A contentious proposal to expand Friday Harbour in Innisfil has stirred significant debate among residents and stakeholders. The June 19 public meeting featured extensive discussions on the plan, which includes a new 15-storey hotel, increased residential units, and various new amenities.
Key Proposal Details
Residents expressed their concerns, primarily opposing the proposed height increases and additional units. Brad Rowse, a board member representing townhouses on the West Island, stated, “We believe in the growth of Friday Harbour, but we feel the developer is missing the chance to further the all-season resort amenities that support that message.”
Key aspects of the proposed changes include:
- Increasing the hotel height from 6 to 15 storeys
- Reducing the minimum number of hotel rooms from 400 to 200
- Increasing resort residential units from 2,600 to 3,500
- Expanding maximum combined hotel and resort residential units from 3,000 to 3,700
- Developing new amenities such as a racquet academy, sports zone, forest amenities, a canopy walk, and a spa facility
Resident Concerns
Michael Kirkland, architect for the Beach Precinct, emphasized the need for these changes to complete the project, which has evolved with market trends over the past two decades. However, residents voiced their opposition, citing concerns over density, increased fees, and the lack of truly four-season amenities.
Ann Hunt, the elected homeowner representative to the Friday Harbour Resident Association, argued, “These additional so-called amenities are only available at additional cost and not something anyone would consider doing on a regular basis.”
Developer’s Perspective
Despite the developer’s assurances of no adverse effects on natural sunlight and the economic benefits of the expansion, many residents remained unconvinced. They argue that the proposal fails to address the core needs and concerns of the community. Additionally, the residents feel that the proposed changes would negatively impact the community’s character and increase costs.
Economic Impact
A future town council meeting will determine the fate of the proposal. The ongoing debate highlights the complex balance between development and community interests in growing regions like Innisfil.
The potential economic impact of the new development was shared with the council as the proponents concluded their presentation. Friday Harbour Resorts predicts the construction will bring in $88 million in development charges split between the Town of Innisfil, County of Simcoe, and local school boards — with Innisfil getting more than three-quarters of that amount.
A total of $1.2 billion in construction activity is expected, accounting for 3,304 person-years of employment. Once operational, $28.9 million in annual retail spending is estimated, with the new builds creating 725 permanent jobs.
A decision on the proposal will be made at a future town council meeting.
The ongoing debate highlights the complex balance between development and community interests in growing regions like Innisfil. The residents’ strong opposition and the developer’s ambitious plans set the stage for a significant decision in the coming weeks.
If you’re looking to buy, sell or invest in Friday Harbour, connect with Shannon Murree and the MovingSimcoe.com team and schedule confidential appointment
Shannon Murree, real estate agent with RE/MAX hallmark chay realty brokerage is the only McGillivray Trusted agent with Scott McGillivray of HGTV fame and renovation expert, for Innisfil, Ontario
