A Vision for Ward 1
My name is Gracii Partridge, and I’m running for Ward 1 Councillor. Orillia is where my roots run deep—from childhood days helping my grandparents at their downtown store, 'Perfect Timing' to now working with children in our community.
I want the next generation to feel the same sense of belonging and possibility I felt growing up here. I’m running to give younger voices a seat at the table, help make Orillia safer for families, restore trust in local leadership, and ensure residents feel heard and represented.
Together, we can build an Orillia where every generation can thrive.
Gracii for Ward 1
My Platform
Built on a foundation of community-centered leadership and actionable solutions for Ward 1.
Youth Voice
A Fresh Voice for Orillia -
Amplifying the ideas and needs of our generation.
Young people deserve a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape Orillia’s future. I want to create more opportunities for youth to share their ideas directly with City Council and participate in building our community. That means listening to young people about recreation, employment, affordability, transportation, public spaces and the kind of city they want to inherit. I will advocate for stronger connections between the City, local schools, Lakehead University and youth-serving organizations. I want to encourage more opportunities for young people to volunteer, participate in civic life and develop leadership skills. We also need to make Orillia a community where young adults can imagine building their careers, raising families and putting down roots. As one of the younger voices seeking a seat at the Council table, I will bring the perspective of a generation that will live with today's decisions for decades to come.
Support Local Business
Strengthening our local economy and creating opportunities.
Small businesses are the heart of Orillia's economy and an important part of our community's identity. They create jobs, sponsor local teams and events, support charities and keep money circulating within our community. I want City Hall to be a partner to entrepreneurs rather than another obstacle they have to overcome. I will look for practical ways to make municipal processes clearer, faster and easier to navigate for people starting or expanding a business. I will support initiatives that bring residents and visitors into our commercial areas and encourage people to shop, dine and spend locally. We should also look for opportunities to attract new businesses and good-paying jobs while supporting the businesses that are already investing in Orillia. Economic growth should benefit the people who live here and help keep our community prosperous and resilient.
Transparency & Trust
Open communication. Honest leadership. Always.
Residents deserve to know how decisions are being made, how their tax dollars are being spent and why their elected representatives vote the way they do. I believe important decisions should be made as openly as possible and with meaningful opportunities for residents to be heard. As your Ward 1 Councillor, I will communicate regularly with residents—not only during an election campaign, but throughout the entire four-year term. I will listen to people even when we disagree and explain my decisions rather than hide behind political talking points. I will ask questions, examine major expenditures carefully and remember that every dollar City Hall spends ultimately belongs to the taxpayer. I will also make myself accessible so Ward 1 residents know how to reach me when they have a concern, question or idea. Trust in local government has to be earned through consistency, openness and accountability.
Vibrant Community
Building a more connected, inclusive and active Orillia.
Orillia should be a community where people of every age feel connected and proud to call this city home. I will support community events, recreation, arts, culture and public spaces that bring neighbours together and make our city an exciting place to live. Ward 1 is fortunate to include beautiful neighbourhoods and easy access to some of the things that make Orillia special, and we need to protect and build upon those strengths. I want to see our parks, waterfront and public spaces remain welcoming, safe and accessible. I will support practical investments in roads, sidewalks, trails and neighbourhood infrastructure that improve people's everyday lives. I also believe residents should have opportunities to help shape what happens in their own neighbourhoods. A strong city isn't created at City Hall alone—it grows from engaged residents, strong neighbourhoods and people who care about one another.
Sustainable Future
Protecting our environment for generations to come.
Orillia's lakes, waterfront, parks and natural environment are among our greatest assets, and protecting them must remain a priority as our city grows. I will support responsible growth that considers the long-term impact of today's development and infrastructure decisions. We need to protect Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe, preserve green spaces and make thoughtful decisions about how and where our community expands. I will support practical environmental initiatives that provide measurable benefits while respecting taxpayers' ability to pay. Sustainability also means maintaining infrastructure properly today so future generations aren't left with enormous repair bills tomorrow. New development should contribute positively to our community while respecting the character and environmental assets that make Orillia special. We can welcome growth without losing the qualities that make people want to live here in the first place.
Get in Touch
Whether you have questions about our campaign, our five-point platform, or just want to say hello, we are here to listen. Reach out to Gracii for Ward 1 and let's work together to make our community better.
Election Day: Monday October 26th