Four nominees will be honoured with an induction into the Orillia Hall of Fame at a special ceremony during the meeting of Council on Oct. 30, 2023.
After reviewing many worthy applications, the Commemorative Awards Committee has selected Kenneth “Ken” Woodhouse, Gordon E. “Gord” Smith, Robert “Bob” Bowles, and William “Bill” Swinimer to be inducted into the Orillia Hall of Fame.
“The Committee is honoured to have selected four new inductees into the Orillia Hall of Fame,” said Chuck Penny, Commemorative Awards Committee Chair. “These individuals exemplify what it means to excel in their field, having made significant achievements locally, nationally, and internationally. The community should be proud to recognize this year’s inductees and their remarkable accomplishments.”
Due to meeting and presentation challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Council authorized the Committee to induct four nominees, instead of the usual three, into the Orillia Hall of Fame for 2023.
Members of the public are invited to a stand-up reception at 12:30 p.m. at the Orillia City Centre (50 Andrew St. S.) followed by the induction ceremony, which is planned for the beginning of the Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the Orillia Opera House located at 20 Mississaga St. W.
Kenneth “Ken” Woodhouse
Woodhouse was a commercial artist and cartoonist, born and raised in Orillia, whose works appeared in national newspapers and major magazines both in Canada and the United States of America. He also designed various logos for stores in the area and created the cartoon series ‘Familiar Faces’ for the Orillia Packet and Times newspaper.
Gordon E. “Gord” Smith
Smith was a radio broadcaster, businessman, and member of the Orillia Town Council who later became MPP and Deputy Speaker in the Ontario Legislature. He was also an antique car afficionado, becoming the first President of the Historical Automobile Society of Canada. Smith was a member of numerous local organizations including the Orillia Masonic Lodge and the Champlain Senior’s Service Club.
Robert “Bob” Bowles
Bowles is an award-winning writer, artist, nature photographer, educator, and naturalist best known for his lifetime commitment and dedication to preserving and conserving nature. He is the founder and coordinator of the Lakehead University “Ontario Master Naturalist Certificate Program” and has acted as an expert witness for several Municipal Board hearings.
William “Bill” Swinimer
Swinimer is a strong supporter of Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. He served on the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Foundation Board and the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Board and, along with his family, support the hospital as major donors. Swinimer also served as President of the Orillia Kiwanis Club. His efforts in the business community are recognized through his namesake award, the Bill Swinimer Business Leader of the Year award, presented to outstanding business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs.
Established in 1964, the Orillia Hall of Fame Award is presented to individuals who have received national or international recognition in their field of excellence. Past Hall of Fame inductees include Gordon Lightfoot, Stephen Leacock, Jeff Hutchings and Rick Ley.
