Simcoe County's first draft of its growth plan is good enough for public discussion, but it's not good enough to serve as the county's plan to guide growth for the next 25 years, said Penetanguishene Mayor Anita Dubeau.

Dubeau was the first to stand and voice her disappointment with the plan she says fails to recognize and support existing urban centres, such as Midland, Penetanguishene, Collingwood and Barrie.

Released last week, the proposed plan will be used as the basis for public discussion over the next week. Municipalities are also preparing their responses, with a May 6 deadline; that day, the county's Growth Steering Committee will consider changes to the plan, which will ultimately go to county council May 27 for approval.

"(Ontario's) Places to Grow recognizes Midland and Penetanguishene as urban growth centres. Our traditional plans encompass complete communities, with a wide range of urban services, employers, and vibrant main streets. They represent the ideal community. Why then is the (proposed county) plan directing higher levels of growth into rural areas, without pre-existing infrastructure?" she asked.

The county's plan calls for the creation of a Highway 400 enterprise zone - running through Innisfil and Bradford West Gwillimbury (BWG). People and jobs are being directed to Innisfil and BWG, both of which would see their populations double, as well as to New Tecumseth and Wasaga Beach.

The proposed plan does reign in growth, as the population would hit 920,000 by 2031 if all potential developments now in the planning process were to go ahead - including the creation of two new communities in New Tec, as well as Hewson's Village in Innisfil and Geranium's project in the Bradford area. In its growth plan, the county must limit growth to the provincially imposed cap of 667,000 - while the province directs more substantial growth to areas like Waterloo and Niagara regions.

Dubeau urged the county to rethink intensification along Highway 400 - which is already clogged; further, the province has shelved plans to widen the highway.

Collingwood Mayor Chris Carrier said the county's plan does not contain growth where existing infrastructure investments are - and allowing rural development will strain the Nottawasaga River.

"Barrie, Collingwood, Midland and Orillia - those are places where people are most likely to live and work. BWG, Innisfil and New Tecumseth (residents) are most likely to commute. We're supporting unsustainable sprawl in the rural townships."

Relatively - meaning growth as compared to existing population - high growth is also slated for Clearview Township, which would see its 14,600 population grow to 26,000. Springwater Township would also receive significant growth, as its population is projected to grow by almost a third, by 8,400 people over 25 years to 26,500.

But former warden Dennis Roughley, BWG's deputy mayor, said the plan is a starting point for discussion and a milestone in the county's history.

"If we have people objecting, (the province) will say we can't solve our own problems," he said. "Barrie is hearing the same message: we need to work together to make this happen."

Clearview Deputy Mayor Alicia Savage said the plan is a "made-in-Simcoe" response to Places to Grow.

"It's not going to be perfect for everyone, but it is a milestone. We were issued a challenge from the province, a challenge we ... rose to under a very difficult circumstance and under a very difficult time line.

"There is so much at stake. It is critical we get behind this plan."