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Navigating the Downtown Waterfront

There are various construction projects underway within the Downtown Waterfront area as part of a long-term plan to revitalize the area and better connect the beautiful waterfront to the historic downtown. As a result of current and planned construction during the 2023 summer season, there are some impacts to access, parking and park amenities that residents and visitors should note. We appreciate your patience as we revitalize the area.

Construction Projects

Construction

Parking Impacts

Parking

Closures

Closures

Boat Launch Impacts

Boat Launch 

Port of Orillia

Port of Orillia

Park Amentity Impacts

 Amenities 

Shuttle

Shuttle

Special Event Impacts

Special Events

 

Construction Projects

There are various construction projects underway within the Downtown Waterfront Area as part of a long-term plan to revitalize the area and better connect it with the downtown core. 

Please see the map below for current projects or projects soon to be underway.

Orillia Waterfront Area construction

Centennial Drive Area Improvements - Currently Underway

The Centennial Drive Area Improvements project consists of several phases of construction projects to improve the infrastructure and revitalize the downtown waterfront area.

Phase 1 - Currently Underway

The Centennial Drive Phase 1 Reconstruction Project includes the construction of the Cedar Island Road Sanitary Sewage Pump Station and Elgin Street reconstruction from Front Street South to Cedar Island Road.    

Phase 2 - Currently Underway

Phase 2 includes construction of local sanitary sewers and watermains on Centennial Drive to service redevelopment in the area, construction of large underground storm water quality control structures to improve the quality of the storm sewer discharge, burying of the existing overhead power lines, and road reconstruction and realignment in the Canice Street/Centennial Drive/Mississaga Street East corridor between Brant Street East and Front Street.

Phase 3 - Scheduled for summer 2023

Phase 3 of the Centennial Drive Area Improvements project includes the reconstruction/extension of Coldwater Street between Front Street North and Centennial Drive. Replacement of the existing large diameter storm sewers and extension of the existing watermain are also included. 

Visit orillia.ca/centennial for details on the Centennial Drive Area Improvements Project.


Waterfront Redevelopment Project - Currently Underway

In 2012, the City adopted the Downtown Tomorrow Plan, which set out a long term vision to better connect the downtown core and waterfront area. In 2016, the City acquired 70 Front Street North, an underutilized parcel of land which contained a large commercial plaza, with the intent to extend Coldwater Street to Centennial Drive and facilitate redevelopment of the southern portion of the plaza.

As a shared vision between the City and the developer is crucial to the success of this project, the 9.75-acre site was sold through two phases. The first phase was the Request for Qualifications (RFQ), which determined a shortlist of qualified proponents who share Council’s vision. The second phase was the Request for Proposals (RFP), which invited the shortlisted proponents to submit their detailed redevelopment proposal for the site.

In 2021, FRAM Building Group was selected as the preferred proponent for the Waterfront Redevelopment Project. The property sale to FRAM Building Group (FRAM) was completed on April 5, 2022. Moving forward, the concept will be further developed and refined through the development approval process.

Centennial Boat Launch Parking Lot Reconstruction Project - Anticipated for Fall 2023

As a result of the reconstruction and realignment of Centennial Drive taking place along the frontage of Centennial Park, it will be necessary to reconstruct the boat launch parking area to ensure that vehicular movement through the parking lot functions safely with the new entrances, and also to ensure that the former Centennial Drive road bed is integrated into the park and parking area. This area of the park is being reconfigured in the area of the boat launch and the existing French's Stand. The proposed refurbishment of this area of the waterfront was studied through the Downtown Waterfront Parkland Design Study and further reviewed by a committee of Council in the selection of a preferred design option. 

For more information, please visit the project webpage.

Laclie Street and Tecumseth Street Reconstruction - Starting June 12, 2023

This project is the first phase of the reconstruction of Laclie Street between Neywash Street and Murray Street. It involves the reconstruction of Laclie Street from Neywash Street to approximately 50m north of Borland Street East and the reconstruction of the Tecumseth Street including the replacement of existing sidewalk, storm, sanitary and watermain from the western limit of the new Centennial Drive alignment to the Laclie Street intersection. 

For more information, please visit the project webpage.

Terry Fox Circle Project - Anticipated for 2024

The Terry Fox Circle project is anticipated to take place in 2024 (subject to Council budget approval), the reconstruction project is to address the condition of the Terry Fox Circle within Couchiching Beach Park and to address identified safety issues, increased park usage, and the amount of usable greenspace in the park closest to the waters edge.

For more information, please visit the project webpage.

Closures

As a result of the various construction projects taking place throughout the downtown waterfront area, there are various closures currently in  place. See the map below for details.

current road closures map

Parking Impacts

Due to the various construction projects taking place within the downtown waterfront area, there are parking impacts that residents and visitors should be aware of. Currently, limited parking is available at the waterfront, however, a new temporary municipal parking lot has been created at 20 Front St. S. to assist with parking needs for the parks and downtown. Other parking is also available within walking distance in the downtown. See the Downtown Orillia Parking map for details. For more information regarding parking in Orillia, visit our parking page.

Shuttle Information/Ways to Get Here

Access to several parking areas and traditional access points to the downtown waterfront park area are not available; however, there are several alternative ways to access the waterfront area (view map). If you do choose to drive, please note there is very limited parking. Please obey all construction and detour signage

Sunshine Shuttle Service

To assist with getting residents and visitors to and from the downtown waterfront, a convenient shuttle service will be available this summer. The City of Orillia is launching a shuttle pilot program to provide  transportation to Couchiching Beach Park starting on May 20. 

The City will start with a 10-passenger shuttle, with the ability to increase the size of shuttle if the demand for usage increases. 

Pick up will be from Municipal Parking Lot 6, located at 107 West St. S., which is accessible from West Street South or Andrew Street South.  Drop off will be at the Jarvis Street entrance of Couchiching Beach Park. The Sunshine Shuttle to and from Couchiching Beach Park will be free with flat parking fee of $30 per day for vehicles to park in Lot 6. Parking can be paid by using the Passport Parking mobile application. The Passport Parking app is user friendly and available to download from all major app stores. 

The Sunshine Shuttle will operate with a 20-minute cycle during peak waterfront usage times on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday Mondays from May 20 to Sept. 4, 2023.

Operating Hours:
Fridays:
3 to 8 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sundays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Holiday Mondays: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Public Transit
Orillia Transit has several stops around the downtown waterfront area with pick-up and drop off every half hour during operating hours. Looking to bring your bike? We’ve got you covered - bike racks are available on all Orillia Transit buses. Get the full transit schedule or download the free "Transit" app through Google Play Store or Apple Store.
Ride Share/Taxi Cab
There are several rideshare and taxi cab services available in the city of Orillia. 
Pedestrian Access
The waterfront park area is accessible by pedestrian access to enjoy the amenities. Please obey all construction signage. 

Boat Launch Impacts

Construction has impacted the Centennial Boat Launch. Residents and visitors should be aware of the following:

Centennial Boat Launch - Downtown Orillia - CURRENTLY CLOSED
Currently due to construction, the Centennial Park Boat Launch and parking lot in downtown Orillia are not available. Boaters are encouraged to access and park at the Collins Drive Boat Launch located at 425 Collins Dr. in Orillia or use a private marina.

Please note that the Centennial Boat Launch and Parking Lot Reconstruction Project will be taking place in Fall 2023 and will also impact access at that time. 

Collins Drive Boat Launch - 425 Collins Dr. 
The Collins Drive Boat Launch is available for boaters and boat trailer parking is available on the surrounding streets of Collins Drive, MacIsaac Drive, and Rodger Road (see Key Map). There is no boat trailer parking at J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park.

New Boat Trailer Parking Program
The new Boat Trailer Parking Program will be in effect from May 15 to Oct 15 and will run seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Orillia residents can park their boat trailer for free by displaying a Resident Boat Trailer Parking Permit. For those without a Resident Boat Trailer Parking Permit, the cost to park boat trailers for 2023 will be $10 per hour up to a maximum of $50 per day. There is no additional fee to use the launch ramps. Residents and Orillia taxpayers can request their 2023 permit by visiting orillia.ca/parking.

Park Amenities Impacts

Couchiching Beach Park, Centennial Park and Veterans' Park remain open for visitors and residents to enjoy; however, there are some changes to the availability of park amenities. 

Couchiching Beach 
Couchiching Beach located at Couchiching Park will be open during construction. For more information on Couchiching Beach and lifeguard operations, visit our beach page.
Playgrounds
The playgrounds located at Couchiching Beach Park will be open during construction. 
Rotary Aqua Theatre
 The Rotary Aqua Theatre will be available during construction.
Washroom Buildings
The washroom building at Couchiching Beach Park and the Port of Orillia will be available during construction. Get details on park washroom operating hours.
Boat Launch
The Centennial Boat Launch and Parking lot are currently unavailable due to construction. Boaters are encouraged to access the water at the Collins Drive Boat Launch, located at 425 Collins Drive. Learn more about Boat Launches in Orillia. 
Skateboard Park
 The Kiwanis Skateboard Park, located at Veterans' Memorial Park, remains operational during construction. 
Trails
There are various trail closures within the Couchiching Beach Park, Centennial Park and Veterans' Memorial Park system due to construction. Trail users will be required to detour around these closures. We appreciate you patience during construction.
Rotary Train
The Rotary Train will operate at Couchiching Beach Park during construction, please visit the Orillia Rotary Club webpage for operating details. 

Port of Orillia

The Port of Orillia is operated by the Chamber of Commerce and remains open during construction. For more information on the Port of Orillia, please visit the Port of Orillia website.

Businesses Are OPEN

Businesses on Mississaga Street between Front Street and Centennial Drive are open. Businesses can be accessed on Mississaga Street. 

Special Event Impacts

Due to the construction taking place in the area, the City of Orillia has worked with local organizations to adapt operations for the 2023 event season. Below is a list of current updates to event operations. This listing will be updated as information becomes available. For a full listing of fun things to do in Orillia, please check out our Visitor Information site.

Hike for Hospice - May 6, 2023
This event has been relocated to J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park/Barnfield Point Recreation Centre. Visit the Hike for Hospice Event page for more information.
Spring Boat and Cottage Show - June 9 to 11, 2023
This event will relocate a portion of the event to Barnfield Point Recreation Centre and J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park. A portion of the event will remain at Centennial Park. Please visit the Event webpage for details. 
Canada Day Celebration - July 1, 2023

Daytime festivities will take place at Foundry Park/the Orillia Recreation Centre at 255 West St. S. from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 1. Activities include the pancake breakfast, wheeley great parade, children’s village crafts and face painting, and the popular Canada Day birthday cake. In addition, special programming will be offered at the Orillia Recreation Centre, including open gym and an open swim throughout the day.

Canada Day fireworks will take place at dusk at J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park.

Please visit the Canada Day Committee webpage for details. 

Orillia Scottish Festival - July 14 to 16, 2023
This event has been relocated to J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park. For details on the 45th Annual Orillia Scottish Festival, please visit the Orillia Scottish Festival webpage.
Rotary Lions Fun Fest - Aug. 3 to 7, 2023
This event has been relocated to J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park. For details on the Rotary Lion's Funfest, please visit the Orillia Lion Club's webpage.

© City of Orillia, 50 Andrew Street South, Suite 300, Orillia, Ontario, L3V 7T5, Tel: (705) 325-1311, Fax: (705) 325-5178, Email: info@orillia.ca

By GHD Digital