Deputy Premier George Smitherman says Simcoe County municipalities need to begin talking about implementing the province’s plan for growth.

Less than a week after the province introduced legislation to solve the Barrie-Innisfil boundary dispute and to set a course for growth in the region, Smitherman met separately and privately with Innisfil Mayor Brian Jackson and county Warden Tony Guergis Wednesday afternoon.

“I’m not going to tell the mayor of Innisfil or the regional chair (what to do). We’ve put out a report designed to lend direction, shape and leadership (to growth), but we’re also providing ample opportunity for dialogue. We’ve asserted what we think would be a good way forward,” said Smitherman, the infrastructure minister and whom Premier Dalton McGuinty said would lead consultations this summer on servicing Innisfil Heights as part of the new growth directive.

An addendum to the province’s Places to Grow legislation, Simcoe Area: A Strategic Vision for Growth creates a strong network of small urban communities in Bradford, Alliston, Collingwood and Orillia to support the region’s urban growth centre, Barrie.

The proposed plan also expands Barrie southward, focuses one-third of the region’s population growth to the city and directs 40 per cent of regional employment growth there.

The plan also recognizes two proposed Highway 400 employment nodes, including one at Innisfil Beach Road, and urges local municipalities to increase cooperation in providing servicing.

As he introduced the legislation last week, McGuinty forewarned local politicians Smitherman would begin consultations on Innisfil Heights to ensure Lake Simcoe was protected and to ensure Innisfil could expand its tax base.

“We’re looking for some response and want to provide an early opportunity for Warden Guergis and the county to begin a dialogue,” Smitherman added.