Your first 90 days in Orillia: the setup checklist

The first three months after a move are mostly paperwork. None of it is hard, but it's easy to miss a step when you're unpacking. This checklist is organized by deadline, starting with the things the law or the calendar won't wait on. It's written for the City of Orillia; if you bought in Severn, Oro-Medonte or Ramara, the provincial steps are the same, but check your township's website for water, garbage and tax details.

Week one: the urgent items

Driver's licence and vehicle permit (within 6 days)

Ontario law requires you to update the address on your driver's licence and vehicle permit within 6 days of moving. It's free.

• Licence: online or at a ServiceOntario centre. The new card is mailed in 4 to 6 weeks.
• Vehicle permit: no delivery; you pick up the updated permit at ServiceOntario. A replacement fee may apply if you don't bring your existing permit.

Electricity (Hydro One)

Hydro One is the electricity distributor in Orillia. Start service through the move-in request in myAccount on hydroone.com, or call 1-888-664-9376 (Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.). Hydro One has suspended security deposits on new residential accounts, but there's a one-time setup fee on your first bill. Ideally, do this before closing.

Water, sewer and stormwater (City of Orillia)

The City bills residential water and sewer every three months and stormwater quarterly. The City asks sellers to notify it before they move out, so confirm with the City Centre (705-325-1311, service@orillia.ca) that your account is set up in your name.

Once you have your first bill, you can:

• Sign up for free pre-authorized withdrawals.
• Switch to eBilling (submit at least 15 days before your next bill).
• Register for the Water Usage Customer Portal to see your usage.

Late payments carry a 5% charge. If you bought in a township, you may have no water bill at all, just a well and septic system.

Garbage, organics and recycling

Download the Recycle Coach app for your garbage and organics days, or use the City's annual Waste Collection Guide. Recycling is managed by Circular Materials, and its Orillia page shows your zone and pickup schedule. Ask the seller to leave any bins that stay with the house.

Other services

Natural gas, internet, home phone and alarm monitoring all need transferring too. Ask the seller for a recent bill from each provider so you know who to call.

The first month

Health card (within 30 days)

Update your health card address within 30 days. You can do it online, in person or by mail, unless your card has your address printed on it, in which case you have to go in person.

Health Care Connect

Once your health card has your new postal code, register for a family doctor through Health Care Connect at 811 or online. You can keep your current doctor while you wait. See family doctor and healthcare.

Property tax account

In Orillia, interim tax bills go out in January and final bills in June, with instalments due March 15, May 15, August 15 and October 15. Late payments carry 1.25% interest per month, and not receiving a bill doesn't excuse the payment.

• Your lawyer adjusts taxes with the seller on closing, but you are responsible from then on. If you haven't received a bill by the next due date, call the City.
• Pay through online banking using your roll number (no dashes), in person at the City Centre at 50 Andrew St. S., or by mail.
• The City's free pre-authorized plan offers 10 monthly withdrawals from February to November, or withdrawals on the four due dates.
• If your mortgage lender collects taxes, confirm they have the roll number.

Library card

The Orillia Public Library at 36 Mississaga St. W. is free for residents and property owners of Orillia, Oro-Medonte and Severn, and for members of Chippewas of Rama First Nation. Bring one piece of ID and one proof of address, such as a tax or utility bill or government mail. Children 13 and under need a parent or guardian to sign.

School and child care

If you have kids, finish registration and busing now. See schools and registration.

By 90 days

Voter registration

Update both lists; changing one doesn't update the other.

• Provincial: Elections Ontario's online Voter Registration service lets you check, update or add your information. You'll need ID with your name and new address, such as your updated licence, an MPAC notice or a utility bill. Elections Ontario also supplies the preliminary lists municipalities use for municipal elections.
• Federal: Elections Canada's Online Voter Registration Service lets you check whether you're registered at your new address and walks you through updating it.

Recreation

Orillia Recreation runs the Orillia Recreation Centre at 255 West St. S. (pool, fitness and gyms), arenas, parks and the 55+ Orillia Active Living Centre. Call 705-325-4386 or visit orilliarec.ca for programs and registration. Popular programs fill quickly, so sign up early for the next season.

Get ready for winter

From November 15 to April 15, there's no parking on any City street from midnight to 7 a.m., whatever the weather. The City plows main roads first, then residential streets, and doesn't clear the windrow at the end of your driveway. Arrange winter tires, a snowblower or a plowing contract, and a spot for every car. Seasons and events has more.

The checklist

Task	Deadline
Driver's licence and vehicle permit	Within 6 days
Hydro One account	Before or at closing
City water and sewer account confirmed	Week one
Recycle Coach app and garbage day	Week one
Gas, internet, alarm transferred	Week one
Mail forwarding	Before moving day
Health card	Within 30 days
Health Care Connect	Once card is updated
Property tax payment set up	Before the next due date
Library card	First month
School and busing	Before the first school day
Provincial and federal voter lists	By 90 days
Recreation registration	Before the next season
Winter plan and parking	Before November 15

How Jordan can help

Jordan can point you to the right City and township offices for your new address, and help you collect the seller's utility and tax information before closing so your first week goes smoothly. Call 705-345-0797.