It’s Freezing. Time to Get Outdoors.

young man preparing to walk on snowshoes over winter background

February is Winter Active month here in Orillia. This presents a golden opportunity to improve our physical literacy, which means developing the motivation for, and understanding of, different types of […]

About Electric Vehicles: Trends, Pros and Cons

Electric vehicle charging stations

by Stan Mathewson, EV owner Recent developments in battery technologies and manufacturing, along with state and federal incentives, are helping transform electric vehicles (EVs) —cars and trucks — from being […]

2020 Anniversary Report

hands holding a seedling in earth

May 24-25, 2019 was the official launch of Sustainable Orillia—a great example of how people of a community can come together, in cooperation with City Council and staff, to plan […]

How to Reduce Food Waste

Mesh bag with fruits

There are many ways on how to lower the amount of food you waste in a day by simply acknowledging how much food you take, thinking you will eat it […]

Your Orillia – Tomorrow!

wind turbines in a field

by Tony Telford and Stan Mathewson For most of us, two of our greatest concerns, after a full stomach, a bed, and a roof over our heads are energy (heat […]

Sustainability Also Means Affordability

Residential building drawings and paper house model on an office desk

Long-time Orillia councilor Ralph Cipolla often refers to the need for “appropriate housing.” Some residents require housing which is governed by rent controls. Seniors looking to downsize will look for […]

Zero Emission Housing is Affordable Housing

Man Carrying Solar Panel

by Jim Saunders No consideration of a Sustainable Orillia is complete without addressing the importance of how actions taken with respect to housing can contribute to environmental sustainability. Extreme weather […]

Investing in the Future? Go “Sustainable.”

Plant growing on coins in jar on table on green nature background

by Jackie Ramler and Sophie Mathewson While the bigger issue of climate change and the plastic crisis in our oceans seems overwhelming and beyond our ability to change, there are […]

Ecological Footprint

Girl recycling paper tube

by Emily Hawton An ecological footprint is a measurement of the ecological assets that an individual requires to produce the natural resources they consume. I am going to assess my […]