Orillia

With two beautiful lakes, Couchiching and Simcoe, on either side of it, Orillia sits at the very heart of Ontario's Lake Country. Lake Country is a glistening collection of fresh lakes that lie south of Muskoka and north of Toronto. Comprised of scenic Orillia, Mnjikaning First Nation, Oro-Medonte, Ramara, and Severn Townships, this area offers friendly towns and villages, excellent tourist facilities, and memorable scenery.

Orillia has a rich history and has been home to many important events in Canada's past. For example, Orillia introduced Daylight Savings Time to North America and Orillia had the very first hydroelectric transmission plant. From the shores of Orillia, one can go anywhere in the world. The Trent Severn Waterway connects Lake Couchiching through three locks and also to the only marine railway in North America. From there it's Georgian Bay to Lake Huron and through the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence Seaway and to the Atlantic. From Lake Simcoe, you can get to Lake Ontario and then to the waterways of the world.

For all its quaintness and small-town ambience, Orillia is a bustling city as well. It is the largest city for 50 kilometres and attracts people from well outside its boundaries who come to Orillia to shop, dine, be entertained, and to visit the excellent medical facilities located there.

The Orillia Opera House is a great historical landmark within the city. It offers a venue for grand entertainment and during the summer months is a focal point for the thousands of seasonal homeowners and cottagers who flock to the 106-yearold theatre for world-style entertainment.

Orillia has spawned many celebrities. Gordon Lightfoot was born and raised in Orillia. Stephen Leacock, the popular humourist had a summer home there. Visitors can tour The Stephen Leacock Museum which hosts his original waterfront home and grounds.

Orillia has a wonderful Art and History Museum which attracts hundreds of visitors each year. Orillia is home to more than 30 public parks, which give it its garden appearance. Its close proximity to Casino Rama is another important draw for Orillia. Here visitors can gamble and enjoy sophisticated entertainment from all over the world. From Air Supply to Tim McGraw, Casino Rama offers a terrific roster of entertainers all year-round.

There are many festivals and events in Orillia to make it an attractive venue for the whole family. The Downtown Arts and Entertainment Festival, held at the end of May, attracts many visitors who love to stroll through ten blocks of bargains, artwork, live bands, and entertainment. The Saturday morning Farmer's Market is a must-see in Orillia as is the Christmas in June Boat Parade held at the waterfront. There are weekly concerts, plays, and festivals.

About Orillia

Population 29,121

Age Founded as a village in 1867, incorporated as a town in 1875, became a city in 1969

Location 114 kilometres north of Toronto

Highways 400, 27, 11, and 12

Airports Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, Lake St. John Airport

Public Transit Orillia Transit System provides bus service throughout the city

Education The Simcoe School Board operates three public secondary schools, numerous elementary schools, and Adult Education facilities throughout Orillia, as well as separate and private schools; Georgian College has an Orillia Campus

Emergency Services Fire dispatch provided for City of Orillia, Township of Severn, Township of Ramara, Town of Gravenhurst, Mnjikaning First Nations; 911 C.E.R.B. provided for City of Orillia, Township of Severn, Township of Ramara; policing services are provided by contract to OPP

Tourist/Cultural and Recreation Facilities Barnfield Point Recreation Centre, Brian Orser Arena, Dr. Seymour Conservatory/Greenhouse, Forest Home Community Centre, McKinnell Square Hall, Orillia City Centre, Orillia Community Centre, Orillia Opera House, Parks Maintenance Building/Greenhouse, Port of Orillia, Rotary Aqua Theatre, Rowing Club House, Tudhope Park Administration Building