Simcoe County To Grow Midhurst By Another 3,000 People Despite Springwater Protest

Springwater Says Decision Is An "About Face" On A May 2016 Vote

Midhurst is getting some new neighbours. The County of Simcoe today announced they’ve reached an agreement with the Midhurst Developer Group to increase the town’s population by 3,000 people. This comes as part of the Ontario Government’s offical Growth Plan For the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Meanwhile, Springwater Township isn’t happy about the decision, calling it an “about face” on a May 2016 decision not to increase the community’s population beyond the 4,600 units already approved by a previous council. The County says approving the increase saves on a lengthy Ontario Municipal Board hearing that was to start October 5th. “County Council made a very measured decision on all of the considerations of this complicated matter and this agreement really will be a win for the County, the landowners, the Township of Springwater and in particular for the Midhurst community,” said Warden Gerry Marshall. “This decision provides certainty and avoids what could have been a lengthy, unpredictable and very expensive legal battle with vast and variable outcomes. Stakeholders from all perspectives should be satisfied that this solution works for the entire region at this time and also for the future.”