Orillia, ON

Special Meeting of Council re Dividend Distribution from the Orillia Power Generation Corporation

City Council is meeting to ratify a dividend declaration approved by the Orillia Power Generation Corporation board on August 20, 2026. The motion authorizes the payment of a regular and special dividend totaling $1,050,000 to the City of Orillia by October 15, 2026. The meeting concludes with the passage of By-law 2026-073 to confirm the proceedings.

• Ratification of a $400,000 regular dividend
• Ratification of a $650,000 special dividend
• Total dividend payment of $1,050,000 due by October 15, 2026
• Passage of By-law 2026-073 to confirm meeting proceedings

Annual General Meeting of the Shareholder of the Orillia Power Generation Corporation

The City of Orillia, as sole shareholder of Orillia Power Generation Corporation, is meeting to approve the 2025 annual meeting minutes, receive the audited 2025 consolidated financial statements, hear the President and CEO's annual report, and hold a question period. The agenda includes a dividend declaration and a motion to adjourn. The report highlights 2025 operating revenue of $9.304 million (15% under plan) and comprehensive income of $554,000 (61.6% under plan), attributed to snow, ice storm, and drought. Notable 2026 events include the $57 million acquisition of the Smooth Rock Falls hydroelectric station and an unsuccessful solar project bid.

• Approval of 2025 AGM minutes
• Audited 2025 consolidated financial statements issued to shareholder
• President and CEO's annual report
• Dividend declaration
• Shareholder question period

Couchiching OPP Detachment Board

Council Information Package

Recreation Working Group

The Recreation Working Group is meeting to review the draft Parks, Recreation, Culture and Trails Master Plan recommendations. The agenda includes only this action item, with no information items. The meeting is procedural, with no decisions or votes scheduled.

• Review of draft Parks, Recreation, Culture and Trails Master Plan recommendations
• Recommendation to maintain 4.0 hectares parkland per 1,000 residents, requiring 26.6 additional hectares by 2036
• Stretch target of 4.3 hectares per 1,000 residents, requiring 39.4 additional hectares by 2036
• Address park gaps in established areas via Neighbourhood Parks, Parkettes, and privately-owned public spaces

Council Information Package

This is a Council Information Package for the August 21, 2026 meeting, containing correspondence and reports for council's information. Items include updates on downtown parking, traffic calming on Cochrane Street and Matchedash Street South, drinking water quality audits, and OPP policing costs for 2027. The package also includes resolutions from other municipalities on provincial funding and legislative changes.

• Downtown parking referral update
• Traffic calming and stop sign warrant for Cochrane Street and Matchedash Street South
• Drinking Water Quality Management System external audit and 2025 management review
• OPP municipal policing costs for 2027 update
• Resolutions on library funding, heritage designation deadlines, and vacant storefront tax

Orillia Food Access and Sustainability Working Group

The Orillia Food Access and Sustainability Working Group is meeting to review and finalize its 2027 operating budget submission, discuss next steps on a provincial Hunters for the Hungry program, and plan a fall food event. The agenda includes routine items like approval of previous meeting notes and disclosure of interests. No public hearings or major decisions are scheduled; the meeting is primarily for internal planning and follow-up.

• Discussion of support for a provincial Hunters for the Hungry program, with correspondence from The Sharing Place Food Centre
• Draft 2027 budget submission for Orillia & Area Food Strategy Support to be reviewed and finalized
• Update on OFAS Fall Food Event scheduled for October 7 at Orillia Recreation Centre
• Review of July 16, 2026 meeting notes and approval of agenda

Council Information Package

This Council Information Package is mostly correspondence and notices for information, with no decisions scheduled. Key items include the completed acquisition of vacant lands in Couchiching Beach Park, a notice about Phase 2 of the 2026 Road Resurfacing Project, and several resolutions from other municipalities on topics like public health funding and invasive species.

• Acquisition of vacant lands in Couchiching Beach Park authorized by By-law 2026-051, registered July 30, 2026
• Notice to businesses and residents about Phase 2 of the 2026 Road Resurfacing Project
• Resolution supporting sustainable funding for Public Health Units
• Resolution requesting modernization of Ontario's invasive plant regulatory framework
• Resolution requesting review of Ontario Land Tribunal's deference to municipal planning decisions

Affordable Housing Working Group

The Affordable Housing Working Group is holding a special meeting to review two applications for Affordable Housing Incentives: one for 86 Cedar Street (a follow-up from Council) and one for 26 West Street North. The group will also approve draft meeting notes from July 8, 2026. This meeting replaces the regular September 9, 2026 meeting, and no meetings are scheduled for October due to municipal election priorities.

• Review of Affordable Housing Incentive application for 86 Cedar Street (follow-up from Council)
• Review of Affordable Housing Incentive application for 26 West Street North
• Approval of draft meeting notes from July 8, 2026
• Meeting held in lieu of regular September 9, 2026 meeting
• No meetings scheduled for October due to municipal election priorities

Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Working Group

The Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Working Group will discuss the Community Gardens Policy (7.1.9.3) with Recreation Programs Supervisor Megan Visser, including 2026 priorities and volunteer opportunities. They will also receive an update on Council's adoption of Boulevard Guidelines (Report EIS-26-18) that allow tree planting with a permit. The meeting is in-person and not livestreamed.

• Review of Community Gardens Policy 7.1.9.3 and volunteer recruitment for clean-up and maintenance
• Council adopted Boulevard Guidelines (Report EIS-26-18) allowing tree planting with a permit
• Discussion on Rotary Club's 'Protecting the Environment' initiative
• Approval of May 13, 2026 meeting notes
• Next meeting scheduled for September 9, 2026

Municipal Heritage Committee

The Municipal Heritage Committee will discuss the Indigenous ground mural at J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park, review a heritage signage program for downtown buildings, and consider the 2027 budget submission. They will also receive information about the Orillia Public Library's history.

• Indigenous ground mural 'Home and Native Land' by Danielle Loshaw at J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park
• Heritage signage program for buildings at 2, 51, 143-149 Mississaga Street East
• 2027 budget submission for the committee
• Orillia Public Library history and services

Regular Council Meeting

Council will consider several key items, including a deputation from Mariposa House Hospice requesting $150,000 for a $4.5 million expansion, a report on Lakehead University and Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital expansion plans, and a proposed bylaw to regulate wildlife feeding. The meeting also includes routine approvals, grant recommendations, and a closed session for legal and negotiation matters.

• Mariposa House Hospice requests $150,000 toward $4.5M capital expansion to add 4 hospice beds
• Council to provide direction on Lakehead University expansion and OSMH redevelopment options
• Proposed Chapter 288 to regulate wildlife feeding, with $200 inspection fee for non-compliance
• Affordable housing incentives for 16 rent-geared-to-income units at 86 Cedar Street, including up to $10,000 per unit and $168,494 fee offset
• Urgent rental of one pumper fire truck from BKC Inc. for 3 months, with up to $24,500 from Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve

Regular Council Meeting - Addendum

Council is deciding whether to authorize $36,152,773 in long-term borrowing through debentures with Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation for eight capital projects, including sewer pump stations, road works, and transit terminal design and construction. The recommendation also includes enacting two Debenture By-laws and a Delegated Authority By-law to allow the outgoing Council to pass debentures if in a 'lame duck' position. Staff recommend approval to secure financing before year-end.

• Issue debentures up to $4,509,644 for Fittons Road West Sewer Pump Station (10-year term)
• Issue debentures up to $3,436,944 for Jarvis Street Phase 1 (Bay Street to Laclie Street) (10-year term)
• Issue debentures up to $424,405 for Transit Terminal Design (pre-construction) (20-year term)
• Issue debentures up to $6,853,344 for Laclie Street Phase 3 (20-year term)
• Enact Delegated Authority By-law for outgoing Council to pass Debenture By-laws if in 'lame duck' position

Council Information Package

This Council Information Package is mostly correspondence and informational items, with no major decisions scheduled. The most concrete items are proposed amendments to the Traffic and Parking Regulation By-law to add accessible parking spaces at 24 Calverley Street and 51-79 Lightfoot Drive, plus a proposed by-law to accept road widening lands at 238 Barrie Road. Other items include notices, event announcements, and resolutions from other municipalities on topics like fire service funding and property tax reassessment.

• Amendment to Traffic and Parking Regulation By-law 2007-55 for accessible parking at 24 Calverley Street
• Amendment to Traffic and Parking Regulation By-law 2007-55 for accessible parking at 51-79 Lightfoot Drive
• Proposed by-law to accept transfer of road widening lands at 238 Barrie Road
• Affordable Housing Film Screening Event on September 14, 2026
• Committee of Adjustment hearing notice for August 27, 2026

Special Meeting of Council re Lakehead University's Expansion Plans and Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital's Redevelopment Planning Efforts - Addendum

Council is considering a proposal from Mayor McIsaac to restructure the proposed sale of 25 acres of city-donated land from Lakehead University to Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital. Instead of a direct $15 million sale, the city would take back the land for $1, provide up to $15 million to Lakehead for its academic building, and transfer the site to the hospital for $1 once provincial planning advances. The meeting is a special session to discuss this single item.

• Mayor McIsaac's 'Return, Fund, Transfer' proposal: Lakehead returns 25 acres to city for $1, city provides up to $15 million to Lakehead for academic building, city grants hospital site control for $1 at Stage 2
• Council to vote on endorsing the structure in principle as the city's preferred approach
• $9,000 authorized from Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve for independent appraisal of the 25 acres
• Staff directed to seek confirmation from Ministry of Health and Infrastructure Ontario that city-provided site control satisfies Stage 1.3 planning
• Direct sale alternative would have cost hospital approximately $296,000 in land transfer tax

Special Meeting of Council re Lakehead University's Expansion Plans and Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital's Redevelopment Planning Efforts

The Orillia City Council holds a special meeting to receive updates and discuss Lakehead University's expansion plans and the Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital's redevelopment planning efforts. Representatives from both institutions will be present to engage in dialogue with council members.

• Council discussion on Lakehead University's expansion plans
• Council discussion on Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital's redevelopment planning efforts
• Closed session referral regarding Lakehead Land Development Agreement
• Deputation to Council on Lakehead University’s Orillia Campus expansion
• Joint session with Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital and Lakehead University

Grants Committee

Council Information Package

This is a Council Information Package containing correspondence between the City and Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital ahead of a special meeting on August 5, 2026. The letters debate the timing and conditions for releasing 25 acres from a covenant with Lakehead University for a new hospital site. The hospital warns of a two-year delay if the land is not released now; the City argues ownership is not required at this planning stage and offers a contractual assurance model instead.

• Letter from OSMH Interim President Tom Roberts requesting release of 25 acres from Lakehead University covenant for new hospital at 500 University Avenue
• City response disputing OSMH's claims, citing Collingwood hospital precedent where title transferred at Stage 2, not Stage 1.3
• OSMH claims a two-year delay to Stage 1.3 submission if covenant is not released
• City renews request for provincial officials' contact info and OSMH's written planning analyses
• City offers to negotiate contractual assurance now with transfer at proper stage, similar to Collingwood model

Council Information Package

Orillia Council will review correspondence with Lakehead University and Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital regarding a special August 5 meeting. Staff requested provincial contacts and site-control requirements for the hospital’s $3 million planning grant and a 25-acre land parcel, but responses are still outstanding.

• Request for provincial contacts guiding hospital capital planning
• Request for site-control requirements at Stage 1.3 and beyond
• Request for signed MOU between OSMH and Lakehead University
• Request for provincial approval letter for $3 million planning grant
• Special Council meeting with both institutions scheduled for August 5, 2026

Transportation and Parking Working Group

The Transportation and Parking Working Group agenda for July 28, 2026 contains only a login page and no listed agenda items. No decisions, proposals, or public hearings are documented in the provided text.

Council Information Package

This Council Information Package provides updates on community projects and correspondence. It includes reports on a new public mural and a successful grant application for a concert series.

• Completion of Indigenous ground mural 'Home and Native Land' at J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park
• Approval of $4,750 Ontario Arts Council grant for Lakeside Live concert series
• Update on the Affordable Transit Initiative
• Notice of Green Innovation Weekend occurring July 25-26
• Correspondence regarding the Veterans First program to end veteran homelessness in Simcoe County

Commemorative Awards Selection Panel

Waste Management Advisory Committee

The Waste Management Advisory Committee will receive information on the 2026 Waste Minimization Plan and discuss the City’s 2027 budget request for waste management services. It will also note a recent council follow‑up on the waste minimization plan and confirm the next meeting date. Procedural items such as agenda approval and minutes adoption are also on the agenda.

• Information item: recent council follow‑up on the 2026 Waste Minimization Plan
• Information item: Municipal Waste Association 2026 Spring Workshop memo
• Action item: Deputy Clerk presentation on the 2027 budget (reference to 2026 Budget Submission)
• Approval of agenda and minutes from the June 16, 2026 meeting
• Date of next meeting set for September 15, 2026 at 4:15 PM

Regular Council Meeting - Addendum

Council is considering a decision framework on whether to permit the sale of 25 acres of city-donated land to Lakehead University to facilitate a new hospital and academic building. The framework includes a gateway decision on timing and public input, and three substantive decisions: land sale, financial distribution, and accountability. A separate item updates the 2027-2036 Ten-Year Capital Plan with a proposed funding strategy.

• Decision on land sale for hospital and university (notional value $18.75M for 25 acres)
• $1B+ new Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital project, only $3M committed
• Lakehead University academic building (~$45M) contingent on federal grant not yet applied for
• Proposed interim "do no harm" option to preserve rights and delay irreversible decision
• 2027-2036 Ten-Year Capital Plan with funding strategy to be adopted in principle

Special Meeting of Council re Review of Policy 2.1.4.1. - Winter Control

The Orillia City Council will review Policy 2.1.4.1 – Winter Control and discuss service‑level adjustments recommended by the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department. The council will consider a one‑time capital budget increase of $1,450,000 and an annual operating budget increase of $1,256,000 for snow‑removal equipment and staffing, as part of the proposed 2027 Budget. A special council meeting will be scheduled after July 1, 2026 to debate the report and related petitions.

• One‑time capital budget increase of $1,450,000 for snow‑removal equipment
• Annual operating budget increase of $1,256,000 for snow‑removal equipment, staffing, and contracts
• Cedar Street sidewalk service reduction as outlined in Tables 2 and 3
• Referral of the budget adjustments to the 2027 Budget
• Special Council meeting to discuss the winter‑control policy review after July 1, 2026

Regular Council Meeting

Orillia City Council will vote on supplementary 2026 capital budget additions for priority 2027 projects, including a new transit terminal, street construction, and sewer upgrades. The Council will also extend the Community Connection Hub project to March 31, 2027, and dissolve the Addiction and Overdose Crisis Working Group. Additional items include amending the Temporary Advertising policy and updating delegated authority for expenditures over $50,000.

• Approve $11,913,557 for Capital Project 27454 – Orillia Transit Terminal Construction (funded $5,692,217 from Federal and Provincial Grants and $6,221,340 from the Debenture Reserve Fund)
• Approve $8,566,680 for Capital Project 27252 – Laclie Street Phase 3 Construction (funded $1,713,336 from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund Obligatory Reserve Fund and $6,853,344 from the Debenture Reserve Fund)
• Approve $6,150,000 for Capital Project 27257 – Forest Avenue Sewer Pump Station and Collins Drive Upgrades – Design and Construction (funded from the Debenture Reserve Fund)
• Extend the Community Connection Hub project to March 31, 2027, subject to Health Canada Emergency Treatment Fund availability and authorize direct communication with Health Canada; dissolve the Addiction and Overdose Crisis Working Group
• Amend Policy 7.2.2.4 – Temporary Advertising as set out in Schedule A of Report EIS-26-30

Council Information Package

The Orillia City Council will review a range of items, including the issuance of 69 supplementary tax bills totaling $449,839.88, a proposal to remove Holding Zones H25 and H6 at 21 Diana Drive, and several amendments to the Traffic and Parking By-law 2007-55. Additional agenda items cover a flood‑hazard technical guide review, a letter of support for the New Horizons for Seniors funding application, and updates from regional conservation and municipal associations.

• Removal of Holding Zones H25 and H6 for the property at 21 Diana Drive to allow a car wash and industrial buildings
• Amendment to Traffic and Parking By-law 2007-55 to add accessible parking spaces at 345 West Street South
• Proposed Traffic and Parking By-law changes for No Parking signage at Couchiching Beach Park, 200 Bay Street, and parking restrictions on Borland Street
• Issuance of 69 supplementary/omitted tax bills for 2024‑2026 totaling $449,839.88
• Letter of Support for the New Horizons for Seniors funding application submitted by Golden Growers Club

Orillia Food Access and Sustainability Working Group

The Orillia Food Access and Sustainability Working Group is reviewing a draft report for the 2027 budget request. Members are also discussing community garden programming, farmers' market operations, and a provincial program regarding wild game donations.

• Review of 2027 Budget Request for Orillia & Area Food Strategy Support
• Discussion on Community Gardens programming and policy review
• Update on Orillia Farmers' Market operations
• Approval of $600 for Food Strategy promotional materials
• Follow-up on provincial Hunters for the Hungry program request

Council Information Package

The City is processing building permits for townhouse units at 51-79 Lightfoot Drive and a dealership expansion at 345 West Street South. Additionally, the Orillia Recreation Centre will undergo annual pool maintenance from August 16 to September 14, 2026.

• Development agreement executed for 15 townhouses at 51-79 Lightfoot Drive
• Development agreement executed for Orillia Volkswagen expansion at 345 West Street South
• Annual pool maintenance at Orillia Recreation Centre from August 16 to September 14, 2026
• Removal of Georgian Route transit stop on former Georgian College campus effective July 24
• Virtual Public Information Centre for proposed Two-Zone Floodplain policies on July 16, 2026

Accessibility Advisory Committee

The Accessibility Advisory Committee will hear a demonstration of an accessible ballot marking device and provide feedback. It will review the manager’s addendum presenting preliminary renovation designs for the former CNR Train Station at 150 Front Street South, now planned as the Orillia Youth Centre. The committee will consider a budget memo for the 2027 municipal budget and a request for a letter of support for a New Horizons for Seniors Fund grant.

• Demonstration of accessible ballot marking device by Coordinator of Council Services
• Addendum: Preliminary renovation designs for 150 Front Street South Youth Centre (former CNR Train Station)
• 2027 Budget memo presentation by Deputy Clerk
• Request for letter of support for New Horizons for Seniors Fund grant (Golden Growers Club) by Recreation Program Supervisor

Affordable Housing Working Group

The Affordable Housing Working Group is discussing a financial assistance application from Hillcrest Lodge for a second retirement home at 86 Cedar Street, proposing 16 rent-geared-to-income units. Staff recommend reduced securities, a $10,000 per unit capital grant ($160,000 total), and a grant up to $168,493.60 for planning, building, and engineering fees, all from the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund. The group may provide additional comments before the recommendations go to Council.

• Approval of June 10, 2026 meeting notes
• Discussion of application for affordable housing incentives at 86 Cedar Street (Hillcrest Lodge)
• Recommendation for reduced securities to 30% of total value
• Recommendation for $10,000 per door capital grant for 16 rent-geared-to-income units (total $160,000)
• Recommendation for planning, building, engineering fee grant up to $168,493.60 from Affordable Housing Reserve Fund

Council Information Package

This Council Information Package (CIP) contains correspondence and notices for information only; no decisions are being made. Notable items include notification of pickleball complex construction, a $8,750 TC Energy grant for firefighter mental health, and various resolutions from other municipalities.

• Foundry Park Pickleball Complex construction at Orillia Recreation Centre, contractor Court Surface Specialists Ltd., from July 13 to October 30, 2026.
• City awarded $8,750 TC Energy grant for Canine Assistance Orillia Fire Department mental health program.
• Mayor responds to boulevard parking concerns in West Ridge; no by-law amendment considered.
• Correspondence from municipalities on highway improvements, cancer clinic, intimate partner violence, property reassessment, voters lists, Bill 119, firefighter certification, invasive plants, and Ontario Land Tribunal.

Regular Council Meeting

Orillia council meets to consider several reports and by-laws. Key items include a multi-year Municipal Services Management Agreement for paramedic and social services with the County of Simcoe and City of Barrie, a proposal to become a living wage employer, a 40 km/h speed limit pilot project, and a transit electrification study. Deputations include the Orillia Public Library annual report and a request for $44,000 from Mountain Movers for a Women's Centre.

• Authorization of Municipal Services Management Agreements with County of Simcoe and City of Barrie for paramedic, social services, and long-term care (2026-2029)
• Direction on becoming a living wage employer
• Reduced speed limits pilot project (40 km/h) on city streets
• Transit Electrification Study for direction on options
• Deputation from Mountain Movers requesting $44,000 for Women's Centre