Ian Gordon is Orillia’s 2025 Citizen Of the Year
Ian Gordon was named Orillia’s 2025 Citizen of the Year, at beginning of Monday’s council meeting.
Mayor Don McIsaac read the biographies of three finalists, Stacie Swinton, Frank Corker and Gordon, before revealing the recipient. When Gordon accepted the award from the mayor he said:
“I’m humbled and I’m honoured.” Given the opportunity to say a few words, he downplayed his contribution to the community.
“I just try to work to make Orillia a better place for everybody who lives here,” he said. He then thanked his nominators.
“This is truly unexpected, and not expected. I don’t do it to get awards. I do it for self-gratification and to make Orillia better place.”
Gordon told SUNonline/Orillia he knew something was up when asked to be present at the council meeting.
“They phoned me a week ago yesterday,” recalling the reason given was he was a finalist.
“I said you must be kidding me,” was his initial reaction during the call, but was countered with, no, it was real.
“I was a little torn as to whether I should go or not. I sit on the board of the hospital and I had a board meeting yesterday I had to excuse myself from,” he said. He then decided it would be respectful to the other finalists to go.
“I thought if I’m one of the finalists I should at least show up.”
Gordon was referenced in nomination letters as selfless, dependable, and a remarkable role model, citing Gordon’s significant contribution to local health care and support of Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation for his role as safety captain for the Soldiers’ Ride, which last year raised $183K. Gordon was elected to the Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital board last June as well.
Gordon is part of a group of motorcycle owners called Moto Safety who offer their service to many bicycle riding fundraisers in the region, notably the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation Ride.
Gordon’s support of the Soldiers’ Memorial Foundation is not limited to the Ride.
“I help out wherever I can. I’ve helped out on Charlie’s Run, and as a member of the hospital board I’m always racking my brains,” to figure out who to hit for sponsorships, and ways to improve fundraising events.
Nominators also cited Gordon’s involvement with numerous community organizations, including the Orillia Scottish Festival, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34, Orillia Terriers, and other local and regional charitable initiatives.
“I do have my fingers in almost too many pies,” he said. There is one more committee Gordon served which has had an effect on the community for many years.
“Last June I resigned another volunteer board. I was chair of the Orillia Recreation advisory board for two years. I was so happy to have served.” The last effort he was involved with there was to be able, “to convince the citizens of Orillia to rebuild Brian Orser arena.”
At a meeting of the hospital foundation Tuesday Gordon found out for weeks everyone present new of his nomination.
“The amazing thing about this is I didn’t know, but the number of people that knew about it – including my own son and daughter, who live in Ottawa – they were all able to keep it a secret from me.”
The other finalists were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the community.
Stacie Swinton supported vulnerable and underprivileged individuals, through her professional work and her tireless volunteerism. She was the logistics chair for the 2026 Orillia Winter Games, where she contributed 150 hours to planning and coordinating.
Frank Corker established the Orillia Pickleball Club and championed improved recreational facilities in the city. His vision, energy, and volunteer hours helped advanced plans for new outdoor courts, which will be built at the Orillia Recreation Centre.
The award is made to recognize significant contributions to the community in the previous calendar year only and is not a lifetime achievement type of award. The 2025 award selection panel includes former winners Derick Lehmann, Cam Davidson, Marci Csumrik, and Stan Mathewson, Orillia Matters editor Dave Dawson, Pure Country 106’s Carey Moran, and Sharing Place executive director Chris Peacock.
(Image by Swartz – SUNonline/Orillia and Supplied)
