The Town of Innisfil received a letter from neighbouring municipality Bradford West Gwillimbury, asking for council’s support for the Bradford Bypass – a 16.2 km limited access highway that will link the 400 and the 404.
The letter proposed that Innisfil's council pass a resolution stating in part, “Whereas the new highway will offer considerable benefit to the south Simcoe region as it will reduce congestion, improve the movements of goods and materials, and strengthen economic prosperity of the region, Now therefore be it resolved that the Council… strongly supports the Highway 400-404 Freeway Link.”
Coun. Ken Fowler took exception to the use of the word “strongly.”
“I think it’s a little too strong,” Fowler said, noting that there has been opposition to the project from some Innisfil residents “This gives a false impression, that we’re not representing the town...”
One of those residents, Tim Clark, spoke in Open Forum, telling council that the Innisfil District Association (IDA) joins environmental groups in opposing the bypass.
Clark noted that the proposed highway “cuts through greenbelt lands near the mouth of the Holland River,” and argued that conditions have changed since the initial Environmental Assessment was completed “24 years ago.”
He cited “the GO train, climate change and the 118 protections included in the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan” as reasons for opposing the new highway, and urged the province to instead improve existing roads, as an alternative.
The IDA, Clark said, “strongly disagrees with tonight’s motion of support for the bypass.”
Innisfil Director of Growth Leo Deloyde said that the word “strongly” could be removed from the resolution, but recommended that council show its support for a project that will be a benefit to the entire region.
Mayor Lynn Dollin agreed, noting that Innisfil has historically supported the project, “simply because of the benefit for Innisfil residents who commute to the city.”
But Coun. Alex Waters expressed concern that the project was being based on an Environmental Assessment that was “decades old.”
He also questioned whether Innisfil should comment on the project at all, noting that council had in its previous meeting declined to take sides in a discussion of the Upper York Sewage Solutions project.
“This kind of falls under the same category,” Waters suggested.
Mayor Dollin disagreed, pointing out that in the case of the bypas, the request for support comes from a neighbouring municipality.
“It’s our neighbour, that we share so many things with,” Dollin said, “and they are part of Simcoe County… and we were asked.”
She also noted that the project impacts Innisfil residents directly. “This would cut 25 minutes off their commute.”
“It would make a difference to many residents,” agreed Coun. Donna Orsatti.
Waters asked for more information on the planned updating and review of the Environmental Assessment for the bypass.
Deloyde indicated that he had no information at this time, but could provide a memo – while reiterating that the bypass will be “good for a healthy economy, good for the region, and good for Innisfil.”
He also pointed out that Innisfil may want support from BWG in future for its own bypass project, in Cookstown.
“I really feel that we should support our neighbour,” agreed Coun. Bill van Berkel.
When Waters continued to ask for more information, and a “more fulsome discussion,” deferral of the vote was proposed, until more information can be provided.
“I certainly understand the need for it… I would just like a little more information on the environmental concerns,” Waters said. He was especially concerned over the impact on wetlands.
“There is no major rush on this,” suggested Fowler, also supporting deferral.
Innisfil council voted to defer a vote on the resolution. The next meeting of council takes place May 26.
