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Open House Provides the Public a Chance to Review The Downtown/Waterfront Draft Plan
Come out, get informed and provide feedback on how to revitalize Orillia’s downtown and waterfront. The City is hosting a self-directed public open house next week to provide residents an opportunity to review and comment on the draft plan for a more vibrant core and waterfront.
The open house will happen Aug. 14 to 17th at the Orillia Public Library during regular library hours. Information compiled to date as part of the project – called Downtown Tomorrow, Linking Orillia’s Core to the Water – will be on hand, including:
- Copies of the draft report presented to council in July which describes the development opportunities for the downtown and waterfront. (Due to the size of the draft report, copies will be available to sign out and return). You can obtain the draft report by contacting the City.
- Interpretative wall panels providing background information, findings from previous community forums and strategic initiatives identified by Urban Strategies Inc., the consulting firm helping to create the downtown/waterfront vision.
- A 30-minute video that summarizes the draft report.
- Feedback forms so the public can provide comment on the draft plan. City staff and consultants will incorporate the input into a final report provided to Council Committee in the fall.
The open house will be self-directed, meaning visitors will be able to browse the information at their own pace and revisit the materials as many times as they wish for the duration of the event.
“Given that we’re considering options for key components of our city, it’s only fitting that residents get the chance to critique the draft plan to date,” said Ian Sugden, Director of Planning and Development. “The community has been a great contributor to the process so far and we’re asking them to continue their commitment to this project.”
Last month, Council heard from staff and the consultant about the 33 identified initiatives aimed at redeveloping the core and waterfront over the next 20 years. The initiatives are divided into broad categories, such as:
• Increasing the residential population
• Celebrating downtown's cultural heritage activity
• Enhancing the shopping and dining experience
• Creating new spaces for playing, gathering and relaxing
• Promoting Orillia and enhancing the visitor experience
For more information about the project, visit www.downtowntomorrow.ca or call 705-329-7256 or email: isugden@orillia.ca
Media Contact information:
Ian Sugden
Director of Planning and Development
City of Orillia
705-329-7256
isugden@orillia.ca
Joe Kim
Communications Manager
City of Orillia
705-325-8929
jkim@orillia.ca
