New developments in the works for downtown Orillia

Four projects in the city’s core collectively benefitted from more than $81,000 in grants through a program aimed at driving downtown development.

Among the latest beneficiaries of Orillia’s Downtown Tomorrow Community Improvement Plan grant program was Henneveld Holdings Inc., owner of 17-19 Mississaga St. W.

The company scored $52,500 toward a project involving the updating of two commercial units on the main floor to accommodate a refreshed salon and retail store.

In addition, the building’s second storey will be converted from office space into two residential units.

“My partner grew up in this town and loves the history and potential of Orillia,” said Jesse Henneveld. “I’ve lived here for a little over three years and have grown to love this small city as well.”

Henneveld said they purchased the property both as an investment opportunity and in the hope of building their small businesses.

“We were so excited about the announcement of the grant, as we knew it would help us improve our project that much more,” Henneveld added.

The grant program includes financial incentives designed to stimulate development in the city’s core, with funds awarded through the latest intake going to support façade improvements, building improvements for new commercial spaces, and grants to create two new residential units in downtown Orillia.

“Despite the impacts that COVID-19 has had on our economy, we’ve held a record number of pre-consultations for development in the downtown,” said Laura Thompson, Orillia’s senior manager of business development.

Under the latest round of grants, My Moon Collective received approximately $7,330 for new signage, doors and windows to improve visibility for the store, accessibility for customers and overall visitor experience.

Jeff Pitcher benefitted from two grants – roughly $14,400 toward development of two new office spaces at 73 Mississaga St. E., and $7,225 for façade improvements at 75 Mississaga St. E. 

“These four projects are a great representation of the development that this program can incentivize, featuring everything from renovations to accommodate a new entrepreneur to the complete restoration of an existing building to house new apartments and commercial units,” Thompson added.

The grant program’s third and final intake for 2020 closed Oct. 30.