Facilitator Wells optimistic compromise can be found
by Bruce Haire

Provincial development facilitator Alan Wells is confident a deal can be worked out between Innisfil, Barrie and the County of Simcoe over the development of the 400 corridor and he has promised more openness about the process.

Wells was one of the guests of the Greater Barrie Home Builders Association Civic Night on Thursday night.

It was a combination of tough talk and conciliation.

Innisfil Mayor Brian Jackson and Barrie Mayor Dave Aspden sat beside each other - perhaps suggesting optimism.

MPP Joe Tascona called on the provincial government to impose a solution as the Conservative government had done in a number of areas calling for the development of the important employment lands on the 400.

Brad Graham, Assistant Deputy Minister of the Ontario Growth Secretariat, outlined where the Province is in the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe that will see 3.7 million more people and 1.8 million more jobs by 2031.

He continued to call for "intensification" around urban cores and if that doesn't happen, commute times will increase by 45%.

The objectives are still to revitalize downtowns, create more complete communities, curb urban sprawl and reduce gridlock.

However, while there was one question on developing brownfield lands most developers and builders were concerned about Barrie and Innisfil getting a deal done.

Developer Eric Lawton called on the government "to impose a settlement."

Graham commented that "not too many meetings call on us to do that."

Don Pratt of Pratt Homes told everyone "it was awful scary for us as an industry thinking the two sides weren't talking."

Wells, as the point man for the province in finding a deal, said that "I think the parties are ready (to make a deal). I think a solution that is agreed upon is a better solution. I'm pretty confident with the group here."

Wells said they would also make "the process more accountable" and issue reports that answer the public's questions.

They still have to determine how much growth should take place within Barrie and how much would have to be accommodated on greenlands.

Wells said that he knows of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority's concerns about the health of Lake Simcoe and the pollution created by the development proposed under the IGAP plan. The Conservation Authority has called for a more dispersed growth plan to lessen the impact on the Lake.

"I think you will see some of that in the final analysis," said Wells.