Warden will face tough South Simcoe task
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by Chris Simon

Newly re-elected Simcoe County warden Tony Guergis faced some tough decisions last term, but the road won't get much easier next year.

During his previous year at the helm of county council, Guergis helped approve Tiny Township's controversial Site 41 landfill, pass an organics collection program that included a one garbage bag per household limit, and oversaw the completion of a $440 million operating and capital budget. While Guergis has become the face of contempt for the county in the northern section of the region, he has helped complete several positive initiatives. The organics program and Site 41 will add significant life to the county's landfill capacity, while a newly established public access defibrillator program has already saved one person from dying. Guergis' council have also upheld funding commitments which will help with the expansion of Royal Victoria Hospital.

And much needed construction has either been started or completed along major county roads.

But Guergis, who was elected for a second one year term as the head of county council earlier this month, will be forced to focus on the southern section of the county in this term, with a potentially significant impact on Innisfil and its neighbours.

The Ontario government recently suggested that town plans for significant development along the Innisfil Heights Employment Area, situated along the Highway 400 corridor, failed to correspond with the county's Official Plan, and several growth related provincial documents. Essentially, the Innisfil Heights plans, which include the creation of 22,000 jobs, were not recognized by the county and province. But the town is unable to significantly alter their proposed plans. They need to wait for the county to finish its long-term growth management study, which will decide where population growth will occur throughout the region in the next 25 years, and how to best service residents.

The growth management plan is still months away from completion, and the county could still include Innisfil Heights in its plans. Guergis' council needs to seriously consider the long-term benefits of the corridor, not just for Innisfil, but the entire region.

Innisfil needs the proposed development because it currently lacks significant industry and high paid employment. Bradford West Gwillimbury also wants development along the highway, as does Barrie, which is running out of new development lands. Both municipalities recognize the employment opportunities and residential development interest Innisfil Heights would create.

Other municipalities throughout the county should also see the benefits of economic spinoff produced by Innisfil Heights. The county's endorsement of the proposed development could help sway the province into accepting it.

Guergis' council may also be faced with some opposition to the new organic program's one bag limit. Innisfil deputy mayor Gord Wauchope has already expressed concerns over its implementation, suggesting the county's seasonal residents will be unfairly affected by the change.

There has also been talk of the development of long-term waste management and transportation master plans, which will could have significant impacts on many of the most important services the county delivers.

The year ahead will be one of the most important in the county's history, and it could help define Guergis' legacy.