More land talk details should be released

Once again the talks between Innisfil and Barrie have broken down.

This time Innisfil walked away from the table saying the settlement was not in the best interest of the residents, but as a taxpaying resident who faces a 9.5 per cent tax hike, perhaps now is the time to justify mayor (Brian) Jackson's reasons and comments with a publication of the proposed plan put forth by the provincial facilitator.

Innisfil residents have been forced to remain in the dark regarding all talks and proposals about the Innisfil Heights development project and now another budget is coming down with an increase.

Innisfil needs a business tax base in order to grow, or else risk losing residents that can't afford to live here anymore as well as seasonal residents that may come to the same decision.

Now excuses are flying around that county growth plans need to be finished up but the county wants Innisfil's growth plan, not to mention the others the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia need to prepare so the county can include those numbers, rather than dictate them as it should be.

Politically, it is becoming a joke and residents deserve more information to help guide our politicians in what direction they should focus and what residents are willing to give up to remain in this area.

Is Innisfil being too selfish or is Barrie trying to make as big of a land grab as possible?

Hunkering down in our respective municipalities, while no one else can basically help the situation other than act as observers, paying higher taxes each year is not an acceptable solution to this problem.

Release information to the public so that as political leaders, you can at least try and justify your actions. Otherwise, residents are going to take matters into their own hands as much as they can. They may even have to wave goodbye to you as they leave you behind.

Everyday is a wasted day of development and growth for the region.

Prove it as to why it is so difficult.
Robert Tulli,
Innisfil