Orillia Still Ranks Among Top Ontario Investment Cities

For the sixth year in a row, Orillia has ranked among Ontario’s top 10 investment communities, according to a recent report by the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN).

The annual REIN Top Ontario Investment Towns 2013 to 2018 report uses data such as average annual income, job creation, major employers, political leadership and policy framework to determine the current and future investment potential for Ontario cities and towns.

In the past, Orillia and Barrie were consolidated within the rankings. Combined, the two cities ranked as high as second among all Ontario cities, and eighth among cities throughout Canada in 2007 and 2009 respectively. Based on the region’s significant growth, 2012 represents the first year Orillia was ranked on its own. The Sunshine City ranked seventh in Ontario among top investment cities in the 2013 report, while Barrie is ranked fourth.

The results are good news to City of Orillia leaders and economic development staff.

“Orillia has been ranked quite positively on a number of levels by the experts in recent years,” said Councillor Michael Fogarty and chair of the City’s Economic Development Committee. “This continues to show we have a strong mix of opportunity for investment and a quality product to promote.”

In addition to the REIN rankings, Orillia was considered to be the ninth-best small city in Canada in which to live, according to a 2012 MoneySense Magazine poll.

“Surrounded by lakes and four-season recreational amenities, Orillia also has a huge advantage when it comes to quality of life,” said Mayor Angelo Orsi.

In fact, Orillia’s small town appeal and close proximity to the Greater Toronto Area were cited as contributing factors to its investment potential.

“Essentially, when a person is choosing a place to live or do business, they want to know the community has a thriving economy, opportunity for growth and an appealing lifestyle,” said Dan Landry, Orillia’s Manager of Economic Development. “What our results with REIN have demonstrated for the last six years is that Orillia has all of the above.”