The city is working with the Downtown Orillia BIA and the Orillia Area Community Development Corporation to support businesses affected by Tuesday's fire downtown.
Donations and other offers of assistance can be directed to the BIA at [email protected] or 705-325-3997.
No residents lived in the affected building, the city stated in a news release, but nearby residents and businesses have been displaced. Anyone in need of assistance with temporary accommodations and other resources, including arrangements for pets, can contact North Simcoe Victim Services at 705-325-5578.
Crews are expected to remain on the scene through the night, and the city is taking steps to secure the area.
“Mississaga Street East at Front Street, Colborne Street East at Peter Street, and Mississaga Street East at Peter Street will remain closed until further notice, along with transit detours, and restricted pedestrian access in the area,” the city stated. “Updates regarding road reopenings and transit impacts will be provided when available.”
The Spills Action Centre was contacted to keep an eye on and manage runoff resulting from firefighting efforts, the city said, noting booms have been placed in sewers and cleanup measures are underway. City operations staff were also called to the scene “to manage icy conditions caused by water spray from the fire response.”
The fire has also affected waste collection in the area.
“Those locations affected by the closure of the area around Peter and Mississaga streets can place their waste, recycling and green bin material in the nearest accessible location for collection on Jan. 22, 2025, or save it for set out the following week,” the city said.