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Innisfil development charges could be highest in Simcoe County

Costs will be going up to build a new home in Innisfil, thanks to a revamping of the development charges.

The only question is if the town will become the most expensive spot in the county.

The current development charge bylaw expires on Jan. 31, 2019 and a special public meeting Aug. 8 discussed the proposal.

Hemson Consulting Ltd. has recommended changing the fee boundaries to lump Alcona, Stroud and Big Bay Point into the same category; Gilford, Degrassi Point and Lefroy-Belle Ewart into another; and Innisfil Heights and Churchill together. Friday Harbour and Cookstown would each stand alone.

It is proposing to raise the town’s overall residential charges from $51,460 to $61,187, making it the highest in Simcoe County.

By comparison, Barrie’s development charges in the Salem and Hewitt’s Creek area are $47,389 and Bradford West Gwillimbury’s is at $50,501.

Lawyer Marvin Geist spoke representing the Alcona Downs Developments Inc., a member of the Alcona developers’ group.

“Our concern is the developers in Alcona wonder why we should be contributing to pipes and water in Stroud,” Geist said. “Growth pays for growth and we have paid our share in Alcona. We do not understand why we should be supporting development in Stroud.”

But Ward 1 Coun. Doug Lougheed suggested Stroud has paid for water and wastewater charges, even though most of the town is on a well and septic system.

“If there are no services available, you don’t pay,” town chief financial officer Lockie Davis said. “So if there was an infill lot in Stroud today, there is no sewer charge.”

Ward 2 Richard Simpson was concerned the increase might stall the town’s growth.

“I wasn’t disappointed with the cost, I was hoping it’s higher because new residents want more services,” Simpson said.

However, some taxpayers don’t need more services and would rather see property taxes stay low, he added.

“With increased growth, there’s a lot of burden that happens and we’re all aware of it. In my opinion, growth creates a dystopian society in the town of Innisfil.”

Council received the information from the public meeting and a staff report is expected at council Sept. 5.

Robert Bortlisz — Wasaga Beach councillor

I grew up spending a lot of time in the beach. My parents moved and then retired here as did I.  

The sandy shores and natural beauty drew people just like you and I here. We brought our energy, skills, expertise and slowly but surely built businesses, tourist attractions, cottages and homes. We grew into a town.

Together we built a good community. Some years were better than others. We moved forward, often named as one of the fasted growing towns.

But in the last 20 years a number of self interest groups came here telling us “we’re doing it all wrong.” They come with outside experts (that often we have paid for) to convince us of this. They talk of Monaco and Miami Beach. They wanted you to sell your hydro.

They promise “big change.” They do not value your expertise and experience.

If we want to move forward then we have to get back to being a fun, friendly, relaxed community, where you can raise a family, do business or retire, have a garden and enjoy the natural amenities.   

We need to stay diverse, open to all cultures, income levels and remain an affordable town where young people can find a good start in life.

We need to make it easier to start or operate a business to create jobs and wealth. We need to get the best value of services for our tax dollars. We need to start thinking like a small tourist town again, not a big city!

I believe if ‘we’ do things wisely, issues like a high school, better medical access, parks and recreational facilities can be tackled, improved and resolved. Prudent financial planning has worked for us in the past. Prudent financial planning will take us where we want to be in our future.

I look for your support. Web contact and information at;

Let’s move forward in the right direction.

Thank you.