Some 'early morning rain' and afternoon showers are in the forecast for Sunday's farewell to a local legend.
Police warn that residents and visitors alike should expect traffic disruptions in downtown Orillia on Sunday as thousands are expected to pay their respects to Gordon Lightfoot, during a public visitation at St. Paul's Centre.
Due to the number of people expected to attend, Peter Street North from Coldwater Road to Neywash Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between 12:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., notes the Orillia OPP, who will be on the scene for traffic control.
The public visitation for the Orillia-born Lightfoot, one of Canada's best-known singers and songwriters, who died Monday night, will take place Sunday (May 7) from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m., at St. Paul's, located at 62 Peter St. N.
Anyone wishing to pay their respects is asked to use the entrance to St. Paul's Church on Peter Street.
Free parking will be available and posted in all municipal parking lots.
Anyone not attending the visitation is asked to avoid Coldwater Road between West Street and Front Street for the duration of the visitation, notes a media release from the Orillia OPP.
“This is a very huge event, not just for St. Paul’s, but for Orillia, and I would say this is going to be a very singular and momentous event for both,” said Katrina Hunt, facilities administrator at St. Paul’s.
Hunt said members of the public will be able to line up and enter the church. They will then be guided into the church’s sanctuary, where Lightfoot’s coffin will be, to pay their respects before leaving through the west atrium.
“Anybody from the public who wishes to pay their respects and say a last goodbye will be able to come through St. Paul’s building, visit (Lightfoot’s coffin) very briefly … keep their feet moving, and then go out through the sanctuary and exit,” Hunt said.
There are other ways to pay tribute to Orillia's favourite son.
Messages of condolence are welcome at www.mundellfuneralhome.com.
This map showing key spots to pay tribute to Gordon Lightfoot provides other opportunities.
A physical book of condolences is available today at the Orillia Opera House (20 Mississaga St. W.) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Orillia Transit services will be impacted on May 7. Read the Transit detour and route modifications notice for more information.