The Order of Orillia will be awarded to two devoted volunteers at a special presentation on Thursday, September 25, 2025. The award acknowledges volunteers who have enhanced and inspired the community through a decade or more of dedicated community service to Orillia and the surrounding area.
The Commemorative Awards Selection Panel have chosen Cathy O’Connor and Barbara Jones as recipients of the Order of Orillia for 2025.
“On behalf of Council, I would like to thank the two recipients for their passion and steadfast commitment to volunteerism in Orillia,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “By sharing their time, talent, and energy, they have deeply enriched the lives of those in our community.”
Members of the public are invited to the presentation at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chamber, Orillia City Centre (50 Andrews St. S.) followed by a reception with light refreshments in the Tudhope-McIntyre Boardroom.
2025 Order of Orillia recipients:
Cathy O’Connor
Cathy O’Connor is a dedicated volunteer who loves to see people and organizations succeed. She volunteered with the Mariposa Gymnastics Club for 27 years, serving on the board for much of that time. Her knowledge and guidance were vital in developing the Club’s programs and policies. In 2018, Cathy began volunteering with the Special Olympics and served as Community Coordinator. She was instrumental in recruiting new volunteers and developing partnerships to ensure that local athletes had meaningful opportunities at every level. In her 18 years with the Orillia Minor Hockey Association, Cathy held various positions and was awarded a Life Membership for her exceptional contributions. She has been involved in various fundraising events throughout the city and has given her time to many groups including the Orillia and District Soccer Club, Orillia Minor Lacrosse, and the Orillia Lawn Bowling Club.
Barbara Jones
Barbara Jones is an enthusiastic leader and mentor who strives to empower others and instill a sense of belonging. Her interests led her to volunteer with the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) Orillia. In her various roles, she worked on new systems to increase engagement and scholarship programs for high school graduates. Barbara’s commitment to education continued with the Third Age Learning Lakehead (TALL) group as a leader and founding member, creating a Speakers Series in conjunction with Lakehead University to provide creative and thought-provoking educational opportunities to adult learners. She was also a member of the Ladies of the Lake group, participating in a ‘cheeky calendar’ raising money for the protection of Lake Simcoe and creating an educational children’s book “Do Fish Fart”. Barbara has been involved in numerous fundraising efforts for the Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH), in addition to The Sharing Place Food Centre and Hillcrest Lodge.
“The Commemorative Awards Selection Panel is pleased to recognize both individuals who exemplify our community’s spirit, and embody dedication, compassion, and excellence. Congratulations to the 2025 Order of Orillia recipients on this well-deserved award and thank you for your invaluable service to our city,” said Chuck Penny, Chair of the Commemorative Awards Selection Panel.
Established in 2000, the Order of Orillia recognizes individuals and groups who dedicate their time and effort to bettering the community through volunteerism. The award is reserved for residents who have enriched the lives of others through a decade or more of service and who stand as shining examples in the community. To learn more about the Order of Orillia and the Commemorative Awards Selection Panel, visit orillia.ca/OrderofOrillia.
