BWG looking for water to supply 'new' employment lands
by Michelle Minnoch

The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury is at a crossroads, and is asking the Town of Innisfil for assistance.

BWG Mayor Doug White went before council Wednesday night regarding the Environmental Assessment for Water Supply Works. Bradford is looking for water to service additional lands for commercial development in the area of Hwy. 400 and County Road 88.

Mayor White stated that when BWG prepared their Official Plan, a large part of their commercial/industrial growth was to occur next to the new highway corridor proposed between Highway 400 and the 404. He said when the new government took office in 2003 the link was put on hold for 20 years.

"That came as a shock to our Town which had looked forward for a long time to the day when this highway project would come to fruition."

He said without the new link, "the designated employment lands are simply not viable."

He said through an employment lands study, BWG has decided to incorporate additional employment lands at the 400 and 88. The industrial corridor would be from the 5th to the 9th Line.

"And that is where the discussion about the Phase 3 expansion of the Lakeshore Water Treatment Plant comes in. We need to acquire additional water capacity to service employment lands along Highway 400."

He said BWG was not looking for a free ride and they would cover the Environmental Assessment and front-end the capacity costs.

Councilor Bill Pring asked if the new area was a larger area to be serviced.

"It is a larger area," said Mayor White.

BWG's original OP required servicing for 500 acres; the new area is 800 acres.

Councilor Lynn Dollin asked what was in it for the Town of Innisfil.

Mayor White said he favoured an arrangement that would be beneficial to both municipalities.

"I don't want people to think the Town of Innisfil is backing out of the deal," stated Councilor Dollin. "We've always been committed to supplying the current OP."

Innisfil Mayor Brian Jackson remarked that they have to be cautious when planning. "We have to have a long range plan in place."