Orillia is a beautiful city located in Simcoe County and is located on the shores of two connected lakes: Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching. Both lakes are part of the Trent-Severn Waterway. Orillia is part of the Huronia region of Central Ontario, located just 90 minutes North of Toronto.

Known as the “Sunshine City” which is taken from “Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town” by Stephen Leacock. The city’s large waterfront attracts many tourists to the area every years, as do a number of annual festivals and attractions. Casino Rama is one of the area’s largest employer. There is also manufacturing, government services, customer services and tourism where employment is found.

Orillia still maintains its small town feeling. Many tourists and boaters are attracted to Orillia because of the waterfront parks, and the Port of Orillia. Also, the many cafes, bakeries and stores draw people to down town not to mention the festivals.

Orillia hosts an annual Perch Fishing Festival, the Leacock Festival, Blues Festival, Jazz Festival, Scottish Festival and Beattles Festival. The Port of Orillia holds an annual “Christmas in June”, and Orillia hosts the largest Canada Day event in Central Ontario at Couchiching Beach Park. Orillia is where the original and current Mariposa Folk Festival is held and where Gordon Lightfoot grew up!

EDUCATION
Both French and English public education is offered in Orillia. There is one Catholic French-language elementary school. The secondary schools are Patrick Fogarty Catholic School, Twin Lakes Secondary School and Orillia Secondary School. Also, There are two post-secondary institutions that are based in Orillia—Georgian College and Lakehead University.

HEALTH CARE
The Orillia Soldier’s Memorial Hospital is located in the city. Many new Doctors and their families have recently moved into the area preferring the lifestyle to that of busier communities.