Council shares memories
By Chris Simon

Innisfil mayor Brian Jackson sits in the council chambers at the old administration building last week. Council held its last official meeting in the chamber last Wednesday. On March 12, council will host their first meeting in the new $10 million administration building. The new building is cheduled to open March 4.

There were plenty of bittersweet memories being shared in Innisfil's old council chambers last Wednesday night.

Town council held it's last official meeting in the old administration building last week, before relocating to the $10 million New Town Hall in March. The occasion comes nearly 36 years after the old centre was opened, said mayor Brian Jackson.

"We're a very busy and growing community," he said. "We're progressing quite rapidly and moving forward. It's been exciting. I'm sure it was a pretty big decision for (former councillors) when they (planned to) build this building.

"There's a lot of critical comments about the (new) building, but it will better serve the public. It's a major step forward."

Over the years, several controversial and progressive plans and bylaws have been approved within the building's council chambers, said deputy mayor Gord Wauchope.

Amongst those decisions, the Georgian Downs slot machine and race track facility, the New Town Hall, Innisfil Recreation Complex, proposed Innisfil Heights industrial lands and several large-scale developments stand out, he said.

"This is a sad day, it's the last time we'll have a meeting in this building," said Wauchope, addressing Jackson. "I'm sure you've seen a lot of good things go through here, and some times some disappointing things. In my term here, (there are) a lot of fond memories."

Since 1972, 16 terms of council served in the old building. When it opened, 23 people worked out of the offices, including five council members and three Simcoe County District Health Unit employees.

But the town has simply outgrown its use for the old building, said councillor Rod Boynton.

"Innisfil has grown over the past 36 years to the point that new facilities are required to accommodate current council and staff needs to effectively deliver future services and governance," he said.

The new town hall will open March 4, while council's first meeting at the site is scheduled for March 12.

The town hall will have several upgrades over the current administration building. It will include handicap accessible council chambers with a 150 seat public gallery, three community meeting rooms, and a customer service centre near the front entrance. The third floor of the building will contain 1,000 square feet of extra space, which could be leased out to private business owners until the town needs to expand its offices.

The old building will be converted into a South Simcoe Police station, with the council chambers being designated for community use, said Wauchope.

"I'm glad to see this building won't be torn down, it's great for the citizens of Innisfil," he said.

Other councillors say the moment is historic for the town. "It hit me a bit when came into this building (for the last meeting)," said councillor Lynn Dollin. "The first meeting I came to (as a private citizen), I couldn't get past the front foyer. You couldn't hear, and it's very embarrassing when you get someone here in a wheelchair and they have to sit at the bottom of the stairs. There were a couple of councillors whose decision not to run (for reelection) was based on whether they could make it up the stairs (into the council chamber). That's not democracy. As much as I have fond memories, it's time. Our people will be much better served in the new facility."