Final Inspiring Innisfil report ready for release

By Chris Simon Innisfil Scope Feb 23 2011

The Inspiring Innisfil 2020 process is nearing completion.

On Wednesday, town council will be asked to push the project into the implementation stage. Staff will present a final report on Inspiring Innisfil, and ask council to endorse a series of ‘next steps’ during the meeting. 

“The strategic planning process has certainly been a true effort of public outreach and engagement,” said town CAO John Skorobohacz, noting the project has been in development since January 2010. “The level of engagement speaks volumes about the passion, determination and commitment our residents, business community and stakeholders have in a viable and healthy community. There are many recommendations contained in the report, and certainly a number that will assist to reposition the town and place us on a path our community believes vitally important.”

If approved, staff will then be tasked with developing a final strategic planning document over the next 30 to 45 days. The document will be submitted to council, and is expected to outline their goals and priorities for the next few years, along with practical ways to achieve those targets.

Among the recommendations expected to be contained in the final report, the town could been asked to hire an economic development officer, establish an arts council and tourism network, create a port along the Lake Simcoe shoreline, and aid the transition to a ‘green’ economy. The town also needs to work more co-operatively with the province, Barrie, other local municipalities, and the owners of the Big Bay Point Resort. A major new attraction, such as a resort-style hotel and recreational complex, should also be discussed with Great Canadian Gaming, the operator of Georgian Downs.

Innisfil must also develop a town-wide, cohesive ‘brand’, and focus on creating local employment opportunities. About 82 per cent of the town’s eligible workforce commutes to jobs outside of the municipality. However, the town should be steering away from attracting manufacturing and industrial jobs in Innisfil Heights, and push for more office and home-based businesses. Alcona’s downtown core could also be developed to include ‘flexible’ multi-story buildings, which house retail-style businesses on ground level, and smaller offices on higher floors.

The final report is also expected to mention the need to invest in road, water, sewer broadband Internet and telecommunications infrastructure, host more community festivals and special events, protect heritage assets, and examine the feasibility of creating a public transportation network.

“The challenge is to respond in a manner that instils confidence in the community that council and administration are listening, and willing to make the hard decisions toward that future,” said Skorobohacz. “However, that action must be tempered with a workable plan and set of priorities which we will engage council to establish. We will need to address how, when and where the appropriate changes, or the introduction of new services, should occur.”

The full report will be released publicly prior to the council meeting. For more information, visit www.inspiringinnisfil.ca.