We are home builders who…

We are home builders who operate primarily Simcoe County. We own lands near the intersection 7th line Road and 20th Sideroad and believe that this area is well suited for growth and believe should be included within the expansion of the Alcona Settlement Boundary.

The subject lands are within 1km of the Alcona Settlement Area located to the east, as well as the Innisfil Town Hall and Recreation Complex to the northwest, also approximately 1km away. In addition the planned GO Station along 6th Line, the Orbit Major Transit Station Areas is centred around the GO Station extends to the west closer to 20th Sideroad, near 7th Line and 20th Sideroad.

In terms of policy, our lands are primarily designated “Rural’ and with a smaller portion being ‘Greenlands’. The natural heritage features on the property follow the natural features on site with a clear delineation of Rural Lands from Greenland’s, which allow for a sizeable development of approximately 60 acres.
A further consideration in the case of these lands are that they are designated Rural and not Prime Agriculture. Rural lands generally have less agricultural importance for farming crops and related uses than Prime Agriculture and as such, would be a stronger candidate for future urban area boundary expansion than similar lands designated Prime Agriculture.

In regards to the policy considerations for such an expansion of settlement boundaries, the studies and reports made public by the Region make it clear that Alcona is a prime area for growth.
The growth forecast from 2021 to 2051 per the Official Plan is to increase the region’s population from 361,000 to 555,000. Innisfil within the Region of Simcoe is one of the fastest growing cities with a growth of approximately 4,000 between 2001-2011 and 14,000 between 2011 to 2021.

In addition Innisfil remains one of the more affordable areas for development as the Region’s studies have demonstrated that from 2011 housing prices have increase by 75%, which is the lowest of those involved in the study, with other areas such as New Tecumseth increasing by 137%. At the same time Innisfil has managed to keep its affordability the lowest in the region, the Region has made it clear that an 89% increase in growth is desired, being the highest in the County.

In addition to Innisfil being desirable for population growth, another factor of consideration is that a Census conducted in 2016 indicated Innisfil is a prime area for the increase in employment increase amounting to 20,290 increase which is an increase of 203%, the highest in the County.

Innisfil itself is more desirable for increase in growth as growth has historically occurred in Southern Simcoe. The Growth Plan directs growth to Primary Settlement Areas, within Innisfil Alcona is the largest of such areas.
In regards to the development of the area it is our position that there is a desire for more diverse housing. Studies conducted by the Region have demonstrated a desire for an increase in options such as rows and apartment style developments. We believe due to the proximity to the future Innisfil Orbit Station, the area surrounding 7th Line and 20 Sideroad is a suitable site for diversity in housing. It should be recognized that in addition to the future GO train station, the subject area is within a 10 minute drive of Highway 400, showing a variety of transportation options being available.
We strongly recommend that the urban boundary be expanded in the subject area in order to aid in the achievement of both the Province and Region’s Growth.