About Orillia for Orillia, Ontario and Area
When you want to know Orillia, Ontario
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Overview of Orillia, Ontario, Canada
Nestled in the heart of Ontario's Lake Country, Orillia is bordered by the shores of Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching. The public spaces around the city incorporate the natural beauty of the lakes. Boat launches, sandy beaches, clean parks, and historic monuments highlight the waterfront. The Port of Orillia provides docking and launching facilities just a short distance from downtown shopping and dining. From the Stephen Leacock Museum, to the charm of the downtown, to the lazy beaches of Couchiching Park, visitors can experience Orillia via a 9.5 km paved trail. The trail system through the community is an excellent way to take in the scenery. Enjoy the architectural heritage and charm of the downtown district as you shop and dine.
Edit this paragraph- Population: 32,692
- Population Density: 1,018.0/km²
- Area: 563 sq. km.
- Weather: See forecast
- Elevation: 221 m above sea level
- Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time
- Language: English
- Edit these Statistics
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History of Orillia, Ontario
Orillia was founded in 1867 (sharing the same birth year as Canada), it was incorporated as a town in 1875, and a city in 1969. Many famous people have come from Orillia, including singer songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, and Sir Sam Steele of the North West Mounted Police. Several “firsts” have occurred in Orillia, such as the first municipal hydro electric transmission plant in North America. In 1936, Orillia printed its own money, and it was the first municipality to introduce daylight saving time.
Edit this paragraphOrillia's Demographics
Edit this paragraphOrillia's Climate
Orillia typically receives hot and muggy summers followed by exceptionally cold winters.
Edit this paragraphEducation in Orillia, Ontario
There are seven elementary public schools in Orillia and three secondary schools. Under the Separate School Board, there are four schools at the elementary level and one high school. At present, there is one college in the city, an extension of Georgian College, with a satellite campus of Lakehead University in the city.
Edit this paragraphTransportation around Orillia, Ontario
The Orillia Transit System provides service throughout the City of Orillia, with buses operating on four routes. Buses leave downtown every half hour. Orillia Transit is owned by the City of Orillia and operates under contract by Laidlaw School Transit who provide drivers, maintenance and fuel. Bus service operates all days except Sundays and statutory holidays.
Edit this paragraphTourism and Attractions of Orillia
Casino Rama has proven to be a very popular and entertaining spot which attracts thousands of visitors to the area each day. It is located on the eastern shore of Lake Couchiching, just minutes outside of Orillia. Every year the city hosts an annual Perch Fishing Festival, where farmed perch are released into the region to be caught for prize money.
Edit this paragraphSurrounding Communities
- Orillia
- Hampshire Mills
- Port Stanton
- Washago
- Floral Park
- Buena Vista Park
- Ardtrea
- Scarlet Park
- Cumberland
- Amigo Beach
- Sparrow Lake
- Severn Bridge
- Little Falls
- Hawkins Corners
- Menoke Beach
- Geneva Park
- Tanglewood Beach
- Happyland
- Mariposa Beach
- Rama
- Hopkins Bay
- Grays Bay
- Atherley
- Orkney Beach
- Uptergrove
- Brechin
- Fountain Beach
- McDonald Beach
- Murphy Beach
- Val Harbour
- Bonnie Beach
- Bayshore Village
- Southview Cove
- Lagoon City
- Joyland Beach
- Moons Beach
- Cedarmont Beach
- Carthew Bay
- Eight Mile Point
- Baywood Park
- Hawkestone
- Waddington Beach
- Forest Home
- Rugby
- Furgus Hill Estate
- Marchmont
- Prices Corners
- Bass Lake
- Jarrat
- Big Cedar Estates
- Warminster
- Oro
- Foxmead
- Coldwater
- Moonstone
- Creighton
- Wilson Point
- East Oro
Geography of Orillia, Ontario
Edit this paragraphOrillia's Government
Ron Stevens is current mayor. The City of Orillia is governed by an elected City Council consisting of the mayor and eight councillors, elected for a three year term. The actual governing of the City follows the rules and regulations set down by the Province of Ontario, in the Municipal Act. The term of the existing Council is Dec 01 2003 to Nov 30, 2006.
Edit this paragraphOrillia's Economy and Industry
The economy in Orillia is not concentrated in a single sector, although tourism and waterfront businesses account for a significant part of the revenue. There are nine retirement homes in the city, with plans to build another three, and the downtown district provides a variety of business services for the city and surrounding area.
Edit this paragraphOrillia's Culture and Significant Events
The Orillia Opera House serves as both a venue of great entertainment and as a well known landmark in the community. The Stephen Leacock Museum was once the summer home of Orillia`s most famous humourist, Stephen Leacock. This national historic site hosts the original waterfront home and grounds of the famous writer. The Orillia Museum of Art & History gives its patrons the opportunity to reflect on Orillia`s past through an extensive collection of art and artefacts.
Edit this paragraphSports in Orillia, Ontario
Edit this paragraphMedia of Orillia
Orillia has one radio station that broadcasts locally, as well as access to other stations in the region, such as Barrie, Ontario. The city is home to two local newspapers, The Packet and Times, and Orillia Today.
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