The core streets of Orillia are set to bloom with vibrant artistry, thanks to the return of the Streets Alive program. This initiative, now in its 14th year, aims to beautify the city while promoting a crucial environmental message.
Volunteers are diligently working to install 60 artistic flowers throughout downtown by next week. Each flower is a testament to local artistic talent and carries a significant environmental reminder.
“It brings people to Orillia, and people enjoy it,” said Molly Farquharson, a contributing artist and owner of Hibernation Arts.
Streets Alive has been a fixture in Orillia since 2010, offering a unique theme annually. For 2024, the theme emphasizes the importance of being pollinator-friendly, encouraging the planting of flowers beneficial to local pollinators.
Organizer Leslie Fournier highlighted the importance of using native or wildflowers for this purpose. “Native or wild flowers are the best for supporting our local pollinators,” she explained.
This year’s installation will feature 60 artistic flowers, each labeled to identify the specific flower it represents. The initiative has collaborated with Mariposa Pollinators and Green Orillia to plant native flowers in downtown planters, an effort made possible through an agreement with the City.
The flowers have been generously donated by Scott’s Garden Center and Parklane Landscapes, further enhancing the city’s commitment to supporting local biodiversity.
With this combination of art and environmental advocacy, Orillia continues to bloom as a beacon of community spirit and ecological awareness.
