Province rejects annexation amendments

The provincial government is being run like a dictatorship, according to Innisfil's deputy mayor.

The criticism was levied against the province during a council meeting last week. Councillors unanimously passed a resolution calling on the provincial government to drop its appeals to the town and County of Simcoe Official Plans, recognize Innisfil Heights and Alcona as a Strategic Employment Area and Urban Node respectively, and ensure future annexations of the municipality's land are avoided.

The resolution also asks the province to withdraw its appeal of the town's Official Plan Amendment 1, provide 'substantive' funding for the design and construction of municipal sewer and water infrastructure to Alcona and Innisfil Heights, and rush approval of the town's outstanding Environmental Assessment studies, to allow for growth-related infrastructure to be built.

However, town councillors still have harsh words for the provincial government.

"I thought we were in a democratic society, but it appears to be already decided," said Wauchope, referring to a recent provincial committee meeting on the proposed Act. "It seems like this is more of a dictatorship than a democratic society. Either they weren't listening, or they had already made up their minds and were just paying lip service."

Wauchope was responding to a report from town lawyer Quinto Annibale, which was presented to council earlier that evening. Annibale says the town, Barrie and county governments have asked for several amendments to the Barrie-Innisfil Boundary Adjustment Act, which is expected to receive its final reading in the Ontario legislature within the next few weeks.

The amendments include several slight modifications to the boundary lines. Under the current legislation, some roads have been split between the municipalities, making servicing difficult. However, the three lower tier governments have reached agreements on the matter, basing the new boundaries on property lines. The Doral storm water pond would also remain in Innisfil's possession, under the amendments.

However, those changes have seemingly been ignored, says Annibale.

"We asked for a couple of amendments, the most significant was so the boundary would lull on one side of the road allowance,” said Annibale. "As drafted, it's to the centre line (of the road). We've been in discussions with the county and Barrie, and decided it didn't make a lot of sense. We came to an agreement, and asked the (province's) Standing Committee on Justice Policy to make amendments. The time in which the legislature can make amendments to the bill (passed) Nov. 16, and the committee authorized no changes. Not event the changes Barrie, Innisfil and the county agreed to by consensus."

Innisfil has also asked for compensation, and a portion of development charges generated by the annexed land.

If approved, the Act would come into effect Jan. 1. The legislation includes the potential annexation of 2,293 hectares of land from Innisfil, pulling its northern border back to just south of the 10th Line between County Road 27 and the 10th Sideroad, and to about Lockhart Road between the 10th and 20th sideroads.

The town has been seeking compensation for the loss of land, and its anticipated effects on population growth and development plans, for several months.

"Innisfil does not have the means to protect its residents from the resulting negative fiscal impact and tax burden," said Annibale. "The proposed amendments assist in offsetting the inequity suffered as a result of the forced annexation. We requested the Act be amended to provide for compensation to the town."

Others say it will be a long time before town residents forgive the provincial government for the annexation. However, town representatives need to begin rebuilding their relationship with Barrie and provincial officials.

"Once (the Act) hits the legislature, it's time to move on," said mayor Brian Jackson. "We've had a lot of public input, and spent money to protect our best interests. Unfortunately, the province hasn't listened to us. I've asked to meet with Premier (Dalton McGuinty), and he flatly refused. I don't think the residents of this municipality will ever forget what the province has done. There will be a long-standing dislike; I don't think it's been fair. But we're done; we have to move on."

Several attempts to contact Barrie MPP Aileen Carroll were unsuccessful.