Orillia, Ontario

a more institutional economic base, its most significant employers being Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital and the OPP General Headquarters. Years ago, Orillia also made the investment to attract Lakehead University in hopes of changing the demographics of the city and creating more job opportunities. “Traditionally, we’ve seen a bit of a migration to Orillia from people in their mid-50s and 60s,” says Clarke. “And that’s still happening. But it’s really happening in people in their late 20s and 30s now. We’ve already had several businesses open up whose owners are in their 20s and 30s. It’s added a lot of vibrancy.” Gayle Jackson, Chief Administrative Officer, admits she’s amazed at the development she’s seen over the last seven years, noting, “We’ve had a very progressive Council wanting to facilitate progress in our community. We’ve made some strong, strategic choices such as moving ahead with and completing our recreation facility on a brownfield site and we’ve finalized a significant deal with Hydro One.” The deal, which involved the sale of the Orillia Power Distribution OR I LL I A , ONTAR IO Chief Administrative Officer, Gayle Jackson