Orillia meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Orillia council to weigh $36M borrowing, hospice funding, wildlife feeding ban

Orillia council will consider a $36.15 million borrowing package for eight capital projects, a $150,000 request from Mariposa House Hospice, and a proposed wildlife feeding ban when it meets Aug. 10. All items are on the agenda; minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions have been confirmed.

Council meeting (Aug. 10)

The regular council agenda includes a deputation from Mariposa House Hospice seeking $150,000 toward a $4.5 million expansion that would add four hospice beds. Council will also provide direction on expansion plans for Lakehead University and Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital.

A proposed bylaw (Chapter 288) would regulate wildlife feeding, with a $200 inspection fee for non-compliance. Council will also consider affordable housing incentives for 16 rent-geared-to-income units at 86 Cedar Street, including up to $10,000 per unit and a $168,494 fee offset. In addition, staff recommend renting one pumper fire truck from BKC Inc. for three months, with up to $24,500 drawn from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve.

Debenture addendum (Aug. 10)

A separate addendum to the same meeting asks council to authorize $36,152,773 in long-term borrowing through debentures with the Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation. The funds would cover eight capital projects, including:

• $4,509,644 for the Fittons Road West Sewer Pump Station (10-year term)
• $3,436,944 for Jarvis Street Phase 1 (Bay Street to Laclie Street) (10-year term)
• $424,405 for Transit Terminal Design (pre-construction) (20-year term)
• $6,853,344 for Laclie Street Phase 3 (20-year term)

The addendum also includes a Delegated Authority By-law that would allow the outgoing council to pass debenture by-laws if it is in a "lame duck" position. Staff recommend approval to secure financing before year-end.

Municipal Heritage Committee (Aug. 11)

The committee will review a heritage signage program for buildings at 2, 51, and 143-149 Mississaga Street East, and discuss the Indigenous ground mural "Home and Native Land" by Danielle Loshaw at J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park. It will also consider its 2027 budget submission and receive information about the Orillia Public Library's history.

Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Working Group (Aug. 12)

The working group will review the Community Gardens Policy (7.1.9.3) with Recreation Programs Supervisor Megan Visser, including 2026 priorities and volunteer recruitment. It will also receive an update on Council's adoption of Boulevard Guidelines (Report EIS-26-18), which allow tree planting with a permit. The meeting is in-person and not livestreamed.

Council Information Package (Aug. 14)

This package is mostly correspondence and notices, with no decisions scheduled. Key items include the completed acquisition of vacant lands in Couchiching Beach Park, authorized by By-law 2026-051 and registered July 30, 2026. It also includes a notice about Phase 2 of the 2026 Road Resurfacing Project, and resolutions from other municipalities on public health funding, invasive plant regulation, and the Ontario Land Tribunal's deference to municipal planning decisions.

Orillia Food Access and Sustainability Working Group (Aug. 20)

The working group will finalize its 2027 operating budget submission for the Orillia & Area Food Strategy Support, discuss support for a provincial Hunters for the Hungry program (with correspondence from The Sharing Place Food Centre), and plan a fall food event scheduled for October 7 at the Orillia Recreation Centre. The meeting is primarily for internal planning.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed in the next 14 days.

Orillia council to weigh $36M borrowing, hospital land deal on Aug. 10

No decisions have been published from Orillia's recent council meetings, as minutes are not yet available. The most consequential items on the upcoming agenda are a proposed $36.15 million debenture authorization and a restructured land deal involving Lakehead University and Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH).

Recent meetings

All recent meetings were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published. The July 28 Transportation and Parking Working Group agenda contained no listed items. A July 31 Council Information Package included correspondence with Lakehead University and OSMH about a special Aug. 5 meeting, including requests for provincial contacts and site-control requirements for the hospital's $3 million planning grant and a 25-acre land parcel.

On Aug. 4, council received dueling letters between the city and OSMH over the release of 25 acres from a covenant with Lakehead University for a new hospital site at 500 University Avenue. OSMH Interim President Tom Roberts requested the release, warning of a two-year delay if not granted. The city disputed that claim, citing a Collingwood hospital precedent where title transferred at Stage 2, and offered a contractual assurance model instead.

The Aug. 5 special meeting agenda included a proposal from Mayor McIsaac called "Return, Fund, Transfer": Lakehead would return the 25 acres to the city for $1, the city would provide up to $15 million to Lakehead for its academic building, and the hospital would receive site control for $1 at Stage 2. Council was to vote on endorsing that structure in principle. The agenda also authorized $9,000 from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve for an independent appraisal of the land. A direct sale alternative would have cost the hospital approximately $296,000 in land transfer tax.

An Aug. 7 Council Information Package included proposed amendments to the Traffic and Parking Regulation By-law for accessible parking at 24 Calverley Street and 51-79 Lightfoot Drive, plus a by-law to accept road widening lands at 238 Barrie Road.

Upcoming: Regular Council (Aug. 10)

The Aug. 10 regular council meeting will consider several significant items:

• Mariposa House Hospice is requesting $150,000 toward a $4.5 million capital expansion to add four hospice beds.
• Council will provide direction on Lakehead University expansion and OSMH redevelopment options.
• A proposed Chapter 288 would regulate wildlife feeding, with a $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 a $168,494 fee offset.
• Urgent rental of one pumper fire truck from BKC Inc. for three months, with up to $24,500 from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve.

Upcoming: Debenture authorization (Aug. 10 addendum)

An addendum to the same meeting asks council to authorize $36,152,773 in long-term borrowing through debentures with the Ontario Infrastructure and Lands Corporation for eight capital projects. These include:

• $4,509,644 for the Fittons Road West Sewer Pump Station (10-year term)
• $3,436,944 for Jarvis Street Phase 1 (Bay Street to Laclie Street) (10-year term)
• $424,405 for Transit Terminal Design (pre-construction) (20-year term)
• $6,853,344 for Laclie Street Phase 3 (20-year term)

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.

Other upcoming meetings

The Municipal Heritage Committee meets Aug. 11 to review a heritage signage program for buildings at 2, 51, and 143-149 Mississaga Street East, and to consider its 2027 budget submission. The Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Working Group meets Aug. 12 to review the Community Gardens Policy and discuss boulevard tree-planting guidelines.

Coming up

• **Aug. 10** – Regular Council Meeting (including debenture addendum)
• **Aug. 11** – Municipal Heritage Committee
• **Aug. 12** – Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Working Group

Orillia council agendas outline $26M in capital projects, hospital land-sale framework, and winter control review

Orillia City Council's July 20 regular meeting agenda outlines more than $26 million in proposed capital project budgets, including a new transit terminal, street reconstruction, and sewer upgrades. Minutes for all meetings covered below have not yet been published, so the items described reflect what council was scheduled to consider, not confirmed outcomes.

Transit terminal, street, and sewer projects

The July 20 regular council agenda lists three major capital budget approvals:

• **$11,913,557** for Capital Project 27454 — Orillia Transit Terminal Construction, funded by $5,692,217 in federal and provincial grants and $6,221,340 from the Debenture Reserve Fund.
• **$8,566,680** for Capital Project 27252 — Laclie Street Phase 3 Construction, funded by $1,713,336 from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund Obligatory Reserve Fund and $6,853,344 from the Debenture Reserve Fund.
• **$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.

The same agenda proposes extending the Community Connection Hub project to March 31, 2027, subject to Health Canada Emergency Treatment Fund availability, and dissolving the Addiction and Overdose Crisis Working Group. An amendment to Policy 7.2.2.4 — Temporary Advertising is also listed.

Hospital and university land-sale framework

A July 20 council addendum presents a decision framework on whether to sell 25 acres of city-donated land to Lakehead University to support a new hospital and academic building. The notional land value is listed at $18.75M. The broader project includes a $1B+ new Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital, with $3M committed, and a Lakehead University academic building estimated at approximately $45M, contingent on a federal grant not yet applied for. The agenda includes a proposed interim "do no harm" option to preserve rights and delay an irreversible decision, and a 2027-2036 Ten-Year Capital Plan with a funding strategy to be adopted in principle.

A July 31 Council Information Package shows staff requested provincial contacts, site-control requirements at Stage 1.3 and beyond, a signed MOU between OSMH and Lakehead University, and a provincial approval letter for the $3M planning grant. Responses were still outstanding as of that package.

Winter control policy review

A July 20 special meeting agenda reviews Policy 2.1.4.1 — Winter Control. Proposed adjustments include a one-time capital budget increase of $1,450,000 for snow-removal equipment and an annual operating budget increase of $1,256,000 for equipment, staffing, and contracts, referred to the 2027 Budget. The agenda also lists a Cedar Street sidewalk service reduction and a special council meeting after July 1, 2026 to debate the report and related petitions.

Committee and information updates

The Waste Management Advisory Committee met July 21 to review the 2027 Waste Management budget submission and note a recent council follow-up on the 2026 Waste Minimization Plan. Its next meeting is set for September 15, 2026 at 4:15 PM.

A July 24 Council Information Package reports completion of the Indigenous ground mural "Home and Native Land" at J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park, approval of a $4,750 Ontario Arts Council grant for the Lakeside Live concert series, an update on the Affordable Transit Initiative, notice of a Green Innovation Weekend July 25-26, and correspondence on the Veterans First program to end veteran homelessness in Simcoe County.

The Transportation and Parking Working Group agenda for July 28 listed no items; only a login interface was displayed.

Coming up

• **August 5, 2026 — Special Meeting of Council** on Lakehead University's expansion plans and Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital's redevelopment planning efforts. Representatives from both institutions are scheduled to attend. The agenda includes a closed session referral regarding a Lakehead Land Development Agreement, a deputation on Lakehead's Orillia Campus expansion, and a joint session with OSMH and Lakehead University.

Orillia roundup: Development agreements executed, Council set to vote on $26M in capital projects

Orillia residents saw several development agreements finalized in recent weeks, while City Council prepares to vote on more than $26 million in capital project budgets at its July 20 meeting.

Development and building permits

A development agreement has been executed for 15 townhouse units at 51-79 Lightfoot Drive, according to the July 10 Council Information Package. A separate development agreement was executed for an Orillia Volkswagen expansion at 345 West Street South.

The July 17 Council Information Package lists a proposal to remove Holding Zones H25 and H6 at 21 Diana Drive, which would allow construction of a car wash and industrial buildings. That item is slated for Council review.

Affordable housing incentives under review

The Affordable Housing Working Group met July 8 to discuss a financial assistance application from Hillcrest Lodge for a second retirement home at 86 Cedar Street, proposing 16 rent-geared-to-income units.

Staff recommendations include reduced securities set at 30% of total value, a $10,000 per-unit capital grant totaling $160,000, and a grant of up to $168,493.60 for planning, building, and engineering fees. All funding would come from the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund. Minutes have not yet been published; the working group may provide additional comments before recommendations go to Council.

Tax bills and parking by-law amendments

The July 17 Council Information Package reports the issuance of 69 supplementary and omitted tax bills for 2024–2026, totaling $449,839.88.

Proposed amendments to Traffic and Parking By-law 2007-55 include adding accessible parking spaces at 345 West Street South, installing No Parking signage at Couchiching Beach Park and 200 Bay Street, and implementing parking restrictions on Borland Street.

Transit and recreation updates

The Georgian Route transit stop on the former Georgian College campus will be removed effective July 24, per the July 10 Council Information Package. The Orillia Recreation Centre pool will undergo annual maintenance from August 16 to September 14, 2026.

Food strategy and community gardens

The Orillia Food Access and Sustainability Working Group met July 17 to review a draft 2027 budget request for the Orillia & Area Food Strategy. The agenda included a $600 approval for Food Strategy promotional materials, discussion of community garden programming and policy review, an update on Orillia Farmers' Market operations, and follow-up on the provincial Hunters for the Hungry program. Minutes are not yet published.

Accessibility committee reviews youth centre designs

The Accessibility Advisory Committee met July 9 to review preliminary renovation designs for the former CNR Train Station at 150 Front Street South, planned as the Orillia Youth Centre. The committee also heard a demonstration of an accessible ballot marking device, reviewed a 2027 budget memo, and considered a letter of support for a New Horizons for Seniors Fund grant application from the Golden Growers Club. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Regular Council Meeting:** Council will vote on $11,913,557 for the Orillia Transit Terminal Construction (Capital Project 27454), $8,566,680 for Laclie Street Phase 3 Construction (Capital Project 27252), and $6,150,000 for the Forest Avenue Sewer Pump Station and Collins Drive Upgrades (Capital Project 27257). Council will also consider extending the Community Connection Hub project to March 31, 2027, and dissolving the Addiction and Overdose Crisis Working Group.
• **July 20 — Special Council Meeting (Winter Control):** Council will review Policy 2.1.4.1 – Winter Control, including a proposed 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.
• **July 21 — Waste Management Advisory Committee:** The committee will review the 2027 Waste Management budget submission and discuss the 2026 Waste Minimization Plan. Next meeting is set for September 15, 2026 at 4:15 PM.
• **July 28 — Transportation and Parking Working Group:** No agenda items were listed as of publication.

Orillia roundup: Townhouse development agreement executed, council to weigh paramedic services contract and affordable housing grants

Orillia saw several government meetings over the past two weeks, though minutes have not yet been published for any of them. Here is what the agendas and information packages indicate was scheduled, proposed, or reported.

Development and infrastructure

A July 10 Council Information Package reports that a development agreement has been executed for 15 townhouses at 51-79 Lightfoot Drive. A second development agreement was executed for an Orillia Volkswagen expansion at 345 West Street South. The same package notes that the Orillia Recreation Centre pool will undergo annual maintenance from August 16 to September 14, 2026, and that the Georgian Route transit stop on the former Georgian College campus will be removed effective July 24.

A July 3 Council Information Package reports that construction of the Foundry Park Pickleball Complex at the Orillia Recreation Centre is scheduled to run from July 13 to October 30, 2026, with Court Surface Specialists Ltd. as contractor.

Council agenda: paramedic services, speed limits, living wage

Orillia council's June 29 regular meeting agenda included several items for consideration. Council was scheduled to consider authorization of Municipal Services Management Agreements with the County of Simcoe and City of Barrie for paramedic, social services, and long-term care covering 2026-2029. The agenda also listed direction on becoming a living wage employer, a reduced speed limit pilot project at 40 km/h on city streets, and a Transit Electrification Study for direction on options. A deputation from Mountain Movers requesting $44,000 for a Women's Centre was also on the agenda. Outcomes are not yet confirmed because minutes have not been published.

Affordable housing at 86 Cedar Street

The Affordable Housing Working Group met July 8 to discuss a financial assistance application from Hillcrest Lodge for a second retirement home at 86 Cedar Street, proposing 16 rent-geared-to-income units. Staff recommendations include reduced securities set at 30% of total value, a $10,000 per unit capital grant for 16 units totaling $160,000, and a grant of up to $168,493.60 for planning, building, and engineering fees, all from the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund. The working group may provide additional comments before recommendations go to Council.

Accessibility Advisory Committee

On July 9, the Accessibility Advisory Committee was scheduled to review preliminary renovation designs for the former CNR Train Station at 150 Front Street South, planned as the Orillia Youth Centre. The agenda also included a demonstration of an accessible ballot marking device, a 2027 budget memo presentation by the Deputy Clerk, and a request for a letter of support for a New Horizons for Seniors Fund grant from the Golden Growers Club.

Fire department grant and other correspondence

The July 3 Council Information Package reports the City was awarded an $8,750 TC Energy grant for the Canine Assistance Orillia Fire Department mental health program. The package also included a mayor's response to boulevard parking concerns in West Ridge; no by-law amendment was considered. Additional correspondence from other municipalities covered highway improvements, a cancer clinic, intimate partner violence, property reassessment, voters lists, Bill 119, firefighter certification, invasive plants, and the Ontario Land Tribunal.

Coming up

Orillia Food Access and Sustainability Working Group — July 16, 2026: The group will review a draft report for a 2027 budget request for Orillia & Area Food Strategy Support, discuss community garden programming and policy, receive an update on Orillia Farmers' Market operations, consider approval of $600 for Food Strategy promotional materials, and follow up on the provincial Hunters for the Hungry program. A virtual Public Information Centre for proposed Two-Zone Floodplain policies is also scheduled for July 16, 2026.