Our History
In 2002, Innisfil District Association evolved from the demise of a 20-plus year old residents’ association known as the Big Bay Point Association. A group of members, believing there was desperate need to have a voice in the future of Innisfil, rejuvenated the association and renamed it Innisfil District Association.
There was a tremendous concern in the community at the time about the proposed Big Bay Point marina project…now called Friday Harbour Resort…and its impact on Lake Simcoe and the area’s residents. After countless hours were spent with lawyers and planners, at town and county meetings and at OMB hearings, we were able to influence the implementation of strict environmental guidelines for the project, a reduction in the number of units to be built and the preservation of a 200-acre natural area in the middle of the property.
Realizing there was a continuing need to voice residents’ concerns to Town council, our focus then turned to the major issues in Innisfil…the health of Lake Simcoe, sustainable development, the extension of water and sewer services, policing issues, improved fire services and the lack of doctors and medical care.
And, today, many years later, we are still committed to ensuring a healthy, sustainable lifestyle for Innisfil residents now and in the future.
Board of Directors
Lynn Chepurnyj, Treasurer
Lynn and her husband moved to Cedarmont in the Big Bay Point area of Innisfil over 32 years ago. She has served as Treasurer of IDA since its inception and currently sits on the Town’s Pitch-In Day Committee.
Tim Clark
Tim was a national photo journalist for The Canadian Press newswire service. As Senior Editor, he developed an online news division and later grew other digital news businesses as Director of Product Development. He and his wife M.C. Havey split their time between their home in Toronto and the Big Bay Point cottage M.C.’s grandfather purchased in 1950. He joined the Board of Directors in 2016.
Dave Collacutt
Dave and his wife made the move to Innisfil over 15 years ago. David continues to work for “positive change, change that’s beneficial for all concerned”. He joined the IDA Board in 2011 and served as a member of the Board of Directors of AWARE Simcoe for several years.
Dan Davidson
Dan became a resident in BBP in 1982. Loved the area and shortly afterward bought the Old Breeze Bar restaurant. After some renovations, it opened up to the community as Davidson’s Country Dining. It was and is a vibrant community that doesn’t sit back and let things happen. When Innisfil wanted to do something that impacted our Lives, and The Diamond of Lake Simcoe, The BBP Association got active. And grew! I have always enjoyed hearing about the IDA’s dedication and passion for the Environmental Movement in our town.
Beverley Else
Beverley has been a resident of Innisfil for 24 years and an avid sailor on Lake Simcoe for many years prior. She was Vice President of Ladies of the Lake and founder of Celebrate Lake Simcoe, an annual event to raise interest in the importance and protection of Lake Simcoe and its tributaries. She joined the Board in 2021.
Deborah McGrath
Deborah and her husband moved to Innisfil in 2005. She has served on the Board of Hospice Simcoe and volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Society of Greater Simcoe. As a community activist in the Alcona area, she fought the Leslie Drive extension, successfully mitigating further damage to the Leonard’s Beach wetland. Deborah joined the IDA board in 2013.
Ross Pityk
Ross is an elementary school teacher in Innisfil and has resided permanently at Glen Haven Beach for over 20 years. He joined the IDA Board of Directors in 2002.
Jane Smith, Secretary
Jane arrived in Canada from the United Kingdom in 1984 and, after moving to Innisfil over 20 years ago, began a new career as a biology teacher at a Barrie high school. Recently retired, she has been a member of the IDA Board since 2002.
Richard Simpson
Richard a life-long Innisfil resident, is most passionate about our environment, Lake Simcoe & Watershed. Owner and operator of Kernel Simpson’s Sweet Corn Farm & Simpson Plumbing. He was a Town of Innisfil Councillor 2010-2018, also a Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority & Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation Board Member & Vice Chair 2014-2018. Past Chair of the Volunteer Citizens Committee (PROPEL, PAC) for the $59 million dollar Lake Simcoe Clean Up Fund 2007-2012, which reduced the phosphorus loading amounts greatly. More needs to be done.
Megan Varga
Megan has lived on Big Bay Point for a few years, and has been in the area her whole life. She is passionate about protecting Lake Simcoe and the natural features of the area. She was instrumental in preventing a commercial water taking initiative from the Lake Simcoe watershed and continues to monitor and comment on various topics throughout Innisfil. She joined the Board of Directors in 2023.