Orillia could play host to the 2021 Ontario Small Urban Municipalities (OSUM) annual conference.
Council committee on Monday voted to petition OSUM to have their annual conference in the Sunshine City.
Coun. Mason Ainsworth said hosting the conference would be an economic boon for the community that would provide a big bang for little cost.
City staff said the host community must host a reception and dinner for delegates to the conference; they estimated that cost at $5,000.
Ainsworth said he felt potential sponsorships from local businesses could reduce that cost.
He also noted the city would save money by not footing the bill for councillors to travel to OSUM. When he attended an OSUM conference in Pembroke, the city had to pay about $500 for his travel costs.
On top of that, he said OSUM attracts provincial ministers and, sometimes, provincial party leaders.
“It’s always great at OSUM … and we would have more direct access” to those leaders, said Ainsworth.
He also suggested successfully hosting such an event would open the door to hosting other events.
His council colleagues agreed.
“The economic benefits both to the community and the downtown and the waterfront is incredible,” said Coun. Ralph Cipolla.
Coun. Ted Emond said hosting such an event would raise the profile of the city’s new recreation centre, which would host the event.
“This is an opportunity to profile the ability of the new recreation centre to be the centre of a conference of this nature,” said Emond.
City staff estimate between 200-350 delegates would attend the conference, which serves as the “small urban municipal voice of the province.”
The conference typically is focused on the latest initiatives, growing challenges, innovative solutions and expands the conversation of small urban Ontario, said a staff report.
“The conference offers up-to-date insights and real-world examples for municipal leaders and decision makers,” said the report.
“Hosting the OSUM conference further supports Orillia’s tourism industry, generates economic activity and enhances Orillia’s reputation as a location to host premier events,” concluded the staff report.
All decisions made at Monday's council committee meeting are subject to ratification at Thursday's regular meeting of council.
