In 2020, the Town of Innisfil – formerly the Township of Innisfil – celebrates its bicentennial.
“It’s a big year for us,” Kathryn Schoutsen, manager of engagement and community development, told Innisfil council earlier this week.
From 1818 to 1820, brothers Samuel and George Lount surveyed Simcoe District, opening up new townships for land grants and settlement.
Innisfil was surveyed and settled in 1820, by families that included the Hewsons, Soules, Warnicas and Perrys.
“Some of these families still have direct descendants in the town,” said town clerk Kevin Jacobs.
Schoutsen, Jacobs and Donna Wice of the Innisfil Historical Society presented an outline of some of the events planned for the coming months – including a concert series, a fire sculpture and labyrinth by local artist Denis Bolohan, haunted walks, and a range of events that will encourage the cultural and geographic exploration of Innisfil.
“We’ll be transforming some of our public spaces into public galleries,” Schoutsen said, with displays of sculpture at locations around town, and historical photos used to wrap “drab” utility boxes.
From celebratory banners, proclaiming the bicentennial, to new decorative bike racks, and activities that will not only engage the Indigenous residents of the area, but look to the future, “this celebration is for everyone,” Schoutsen said.
Wice talked about the Historical Review of Innisfil, a new book being compiled by the Innisfil Historical Society to commemorate the bicentennial.
It will be the fourth review undertaken by the Society, and volunteers have already put in 2,118 hours at 23 meetings, Wice said.
Currently standing at 400 pages, with more than 100 families and more than 80 local businesses mentioned, it is still a work in progress. A book launch has been scheduled for July 9 at the Innisfil Town Hall, although the total number of pages, number of copies, cost of publication and who will pay are still up in the air, Wice noted.
Estimated cost of publication is about $60,000.
“Innisfil Historical Society doesn’t have $60,000,” she said. “We’re fundraising.”
And she asked council, “How can you help us?”
Funding was at the heart of the presentation on Wednesday night. Bicentennial organizers had applied for a $60,000 grant to assist with the celebration, but received only $30,000, leaving a shortfall.
Innisfil council approved an additional $50,000 for the celebrations, to come from the town’s 2019 operating surplus, topping up the grant. Council also indicated that the town would talk with the Innisfil Historical Society, regarding the historical review.
In the planning since 2016, Innisfil’s bicentennial will kick off during Ontario Heritage Week, Feb. 17-23. A new bicentennial page on the town website is in the works; those who can’t wait can email [email protected] for more information.
