Orillia's story is richly rooted in the history of the Native Chippewa people who inhabited the region prior to the white men's settlement. For a little over 200 years after the Hurons left the land in the 1600s, the land was hardly touched by any white man. In the beginning, the city was founded on an Indian village whose Native traditions were upheld and practiced even among newcomers. Two chiefs, Yellowhead and Big Shilling were known for their peaceful and diplomatic nature. But by 1936, settlers negotiated with the government of Canada and were able to purchase the land for a little over $4,000, which resulted in the Chippewa's relocation across the surrounding Couchiching lake - a 1,621 acre lot which the white men had previously abandoned.

Soon after the purchase, the new inhabitants came to realize the value of their new possession - a scenic village, bordered by the shimmering and mystical Lake Couchiching and connected to Lake Simcoe through the Narrows, where Champlain had explored two centuries before. Not only was Orillia breathtaking in its natural beauty and lakes, but the vast number of trees came to be its greatest industry - lumber. With this promising new economic source, investors began bidding for land in Orillia. Notably, John Thomson, a Scotsman, founded mills all along the lake. He gained status and became a rich man, not to mention the power he held. In fact, the railway, which passes up the east side of Lake Couchiching, was laid solely to attract Thomson's business! Even more impressive, Thomson also attracted a bank branch - the Dominion Bank of Canada - who opened in Orillia to serve his robust account.

Besides its thriving lumber industry, Orillia became known as the first city with a medical plan. In 1889, J.P. Secord established a Red Cross Hospital and Convalescent home on Orchard Point near Lake Simcoe. Citizens could purchase a $5 certificate with which they could attain free lodging, food, and service. The hospital was initially a success and could likely attribute its success to the clean and serene atmosphere as much as anything else. However, it only stood for three years, since the rich had other forms of insurance, and the poor could not afford the $5 initial fee. Still, it was one of the first attempts to publically fund health care in the country.

Fast-forward to 2005: Orillia is now home to over 29,000 citizens. Today, there remain many attractions to the once-quaint town: the aesthetic beauty, peaceful surroundings, and prime location - close to Casino Rama and Muskoka Woods, a northern retreat point for many people from the bigger cities. Orillia is a city that satisfies both the nature lover and convenience seeker, being less than an hour and a half from downtown Toronto. While beautiful to visit for its fishing, boating, camping, and other various recreational outdoor activities, Orillia today has become an optimal place for the cottaging community - especially along its gorgeous lakes. Imagine living by the lakeside all year round, watching sunset after golden sunset each night. Now it is possible with recent real estate developments a stone's throw from the Lake!

Orillia: a perfect place for pleasure and a perfect place to live.