Orillia announces plans to review boundaries, growth

City of Orillia Ont., on April., 10, 2024. (CTVNews/Rob Cooper)

The City of Orillia is getting set to take the next step in reviewing its plans for boundary expansion and growth over the next few decades.

In a media release on Friday, city staff stated that on February 4, 2025, council will meet to decide on issues such as housing growth accommodation, the need for additional land for future expansion, and corresponding policies.

“This is a pivotal moment for Orillia as we make decisions that will shape the future of our community for nearly three decades,” said Don McIsaac, mayor of Orillia in the media release. “These choices – on where and how we grow – will have lasting impacts on housing, land use, and the character of our city. Council will carefully weigh all perspectives to determine how best to manage growth within our boundaries, plan for future expansion, and set the policies that will guide Orillia’s development for years to come.”

According to city staff, the city has been conducting a detailed review of land use and growth needs in planning for Orillia’s population and job growth through to 2051.

City staff add that a technical land evaluation has been underway since 2021 to determine how much land will be required to accommodate different residential density scenarios. The city has also been working on a new ‘Official Plan’ since 2023 to guide growth and development over the next 23 years.

On February 4, council will reportedly decide on the minimum density target for Orillia’s built-up areas, determining how much housing growth can be accommodated within the city’s current boundaries, and how much additional land will be needed for future boundary expansion.

Council will also reportedly decide on policy decisions such as maximum building heights, natural heritage protection, plans for climate change, strengthening of the local food supply and transportation improvements.

“The Province of Ontario requires municipalities to have enough land to accommodate growth for 20 to 30 years. Currently, Orillia has only enough land to support 10 years of growth,” said Katy Modaressi, the city’s director of development and infrastructure. “In addition, the city’s ‘Official Plan,’ which was last comprehensively updated in 2011, must now be revised to align with current Provincial policies and plans.”

The city encourages residents who are interested in addressing council to register for the open public meeting forum prior to the meeting date. 20 speakers will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

The February 4 meeting is scheduled to be held in person from noon until 4 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Orillia City Centre.

Council will then reportedly produce a final boundary map for public review and adopt an updated ‘Official Plan’ before the end of 2026.