Executive Brief

President & CEO
Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital Foundation

April 2026

About Orillia

Also knows as the Sunshine City, Orillia sits between Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe and is known for its lively Arts District and strong cultural scene. The Orillia Museum of Art & History anchors the district, offering rotating exhibits, community programs, and a collection of more than 10,000 regional artefacts.

The city’s waterfront - Couchiching Beach Park, Centennial Park, and the Port of Orillia - is a major attraction with beaches, a boardwalk, playgrounds, an outdoor theatre, and seasonal events. Despite its reputation as a retirement community, fewer than 18% of residents are over 65.

Orillia hosts many annual festivals, including the Perch Fishing Festival, the Leacock Festival, Blues and Jazz festivals, a Scottish Festival, and the long-running Mariposa Folk Festival. Canada Day celebrations and the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour ceremony are also key traditions.

The local economy is diverse, spanning manufacturing, tourism, customer service, and government services. Casino Rama is the region’s largest employer, and the city is home to several manufacturing firms and a major call centre. The Ontario Provincial Police headquarters is a significant public‑sector employer, and the former Huronia Regional Centre played a major role in the area’s employment history.

City Council works to preserve Orillia’s small‑town character by limiting large downtown developments, while also exploring waterfront redevelopment, including a 3D model presented in 2017. Nearby landmarks include Webers restaurant and Lake St. George Golf Club.

Located just 90 minutes from the Greater Toronto Area, Orillia is an enchanting place to visit, a great place to work, an ideal place to do business, and a wonderful place to live.

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