Demolition of Huronia Regional Centre in Orillia Praised by Survivors

Demolition of Huronia Regional Centre in Orillia Praised by Survivors

The Ontario government has announced plans to demolish parts of the former Huronia Regional Centre (HRC) in Orillia, a facility notorious for institutional abuse towards residents with developmental disabilities. For many survivors, this demolition represents a long-awaited sense of closure and a step towards erasing the traumatic memories associated with the site [2].

However, discussions about a museum or permanent memorial at the HRC property are still ongoing. The site, currently owned by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), has been used for training purposes for the past two decades. The OPP is reportedly consulting with members of "Remember Every Name," a group advocating for survivors, to determine the future use of the site [2].

The former HRC housed 49 buildings and 11 tunnels, and it was home to numerous individuals until its closure in 2009. Betty Ann Rose Bond, a former resident who spent five years at HRC after being placed in children's aid care at age six, recalls "lots of abuse" from staff during her time there. She expresses that while the demolition won't erase memories, it allows for the need to move on [2].

In 2013, a class action lawsuit was launched by a group of former residents against the Ontario government, alleging systematic abuse at HRC. The lawsuit was settled for $35 million [2]. Debbie Vernon of "Remember Every Name" wants former residents to have input on the future use of the HRC property, as it was their home. The group is advocating for a museum or permanent memorial to be built on the site [2].

Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac supports the demolition of the HRC buildings and sees potential for new uses on the site. McIsaac believes that taking down the buildings will help move forward from the dark era associated with HRC [2]. Police and survivors are scheduled to meet later this month to discuss the next steps for the site's future.

In summary, while parts of the former Huronia Regional Centre are slated for demolition, the discussions about a museum or permanent memorial are ongoing and tied to negotiations between the OPP and survivor group "Remember Every Name." No finalized plans have been publicly shared as of July 2025[2].

[2] Source: OrilliaMatters.com, July 2025.

1. The Ontario government's plan to demolish parts of the former Huronia Regional Centre (HRC) is seen as a step towards closure for many survivors.
2. The HRC property, currently owned by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), serves as a training site for the past two decades.
3. The OPP is consulting with the survivor group "Remember Every Name" to determine the future use of the HRC site.
4. The HRC housed 49 buildings and 11 tunnels, a considerable facility that was home to numerous individuals.
5. A former resident, Betty Ann Rose Bond, recalled experiencing "lots of abuse" from staff during her time at HRC.
6. The demolition of HRC buildings won't erase memories, but it does allow for the need to move on, says Bond.
7. In 2013, a class action lawsuit was launched against the Ontario government, alleging systematic abuse at HRC, which resulted in a $35 million settlement.
8. Debbie Vernon of "Remember Every Name" wants former residents to have input on the future use of the HRC property, as it was their home.
9. Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac supports the demolition of the HRC buildings and sees potential for new uses on the site.
10. McIsaac believes that taking down the buildings will help move forward from the dark era associated with HRC.
11. Police and survivors are scheduled to meet later this month to discuss the next steps for the site's future.
12. In summary, demolition and discussions about a museum or permanent memorial at the HRC site are ongoing, tied to negotiations between the OPP and survivor group "Remember Every Name."
13. No finalized plans have been publicly shared as of July 2025 [2].
14. Mental health support may be necessary for survivors and former residents as they navigate this period of change and potential trauma.
15. The announcement of the demolition news may also pique the interest of other news outlets, leading to increased coverage of the HRC story.
16. The focus on health and wellness, including mental health, is crucial as survivors, families, and community members grapple with the emotional implications of the HRC history.
17. As discussions revolve around the future use of the HRC property, debates about workplace-wellness, family health, and men's health should factor into the decision.
18. Awareness and education about chronic diseases, such as chronic kidney disease, could also be relevant to discussions about health and wellness at the site.
19. Skin care may be another important aspect to consider, as residential facilities often have high resident density, increasing the risk of skin infections.
20. For those involved in the negotiations, their personal finance, investing, and wealth management might need attention, especially when considering the potential costs associated with developing a museum or memorial.
21. While the HRC saga unfolds, it is essential to keep a watchful eye on the housing market, debt management, and budgeting in Orillia to ensure that the community thrives despite these challenges.

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