Simcoe County approves Friday Harbour addition in Innisfil
Simcoe County council has now signed off on adding 1,000 extra homes at in Innisfil.
The developer applied for an amendment to both the town and the county’s Official Plans in order to add 1,000 units to its site. The .
“(The additional resort units) will help further the County’s objectives to promote economic development, enhance employment and business opportunities, promote the development of communities with diversified economic functions, a diverse range of housing options, offering quality lifestyles, and efficient and cost-effective development”, Friday Harbour spokesperson Cheryl Shindruk said.
She explained the addition won’t change the current layout of the Big Bay Point area resort.
“All additional units will be incorporated into the existing approved development footprint,” she said.”
Constructed to date are the golf course, trail system, marina, harbourmaster building, Beach Club, 700 resort units, 800-space underground parking facility, boardwalk, pier and 40,000 square feet of retail space.
Simcoe County’s director of planning, development and tourism David Parks said the lands are currently designated for the proposed uses, which is one of the reasons council approved the amendment June 27.
“There is sufficient sewer and water capacity to service the proposed additional units,” he said. “The traffic studies indicate the road network has sufficient capacity to handle the additional traffic with minor phased road improvements. There are no environmental constraints with the additional development.”
This summer Fishbone Restaurant, FH Fine Food, and an apparel shop will be opening at the resort, which are all open to the public. The Avenue restaurant is also in the planning stages.
Friday Harbour is a seasonal resort community which will “further enhance the county as world-class tourism destination,” Parks said.
Friday Harbour now awaits a provincial decision on the unit increase, before it can go ahead with the expansion.
“(The Official Plan amendment) will be submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs for approval,” Parks said, adding it has 210 days to respond.
