Innisfil and Barrie talks regarding servicing for job creation ends abruptly
Innisfil Mayor accuses City of trying to grow at Town's expense

Discussions between the Town of Innisfil, City of Barrie, Simcoe County and a Provincial Facilitator to accommodate future population growth and servicing of Innisfil's Industrial corridor have ended with a loud thud, according to Innisfil Mayor Brian Jackson.

"Unfortunately Barrie seems bent on growing without boundaries or limits, no matter what the consequences", says Jackson. "It's regrettable that Barrie has walked away from these discussions, and rejected our position out of hand. Our Negotiation Committee came with a reasonable proposal on how to grow responsibly and create jobs, for the benefit of both municipalities, but Barrie is unwilling to listen at all", Jackson added.

"We are disappointed that the most efficient way to service our needed employment lands was rejected", added Mayor Brian Jackson. "In order to maintain its job creation objective, Innisfil is prepared to move forward with examining alternative solutions to servicing the Innisfil Heights area".

The talks between the town and the city have been ongoing since the fall. Mayor Jackson, Councilor's Van Berkel, Wardlaw and CAO Larry Allison were on the negotiating team for Innisfil.

The City of Barrie's current team included four councillors and the CAO. Barrie's mayor Dave Aspen removed himself from the negotiating committee last week.

Mayor Jackson said the town will proceed to look at other options in regards to servicing the 400 corridor. "The EA (Environmental Assessment) procedure said servicing from Barrie was the preferred option," the Mayor said.

"That door is now closed." The Town will now be considering other options.

According to a press release from the City of Barrie, Councilor Barry Ward stated "The City of Barrie is disappointed Innisfil walked away from the talks with a take it or leave it' attitude."