Mayor Jackson disappointed Barrie delaying boundary talks
Jackson says any delay is costly to Innisfil and Barrie Residents

Innisfil Mayor Brian Jackson is extremely disappointed that Barrie City Council is stalling on finding a solution to servicing expansion and future population growth in the area.

"Barrie clearly lacks a full understanding of the economic consequences of further delay," says Innisfil Mayor Brian Jackson. "The fiscal analysis of our proposal indicates that besides the 25,000 new jobs created for City residents, the proposed new employment area in Barrie will generate between $7 and $8 million dollars in annual economic benefits to the City as a whole, with additional employment opportunities in Innisfil. The longer Barrie puts off finding a local solution to the servicing and growth pressures, the greater the lost opportunity for residents in Innisfil and Barrie."

Innisfil's proposal would help Barrie manage population growth in a responsible way and deliver needed servicing of the Innisfil Heights employment lands. Innisfil believes its proposal meets the intent of the principals of Ontario's growth plan called "Places to Grow," by accommodating growth and improving quality of life for residents who will benefit from living and working in their community.

"Barrie seems to be under the false impression that a solution imposed by the Province would be better," added Jackson. "I know that the province wants us to negotiate our own solution, because that's what's in the best interests of both of our municipalities, so lets do it."

Jackson is urging Barrie Council to think about the economic consequences of delay, and reconsider returning to the negotiating table.

Jackson also believes raising technical issues at this point in the process is premature until the fundamental elements of an arrangement providing long term benefits to the City, Innisfil and the County of Simcoe as a whole are ironed out between the parties.