Official Plan appeal pending
By Bruce Haire

Innisfil Council has authorized staff to appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board regarding the non-decision of the County of Simcoe on its new Official Plan.

The Official Plan was formally adopted by council on July 26, 2006 but the county has not made a decision.

Provincial comments are also outstanding said Rob McAuley, director of planning.

County staff want to defer approval until the province comments.

McAuley notes several changes may be needed with the provincial release of the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe last June, just before the town approved the plan.

However, McAuley says town staff need the "tools" of the Official Plan "now".

Staff hopes that taking the issue to the OMB will provide "mediation" and a way of obtaining approval.

The Town has retained Loosptra Nixon LLP as legal counsel.

However, Mayor Brian Jackson also asked that CAO Larry Ellison be given leeway to work with the County CAO in avoiding a hearing.