Have an idea? Write it on the bus

Oct. 15, 2015

In an effort to start a conversation about how to make Orillia a healthier and happier place, a canola oil-powered mini bus is making its way around the city and people are encouraged to write their ideas on it.

The brainchild of Sunshine Initiative, sponsored by Georgian, this citizen-led project is aimed at strengthening and improving the community. The bus parks at events and locations throughout the city. It will be at the Orillia Campus on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Dean and Campus Principal Mary O’Farrell-Bowers sits on the organizing committee. She says people have shared big ideas and practical ideas – everything from creating an outdoor hockey rink to poverty reduction strategies.

Students in Georgian’s Research Analyst graduate certificate program are helping to collate the ideas and administer more in-depth surveys. Results will be shared with close to 150 volunteer community members who registered to be part of the Orillia Healthy Community Forum on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

Another team of Georgian students from the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship is supporting the forum itself by promoting use of the bus as a marketing tool, and assisting with registration and day-of activities – which includes creating a video of the event.

Both students from the Barrie and Orillia campuses will pool together their findings for a report to council. The report will identify areas the city can improve so it becomes the best place possible to live, work and play.

You can join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter all day Oct. 24 or register to be part of the discussion.

Learn more by listening to a radio interview on CBC or visiting the official Facebook page.