Devastating Downtown Fire in Orillia

—by Anna Proctor

On Tuesday January 21,2025,  Orillians woke to the devastating news that a key heritage building in the heart of downtown Orillia was in flames. The large, white-painted brick building at the southwest corner of Peter and Mississaga streets was quickly engulfed by the fire, its 130-year-old wooden interior acting like a dry load of firewood just waiting to go up in flames.

Firefighters and equipment from all over the region, including Rama, Ramara, Severn, and Oro-Medonte, came to aid Orillia Firefighters. They battled fiercely in the minus-twenty-degree temperatures, working tirelessly to make sure the fire did not spread to the neighbouring buildings, all cheek-by-jowl to the flaming building.

Ice built layer by layer as the fight and the fire raged on. Over 24 hours later, hot spots were still being doused from an aerial ladder high above the building. The building, sidewalks, street and trees nearby were fully encased in ice. Several firefighters suffered from frostbite in these brutal conditions.

Local businesses and the community rallied around the firefighters and those affected by the fire, offering shelter, food, and support through the days of work.

Several days later, the building is being demolished, to make sure all hot spots are out, and out of concern for public safety. Several local small businesses and artists lost everything, and our community is helping them to rebuild, through Go Fund Me drives, and a possible fundraiser still being planned. The fire caused an estimated 4 million dollars in damage.

The letters S and A, from the ARTS sign at the corner of the street were rescued, and Streets Alive founder Leslie Fournier has vowed to rebuild them, and to help the arts district as best she can.

Building owner Dr. Jeff Pitcher has also said he wants to rebuild, something that matches the heritage feeling of Orillia’s downtown and fits in with the City’s plans for the downtown.

It’s been a very hard time in Orillia. But the love and support of community has risen from these ashes, and we look forward to better times to come.