Orillia shines an orange light on Truth and Reconciliation Day

City of Orillia. (Mike Arsalides/CTV News)

Orillia recognizes Sept. 30 as a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

"The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to reflect on the tragic legacy of the residential school system and honour the children who never returned home, as well as the survivors, their families, and communities," said Mayor Don McIsaac.

"One of council's priorities is strengthening community participation through equity, diversity, inclusion, and truth and reconciliation. We are committed to fostering understanding by recognizing the importance of this day and encouraging everyone to wear orange and participate in community events as we strive to bring awareness to the legacy of residential schools in Canada," McIsaac said.

The government of Canada, proclaimed September 30 the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation recognizing those impacted by the residential school system, including the children who never returned home, survivors, their families, and their communities.

A city of Orillia press release states, "It is a time of reflection on the tragic and ongoing legacy of the residential school system and how we all can support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 Calls to Action."

All flags will be lowered to half-mast on Saturday and will remain lowered until Tuesday. The city will also illuminate the Orillia Waterfront Centre orange.

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To honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, residents and visitors alike are asked to join:

Orillia Public Library StoryWalk

The Orillia Public Library will highlight The Orange Shirt Story as a StoryWalk in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Visit the Orillia Public Library for a StoryWalk through the library courtyard and read the pages of The Orange Shirt Story by Phyllis Webstad. The StoryWalk will run from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1.

Community Walk & Gathering

On Monday, Sept. 30, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., there will be a Community Walk & Gathering in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, starting at the Orillia Opera House/Orillia Public Library municipal lot and ending at the Terry Fox Circle with a gathering. The event is hosted by the Biminaawzogin Regional Aboriginal Women's Circle, the Orillia Native Women's Group, and the Barrie Area Native Advisory Circle and sponsored by the city of Orillia and the Orillia Public Library.

City Facility and Service Impacts

Orillia recognizes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a statutory holiday. The following city facilities will be closed, and most services will not be available on Monday:

• Orillia City Centre
• Municipal Operations Centre
• Waste Diversion Site
• Wastewater Treatment Centre
• Water Filtration Plant
• Orillia Recreation Centre
• Barnfield Point Recreation Centre
• Rotary Place
• Leacock Museum
• Orillia Opera House
• Orillia Public Library
• There will be no garbage, recycling, green bin or yard waste collection on Monday, and collection will be delayed by one day. The regular collection schedule will resume on Monday, Oct. 7.

Two services that will remain open:

• Orillia Transit/OWLS will operate as regularly scheduled
• Agilec will operate with regular business hours