Innisfil council ditched transportation goals, says Ward 3 candidate

By Chris Simon Innisfll Scope August 11 2010
Town council has fallen far short of one of the major goals set at the start of its 2006-2010 term, says Ward 3 candidate Ken Simpson.
The development of a public transportation network, which could provide reliable access to the Innisfil Recreation Complex, was one of the goals outlined in the Action 2010 Business Plan. The four-year strategic vision was set by councillors at the beginning of their term in office, soon after the 2006 municipal election.
However, there has been little progress made on public transportation issues over the last few years, and council is ignoring debate on the issue, says Simpson.
“I am sorely disappointed they did not address my questions, and will post only the achievements of the action plan,” he said, after expressing his concerns during a council meeting last week. “Council does not have a plan in place, (or a) projected date for bus service to the recreation centre. They have had three years to deal with this important issue.”
Council received a report outlining the accomplishments achieved in the action plan, during that meeting. The plan outlines the financial, infrastructure, openness, accountability, environmental, and job creation goals set by council, and the progress made during the current term.
The plan will be used as reference for the consultants engaged in the Inspiring Innisfil 2020 strategic planning initiative, says mayor Brian Jackson.
“This shows what council has been doing, and how we moved forward,” he said. “This shows how we measured up to the terms we laid out.”
Council also had to respond to several unforeseen circumstances during the term, like a global economic crisis, the Barrie-Innisfil Boundary Adjustment Act, and the resignation or retirement of several senior level staff members.
“The accomplishments of Action 2010 are commendable, particularly when viewed against the backdrop of the significant challenges and activities/projects that took place up to the present day,” said strategic planning director Susan Downs. “The goals outlined focused the efforts of council and administration during a time that will be remembered for its historic global economic downturn and the annexation of a significant portion of land to Barrie. Both issues consumed considerable effort and hours of both council and staff. Despite the financial and staffing resource challenges, many of the goals were achieved.”
The town also completed several initiatives that were not listed in Action 2010, including the construction of the New Town Hall recreation complex, South Simcoe Police North Division station and Cookstown Library and Community Centre, renovations of the Knock School heritage site, a partnership with the YMCA of Simcoe-Muskoka, improvements to Innisfil Beach Park and the reconstruction and urbanization of Innisfil Beach Road, she said.
To see the town’s full report on Action 2010, visit www.innisfil.ca.