News release - City of Orillia
The City of Orillia is pleased to announce that one of the city’s most iconic streets is being renamed in honour of one of the city’s most iconic citizens, Gordon Lightfoot.
At its meeting on April 22, 2024, Orillia Council authorized a by-law to rename Centennial Drive to Lightfoot Drive.
“Gordon Lightfoot was known as Orillia’s favourite son, but his influence extends far beyond the boundaries of our city. He is a cultural icon whose music has touched the hearts and souls of millions around the globe,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “Renaming Centennial Drive to Lightfoot Drive is a fitting tribute to honour his enduring legacy and to celebrate his profound connection to our community.”
Gordon Lightfoot was born and raised in Orillia. He passed away in May 2023, leaving behind a legacy on the world stage with his timeless ballads that united audiences across generations. His poetic lyrics and melodic compositions have captivated listeners for decades, earning him international acclaim and numerous accolades.
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The former Centennial Drive runs along Orillia’s Lake Couchiching waterfront, connecting the city to landmarks such as Couchiching Beach Park, the Port of Orillia, the Terry Fox Circle, and the Rotary Aqua Theatre. Over the past few years, the City has invested significantly to update the infrastructure in the area and the road recently underwent major reconstruction and re-alignment.
“As Centennial Drive transforms into Lightfoot Drive, it serves as more than just a road; it's a direct link between Orillia's picturesque waterfront and bustling downtown, bringing people together, much like Lightfoot's music brought together individuals from all walks of life who found inspiration in his songs,” said Mayor Don McIsaac. “With this renaming, we honour not just a local icon, but a global ambassador of Orillia whose melodies continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.”
The renaming of Centennial Drive to Lightfoot Drive is taking immediate effect. Over the next few weeks the City will be making changes to official maps and listings and updating road signage.
To further commemorate this new tribute to Gordon Lightfoot, the City of Orillia will also be installing banners depicting Lightfoot and some of his greatest hits along the entirety of Lightfoot Drive later this spring.
From the City of Orillia’s iconic Opera House Gordon Lightfoot auditorium stage and Lightfoot bust, to the Lightfoot Trail System and the Golden Leaves series of bronze sculptures within J.B. Tudhope Memorial Park, the renaming of Centennial Drive to Lightfoot Drive is one of several homages to Gordon Lightfoot’s legacy in Orillia.
