During operating budget discussions this week, city councillors voted to allocate $20,000 to create “newcomer packages” and incentives to help persuade people to move to Orillia.
The decision is subject to ratification at a special meeting of council Dec. 7.
City CAO Gayle Jackson said the idea is a “staff initiative” that stemmed from conversations with Hydro One officials.
“They are moving hundreds of employees” to their new facility in west Orillia, noted Jackson. “I expect we would like those employees to move to our community.”
Currently, the city doesn’t have a formal welcome package. This initiative would do that and provide about $100 worth of incentives to each newcomer.
Newcomers would receive one-time discount vouchers to city-owned facilities, including the Orillia Recreation Centre, Orillia Opera House, Leacock Museum as well as for transit and parking. About $18,000 of the cost associated with this program is related to lost revenue for the one-time vouchers for city facilities and amenities.
“Providing these vouchers encourages new residents to get out and explore their new community in a cost-effective way and allows them to learn more about their new city,” noted a report to budget committee.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said Coun. Pat Hehn, who suggested staff explore a partnership with the Downtown Orillia Management Board to also provide a “booklet of coupons for shopping in the downtown and throughout the city.”
Coun. Ted Emond echoed those comments and said he thought the Orillia Museum of Art & History would provide complimentary day passes.
“From an economic recovery point of view, we should be encouraging folks taking the opportunity to move out of GTA” to consider Orillia, Emond said.
Coun. Jay Fallis wanted to ensure the program would not just be for new homeowners, but would also be open to those who move to the city and choose to rent.
Jackson said “specific criteria” will be developed, but the program would be for new permanent residents who either rent or own property in the city.
Orillia Mayor Steve Clarke lauded staff for the initiative.
He said it’s obvious staff “take great pride” in the city, adding the newcomers package would provide “potentially great exposure to some of our iconic facilities.”
He said he would be happy to get involved, suggesting, for example, mayor-led tours of the city for potential newcomers.
Clarke and city councillors spent two days this week deliberating the $62.4 million 2021 operating budget.
The city will take about $628,000 from its tax rate stabilization reserve in order to ensure there’s no tax hike this year.
On Monday and Tuesday, the capital budget will be deliberated.
