When Stan Mathewson started Sustainable Orillia in late 2018, he didn’t imagine it would grow into the success story it has become — and he certainly didn’t expect it would earn him the title of 2019 Orillia Citizen of the Year.
That’s what happened Monday evening, when he received the honour at the start of the city council meeting.
“I thought it was great to be nominated, but I never honestly thought I’d win. There are so many wonderful efforts in the city to make it better,” he said. “I’m surprised and humbled.”
Mathewson doesn’t consider the award to be his alone.
“It is the community expressing itself in a way that will move us toward a sustainable future. I share this with all the people on Sustainable Orillia,” he said, praising committee members and supporters for their passion. “To all of my colleagues in Sustainable Orillia, I would like to thank them for that. This is a great small city that we live in.”
The idea of Sustainable Orillia came about after Mathewson and a few others got together in October 2018 to discuss ways to tackle climate change on a local level.
“We then thought, ‘Why don’t we get past just climate change and talk about the whole notion of sustainability?’” he recalled.
By early January, “we had formed up the notion of what we wanted to do,” he said.
It began as a mayor’s task force, as Mayor Steve Clarke was quick to support the concept. The group remains a task force, of sorts, but it is now incorporated, and Mathewson hopes that opens the door to some funding beyond what is provided by the city. The goal is to eventually be able to hire a permanent, part-time project manager to help take the load off of volunteers.
“It just took off and it’s become a very significant portion of my day-to-day work,” he said.
When Sustainable Orillia held its launch, 150 people showed up and generated 200 ideas.
“This is where it became obvious that this was going to become big,” Mathewson said.
The group has since organized a lecture series and seminars, and it brought members of the Electric Vehicle Society of Ontario to the area for a two-day showcase at the Orillia Square mall. Between 300 and 400 people stopped by to check it out that weekend.
Sustainable Orillia has enjoyed a strong working relationship with the city, but Mathewson wants to tighten that bond even more.
“We need to show that Sustainable Orillia and the City of Orillia are marching forward together,” he said, thanking council and staff for their “unwavering support.”
Fifteen people were nominated for 2019 Citizen of the Year. The selection panel narrowed the list to five finalists: Mathewson, Ruth Fountain, Nancy Hannah, Kim McIntosh and Steve Orr.
“I know there is only one Citizen of the Year, but, quite frankly, there are a lot of winners,” Clarke said. “You do so much for others to aspire to.”
Besides the five finalists, nominees included Dean Beers, Amanda Bowes, Bob Bowles, Judy Catania, Bruce Duncan, Rose Ganton-Thatcher, Carolyn Marie Goodwin, Lucy Goodman, Brant Mawdsley and Zac Waite.
The selection panel consisted of former winners Anderson Charters, Clarke (non-voting member), Michael Gordon, Gini Stringer and Bruce Waite, as well as OrilliaMatters editor and reporter Dave Dawson, Orillia Today reporter Frank Matys and Wendy Timpano, general manager of the Community Development Corporation.
Mathewson was presented with a trophy donated by Joe Watt Trophy and Engraving.
About the finalists (descriptions provided by the City of Orillia)
Ruth Fountain
Ruth has served our community and surrounding communities tirelessly in numerous volunteer capacities. Ruth volunteers at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Foodland Orillia preparing grocery orders for the shut-ins, Orillia Fall Fair, Orillia Public Library and the Salvation Army, just to name a few. Ruth continuously attends workshops and encourages others to learn about our environment heritage, health and food.
Nancy Hannah
Nancy actively serves the community in numerous volunteer capacities including St. David’s Church Children’s Club, Regent Park Public School parent council, The Sharing Place and Scouts Canada. Nancy continuously demonstrates that she is committed to enriching the lives of others.
Dr. Kim McIntosh
Dr. McIntosh goes above and beyond in her role as local physician. Whether in her role as program medical director (Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital) for integrated care, medicine and patient flow or as a member of the board at the Couchiching Family Health Team, she effectively inspires colleagues to mobilize, work collaboratively and is always leading by example. She also played a vital role in the Regional Planning Table and moving our local Ontario Health Team initiative forward. She has been an active member of the Orillia arts community, seen on stage in two Mariposa Arts Theatre productions and courtside coaching basketball. Dr. McIntosh exemplifies what it means to be passionate about the community.
Stan Mathewson
Stan has a passion for this planet and in fall of 2018 he initiated Sustainable Orillia with the goal of encouraging the community to take action and build healthy lives for the people of Orillia, our children and grandchildren. Mathewson has been instrumental in ensuring the seriousness of the climate crisis is understood and that individuals understand how their actions can make a difference.
Steve Orr
Steve is a long-standing business owner, supporter and sponsor of local events, local artisans and a champion for youth-serving groups. From sponsoring and supporting the Orillia Youth Centre, Orillia Concert Band, Roots North Music Festival, Orillia Opera House Summer Theatre, Orillia SPCA, Ramara Chamber of Commerce, Valis Sound Studio Project and the Camp Couchiching Community Initiative to name just a few; Steve has supported numerous community endeavours.
