Orillia Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place Oct. 30

For immediate release (Oct. 21, 2025) – Three nominees will be honoured with an induction into the Orillia Hall of Fame at a special presentation on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025.

After reviewing many worthy applications, the Commemorative Awards Selection Panel has chosen Harriett “Hattie” Todd, Stephen Graham, and Dr. Richard Johnston to be inducted into the Orillia Hall of Fame.

“The Selection Panel is pleased to honour three new inductees into the Orillia Hall of Fame,” said Chuck Penny, Commemorative Awards Selection Panel Chair. “These individuals embody excellence in their respective fields, having achieved distinction on local, national, and international levels. The community should be proud to recognize this year’s inductees and their outstanding contributions.”

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.

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 WWI, 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. For more information about the Orillia Hall of Fame, visit orillia.ca/halloffame.

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Contact Information

Chuck Penny
Chair, Commemorative Awards Selection Panel
249-880-7147
chuckandsharon@rogers.com  

Keltie Town
Communications Coordinator
705-325-2009
ktown@orillia.ca

Photo cutline: Harriett “Hattie” Todd

Photo cutline: Stephen Graham

Photo cutline: Dr. Richard Johnston