Eleven awards handed out at annual general meeting Thursday to recognize ‘significant contribution’ of downtown businesses.
The Downtown Orillia Business Improvement Area (DOBIA) hosted its annual general meeting (AGM) on Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Creative Nomad building at 23 Mississaga St. W.
The agenda for the meeting was a full one with four reports including the annual report, the annual budget presentation, the announcement of the winners of the popular Dobie Awards and the acknowledgment of the outstanding people and organizations that the DOBIA partnered with in 2026.
DOBIA board chair Doug Cooper read the annual report for members to hear about the work of the DOBIA over the past 12 months. Vice-chair Jennie-May Banks talked about the work done by the marketing, programming and sponsorship (MPS) committee and board secretary Megan Murray outlined the efforts of the beautification, maintenance and streetscape (BMS) committee.
This year’s Dobie Awards ceremony was hosted by DOBIA membership co-ordinator Tarah Harper. The awards are a way of recognizing member businesses, volunteers and partner organizations who supported or made a significant contribution to the DOBIA in 2026. The winners were as follows:
- Golden Broom Award — recognizing the cleanest and best-maintained storefront — Worksite Clothing & Boot Co.
- Masterpiece Award — recognizing a business with the most beautifully designed interior — Thirty One Well Bar
- Heart of Downtown — recognizing community spirit, connection and commitment — Pocket Skate & Vintage
- Showstopper Award — recognizing a storefront that catches the eye and adds character — Ever After Bridal Boutique
- Downtown Landmark Award — recognizing a long-standing downtown business that has helped shape downtown — Sanderson Monument
- People’s Choice Award — recognizing a business chosen by the community for the lasting impression it has made — Blue Cottage Hair Salon
- Rookie of the Year Award — recognizing the member who contributed significantly to the DOBIA in their first year of operation — Casa Colibri
- MVB (Most Valuable Business) Award — recognizing the business who went above and beyond to make a significant contribution to the DOBIA — DWN Chocolate
- MVV (Most Valuable Volunteer) Award — recognizing a volunteer individual who made a significant contribution to the DOBIA — Megan Murray
- MVP (Most Valuable Partner) Award — recognizing a partner organization who made a significant contribution to the BIA — Delicious Days of Summer
- Rick Elliott Award — recognizing exceptional dedication and long-term contribution to the BIA — Leslie Fournier
To top off the evening, DOBIA executive director Deron Johnston thanked the Orillia mayor and city council, their community partners, volunteers and member businesses for their contributions to the DOBIA in 2026.
He also highlighted a number of city staff including Cheryl Remm, Jason Fleming, Mikaela Mahoney, Truck 6 (Matt and Nicole), Ryan Perara, Dan Kerr, Jason Connell, Greg Preston, Jill Fairchild, Danielle Eves, Shawn Crawford, Jeff Rogers, Stan Cleavely, the city’s economic development team and the city clerk’s office.
“Our AGM is a chance to come together, reflect on the past year, and look forward to what we can achieve together in the year ahead. Sharing what we’ve accomplished together for our downtown community is always a highlight for us on the board.” — Megan Murray, DOBIA board secretary.
