Environmental Protection

Environmental protection helps safeguard ecosystems and community well‑being. Through planning and action, the City works to reduce pollution, conserve resources, and lower energy use through initiatives such as climate action, source water protection, waste management, and water and wastewater services.

Reporting environmental spills

A spill is the discharge of a pollutant into the natural environment from or out of a structure, vehicle or other container, and that is abnormal in quality or quantity.

If you have spilled pollutants or witnessed the a spill, you must report it by phone to the Spills Action Centre as required by the Environmental Protection Act. Learn more about r eporting pollution and spills.

Source water protection

Protecting water at its source reduces the amount of treatment needed to ensure safe drinking water for consumers. The South Georgian Bay Lake Simcoe Source Water Protection Plan establishes policies that the City and the Province must enforce to protect drinking water. It identifies existing threats within the City of Orillia that must comply with both the Source Protection Plan and the Clean Water Act.

Source water protection activities

The City has developed resources and made changes to support source water protection. The processes will support ongoing assessment of current and potential future threats to protect Orillia’s source water.

Implementing a Risk Management Office made up of provincially certified Risk Management Officials (RMO) and Inspectors (RMI)
Delineation of vulnerable area boundaries and scores
Verifying significant threats
Altering our business processes to include by-laws, development / site alteration screening processes, and establishing risk management plan and inspection templates
New or expanded development is required to complete a screening application and could be subject to restrictions

Affects to residents and vulnerable areas

The Source Protection Plan is not expected to affect most property owners in Orillia. The City’s drinking water comes from groundwater wells and Lake Couchiching, which are protected source water areas. Lands surrounding these water sources are considered vulnerable areas, where certain activities are restricted to help keep drinking water safe.

Get involved and learn more

Education and awareness support source water protection, get involved by cleaning up pollutants before they enter our stormwater systems, reducing stormwater runoff, or even by conserving water. Report any suspected threats to drinking water, such as wells or contaminants, to a Risk Management Official for review and possible investigation.

City of Orillia
50 Andrew Street South
Orillia, Ontario, L3V 7T5
Phone: 705-325-1311
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