Our Campus

About Us

In 2006, the Lakehead University experience was brought to Central Ontario with the establishment of the Orillia Campus. The Orillia Campus opened its doors at Heritage Place with a charter class of 104 students.

From our early beginnings at Heritage Place in downtown Orillia to our Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certified campus on 85 acres of land in West Orillia, Lakehead Orillia’s presence in the city of Orillia has increased dramatically.

Our Students

1,400 students*

437 degrees conferred in 2018**

48% of our student population comes from Simcoe County

*Full-time equivalent (academic year)(Source:Lakehead University Student Information Official Files)
**Degrees conferred are reported by calendar year (Source: Lakehead University Student Official Information files).

Economic Impact

  • $80 to $95 million total impact on Simcoe County
  • Lakehead Orillia contributes approximately $122.7-million per year to Ontario’s GDP

Our Campus

  • The Orillia campus is located on an 85-acre site in west Orillia
  • Facilities at 500 University Ave. include Simcoe Hall (academic building), residence, cafeteria and bookstore
  • The Faculty of Education is located in downtown Orillia at 1 Colborne St.
  • 240-room residence – open year-round for conference services and summer accommodation
  • Simcoe Hall features two lecture theatres, a telepresence classroom, 40- and 60-seat classrooms, Orsi Family Learning Commons, and the Harvie Legacy Library
  • Campus built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) certification standards
  • Four varsity athletic teams
  • Six competitive extramural athletic teams

Historical Milestones

  • 2006 - Orillia campus opens in downtown Orillia at Heritage Place with a charter class of 104 students
  • 2010 - Orillia campus opens its University Avenue Academic Building, followed by residence and cafeteria buildings, all built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) design standards
  • 2010 - Orillia campus launches Canada's first Interdisciplinary Honours BA/BSc in Environmental Sustainability
  • 2012 - Lakehead University establishes a partnership with Georgian College
  • 2014 - Lakehead Orillia establishes the Research Centre for Sustainable Communities
  • 2016 - Lakehead Orillia celebrates its 10th Anniversary