Properties of Interest

1. Town's Jewellers, 51 Mississaga Street East

Built circa 1878 by James Thomson and Joseph Dunn, this building has been continuously operated as a jewellery store since the early 1900's. The unique stained glass windows and solid oak frame were installed in 1906 when William Frost, jeweller, whose business was called The Diamond Hall, occupied it. It is believed to be the first shop in Orillia to have had plate glass windows. Mayor of Orillia from 1911-12, Frost pioneered the introduction of Daylight Savings Time to Orillia, the first anywhere in Canada.

2. The Fire Hall, 27 Peter Street North

The old fire hall was designed by W.H. Crocker and built in 1896 by J.R. Eaton. It has a magnificent tower for drying hoses and served as a fire hall until 1970 when it was redesigned for offices and apartments.

3. The Wood House, 136 West Street North

This graceful 1901 house is where world famous Canadian sculptor Elizabeth Wyn Wood lived.

4. The Bingham House, 160 Peter Street North

This 19th Century Victorian house was built by Wesley Bingham in the Gothic style. It features steep pitched roofs, exuberant bargeboard and imposing king and queen posts.

5. French's Hot Dog Stand in Couchiching Beach Park

Opened on June 3, 1920, this unique hot dog stand harks back to the by-gone decade of the twenties. The building stands beside scenic Couchiching Park, overlooking Lake Couchiching. George French, the original owner died in 1949, but the business continued in the French family under George's son, Wib. French who just recently passed the stand over to nephew Jim and his wife Janis French. Vintage pop and ice cream ads, along with chairs and tables that pre-date the stand, combine with the simple structure to create a warm atmosphere.

6. The Railway Station, 150 Front Street South

Built in 1917 for the Grand Trunk Railway, the railway station was acquired by the Canadian National Railway in 1923. Typical of the style of railway stations built during this period, the building features over-hanging Dutch eaves, 12-pane windows and decorative, exposed, dressed rafter heels. The north facade has a dramatic main entrance.

7. Franklin Carmichael childhood home - 55 Scott Street

The cultural heritage value of the house at 55 Scott Street lies in it being the childhood home of renowned Canadian artist, Franklin Carmichael of the Group of Seven. Architecturally, the building is an exact replica of the designated Tait Millworker House at 52 Scott Street. 

8. Bell Telephone Building - 35 Colborne Street E.

The cultural heritage value of this property is its 1940s style of architecture and its significance as an important institution and employer in Orillia.

9. Lavallee House - 92 Mary Street

The cultural heritage value of Lavallee House lies in it being a wonderful example of residential architecture in the Queen Anne style built on a unique lot.  The Lavallee House is considered a landmark by many Orillians.

10. Orillia Worsted Building - 105 Wyandotte Street/90 Victoria Street

The former factory of the Orillia Worsted Company's cultural heritage value lies in it being a well-preserved example of early industrial architecture.  Built in 1916 - 1917, the building's appearance was specifically designed to have a "front face" on all four sides.

11. The Baillie House - 187 Peter Street North

The cultural heritage value of the Baillie House lies in it being an excellent, partially preserved example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture.

12. Huronia Trust Building - 2 Mississaga Street E

Built in 1910-11 this 4 story commercial structure has been the home to several finacial institutions.  The rounded façade, use of red brick and locally produced limestone define this building as one of the historic anchors of the city's commercial district. This building was one of the first to be served by an elevator.

13. The Northcourt Motel - 320 Laclie Street N.

The North Court Motel's cultural heritage value lies in it being a wonderful, local example of the 'Arte Moderne' architectural style.  It encompasses many of the tell-tale traits of 'Arte Moderne' including glass block windows, and concrete as standard building materials used to achieve smooth, rounded corners.

14. The Issac Day House - 349 West Street North

The cultural heritage value of the Isaac Day house lies in it being the home of Isaac Day, well-respected superintendent of schools and of his daughter, local artist, Katherine Day.  Architecturally, the home was built in the late 1880's in the Victorian style.

15. Cavana House - 241 Mississaga St. W

The cultural heritage value of this property lies in it being a fine example of the Queen Anne style of architecture and its significance as the home of one of Orillia's prominent land surveyors, Allan Cavana.

16. Bucko McDonald House - 319 Laclie St

The cultural heritage value of this property is the unique style of architecture.  This may be the only Art Deco style home in Orillia.

17. Former Abbatoir - 14 Matchedash St.

The cultural heritage value of this property is its significance as a business in early Orillia, an abbatoir.

18. Style – Classic Ontario Home Board & Batten - 341 Peter St. N

The cultural heritage value of this property is the style of architecture.  It is a fine example of an "Ontario Home" built in the board and batten style.

19. Former Canadian Pacific Railway Train Station - 215 Mississaga Street, East

The cultural heritage significance of this property lies in it being the original Canadian pacific Railway station serving Orillia from 1910 into the 1980s.

20. Leef House - 120 Mary Street

The cultural heritage value of Leef House lies in it being a wonderful testament to the prosperity of some of the first settlers from Europe.  The Leef family arrived in Canada in 1862 and soon after settled in Orillia. The Home was built around 1875 by a Leef son.  It was designed by local architect and builder William. H. Coker.