Orillia introduces affordable, serviced land and streamlined development approval process Innovative community initiatives enhance economic development and investment appeal Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature Orillia’s economic development initiatives have en- hanced the Simcoe County community’s appeal to busi- nesses, tourists and residents. It has been ranked among the top Ontario investment towns for 2013-2018 by the Real Estate Investment Network. The community, an hour north of the GTA on the shores of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe, is at the crossroads of Simcoe County and Central Ontario. Oril- lia has a vibrant tourism industry as well as manufactur- ing, government services, retail and customer service businesses – and with low-cost land and an expedited development approval process – is improving its appeal for businesses wishing to capture opportunities in all di- rections. The city is working with surrounding communities and the destination marketing organization Ontario’s Lake Country to enhance tourism in the area. Orillia’s economic development office is spearhead- ing a local tourism marketing co-operative promoting events in the area to tourists and residents living within a 60 to 80 kilometre radius of Orillia. In other areas, Landry says the city is in the final stages of constructing a serviced road through 50 acres of employment land. “The area has been zoned for everything except big box (retail),” he said. “We’re hop- ing to attract professional services and smaller, clean in- dustry. Formerly on land belonging to the Horne Family Farm, the Horne Employment Lands offer great poten- tial.” The land is priced starting at about $120,000 per acre, a bargain for serviced industrial land. “The cost of labor and doing business are also less and then there are the leveraged benefits of living and working here,” Landry says. “Toronto gets closer every year and cot- tage country is right here. There is a lifestyle benefit and accessibility that can’t be measured.” Landry says the city has ratified a new official plan and is preparing a new zoning bylaw, which will stream- line and enhance development opportunities.. The city is also wrapping up a development approval process re- The Canadian Design and Construction Report — Fall 2013 – 47