Community Hero by Hillary Handy
Anna Proctor
— Championing Community & Culture in North Simcoe
It is hard to toot your own horn, so I’m happy to sing the praises of our own Anna Proctor as this issue’s Community Hero! Throughout our issues in 2026, we have been highlighting our team members and their unique contributions to our community. The contributions and highlights are extensive, but I am going to try to summarize the awesomeness of Anna Proctor in one article!
Anna Proctor is one of Orillia’s most dedicated community builders. She’s a storyteller and passionate advocate for local arts, culture, and neighbourhood life. Daughter Laura noted, “Our mom is a connector. She often helps people find the person or resource they need to improve their situation or problem. She has also given many hours of her time and energy to ensuring the arts thrive in Orillia. When she’s involved in a project or cause, her enthusiasm is infectious to those around her.”
As the co-owner, editor, and publisher of North Simcoe Life, Anna has made it her mission to shine a spotlight on the people, stories, and events that make the region vibrant and unique. This year marks her 20th year in the business with Steve Caston, and we know even bigger things are coming in future years. Her work celebrates local creators, entrepreneurs, volunteers, and hidden heroes, helping knit the community together one story at a time.
From her roots as a stay-at-home mom to becoming the driving force behind a region-wide community publication, Anna’s journey is defined by resilience, creativity, and deep commitment to her neighbours. Anyone can attest to Anna being a YES man. Her daughter Emily noted, “She was very enthusiastic and very involved – we were always at every event, she said “yes” to everything in the community, every trip, and every situation.” She emphasizes how North Simcoe Life grew not from ambition alone but from a genuine desire to connect people and uplift voices that might otherwise go unheard. Emily advocates that Anna is very determined, especially if there is a goal that needs to be executed or a target that needs to be met, “She will stubbornly pursue what needs to be achieved and work together with everyone to make it all come together!”
Anna is a mother of three. She is a loyal partner to Xavier Fernandes, local artist and wood turner. She is daughter to Doreen Uren Simmons, one of Orillia’s musical gurus and well-known musician and music teacher. She’s an aunt, a sister, a neighbour, and friend. Her many roles and the many hats she wears are very much a part of who she is. Her son Jamie described her as, “Omniscient in a helpful way.” Laura agreed, “Our mom was (and is) endlessly supportive, patient, loving and encouraging.” Anyone who knows her can agree!
Anna’s dedication goes far beyond the printed (and digital) page. She has played central roles in organizing and promoting arts and heritage celebrations in Orillia and surrounding townships, including the beloved North Simcoe Arts Awards (formerly the Orillia Regional Arts & Heritage Awards). This encourages the community to honour local talent and cultural contribution. Her efforts help ensure that artists, educators, historians, and volunteers are recognized and appreciated.
Her presence in local life doesn’t stop there: Anna has served on boards such as the Orillia Area Community Development Centre, contributing leadership and insight to initiatives that strengthen local economy and grassroots engagement. She loves Mariposa Folk Festival and has attended every year for the past 26 years. She was instrumental in the Hawkestone And Area Community Association for many years, including being President, and supported all the community events and fundraisers, such as the Christmas concerts, the Canada Day parade, and dances at the Hawkestone Hall.
She was on the board and President of the Oro-Medonte Chamber of Commerce as well, for several years. Anna’s love for her community is evident. This was a part of their family’s culture and something she has instilled in her children.
Emily commented that, “I always tell people we spent an abnormal amount of time in community halls and churches growing up, because we were always at the front door greeting people and handing out programs, selling baked goods, or volunteering in the kitchen. I was later informed by my friends that this wasn’t the typical growing up experience! Mom is just such a go-getter, she really wanted to encourage us to be the same and help support the community as much as she did.” Her involvement is notable and if you mention you know Anna, everyone knows who you mean. Anna’s son Jamie commented, “She knows two-thirds of the community personally and can introduce it to itself whenever that’s helpful.”
Whether chronicling arts festivals, amplifying voices on climate action endorsements, or profiling local achievements, Anna Proctor brings heart, curiosity, and a reporter’s commitment to truth to everything she does. “Even though she’s friendly and an easy laugher, her humour can be hilariously dry— sometimes even unintentionally,” noted her daughter Laura.
We love her humour, candor and the way she exudes love for all she meets.
For me personally, it was a divine connection to meet Anna when I first moved to the area. She has been a wonderful mentor, leader and friend. Her work enriches the cultural life of North Simcoe and inspires others to take pride in their community. For these reasons and more, we celebrate Anna Proctor as North Simcoe Life’s Community Hero. We thank her for her commitment to this publication and know the best is yet to come!