“The Working Group has been focused on developing meaningful actions toward poverty reduction in Orillia,” said Orillia Mayor Donald McIsaac, “Now we’re asking our residents to share their thoughts and priorities so that these actions reflect the needs and challenges our community faces every day.”

Over the past 7 months the Working Group has discussed, analyzed and prioritized over 100 action items identified in Resilient Orillia: Toward a Poverty Reduction Strategy, a study prepared for the City by a Lakehead University student in 2024.

From these meetings the Working Group created a list of 19 short-term, medium-term and long-term actions. The action items focus on five areas where the City can make a difference: transit, arts and recreation, housing, youth, and food.  Now, the group wants to hear directly from the community: Which actions matter most to you?

The survey runs from September 15 to September 29, 2025, and is a chance for all residents to share how these actions could make a difference in their lives and in the broader community.

“The survey results are more than numbers — they’re a conversation with you, and we’re listening closely,” says Councillor Janet-Lynne Durnford. “We want to make sure the recommendations we bring forward to Council reflect the real needs, insights, and experiences of people in Orillia.”

Community feedback will guide the Group’s recommendations to City Council and ensure that the strategy is grounded in evidence and lived experience. By taking part, residents can directly influence how Orillia tackles poverty in meaningful and practical ways.

How to Participate:

• Complete the survey between September 15 to 29, 2025.
• Share your perspective and encourage others in your network to do the same.

The Poverty Reduction Working Group was mandated by City Council to:

• Review and evaluate recommendations of the Poverty Reduction Action Plan and determine the possibility, practicality, and impactful ways to implement them.

• Recommend a long-term governance plan that explores various options, potential partnerships, budget, and resource requirements.

• Assess measurements of success for recommendations and develop a long-term reporting framework.

• Consult with local service agencies to coordinate efforts, avoid duplication, and maximize resources in implementing recommendations.

• Further engage with the Orillia community and those who have experienced or are experiencing poverty in developing the above-noted mandates.

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