Residents dig up the dough for town forest
By Chris Simon

Residents from an Alcona neighbourhood are one step closer to securing the longterm "look and peacefulness" of their community.

About 20 residents living in the Alderslea Crescent and Park, Florence and Merret roads area outbid their closest rival for a 200 by 300 foot stretch of forested land in their neighbourhood. Residents living near the municipallyowned property worried the land would be sold off to developers.

The Town of Innisfil decided to place the property up for sale, after deeming it surplus land and too costly to maintain.

Eight residential properties back directly onto the forested area. However, other residents within the community say development of the land would also have a dramatic impact on the tranquillity and aesthetic beauty of the neighbourhood.

So last week, several residents put together a combined $65,510 bid on the property, which is divided into six lots and an easement.

The only other bidder for the property pledged $62,100, said resident Karen Scaife.

"We got the highest bid," she said happily. "It didn't feel like work.

"When you feel so passionate about something you just do what needs to be done."

Groups had until last Friday to submit bids on the property.

Although council still has to decide who the property will be sold to, having the highest bid is assuring, said Scaife.

"The folks around us are well aware of the quality of life and how we want to keep it this way," she said. "I'm happy for the forest, the hawks and raccoons that wonder through there. See what you can do if you put your heads together? Power is in numbers and we made a big voice and showed the town that we mean business."

Councillor Rod Boynton said a decision on the sale of the property will be made soon.

However, town staff have a hectic work schedule over the next few weeks leading up to Christmas.

"Now, it's time for staff to sit down and go over the bids. (Staff) will present council with a report, and based on that a decision will be made," he said. "We have a heavy agenda, our town is so busy. A timeline? I haven't got a clue, (but) it usually takes place over a couple of weeks. Staff needs time."

All factors, including resident concerns, will be considered by council, said Boynton.

"I don't think this is going to be a hard one to take care of, it's going to be a fairly simple one for staff to sort out," he said. "Council takes it all into consideration, (we) have an obligation to the residents of Innisfil as a whole, trying to get the best deal for the tax payer.

"At the same time, council feels a huge moral responsibility because of the long-term affects it could have on the community. (We) make decisions based on a lot of criteria."