The Alcona Business Association (ABA) has thrown its weight behind a grassroots movement to save a 150-year-old farmhouse on Innisfil Beach Road. And more than 100 Innisfil residents have signed petitions in support.
ABA president Rick Ellis says his members voted unanimously at their last meeting to back the community effort to preserve the Roderick McConkey homestead near the corner of Innisfil Beach Road and the 20th Sideroad.
“A motion by one of our members to support the preservation of the house was made and was discussed at length,” Ellis says. “There were suggestions the house could be moved to Innisfil Beach Park. One of our members, representing a local developer, would like to see the McConkey house preserved.”
The house is on property slated for a new Canadian Tire store. However, the land must be rezoned before the project can proceed.
“I’m very delighted by the support of the group,” says ABA member Patti Bentley, whose husband, Herb Dietrich, grew up in the house. “We want them to save the house.”
“When is the Town of Innisfil going to start taking action to preserve our old buildings?” Ellis asks. “They need to get it done. We vote those councillors in to speak for the community.”
As owner of the Adam & Eve Tanning Salon in Alcona, Ellis adds, “I haven’t had one person refuse to sign the petition, I’ve had teenagers and even people coming in off the street to sign.”
The petition in part, states, “As taxpayers, we would like to see the Roderick McConkey Homestead designated as a Historic Building and remain intact on its present location or moved to a designated historic site to be appreciated by all present and future residents of Innisfil.”
Time is of the essence Bentley and Ellis agree.
“The window is closing. If the house can’t stay on the property, it would be great to watch it being moved down Innisfil Beach Road,” Bentley says.
Ellis has copies of a petition available for signatures at his business, located at 1070 Innisfil Beach Road in Alcona. Signatures must be received by Monday, May 5.
It’s hoped the petitions can be presented to Innisfil Council at its Wednesday, May 7 public session.
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