Three people were named to the Order of Orillia during Thursday’s city council meeting.
Betsy Gross, Carter Metcalf and Marcel Rousseau are the latest recipients of the honour.
Gross was recognized for her 50-plus years of volunteering for various groups and causes in Orillia and surrounding townships.
“I’m truly honoured,” Gross said. “I didn’t do everything myself. Orillia is full of caring, supportive, wonderful people.”
Gross said she hopes she can continue to volunteer “for many years to come.”
Metcalf has logged more than 900 volunteer hours in the past decade, lending his time and efforts to the Orillia Santa Claus Parade, Ontario Winter Games and others.
Metcalf thanked the commemorative awards committee for the honour.
“It is especially meaningful to be recognized during this time,” he said of the pandemic.
Rousseau has spent years bringing Orillia’s history to light through his efforts with the Orillia Museum of Art and History and the Orillia Public Library archives.
“I’m very honoured and grateful to receive this award,” he said, adding it has been “rewarding” to be able to volunteer his time since he retired 17 years ago.
“I never expected to receive an award for having so much fun.”
Mayor Steve Clarke praised the recipients for their dedication to the community over the years.
“Thank you for making the Sunshine City an even better place to live,” he said. “This is your night. Go and be spoiled by somebody.”
