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Active Transportation

The City of Orillia has initiated a study to develop an Active Transportation Plan. A key objective of this study is to facilitate and promote the use of non-motorized modes of transportation (hiking, cycling, walking etc.) in conjunction with the City’s transit system.

What is Active Transportation?
Active transportation is any form of human-powered transportation – walking, cycling, using a wheelchair, in-line skating or skateboarding. There are many ways to engage in active transportation, whether it is walking to the bus stop, or cycling to school/work.

Who’s Preparing the Plan?
MMM Group Limited has been retained to prepare the City’s Active Transportation Plan. Dave McLaughlin will be the Project Manager and his team consists of Jay Cranstone, Pam Foster, Ranjit Gill, Claire Basinski, and Jim Gough.

MMM Group Limited has extensive experience in preparing active transportation plans as well as delivering innovative and effective public and stakeholder consultation programs. They have prepared ATPs for York Region, Town of Oakville, Dufferin County, and the Halifax Regional Municipality.

What will the City’s Plan Include?

  1. Identifying an active transportation network which builds on the City’s existing network. The future network will be determined through reviewing background materials, public consultation and touring the City (by car, bike and on-foot).
  2. Develop an Implementation Plan for the actions recommended in the short-, medium-, and long-term future with respect to implementing the identified active transportation network.
  3. Develop Design Standards and Guidelines, Maintenance and Operational Guidelines, and Educational/Promotional Guidelines.

How Can I Get Involved in the Planning Process?
Take their survey

Share the Road

What is Share the Road?
Share the Road is a Trails for Life and City of Orillia initiative. The goal of this project is to increase commuter cycling, recognize cycling as a viable means of transportation, improve mobility options for residents and visitors to the City of Orillia.

Same Roads/Same Rules/Same Rights
Most of the roads in the area are two lanes, which means motorists and bicyclists are often sharing the road. In order for everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience on our roads, both bicyclists and motorists need to drive with care and courtesy.

Bicyclist Information
Bicycles are considered vehicles under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, and have the same rights and responsibilities on public roadways as motorists. Bicyclists fare best when they act and are treated the same as drivers of vehicles. When a bicyclist fails to obey the rules of the road, you lose the support of motorists. Do your part and be a good ambassador for bicycling.

Motorist Information

  • Pass With Care – treat bicyclists as you would a slow moving vehicle, pass only when the road is clear.
  • Yield to Bicyclists – when turning, yield to oncoming bicyclists and do not make right hand turns in front of bicyclists.
  • Watch for Bicyclists – expect bicyclists to be on the roads and check for them before opening your car door. Children are often unpredictable when on bicyclists so expect the unexpected and drive with caution.

Orillia’s Share the Road initiative was inspired by the provincial cycling advocacy organization, Share the Road Cycling Coalition. For more information please visit their website

Trails for Life

The Trails for Life Committee is comprised of eleven members including one council member. The committee advises Council on the use, maintenance, and promotion of the Lightfoot Trail System and the Scout Valley Environmental Heritage Park.

Part of the Committee’s mandate to meet with community groups or individuals, assist with completing reports, make recommendations regarding special projects (ie. Regan House), research and report to Council on grant programs and available funding.

The City of Orillia Parks and Recreation Department builds and maintains over 29km of trails including loop trails, paved trails and natural trails. These trails complement our growing system of parks and open space and provide the community with cost effective ways of keeping physically active. Respect your fellow users and extend appropriate courtesies to other walkers, joggers, bicyclists and in-line skaters.

A trail map is available for the Lightfoot Trail System connecting the Uhthoff Trail in the north, the Oro-Medonte Trail in the south-west and the Ramara trail in the east.