Barrie, Innisfil mayors mending fences

Baguley and Lehman call for cooperation and mutual respect between their municipalities
By Chris Simon Innisfil Scope December 8 2010
There could be plenty of common ground for Innisfil and Barrie representatives to discuss over the next few years, says the city’s new mayor.
Barrie mayor Jeff Lehman was on-hand for the first regular meeting of the 2010-2014 term of Innisfil council Wednesday evening. He praised the new town council, and suggested the two municipalities will be working closely and collaboratively on several issues in the coming years.

“It is indeed a time of change,” he said, speaking to council. “One of those changes I would like to make is a much closer and beneficial working relationship with the town. I feel that which divided us has been resolved, and there are now many opportunities for us to work together in the future. There are ways we can move forward together that will be of mutual benefit for all our residents. We are in a time of economic recovery across the province, and I’m sure economic development is high on everyone’s agenda. We have a lot more in common than different. Jobs that come to our region are for residents of all municipalities; many people who live in Innisfil have opportunities to work in the city. We need to have more of a regional perspective.”
Innisfil councillors noted the importance of moving past contentious issues like the Barrie-Innisfil Boundary Adjustment Act, which handed nearly 2,300 hectares of land to the city, for the betterment of the area.
“I was at (Barrie’s) inaugural (meeting) Monday, and one of the things I heard (Lehman) say was teamwork, partnerships and engagement of people,” said town councillor Doug Lougheed. “Although the address was directed primarily to city residents, I took it as meaning with surrounding areas.”
Others expect a respectful and productive relationship with Barrie officials will develop.
“My council looks forward to working together where we can, and being respectful where we can’t,” said Innisfil mayor Barb Baguley.
Council will also quickly work to improve relations with residents, by addressing issues raised during the recent municipal election campaign. Over the next few months, councillors will discuss graffiti clean-up, GO Transit train whistles, the town’s municipal election process, and roadside signage, said Baguley.
“There seems to be a lot of people concerned about graffiti; there’s lots of different ways to tackle that problem,” she said. “The dog park issue was raised frequently with me, I look forward to talking about that in short order. We’re going to be looking for increased public information centres on various projects, including a budget open house.”
In fact, motions will be brought forward regarding the feasibility of opening dog parks in the town, placing a higher priority for snow removal in Innisfil Heights, safety issues at Adullam Avenue intersections, and parking concerns near Goodfellow Public School at council’s Dec. 15 meeting

Barrie Mayor extends olive branch
By Rick Vanderlinde Simcoe.com December 10 2010
INNISFIL — New mayors, new councils, new times.
Barrie’s new Mayor Jeff Lehman wasted no time making one thing clear to Innisfil council during an impromptu presentation last Wednesday — it’s time to forget the acrimonious past.
Lehman extended an olive branch to Innisfil, saying the municipalities have much in common to build on.
“It is indeed a time of change,” Lehman told council. “One of those changes I would like to make is a much closer and beneficial working relationship with the town. I feel that which divided us has been resolved, and there are now many opportunities for us to work together in the future. There are ways we can move forward together that will be of mutual benefit for all our residents.”
Lehman said Innisfil, Barrie and other surrounding municipalities need to work together to speed an economic recovery in Simcoe County.
“We are in a time of economic recovery across the province, and I’m sure economic development is high on everyone’s agenda. We have a lot more in common than different. Jobs that come to our region are for residents of all municipalities; many people who live in Innisfil have opportunities to work in the city. We need to have more of a regional perspective.”
Innisfil and Barrie had been embroiled in a bitter battle over boundary adjustments during the last term of council. The political turmoil turned into a high-profile debate that included accusations from both sides broadcast on radio and television commercials.
Last January, Barrie took over about 2,300 hectares of land from Innisfil’s northern areas. Much of that land is expected to be used for employment purposes.
Mayor Barb Baguley told Lehman he and his councillors are always welcome in Innisfil.
“My council looks forward to working together where we can, and being respectful where we can’t,” Baguley said.
Newly elected Coun. Doug Lougheed said he was impressed with Lehman’s comments during Barrie council’s inauguration last Monday.
“One of the things I heard (Lehman) say was teamwork, partnerships and engagement of people,” Lougheed said. “Although the address was directed primarily to city residents, I took it as meaning with surrounding areas.”