Investing in Innisfil Heights
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by Chris Simon

Innisfil council is starting to fight for its vital Highway 400 corridor development, something that hasn't yet been a priority of higher government.

Town council will likely pass a recommendation to ask the County of Simcoe to formally recognize the Innisfil Heights development in its Official Plan soon. The proposed development would have a significant impact on the local economy, bringing 22,000 jobs and 27,000 residents to the town by 2026.

However, the town has hit several stumbling blocks along the road to development. First, the town has been waiting for the county to complete it's growth management policy since 2006. Before construction can begin, the town's Official Plan must conform with the county's.

The town has also been asked to wait for the completion of several county and provincial growth studies. Those growth studies have been finished, while the county's plan is expected to be passed by June.

But it seems like there's been plenty of complacency from all levels of government over the last few years.

For all the millions of dollars spent on studies like the Intergovernmental Action Plan, Places to Grow the Assimilative Capacity Study for Lake Simcoe, and the town's own growth plans, the three levels of government have failed to link this significant project into its plans. The Innisfil Heights development is one of the largest proposed projects in the county. Bradford West Gwillimbury, Barrie and other surrounding municipalities will depend on this development for jobs and economic growth.

It's a natural place to build. And in a region where growth is inevitable, the province and county have thus far failed to recognize a fantastic opportunity. Innisfil is a municipality that actually wants growth to occur, and has plenty of available space along a major commuter route to develop.

But so far, Innisfil Heights has failed to show up on the radar of provincial and county politics. Plenty of blame should be passed around.

Clearly, town officials have not stressed the importance of Innisfil Heights to the higher levels of government. But the province and county also failed to recognize the significance this development would have on the local economy, with relatively little impact on the town's environment and existing population.

How was this development missed by every level of government except the town?

Unfortunately, this delay is already having an impact on Innisfil. During 2008 budget deliberations, town council rejected plans to hire an economic development officer. That officer, would have been responsible for recruiting businesses to the town, thus helping to spur economic growth within the municipality.

It would have been a much needed initiative, which could sell large industrial and retail companies on the benefits of setting up their business in the town.

Right now, the town is unable to approve significant developments while the county completes its growth policy. While there are indications the county will work with the town towards a solution on Innisfil Heights, there's still no guarantee the province will approve an agreement between the municipalities.

The province has already indicated it wants growth to occur closer to the lake.

And without construction, the town cannot expand its tax base and collect growth-related development charges. A wait for the uncertain is costing the town money, and increasing the financial burden on residents.