Leslie Fournier – Change in Orillia

If there was one thing that could change about Orillia, what would that be?

Making the downtown more people-friendly, but there’s not one thing that does that. It’s focusing on walkability, on dedicated bike lanes, on public spaces that are filled and animated and programmed, on making sure there’s green space, lots of events year-round. Making Orillia more people, as opposed to car-centric and I think that’s the direction of towns and cities that are understanding what works and what people want.

Is there one thing you would never change about Orillia?

I would say our sense of community, which is fabulous in Orillia. I think we’re a very connected community that supports each other with a lot of fundraising and events, and initiatives that are happening.

And along with sense of community, I think is our culture, and our cultural institutions. We’ve got gems here, like the place we’re sitting right now, the Orillia Museum of Art & History, which was renovated and brought back to life. Our Opera House. I think all those things bring a sense of community because you’re proud of where you live and you’re walking and connected and visiting those places.