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1 week ago | 
orilliamatters.com | Tyler Evans
The Millwood Logistics Orillia Kings are no strangers to adversity, but on Thursday night, they showed they’re even more familiar with resilience.
Backed by a passionate home crowd and led by their most seasoned veterans, the Kings shook off an 0–2 regular season record against the Green Gaels and delivered a statement win in Game 1 of their best-of-five opening playoff series, edging the Durham Region based squad 8–7 in a physical, high-stakes contest at Rotary Place.
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1 week ago | 
orilliamatters.com | Tyler Evans
Whether you're craving a burger, a boat parade, or a bronc ride, there’s no shortage of energy in and around Orillia this weekend. Here’s your go-to guide for five fun-filled events happening in the Sunshine City.
On Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or on demand on Saturday, this free virtual program offers interactive workshops, storytelling, and cultural teachings led by Indigenous and Métis knowledge keepers.
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1 week ago | 
orilliamatters.com | Tyler Evans
When Dave Dunn showed up to the recent Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s (OMHA) Annual General Meeting in Richmond Hill, he had no idea what was about to happen.
“I was surprised — I didn’t know anything about it,” he said with a laugh.
That surprise turned into quiet pride when Dunn was named the 2025 recipient of the Patricia Hartley Administrator’s Award, one of the OMHA’s highest honours for behind-the-scenes service.
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1 week ago | 
orilliamatters.com | Tyler Evans
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34 has escalated its response to Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital’s decision to remove its long-standing ex-officio position on the hospital’s board of directors, launching a public petition and mobilizing its membership to demand the seat be reinstated.
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1 week ago | 
orilliamatters.com | Tyler Evans
For more than two decades, Bayside Restaurant has been a cozy, familiar fixture in Orillia’s Tudhope Park — a place where curlers unwound after games, where families gathered for milestones, and where long-time locals knew exactly what to expect, hearty meals and warm, friendly service.
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1 week ago | 
orilliamatters.com | Tyler Evans
The Millwood Logistics Orillia Kings have spent the entire season climbing.
Climbing from a .500 record last year to a 12-8 finish in 2025, good for first place in their division. Climbing over veteran-laden teams that had more experience on paper but couldn’t match the Kings' depth or chemistry. Climbing out of early deficits in tough games, like a late-season overtime win over Mimico that stamped them as never-out-of-it contenders.
But now, the mountain gets steeper.
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1 week ago | 
orilliamatters.com | Tyler Evans
Hydro One has announced 50 Indigenous communities and municipalities — including the City of Orillia — that will each receive up to $10,000 in funding through the newly launched Ice Storm 2025: Recovery Grant program.
The grants are intended to support ongoing local recovery efforts following the devastating late-winter ice storm that tore through Ontario earlier this year.
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1 week ago | 
orilliamatters.com | Tyler Evans
Orillia’s downtown core is set to transform into a vibrant celebration of local food and community spirit as the city welcomes the first-ever Delicious Days of Summer festival on Saturday, June 28.
Running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Mississaga Street East between Albert and Peter streets, the event promises a street party atmosphere filled with culinary delights, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
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1 week ago | 
orilliamatters.com | Tyler Evans
Jenn Sheila always knew storytelling would be part of their journey. But it wasn’t until this year that the Orillia-based writer, musician and artist finally brought that vision to life.
Sheila has released their debut book, Full Bloom: A Coming Out Journey through Poems & Letters. The self-published collection is a deeply personal yet intentionally political exploration of queer identity, healing, and self-acceptance.
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1 week ago | 
orilliamatters.com | Tyler Evans
The Orillia Lawn Bowling Club officially kicked off its 2025 season last week with its first In-House Club Fun Day — a tournament that marked the return of friendly rivalry to the greens.
Eight teams of triples took to the club’s meticulously maintained lawn for the internal event, which was sponsored by Orillia Home Hardware.
