Rarely has a local issue inspired such a robust public response as has the probable fate of the historic McConkey farmhouse in Alcona.
Dating back 150 years, the homestead is not only a stirring example of the traditions, but of the trials and tribulations early settlers of what was then Innisfil Township faced in pre-Confederation days.
Community efforts to save the stone house from the wrecker's ball have been noble, altruistic and tireless.
Yet, there is no true "right" or "wrong" side to be on in this issue. It is difficult to argue that the landowner doesn't have the right to sell their property to the highest bidder — in this case Trinity Development Group of Toronto. The Trinity company is a large, reputable and successful builder of commercial projects across Canada. It is only incidental they have landed in the midst of the debate.
Perhaps they can be slapped on the wrist for prematurely advertising the Canadian Tire proposal on their website, but this is a standard industry practice in the development community designed to generate “buzz.”
To date, everything has been done by the book — by the landowner, the developer, and the Town of Innisfil. Due process has been followed.
No doubt, the sudden demolition of the neighbouring Ness-Adair farmhouse, across Innisfil Beach Road from the McConkey house, has helped fuel the issue. A positive development that has emerged from the controversy is Town Council is now in receipt of the Innisfil Heritage Committee’s comprehensive list of potential heritage sites in the municipality. Private homes, churches, cemeteries and even some commercial structures are included on the list. There’s even talk of a "Heritage subdivision", where buildings with historic significance could be moved and preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Our Council is charged with the responsibility of balancing the needs of the entire community. And that includes exploring all avenues of creating new jobs and lessening the burden on the residential taxpayer, while trying to maintain the distinct rural-urban atmosphere Innisfil offers.
If approved, the Trinity development, coupled with the No Frills supermarket project, would provide hundreds of jobs. Yes, many are part-time positions, but nevertheless they are employment opportunities for residents. The amount of municipal tax flowing into the Town — about $300,000 a year — is impressive, too. Enhanced shopping, not to mention the environmental impact of hundreds of families not having to travel into Barrie, Bradford, or beyond, must be taken into consideration.
Growth sometimes hurts, but progress doesn’t have to be a dirty word.
Surely, there is an opportunity to be seized here.
Is it reasonable to expect our Council, the citizens who sincerely want to honour the past, and a commercial developer can reach a compromise that may not be perfect, but work in the greater interest of all?
Surely, the answer is yes.
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