Proposals for New SO Projects in 2025
As Sustainable Orillia (SO) looks ahead to 2025, our volunteers are excited about building on successes from recent years, such as the Electric Vehicle exhibit and The Bike Challenge, as well as focussing on several new projects: ideas that came from our public engagement workshops held in the spring of 2024. Projects are aimed at reducing carbon emissions and supporting biodiversity in our region. While not limited to these suggestions, they include the following:
A WIND TURBINE AT ORILLIA REC CENTRE
We would like to see a demonstration wind turbine installed at the Rec Centre. The objective is to raise awareness of renewable energy technology, to instigate conversation and interest, and to inform the public about the amount of energy produced by a small wind turbine and how it can be used by residents.
A SOLAR FARM ON ORILLIA LANDFILL SITE
It has been suggested that areas at the Orillia Landfill that have been filled to capacity, and are not suitable for other uses, could potentially be a site for the installation of solar panels.
A MODEL SUSTAINABLE HOUSE
Considerable support was given, at Workshop 3, to the notion of “One Big Project” that would attract a lot of interest in the community. One such suggestion was to build a fully sustainable house to serve as a model for other new constructions.
A BAN ON GAS-POWERED LEAF BLOWERS
Many Orillia residents are fed up with the noise, toxic pollution and heavy carbon emissions of the gas-powered 2-stroke engine leaf blower. Some cities in Canada and the U.S. have banned their use. We will encourage the City to consider such a ban, requesting that (1) the City include the rapid phasing out of gas-powered leaf blowers in its already-established plan to electrify its fleet, and (2) prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in the city.
VEGETARIAN WEEK/MONTH – OCTOBER 2025
We plan to reconnect with the downtown business association and approach other restaurants in the city to engage their participation and support for plant-based diets during October 2025. The library and book stores (new and used books) will also be encouraged to participate.
Orillia residents who support any of these suggestions are welcome to approach any SO board member and become involved!
You can also reach out to Info@sustainableorillia.ca