ShamPooch Dog Grooming is located Downtown Orillia, and its storefront location in the city’s Arts District at 19 Peter St. S. has been a boon for business, says ShamPooch owner Dianne Wall. “Within six months of moving from a location along the highway north of Orillia, my business tripled,” explained Wall. “There’s so much traffic…
For Travis Shilling, acclaimed Ojibwe artist, and Naomi Woodman, professional photographer, art is not a subject, but a way of understanding who we are. As founders of the Otter Art Club, this belief forms the basis of the community initiative they created in 2018. “The whole idea is to give youth the opportunity to explore…
Mike Mather had a successful career in the automotive service industry, but something was missing. He really wanted to make a difference in peoples lives, and feel the satisfaction that comes from doing something you believe in. “I’ve been fortunate enough to recognize that no matter your chosen occupation, it really is all about people.…
Many businesses have been affected by the global pandemic over the past couple of years, but especially those that are in the business of hosting or providing venues for “large gatherings,” such as weddings. The cancellation and postponement of wedding celebrations has been a huge disappointment, not only to couples planning to celebrate their marriage,…
Kelsey Beesley has recently joined an exciting group of young entrepreneurs who are adding to the character and energy of Orillia’s downtown. Beesley’s new shop, My Moon Collective, joins a growing collection of cafes, restaurants and specialty shops that have opened recently by a new generation of business leaders. Beesley describes her shop, located at…
“Expanding your business is not stress-free,” admits Bobbi Leppington, but it’s something the co-owner of Design By Bobbi, an Orillia-based custom architectural design firm, has done twice over the past decade – all in an effort to actually reduce stress. Leppington started her business out of a passion for custom architectural design and a…
At Botree, we were looking to get some additional talent on our team. We felt very passionately about hiring locally. We also, at our core, believe in taking on newer graduates to support mentorship, growth, and innovation with our brand. After several successful hires through the CDC, we were eager to participate in the Pathways…
“The CDC’s Pathways to Employment program allowed us to hire two youth for the fall and winter. They helped with our conservation projects and built their off-season skills such as data analysis and project management. It’s been great to have the extra help, and the CDC has been a wonderful partner to work…
There’s a little slice of heaven in Oro-Medonte, Ontario where you can turn the world off and get back to nature. At Glen Oro Farm, guests can escape the city and take part in a boutique trail ride experience, celebrate milestones, and spend the night in a luxury glamping eco-retreat in the woods. “We take…
Pathways to Employment couldn’t have come at a better time for Shanaly Aitchison. The Orillia Area CDC’s youth wage subsidy program allowed her to get ahead in life amidst one of the most challenging times that we’ve seen in decades. After leaving her former place of work due to a business relocation, she was able…
