The Innisfil Historical Society has just completed its newest publication, the 2020 Historical Review – Town of Innifil, just in time for the Town’s Bicentennial.
The 470-page book, filled with stories, photos and information on the Town of Innisfil since the last review was published in 1984, is now in pre-publication sales, for only $20 per copy.
The Historical Society had approached the Town of Innisfil, asking for a $30,000 grant from the Town’s Council Discretionary Fund to help pay for the publication of 2,000 copies of the bicentennial book.
However, a report to Innisfil Council on May 13 noted that the Discretionary Fund has only about $13,000 remaining for 2020 – money that, Councillors were told, “may best serve the community in COVID-19 relief projects.”
Staff also pointed out that the municipality received only half of the federal funding it had requested for its own Bicentennial budget, and while all special events have been cancelled until further notice, due to the pandemic, the municipality is planning to host some events online as virtual celebrations, and postpone others to 2021.
As a result, while recognizing that the Innisfil Historical Society “remains an important community organization and continues to play an important role in the stewardship of Innisfil’s local history,” staff noted that granting the full $30,000 would mean scaling back other cultural and bicentennial activities in 2020-21.
Instead, Council approved a $12,000 grant to the Historical Society, to come from the Town’s Bicentennial budget.
Coun. Kevin Eisses acknowledged the “really awesome work the Innisfil Historical Society has done,” especially on completing the 2020 Innisfil Historical Review. “I want to thank the great people on the committee for doing that work.”
Mayor Lynn Dollin agreed, reminding “everyone to order their copies.”
It was a bit of a disappointment, said project co-ordinator Donna Wice, but not a barrier to publication. “The project was always going to be completed,” Wice said. "The real difference now is we will order only 1500 copies at this time.”
The price will remain an affordable $20 per volume until June 25, then will go up to $25.
“Prepaid pre-orders number around the 175 mark – an exciting total to have achieved in 2 weeks,” Wice said.
COVID-19 has also impacted plans for the official launch of the book. Right now, she said, “We are planning an exciting drive-through book pick-up event,” scheduled for July 9. “Who knows what can evolve?”
For more information or to order, call 705-436-2578 or email [email protected].
