Barrie, Ontario) – It has been clear for some time that there are two visions for growth in Simcoe County. The first is the vision of Places to Grow; of compact communities served by transit and other urban services with growth concentrated in and around existing urban areas. Barrie City Council supports this recommendation by the 2006 Inter-Governmental Action Plan and its vision for smart growth in our area. The second vision calls for dispersed growth in rural areas spread across south Simcoe, as laid out in the County of Simcoe’s draft Official Plan, and reflected in the Town of Innisfil’s recent OPA’s.
“The City of Barrie has been committed to addressing this important issue for many years. That is why Barrie has participated in numerous studies dating back to 2002, and why we entered into formal discussions beginning in 2006 with the Town of Innisfil facilitated by the Provincial Development Facilitator. We proceeded through that process in good faith and we’re disappointed that we have yet to find a solution acceptable to all parties,” comments Jon Babulic Chief Administrative Officer, City of Barrie.
Barrie . strongly supports the Places to Grow Growth Plan and is committed to our shared vision for a sustainable approach to growth in Simcoe
“The County should be concerned about growing more sustainably, not who is "rewarded" by the Province. The reward for a responsible and speedy resolution of the growth management dispute is more jobs, a cleaner Lake Simcoe, and more sustainable development in our region,” adds Jeff Lehman, Chair of the Working Group on Boundary Expansion. “This will benefit both Barrie and Innisfil. The current impasse is costing both Innisfil and Barrie jobs. Enough is enough. The economy of our area depends on a speedy resolution to this matter and we applaud Minister Watson and MPP Carroll for their leadership in moving toward a solution.”
Councillor Barry Ward, member of the Working Group on Boundary Expansion stated: “The resolution by Simcoe County comes the day after Barrie’s General Committee supported an intensification strategy which meets or exceeds the province’s guidelines in terms of promoting economic development while protecting our environment. We are also committed to meeting provincial requirements in terms of
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