Downtown / Waterfront Revitalization on Tap

Packet & Times

Orillia's downtown and waterfront revitalization project is moving ahead.

The city is ready to award a $174,930 consulting contract to Urban Strategies Inc.

Council committee will vote on the contract award at Monday's meeting.

Urban Strategies Inc.'s plan included "a consulting team with qualifications and experience in urban design, economic development and market analysis, civil engineering, branding and wayfinding signage design, landscape architecture, architecture and tourism development," states a city staff report.

Urban Strategies' consultants will be working in a team with various city departmental representatives and other organizations within the community with interests in the study area, states the report.

This includes representation from the Downtown Orillia Business Improvement Area, Orillia and District Chamber of Commerce and Orillia Power Distribution Corp.

The planning process will use a design charrette, which relies heavily on the input of all stakeholders involved, including private landowners, government officials, developers and the public.

"It is anticipated that the adopted master development concept plan and action plan could... be utilized by the city, developers and private land owners to stimulate the economic renewal of, and revitalize the City of Orillia's downtown and its Lake Couchiching waterfront," states the staff report.

City politicians approved a $200,000 budget for the project during the 2011 capital budget process.

"The funds remaining available within the approved budget will be used to cover the costs associated with the public consultation component," states the staff report.

This includes design charrette hosting costs, publications and printing costs, extra meetings, or additional public consultation.

Downtown/Waterfront Revitalization Project Updated - December 20, 2011