Innisfil Official Plan OMB Approved - Town of Innisfil

Town of Innisfil Official PlanMUNICIPAL STRUCTURENatural Heritage System,Urban Settlements,Village Settlements,Lake Simcoe Shoreline,Countryside, andMunicipal Civic Campus.The Municipal Structure forms the broad pattern defining the community and providesthe strategic framework within which more detailed land use descriptions can beestablished. As such, land use designations and policies, contained in Section 3.0 ofthis Plan, implement the strategic direction set out in this Section.Other strategic policies, contained in this Section, include criteria for monitoring progresstowards the various population, employment and housing targets of the Official Plan, andfor testing the continued appropriateness of those targets. These policies enable theTown to take future action, if and when necessary, to consider expansion of the urbanarea to provide adequate land areas for these purposes. Criteria are also included hereand elsewhere in the Official Plan for evaluating proposals for particular types ofdevelopment which may raise questions of compatibility, capacity and impact on thestrategic intent of the Town.As dynamic forces, including those that may not be foreseen today, continue to impactupon the Town, and as Council considers future amendments to this Plan, specialregard shall be had to this Section. As such, applications for changes to land usedesignations shall be evaluated in terms of their conformity with the structural goals,objectives and policies of this Section.2.2 THE VISIONThe following Vision Statement shall guide the overall strategic direction of themunicipality during the period of this Official Plan:Innisfil’s future will build on its small town and scenic rural character through managedgrowth that will result in a complete community providing for a greater choice forhousing, increased employment and self-sufficiency with shopping, recreation andcommunity services. A thriving employment area will be focused along theHighway 400 corridor, and in strategic locations within settlements. The existingsettlements will be intensified while respecting the village character and identity of eachindividual settlement. Innisfil will continue to be a community of communities, but astrong identity as one “Town” will be promoted. The Municipal Civic Campus will assistin promoting that identity and become recognized as the centre of the Town.Transportation choices will be improved with future public transit service anchored onthe new GO Station and the GO 400 express service. Innisfil’s countryside ambiancewill be maintained through protection and enhancement of the rural agricultural areasand natural features with support for the viability of farming. Increased public access tothe shoreline and improved health of Lake Simcoe will be a draw for residents andvisitors alike. Lakefront parks will be a place for community gathering. Growth will bebased on prudent infrastructure planning and strong policies that will define wheregrowth will occur, preserve the natural environment, maintain the quiet and peacefulcountryside and foster the building of active communities.4Adopted July 26, 2006 Approved by OMB May 2009, March 2010 & April 8, 2011