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Business Connections

Information Services

Ontario Business Facts - what you need to know

Browse our business reference library.

Learn about the latest trends or the basics of starting and maintaining a healthy business.

Try our audio and video tapes.  They cover everything from first concept and idea development through to implementing or succeeding with your business.

Our library includes information on:

Business Startup:

  • Record keeping, business plans, funding sources, sample business plans by type of business
Trade and Reference Directories:
  • Associations, trade & craft shows, manufacturer’s agents, wholesalers

Business Directory and Demographics:

  • Search our extensive directory of Orillia area business. You can purchase a copy for $20.

Exports:

  • The Ontario Exports handout
  • Plus several catalogues and books on exporting.

Marketing and Promotion:

  • Financial Post Canadian markets
  • Marketing Opportunities catalogue
  • Sample marketing plans and sales strategies

Government Programs:

  • Boss Supplier Directory
  • Government Financial Assistance for Business
Ontario Business Facts - what you need to know


Computer Access:

Book our computer workstation to surf the internet.  You can reserve it for up to 2 hours at a time.  Search for business opportunities or research resources.

Our computer workstation has a wide range of business-related applications.  Those include word-processing, spreadsheets and business planning software.

Community Profiles

Orillia Area Communities


Scroll down to learn about:

  • Lake Country
  • Business Environment
  • Recent Developments
  • Orillia
  • Oro-Medonte
  • Ramara
  • Severn
  • The Chippewas of Rama First Nation

 

Ontario's Lake Country

Ontario Business Facts - what you need to know

The Orillia area lies between the rocky shore of Georgian Bay and the rural shore of Lake Simcoe.
It was an historic trading route down to York (now Toronto) about 90 minutes south.
The Orillia area includes:

  • almost 73,000 people and more than 21,500 families [2006 census].
  • an area of 1576.79 square kilometers (608.8 square miles)
  • 4 townships— Oro-Medonte, Ramara, Severn, and Chippewas of Rama First Nation
  • 1 city—Orillia
  • rolling farmland, forests, rivers, lakes, streams and ski hills.

 

The Orillia Area is accessible via:

  • 3 major highways: 400, 11 and 12.
  • Simcoe Regional Airport
  • Port of Orillia, Port Severn and the Trent Severn Waterway.

 

Business Environment

  • A mixed economy
  • Businesses largely in the agricultural, cultural, hospitality, retail, skilled trades, tourism, and service sectors.
  • An employment rate that has exceeded the provincial average since 1995.
  • Leading employers include Casino Rama, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.

 

Recent developments

  • Lakehead University satellite campus expands in Orillia in 2010.
  • Georgian College expanding its Orillia campus
  • Simcoe Regional Airport expansion.



Community Profiles


Learn more at Statistics Canada Community profiles (2006 census)

Orillia

Orillia the Sunshine City - community profile

Known as the Sunshine City, Orillia is a city of more than 30,000 people [2006 census] in an area of 28.61 square kilometers (11 square miles).
Incorporated in 1867 as the village of Orillia, it was designated a city in 1969. 
Learn more at City of Orillia


Oro-Medonte

Township Oro-Medonte

Oro-Medonte has a population of more than 20,000 [2006 census] in an area of 586.65 square kilometers (226.5 square miles). 
It was formed in 1994, when the neighbouring townships of Oro and Medonte merged under a restructuring of Simcoe County. 
Learn more at Oro-Medonte Township


Ramara

Ramara Township

Ramara has a population nearing 9,500 [2006 census] in an area of 417.25 square kilometers (161.1 square miles).  It is a gateway to cottage country and retirement communities.
It was formed in 1994 through the amalgamation of the townships of Rama and Mara.  
Learn more at Township of Ramara


Severn

Severn Township

Severn Township has a population of more than 12,000 [2006 census] in an area of 534.78 square kilometers (206.5 square miles). Approximately 30% of the township is designated as Crown land.
Severn was formed in 1994, through the restructuring of Simcoe County.
Learn more at Township of Severn

The Chippewas of Rama First Nation

Chippewas of Rama First Nation

The Chippewas of Rama First Nation have about 1,600 members.  Some 850 live on the reserve, an area of 9.5 square kilometers (2,350 acres).
Also known as Chippewas of Mnjikaning, they are an Anishinaabe (Ojibwa) First Nation.
Learn more at The Chippewas of Rama First Nation