Dear editor,

The Residents of Innisfil Association support the Big Bay Point Resort Development for many reasons. Some of them:

This project is being designed by a world famous Architect, Andres Duany. The new development, which will reflect his "New Urbanism" approach (living, working and playing in one community) is not only an inspired vision of how we should be utilizing available land, but will become a destination for which Innisfil will be famous.

It will bring new business, new jobs, new residents, new roads, a new firehall, and new recreation spaces.

It will have many cultural amenities, including a 300 seat theatre.

This project will take almost all of the wells and septic tanks out of the BBP area, and put them on Town water and sewage, thus helping to keep Lake Simcoe clean. No more raw sewage into the lake!

State of the art technology is being used in the design and build of the Stormwater Management facilities. This technology will act to reduce by a significant margin the phosphorus loading of our lake. New development does not necessarily mean more damage to our environment. The plan for run off from the eaves, gutters, sidewalks and roads is one of containment, treatment and return to the marina basin- all underground.

Over one third of the project will remain as it is now - forested and creature inhabited, with only one 20 meter wide road/walking path through it. Imagine - 200 hectares of environmentally protected land - given back to us- the residents of Innisfil !

This project will undoubtedly mean better public transportation for Innisfil. A new bus route to connect the new community to the older ones is not without the realm of possibility.

Last but not least - the present marina is in a deplorable state, despite the attempts to rejuvenate. Several owners in the past have failed miserably to improve this land. To replace this eyesore with new docks, a new beach, an outdoor pool, a hotel, a boardwalk with shops and restaurants, places for cultural events - in short, an integrated plan, and a golf course, is the chance of a lifetime to change our neighbourhood for the better.

Not only for we who live in the immediate area, but for all of Innisfil. Finally, we can show everyone that we really care about our community - by giving our approval for this very best of things to come. Not just for us - for our children.

Nola Wale, President, Residents of Innisfil Association.