The ongoing construction on Centennial Drive could impact summer events in Couchiching Beach Park this summer.
Allan Lafontaine, the executive director of the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce and harbour master for the Port of Orillia, says he is already working with the city, creating “backup plans” for certain events.
“We are looking at contingency plans in case the construction restricts access,” he said. “We are working with the City of Orillia on that plan.”
Lafontaine says some events, such as the spring boat show that is currently set for June 9 to 11 in Couchiching Beach Park, may be moved to Tudhope Park.
When visiting the waterfront this year, Lafontaine says folks should have alternative parking plans due to restricted access in the usual lots.
As for the Rotary Train, Lafontaine says he expects to see it chugging through Couchiching Beach Park all summer long.
“I think access to the train is going to be an issue,” he said. “However, the city is working on alternative transportation plans to help.”
The Canada Day committee board of directors say the July 1 event is currently in peril because of the construction. Mike McLaughlin, a member of the board behind the event, says the city has not yet informed them if the event can take place in Couchiching Beach Park this summer.
“They’ve ultimately said no to Tudhope for a variety of reasons,” he said. “Even if we are able to use Cooch, we still need to decide if we can put on the event.”
If the event proceeds, McLaughlin said it could look different from years past.
“With Centennial and Laclie Street dug up there probably isn’t a safe spot or a great viewing area to put on the parade,” he said. “We understand those are the challenges we are working with.”
The not-for-profit event is running out of time to start its fundraising push, which is critical to the success of the event.
“We can’t start asking people for money if we don’t know if we are having the event,” he said.
McLaughlin is holding out hope the city and the committee can find a way to put on the event this year, especially after missing two of the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Canada Day event really does bring a lot to the community,” he said. “It’s a family fun event.”
As for the Orillia Scottish Festival, co-chair Carrie Dunn says she is prepared to do whatever it takes to make sure the 45th edition of the event is a go this summer.
"The festival not happening is Plan Z," she said. "We might have to scale down and do a smaller event as we did during the second year of COVID. It's not something we'd like to do, but it's a matter of finalizing with the city what we can get the go-ahead for."
Dunn says being "behind the eight ball" is unfortunate after the festival built momentum last year with a great turnout.
"We will persevere," she said. "Everybody was at the boardroom table a few weeks ago looking at different options. Everybody is still invested and we definitely want to make the event happen."
The Scottish Festival's parade is most in danger of being scrapped right now, but organizers are working through the logistical issues to keep it intact.
"We are looking at alternative sites," Dunn said. "Tudhope is one of the options we are exploring and the city has been very cooperative with all of our inquiries."
While the situation isn’t ideal, Lafontaine says it’s a short-term sacrifice for the greater good of Orillia’s future. He also says the restricted access won’t dampen spirits at the Port of Orillia, stressing the Chamber is committed to achieving another successful summer of boating and community-oriented events.
“Next year the park should be back to normal with Centennial Drive being completed,” he said. “It will all be well worth it then.”
Melissa Gowanlock, the city's manager of communications, said she appreciates citizens' patience during the "revitalization" of the area.
"In preparation for the ongoing and future Centennial Drive area reconstruction projects as well as future road reconstruction in the area this summer, City of Orillia staff are currently working with event organizers to look at various options to accommodate their events for the 2023 summer season," Gowanlock explained.
"Staff are looking at all opportunities to accommodate events and will be bringing a report forward to the April 17 council meeting for council’s consideration."
She also noted the boat launch is closed.
"The boat launch area and parking lot at Centennial Park are currently not available due to construction as part of the Centennial Drive Phase 2 Reconstruction Project," said Gowanlock.
"We are currently working with our contractor to determine a timeframe for that area during construction as it is dependent on many factors such as utilities, road reconstruction progress and dewatering."
The city provides weekly updates on the status of construction on the project website at orillia.ca/centennial, through a subscriber email list, and on its social media channels.
