria, visit orillia.ca/downtowncip.

This vision informed the development of 12 Guiding Development Principles that builds on Orillia’s rich heritage and natural setting. Connecting the waterfront and main street extends the historic walkable pattern of streets and blocks to the waterfront, including integrating with Orillia's downtown and waterfront areas. This resulted in the Waterfront Redevelopment Project, a major milestone on the City’s Downtown Tomorrow journey. 

Learn more about the Waterfront Redevelopment Project, including the current status, at orillia.ca/waterfront.

The City is currently in the process of constructing the extension of Coldwater Road from Front Street North to Centennial Drive. This is known as Phase 3 of the Centennial Drive Improvement Project and was approved by Council as part of the 2023 Budget. A future phase of the Centennial Drive Improvement Project anticipates the extension of Colborne Street East through to The Esplanade, which will become an extension of Centennial Drive from Mississaga Street East to Elgin Street. This future phase will commence when property acquisitions are complete and a future budget has been approved.

The intersection at Front/Mississaga was reconstructed as part of the Front Street Reconstruction Project in 2020.

There is a capital project identified in the City's 10-year forecast for the Downtown Streetscape Reconstruction (2023 - 2028). If approved, this project will significantly upgrade and enhance Mississaga Street.  

The Downtown Orillia Streetscape Improvement Plan (DOSIP) Project officially began on July 11, 2018. 

Last reconstructed in 1978, the City’s downtown streetscapes have served the City well and has contributed to the unique charm and atmosphere of Orillia’s core. Innovative and well designed, the downtown streets have, however, started to show signs of age and will inevitably be in need of repair. In anticipation of this reality, the DOSIP was envisioned to create a streetscape plan that will inform future detailed engineering design and the reconstruction for the City's main downtown historic streets.

Building on the work undertaken during the last reconstruction project, the DOSIP has endeavored to create a well-designed, environmentally friendly, fully inclusive and accessible streetscape that will further define the City's downtown as a destination environment and contribute to an increasingly vibrant business community.

The DOSIP envisions a multi-functional and multi-modal typology for Mississaga Street and key cross streets that will be implemented through future streetscape and public space improvements. Enhanced connectivity between Mississaga Street and the waterfront will facilitate two-way multi-modal traffic along the corridor, will enhance the tourism attraction ability of the City’s core, and will stimulate new economic opportunities and employment.

Learn more at the DOSIP project page.

The Centennial Drive Area Improvements Project, which is currently underway, is a multi-year project to reform the waterfront area and provide the necessary servicing for future development.

Phase 1 includes the construction of a new sanitary sewage pumping station as well as the alignment of Elgin Street and Cedar Island Road. 

Phase 2 includes the reconstruction/realignment of the Mississaga Street East/Centennial Drive/Canice Street corridor from Front Street North to Brant Street East.  

Phase 3 includes the easterly extension of Coldwater Street through the former commercial plaza lands to the newly realigned Centennial Drive.  Council approved this project as part of the 2023 Budget, and work will be commencing soon.

Council adopted in principle the Active Transportation Plan in 2012.  The Plan identified the existing cycling network, and suggested both short and long-term improvements to the cycling network.

In 2019, Council adopted in principle the Multi-Modal Transportation Master Plan, which further identifies improvements to the City's bicycle network, including what the downtown bicycle network should look like.

City staff aim to include bicycle lanes where identified in the Multi-Modal Transportation Master Plan through future capital projects.

The City designed and built a new fishing pier that has been installed on the concrete pier at the base of Mississaga Street. 

In 2015, the City of Orillia retained Urban Strategies Inc. to further study the area in and around the Port of Orillia to develop a long term plan to guide future improvements to the public spaces in that area. The Orillia Port Area Public Realm Plan includes a number of recommendations about how the Port area could be revitalized to better support public uses and create a vibrant gathering space. A plan was developed for a civic square at the base of Mississaga and Centennial and a future southerly extension and realignment of the Centennial Drive/Mississaga Street East intersection to facilitate a more efficient intersection at this location. The Waterfront Redevelopment Project includes a gathering area at the base of Mississaga Street East as a first step in the longer term plan to create a larger public gathering space in this area.

The City is currently in the design stage of a new Foundry Park Skatepark and Playground Design to be located at the Orillia Recreation Centre (255 West Street South) and will be seeking opportunities for the purpose of constructing in the future.

This initiative is currently being reviewed by City staff.  The City continues to capitalize on opportunities to secure road widenings along Queen Street as developments occur to provide the City with flexibility in the future to help implement the Queen Street greenway.  Design and construction activity has not been initiated at this time.

The City continues to implement both small and large scale improvement project in our parks system including playground replacements, wayfinding signage and trail improvements including resurfacing the waterfront trail.  As a result of the Waterfront Redevelopment Project, a new Civic Square will be developed at the northeast corner of Centennial Drive and Mississaga Street East.

Over the past number of years, staff have worked to improve parking lots. 

In 2018, Lot 7 on Andrew Street South was completely reconstructed including removal and replacement of asphalt, line painting, new concreate barrier curbs and installation of bicycle racks.

In 2020, structural upgrades were made in Lot 4 and garden renovations were completed in Lots 2, 5, 9 and 11, as well as the restructuring of Lot 5's planters. 

In 2022, the stairs between Municipal Lot 5 and 11 will be repaired to increase public safety.

The City is also undertaking a Downtown Waterfront Parking Study, which will further review how the City can improve access to parking.