The possibility of stores and condo units near Innisfil Beach Park created contention Tuesday at a public information session about the reconstruction of Innisfil Beach Road (IBR).

Several residents wanted do to know if mixed-use/residential zoning would apply to the south side of IBR, running east of the 25th Sideroad to the Lake Simcoe.

Held at Town Hall, the session was staged to allow the public to examine possible landscaping designs for the entire length of IBR from the 20th Sideroad east to Lake Simcoe, said Tammy Kalimootoo of consulting firm Ainley and Associates. The second portion was to discuss the municipal class environmental assessment process needed for the project to be completed.

“One of the biggest things is to get public comment today,” Kalimootoo said. “It’s a $30 million project and everything is subject to council approval.”

But it was the possibility of the commercial condominium project that created the most concern.

While not on any drawing boards at the session, homeowners who live near the entrance to Innisfil Beach Park wanted to know the status of four-storey buildings to be constructed facing the park. These buildings would contain businesses on the ground floor.

Mayor Brian Jackson assured some residents that the land, which now contains older cottage-style homes, has not be rezoned.

Herb Dietrich of Crystal Beach Road, just north of the park, said, “I’ve been visiting the park for more than 50 years. I think it’s a very real threat. The park is 75 acres and very unique. Commercial stores with condos above would lead to a Wasaga Beach thing. We don’t want that across from the park. I think most residents feel that way.”

“I don’t want to see stores down by the park,” Deputy Mayor Gord Wauchope said to Dietrich and several onlookers. “I would rather see residential.”
“I feel much better hearing that,” Dietrich replied.

Sharon Stewart of Lakelands Avenue said, “I love the park. I don’t want commercial. I don’t want condominiums or town homes, just single family residential. It would be good if someone came along and rebuilt with a nautical look.”

Stewart said she had attended a September meeting at Town Hall where four-storey buildings were proposed, “and bars and maybe metered parking,” she added.

Her husband, Tom, said, “The Town takes $20 or $25 from non-residents to use the park and then it’s full and Innisfil residents can’t get in. Their main concern is to fill the park and make money. We’re the ones who paid taxes for the park.”

Mayor Jackson said any zoning for the area hasn’t come before council yet.
“It’s completely separate from the roadwork,” Jackson said. “There’s been some talk about commercial development from the park to the 25th. If there’s any change in zoning, it will come before council. It’s not on the immediate radar. We need to review, and assess, how we’ll do that.”

Local realtor Igor Vujovic, who is also represents the Alcona Business Association (ABA) on a town committee that drafted plans for IBR, said the ABA “supports the Town in improving the downtown core which will improve the livelihood of businesses. We also support a balance between residential and commercial development.”
Vujovic noted that as a realtor, “The value of these properties will increase, and the residents of Crystal Beach Road, and Lakelands and Adams Road will benefit. I share the concerns of the homeowners and they have to be addressed.”
However, he added, “The downtown was visioned to bring people down to the lake and it will bring more traffic. The reality is the town is changing.”