County Will Provide a Considered Response to Provincial Announcement in Due Course

All details in provincial plan need to be considered For the Greater Good

Midhurst/ June 5, 2009 – The Province of Ontario, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, announced yesterday a potential provincial solution to the Barrie/ Innisfil land dispute. The announcement identifies that the Province will move forward with a plan called “Simcoe Area: A Strategic Vision For Growth” and legislation entitled the Barrie/Innisfil Boundary Adjustment Act 2009.

Although the County of Simcoe worked towards a local solution and acknowledges the efforts of the 17 municipalities that participated in that process, the County also expresses respect and understanding for the Province’s position and efforts in this matter.

“We are aware that there have been announcements and there are additional announcements coming from various provincial ministries,” stated Warden Tony Guergis. “We want to consider all of this information and input from all of the County’s partners to ensure the picture is complete.

“It’s the County’s responsibility to look at these issues as a whole with the interests and prosperity of the entire region in mind. We are the only municipal government responsible for delivering and co-ordinating responsible regional strategies and services with a big picture, long term perspective in this geography”.

Over the next number of weeks the County will be meeting with various partners and having discussions at County Council. Warden Guergis will be calling the 32 elected officials that represent County interests together for a strategic discussion around the impacts of this proposed provincial plan and assess the impacts.

Minister Smitherman has personally asked Warden Guergis to wait for discussions with himself and his Ministry prior to forming a position with respect to this provincial initiative. For these reasons, Warden Guergis is requesting all parties exercise patience as we work through this information.

Concerning local political posturing and influence associated with this announcement, the County recognizes there is a political imbalance with respect to representation at the province from this region. While we remain disappointed that communication, information sharing and local provincial political interests in relation to this matter appear to be inconsistent and not fairly undertaken between all parties, we will continue to work with the key Ministers and their staff at the province whom we regard as solution-oriented to ensure that all efforts are undertaken in the best interests of the residents and communities within this entire region.

The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.