Innisfil Today asked all members of town council to pick, in no particular order, this council’s most significant accomplishments during the 2018-22 term of office. Separate stories have been written for the mayor’s, deputy mayor’s and councillors’ responses, which we’ll be sharing in the coming days and weeks.
The 2014-2018 term was unpredictable, even for a council with a make-up similar to the Town of Innisifl.
On paper, it may have seemed like a lot of fresh faces made their way to the council table, but even if they were new to their position, many had ample experience serving the community.
In Ward 2, Coun. Bill Van Berkel, who was acclaimed, previously had 18 years of experience as a councillor. A highlight of his latest term was the council itself and how it came together during the pandemic.
“I believe, although most of it was virtual, this council worked harder than any previous ones on which I sat,” he said. Not only did they work hard, he added, but they also worked quite well together. “We had many debates and different opinions, but we always remained respectful to one another and friends.”
Van Berkel also was proud of what council did for the residents to support them through the pandemic.
“(We created) the Helping Hands Program; during COVID council funded this program from their own pockets,” he said. “(And) our Customer Service Department, throughout the pandemic, never wavered and helped not only council but also our constituents with the many problems that arose.”
One of the problems that came up with frequency was concerns about traffic and pedestrian safety. The steps taken to make the community safer in the past term were a highlight for Ward 3 Coun. Donna Orsatti, who sat on the School and Traffic Safety Committee.
“(We reviewed) resident concerns, new traffic calming pavement marking pilots, new automated speed enforcement cameras, pedestrian crosswalks, and worked with one of the schools to develop a safe and enhanced walk/bike/drive to school program at Goodfellow school,” she said. “We have worked with South Simcoe Police Service, staff, residents and three council members to make the necessary changes to meet the demands of improving traffic flows and pedestrian safety.”
Orsatti was first elected in 2010 and had previously been feted for her community involvement and volunteerism during her more than 30 years living in Innisfil. The changes she’s seen in that time may pale to the changes that will come with another highlight of her past term: the steps taken to bring the Orbit to Innisfil.
The Orbit will dramatically alter the community and bring tens of thousands to the area, but Orsatti sees it as a way to ensure Innisfil can retain what makes up so much of its charm.
“While the designs may seem space age, it is designed to think outside the box - to preserve our farmland and build up not out - to meet our population needs around a new GO station,” she said.
Another housing project was a shared highlight for Orsatti and Ward 5 Coun. Ken Fowler: the Tollendale Village expansion in the north end of the community.
“Helping to create a space for our seniors that is both affordable and community-based, while emphasizing locally sourced employment and increasing environmentally protected lands is a win on all fronts,” Fowler said.
Fowler was a rookie councillor in this term, after spending years volunteering in the community, including a stint on the Goodfellow School Council. He was proud of how council maintained the settlement boundaries within Innisfil during the term, by protecting farmland, wetlands and green space. At the same time, they didn’t shy away from development opportunities, and Fowler was happy with the progress made in servicing the employment lands along Highway 400.
Helping those in need through the pandemic was essential for Fowler, especially through the establishment of the Troy Scott Community Fridge.
“Not only do we honour one of Innisfil’s most generous souls, but every time we donate, it is a reminder of how one person can inspire those around him or her,” he said. “We have created a judgment-free zone where anyone who truly is in need can get quality meals or healthy foods. No questions asked.”
The challenges of the pandemic were at the forefront for Ward 7 Coun. Rob Nicol as he reflected on his second term in office. But it was council’s vision from the outset that allowed it to persevere throughout the past four years.
The strides made in providing health care to its residents were top of mind for Nicol.
“I am proud that we were able to officially open the Rizzardo Health and Wellness Centre which in turn likely helped influence RVH to choose Innisfil for their south campus location bringing full health care right to our doorsteps,” he said.
Partnerships with neighbouring municipalities were something to laud as well, he added.
“Collaborating with other community leaders from councils across the Lake Simcoe Watershed, we were able to help advance the Phosphorus Reduction Facility to begin getting closer to those reduction targets to help our lake,” he said. “We have continued to look for cost savings and efficiencies and are working towards a joint fire service with our neighbours in Bradford West Gwillimbury.”
Both Fowler and Nicol have their sights on the deputy mayor’s seat in the upcoming election.
Van Berkel, Orsatti and Coun. Carolyn Payne will not be running for another term in October.
“It will be hard to say goodbye to the amazing staff who have been not only our support system but our partners in our achievements and a council that respects each other and works well together,” Orsatti said. “With a strong team that works together, we accomplish more. These relationships are built on communication, trust and respect and are cherished.”
“Being a Ward 6 councillor for the Town of Innisfil was a wonderful experience: learning about my community, meeting new friends and acquaintances, etc.,” Payne added. “Innisfil is a wonderful place to live, and I hope it continues to grow strong, vibrant and keeps the small-town appeal.”
Ward 1 Coun. Kevin Eisses and Ward 4 Coun. Alex Waters did not provide answers prior to deadline.
