Orillia’s new council was sworn in at its inaugural meeting Monday afternoon, and Mayor Don McIsaac set a progressive tone for the upcoming term of council in his first address as mayor.
The city’s new mayor reiterated his campaign promise to move forward on housing, food insecurity, truth and reconciliation, the climate action plan, and equality, diversity and inclusion in his first 100 days in office.
“This is not only an electoral victory for us but a moral victory for all of the people that want to make Orillia a better place. Today we start a new journey,” McIsaac said.
“We’ll be establishing working groups composed of councillors, staff, community agencies, organizations, and businesses. Their purpose will be to work together in an integrated manner to find working solutions to our many challenges, such as primary health care, opioids, housing and mental health,” he said. “As we move forward, we must always be progressive in our thinking, but also be respectful of our past icons and traditions.”
McIsaac highlighted the importance of listening to constituents’ concerns and ideas moving forward.
“I'm always willing to listen. Always feel free to contact me with your ideas and concerns,” he said.
“It is important to respect the collective voice of the community. Last year, over 6,000 people signed a petition requesting the Terry Fox Circle not be moved or changed. Therefore, it is my intent to keep Terry Fox Circle the way it is.”
Dozens of supporters and local representatives of the past and present were on hand to witness council undertake its declaration of office and invest the mayor with the chain of office.
Former Orillia radio host Rusty Draper delivered an invocation for the incoming council.
“When we, the citizens of our fair city, look at these newly elected leaders, we see many new faces,” Draper said. “This is always refreshing to witness as it's an obvious indication that there are those among us who are willing to take up the challenge of making our city a better place to reside.
“Our new mayor recently stated that Orillia is at a critical juncture in its history, as the municipality finds itself confronting a number of serious issues. The range of issues will be from affordable housing to even potholes, and everything in between, plus issues that have yet to be brought into view," said Draper.
Greetings were extended, as well, by officials from neighbouring municipalities, Simcoe County, and representatives of Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop and MP Adam Chambers.
Chippewas of Rama First Nation Chief Ted Williams challenged McIsaac, an old friend, and the rest of council, to make the next four years as exciting as possible.
“I've known Don for 50 (plus) years. We went to high school together … he had a career, a solid career, and he’s come back home to lead his home. I know what it’s like to lead your home,” said Williams. “My challenge to you on council, and the mayor, is (to) make this next four years as exciting as we possibly can.”
Justice Stacey Nichols of the Ontario Court of Justice administered the declaration to each of the nine elected members of council.
“I am truly impressed with the wealth of knowledge and diversity of experience presented by Orillia’s council for the upcoming term,” Nichols said of the newly elected council. “I know each of you are committed to improving the lives of Orillia’s residents and will be able to do this from a place of different viewpoints and experiences.
“Although the last two-and-a-half years have undoubtedly been beyond challenging, I believe we will all use what knowledge has been gained to ensure that Orillia progresses and can look forward to an exciting future," said Nichols.
Each member of council addressed the crowd following their declaration of office.
Coun. Janet-Lynne Durnford said she looks forward to helping the city through the “tough times” it currently faces.
“I look forward to four years of collaborative decision making and I know that we are headed into tough times. We are in tough times, and we will have difficult decisions to make,” she said. “But I'm confident that this council will work together for the betterment of the city.”
Coun. Ralph Cipolla, returning for his sixth term in office, said he is “beyond honoured and humbled” to be re-elected, adding he hopes to create a mayor’s task force to address the opioid crisis moving forward.
“I plan to build the mayor's task force to address the opioid crisis that is very evident in our community and surrounding areas. I think that's a key issue within our community,” Cipolla said. “I want people to have access to the help they need, and to help people impacted with addiction and homelessness in our community.
“Lastly, I want to thank you all for believing in me. I have dedicated a lot of my life to this community, and I am a better person because of all the friendships I have made along the way," said Cipolla.
Council’s first meeting will be Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 9 a.m. regarding council orientation and proposed amendments to the 2022 meeting schedule.
