| General Public Information |
The See You on the Patio program is designed to provide residents a safe, outdoor opportunity to dine and support local businesses. The program consists of five elements:
- Promotional campaign highlighting local dining and take-out options.
- A streamlined patio process, which will allow more restaurants to feature and use outdoor dining space.
- A downtown street closure, which will take place Friday evenings from 5-11 p.m. from July 2 to September 3, 2021.
- Late-night shopping during downtown street closures.
- A municipally funded animation program, which will feature artists and musicians performing on Orillia patios. NEW As a result of the new provincial Roadmap to Reopening, the program start date has been tentatively moved to July 9, 2021, provided COVID-19 health and safety regulations allow, and is scheduled to run until September 3, 2021.
| Orillia-Area Restaurants |
|
The Orillia area has many great restaurants, cafes, bakeries, takeout dining, and beyond!
Discover local restaurants with the Eat and Drink list from Orillia & Lake Country Tourism.
|
| Performance Schedule |
| A list and schedule of performers will be announced in June. |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
| Are reservations required to enjoy local patios? |
| Visitors are encouraged to make reservations in advance. While not all restaurants will accept reservations, most restaurants will accommodate reservations, and some restaurants in the downtown core have coordinated seating times in order to accommodate the large volume of visitors during the street closures. Reservations also reduce crowding at restaurant entrances and ensure that you are not disappointed when you arrive. |
| When are restaurant patios open for the season? |
| This depends on the type of patio. Permanent patios (patios that are in place year round) may open any time. Seasonal patios (temporary patios that are placed during nice weather) may open as early as April 1 and may remain in place until November 15. Businesses are required to get municipal approval, and other factors such as weather, staffing requirements and Provincial COVID-19 guidelines must also be considered. It is best to contact the restaurant of your choice in advance to ensure their patio is open. |
| What if I don't feel comfortable dining out? |
| Most Orillia-area restaurants offer take-out options. You are encouraged to support local restaurants by ordering take-out and/or delivery. There are several food delivery services that operate within the Orillia area. Please keep in mind that delivery services do charge local restaurants a fee so picking up your food is a great option to enjoy take-out while minimizing costs to local restaurateurs. |
| What if we move into a different Step under the Roadmap to Reopen? |
| The City will be carefully following the COVID-19 Roadmap to Reopen and has a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place for the See You On The Patio Program. Be sure to follow the City of Orillia on Facebook and Twitter to ensure that you receive any time-sensitive updates related to the See You on the Patio Program. |
|
| Take the Visitor Survey for a Chance to Win a Shop Local Prize Pack |
| A Visitor Survey will be available on this webpage. Be sure to check back for your chance to win a Shop Local Prize Pack! |
|
| Artists/Performers Information |
|
Calling all local artists and businesses in Orillia!
As part of the ERTF’s 2021 See You on the Patio program, the City of Orillia is looking to match artists with businesses for a newly expanded City-wide animation program featuring performers on patios during the summer months.
Artists of any genre - from, music, theatre, spoken word, and the visual arts such as muralists, sculptors, carvers, painters, and other creatives - are encouraged to apply. Limitations on the type of cultural opportunities will be subject to venue applicants’ ability to safely host artists within their space.
Submissions will be reviewed by City Staff and prioritized to maximize program delivery across the City, artistic diversity to the extent possible given health and safety guidelines, and meet budget constraints. Artists selected will be paid an honorarium congruent to the services described in their application.
NEW START DATE: As a result of the new provincial Roadmap to Reopening, the program start date has been tentatively moved to July 9, 2021, provided COVID-19 health and safety regulations allow.
DEADLINE
The portal will remain open until the program is full. The goal is to finalize the schedule by the end of June 2021, therefore, the earlier you apply the more likely you are to be selected.
Apply now!
| Guidelines |
|
The following information is to be taken into consideration when submitting an application:
- NEW START DATE: As a result of the new provincial Roadmap to Reopening, the program start date has been tentatively moved to July 9, 2021, provided COVID-19 health and safety regulations allow, and is scheduled to run until September 3, 2021.
- NOTE: Street closures and animation will not take place unless the region is categorized within the Green, Yellow or Orange health measures of the Province's COVID-19 Response Framework.
- All performances will be held between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.
- Emphasis is on developing an artistically diverse program across the City.
- Proposals should focus on activities that can be enjoyed from a distance, with little interaction or public engagement unless it can be done safely from 2 m. Applications will be reviewed by City staff on a case-by-case basis.
- Multiple submissions from the same artist or artists will be accepted. Please submit each proposal separately.
- While the City will do its utmost to run the program as intended, staff reserve the right to cancel bookings at any time. A cancellation policy will be provided to artists as part of their contract.
- Artists will be required to provide their own equipment to avoid cross-contamination, with the exception of shelter, barriers, and power.
- Artists of any genre can apply provided their activity can be done safely within existing health and safety guidelines.
- Venues may include private businesses and public spaces.
- Anyone selected to the program will be required to sign an artist contract and waiver form.
- Artists are asked to complete a short survey on their experience following their performance. A link to the form will be provided later in the program.
|
| Safety Measures |
- Artists and venue hosts are required to adhere to all relevant health and safety guidelines throughout the program.
- Venue hosts are required to provide the City with a COVID-19 safety plan that follows relevant Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit guidelines and regulations.
- Artists are expected to have on hand their own supply of hand sanitizer, mask(s), eye protection and any other personal protective equipment required to perform safely for the public.
|
|
Who Can Apply?
|
|
This call is open to creatives from Orillia and the surrounding municipalities of Oro-Medonte, Severn, Ramara and Rama.
|
|
Marketing
|
|
Creatives approved to the program will be provided marketing material and be encouraged to share the Stay Safe Shop Local messages should they be selected.
Please use #SeeYouOnThePatio when posting to social media.
The name and social media information you include in your application may be used in the City’s promotional material.
|
|
| Businesses That Wish to Host an Artist |
|
Calling all local businesses in Orillia!
As part of the ERTF’s 2021 See You on the Patio program, the City of Orillia is looking to match artists with businesses for a newly expanded City-wide animation program featuring performers on patios during the summer months.
Building on its success, staff are working to expand the program to businesses across the city. Interested venues must demonstrate they can provide a safe working environment for artists and guests by adhering to all relevant health and safety guidelines. Further details on eligibility criteria are set out in the application process.
DEADLINE
The portal will remain open until the program is full. The goal is to finalize the schedule by the end of June 2021, therefore, the earlier you apply the more likely you are to be selected.
Apply now!
| Guidelines |
The following information is to be taken into consideration when submitting an application:
- NEW START DATE: As a result of the new provincial Roadmap to Reopening, the program start date has been tentatively moved to July 9, 2021, provided COVID-19 health and safety regulations allow, and is scheduled to run until September 3, 2021.
- NOTE: Street closures and animation will not take place unless the region is categorized within the Green, Yellow or Orange health measures of the Province's COVID-19 Response Framework.
- Performances are to be held between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.; exact times to be determined
- While the City will do its utmost to run the program as intended, staff reserve the right to cancel bookings at any time. A cancellation policy will be provided to venue hosts as part of their contract.
- Artists will be required to provide their own equipment to avoid cross-contamination, with the exception of shelter, barriers, and power.
- Artists of any genre have been invited to apply and will be matched with venues with the space and resources to safely host them. Proposals will be reviewed by City staff on a case-by-case basis.
- Priority is to spread the program across the City. Venues may therefore be limited to one artist per season, unless the nature or volume of applications allow for more.
- Venues selected to the program will be required to sign a contract and waiver form with the City.
- Venues are asked to report back to staff on their experience to help improve the program. A link to our short survey will be provided later in the program.
- Once a match has been made, venue hosts will be responsible for working with the artist(s) directly on their requirements.
|
| Safety Measures |
- Artists and venue hosts are required to adhere to all relevant health and safety guidelines throughout the program.
- Should your business be selected, a site visit may be required as part of the application process.
- Performance spaces should be marked out to ensure physical distancing can be maintained, screenings are provided where appropriate, and other safety measures taken to support the health and safety of the artist(s).
|
|
Who Can Apply?
|
|
This program is open to any Orillia businesses with an approved patio (temporary or permanent).
|
|
Marketing
|
|
Venues approved to the program will be provided marketing material and be encouraged to share the Stay Safe Shop Local messages should you be selected.
Please use #SeeYouOnThePatio when posting to social media.
The name and social media information you include in your application may be used within the City’s promotional material.
|
|
| #OrilliaFoodiesUnite |
|
 Calling all Foodies!
The City of Orillia Economic Recovery Task Force is calling upon foodies in the Orillia area to unite to support local restaurants by taking part in an online contest by posting photos of the local meals they love!
To enter, the community is encouraged to post a photo of their favourite meal on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #OrilliaFoodiesUnite for a chance to win a Shop Local prize pack valued at more than $500.
The Orillia Foodies Unite online contest will run from June 7 through Sept. 27, 2021. Photos of food throughout Orillia and Lake Country (Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Severn, Rama and Ramara) are eligible and entrants may post multiple entries by using the hashtag #OrilliaFoodiesUnite.
Post settings for the images entered must be set to “public” in order to be eligible.
The winner will be randomly selected in a draw on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021 at the City of Orillia City Centre.
Read the Orillia Foodies Unite News Release.
| Shop Local Prize Pack |
|
When you enter the #OrilliaFoodiesUnite contest, you'll be entered for a chance to win a Shop Local prize pack valued at more than $500!
The prize pack includes:
- City of Orillia swag
- A wheeled duffle bag, courtesy of the Orillia Area CDC
- $100 Downtown Dollars and a Downtown Orillia T-Shirt, courtesy of the Downtown Orillia Management Board
- A Rapala T-Shirt, Rapal Fish & Game Shears and two Zebco Rod and Reel combos, courtesy of the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce Perch Festival
- A prize pack from the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH), including six OMAH exhibition catalogues, an OMAH magnet, OMAH's custom blended tea (Sir Sam Strong), Orillia Younkers T-Shirt, and two free passes to OMAH
Businesses who participate in the #OrilliaFoodiesUnite contest will also be entered to win a Shop Local Prize Pack, including:
- City of Orillia swag
- Gift certificate from CC Fashions
|
|
| Patio Permit Application |
| Visit the See You on the Patio Information for Businesses webpage for more information for businesses. |
| COVID-19 Safety Plan |
|
All participating businesses and performers are required to following the Provincial and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit COVID-19 Guidelines. This includes measures related to table and seating spacing, social distancing, wearing of masks and personal protective equipment, screening of customers, and more.
If you're visiting a local business or the downtown street closure, please be advised that you will need to adhere to COVID-19 safety guidelines. This includes wearing a mask in public and indoor areas (except when seated at a restaurant table), social distancing from others, participating in restaurant and business screening, and ensuring that you're staying home if you're experiencing any COVID-19 related symptoms. To assist with sanitization practices, sanitization stations, which include hand sanitizer, will be placed along Mississaga Street during Friday night street closures.
Your adherence to these safety guidelines ensures the safety of you, our community and our businesses and ensures that programs like the See You on the Patio program can be delivered safely for the enjoyment of all.
For self assessment and safety guidelines and more visit the Provincial COVID-19 webpage.
Updated April 22, 2021
View the City of Orillia's See You on the Patio Program COVID-19 Safety Plan:
See You on the Patio COVID-19 Safety Plan as of April 22, 2021
|
