The City of Orillia invites members of the public to take part in upcoming community consultation sessions on Feb. 21 and 27, 2024 to provide feedback that will help shape the future of economic development services in Orillia and contribute to the City’s updated economic development strategy.
“Public engagement is critical to ensure we are building a prosperous and inclusive community-minded economic development strategy for Orillia,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “We encourage residents and stakeholders to share their opinions, experiences, and ideas that will help guide economic development planning to build economic vitality over the next five years.”
Two consultation sessions will take place at the Orillia Public Library (36 Mississaga St W.), one on Feb. 21 and the other on Feb. 27. Registration is not required.
The first hour of the sessions will involve facilitated group discussions regarding the vision for the economy over the coming years, how to achieve it, and what success looks like.
The remainder of the sessions will be dedicated to drop-in consultation with interactive stations to provide direct feedback on key themes such as festivals and events, quality of life, workforce development and education, other opportunities to support local economic growth, and more.
What: Economic Development Strategy Community Consultation Sessions
When: Feb. 21, 2024 Feb. 27, 2024
Facilitated Group Discussion 5 to 6 p.m. 2 to 3 p.m.
Drop-In Interactive Consultation 6 to 7:30 p.m. 3 to 5 p.m.
Where: Orillia Public Library, Multi-Purpose Room (36 Mississaga St. W.)
“Hearing valuable insight and a variety of perspectives is essential for developing a strategy that supports community needs and identifies economic development service priorities that will help continue to build a thriving community and drive economic growth for the years to come,” said Ryan Lay, Manager of Economic Development.
In addition to hosting the upcoming community consultations, the City’s Business Development Office collected public and stakeholder feedback through a community survey and engaged with a variety of employers, local and regional business support partners, post-secondary institutions, and tourism organizations through sector-based focus groups and stakeholder interviews.
Ideas and feedback received will help inform recommendations within the updated Economic Development Strategy, which is anticipated to be presented to Council in spring 2024.
For more information about the Economic Development Strategy, contact the City of Orillia Business Development Office at 705-325-4900 or visit orillia.ca/EconomicDevelopmentStrategy.
