A public meeting today(FRI) for the downtown waterfront will begin at noon rather than 10 a.m., as a city councillor is unavailable until then due to a funeral.
This is the second public meeting regarding proposed changes to the City's Official Plan and Zoning By-law as Orillia moves forward with an ambitious project to link the waterfront with the downtown area.
Mayor Steve Clarke says buying the Metro property at 70 Front Street North several years ago was the starting point because when development does take place, he says it's the type of development that fits the character and enhances the character that is Orillia, whether it's heritage or the physical quality of life aspect.
Clarke says what type of development on the property and adjoining lands won't be better defined until late spring or early summer, though he anticipates a mix of residential and commercial.
The project also includes extending Coldwater Street to the waterfront, the realignment of Centennial Drive and sewer work on Front Street.
The mayor says this will create a vibrancy that will link the waterfront to the downtown and give it some animation, where people are walking, on bicycle, shopping and living there.
