Sunday, May 31, 2009

Sunday May 31, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen

It’s on a day like this that you start sympathizing with the weatherman – can you believe snow in Orillia! But you should see my rhubarb crop.

On Tuesday June 2nd Mr. Barry Monaghan, interim CEO of the NSHA, will be hosting a meeting to discuss our hospital’s budget and projected staffing cuts. The meeting starts at 6:30 pm in the cafeteria of Huronia District Hospital.

Then on Wednesday at 7:00 pm the Town holds a Public Meeting on Planning Matters (You May Speak). The meeting covers three zoning amendments: 1) The Tiffin Marina, 2) Hugel Loft’s application respecting the old YMCA building, 3) A residence conversion at 537 King St.

Following that at 7:20 pm is the monthly PAC meeting. (Speak at Discretion of Chair). A relatively short meeting, including an application for rezoning the HPP property on Cranston Crescent to allow for retail use.

Thursday sees Town Council meeting with Elcan for a special meeting at 5:00 pm. Then at 7:00 pm the North Simcoe Community Futures Corporation presents the findings from their recent economic study of the area. The public is encouraged to attend and comment. The meeting starts at 7:00 pm at Brian Orser Hall, 61 Maria Street in Penetanguishene.

And lastly, I am attaching an announcement of an interesting conference that will tell you all about the management of our local beaches and shorelines.


Gord McKay

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Sunday May 24, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen

As I write this e-mail the sun is shining and my garden beckons. I will keep it short.

The main meeting of the week is the Council Meeting (Deputation Only) on Monday May 25 at 7:00 pm at the Town. A number of interesting topics:
- A deputation on the staff and services cuts affecting our hospital alliance
- A deputation by the arts community regarding the proposed arts centre at the Regent School property
- A deputation by Mr. Sherk concerning his tender applications with the Town
- A vote on a special development charge affecting “to be built’ properties at Tiffin by the Bay
- Formal acceptance for the site plan of a new (large) LCBO at 877 King St. (King and Hwy 12)

I have had many inquiries about the recent decision by the Town for heavy garbage pick-up. I attach the official Minute for your information.

And this Friday, a workshop on Drinking Water Source Protection will take place at the Brooklea starting at 9am. Please contact the Town if you wish to participate.


Gord McKay

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Sunday May 17, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen


A heavy frost tonight. With temperatures changing this quickly it’s hard to decide if you want the lawnmower or the snowblower!

On Wednesday the 20th at 5:00 pm at the Town, the Planning Advisory Committee will meet in a workshop to review progress with the Town’s Official Plan (You May Not Speak). If you like planning it may be an interesting one to drop in on and observe. The public will get its chance to comment at the Official Plan Open House on Thursday June 18th.

On Thursday May 21st, two items of interest.
- At 6:00 pm, the Midland Area reading Council holds its AGM and recognition dinner at the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre.
- At 7:00 pm, Zero Waste Simcoe is hosting a public meeting also at the NSSRC. The meeting features the director of Waste Management from Markham Ontario, who will tell us how their municipal operation is cutting its waste by 95%. Also, ZWS will present the facts that show why we do not need Site 41.

Huronia Players “Murder by the Book” starts this week at their playhouse on William Street. If you like good theatre, you have to come and see Huronia Players. Tickets are available at the box office at the NSSRC.

Enjoy your weekend.


Gord McKay

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Sunday May 10, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen

Not sure about this spring weather. It was cool enough to put my winter coat back on this morning.

Luckily things are warm at the Town. Monday the 11th starts with a flurry of activity. At 5:30 there is a closed meeting to discuss a water main project. Then at 6:00 a general meeting (You May Not Speak) to receive the Business Retention and Expansion study from the North Simcoe Community Futures Corporation. (This survey asked some 140 area business what they needed in the area to be succeed). Then at 7:00 pm a fairly busy General Committee (Written Input) including:
- A return to the road allowance sale issue at Regent School
- A discussion of the downtown parking situation. The meeting will review a recommendation not to waive the $7000 BIA parking fee
- A proposal to have Town staff go door-to-door in 2010 to collect dog license fees from all dog owners
- Heavy garbage pick-up will be brought back for a decision
- A recommendation to realign the Little Lake Park Rd. exit to meet up with 8th Street
- A proposal for a Farmers Market to take place at Harbourfront Park. The Farmers Market is proposed to include up to 200 vendors and run every Sunday from the end of May to October.
Should be interesting.

Friday May 15th is Midland’s Safe Communities Event at Little Lake Park. It runs from 10am until noon and will feature a wide number of safety demonstrations plus a chance to see an Olympic torch. Great for the whole family.

And not wanting to end on a negative note, but I am attaching an information sheet on your Town taxes. Your Council will be voting on this shortly.


Gord McKay

Saturday, May 2, 2009

saturday May 2, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen

Spring is rushing to green up the Town but it is still cool out there.

Monday is great day for a walk. The Walk for Site 41 starts at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Elmvale,106 Yonge St (parking) Highway 27 north of main corners, at 3:30 pm. If you want to be part of our history, this is an important event. (There will be shuttle buses available so you will not have to walk back from Site 41 at the end of the walk.)

On Wednesday the 6th, two items. The PAC meeting is at 7:00 pm (Speak at Discretion of Chair). It should be a very short meeting with only two items on the agenda:
– A zoning by-law amendment for the Bayport development respecting the number of model homes
– A zoning by-law amendment for Tiffin Pier to reconcile that development being split into three parts

Also on Wednesday is the Candlelight Ceremony at the Cenotaph. This tribute to our soldiers takes place a 7:30 pm. You should arrive early.

On Friday you are invited by the Quest Art School and Gallery to their Juried Art Show and Awards Event at 7:00 pm at the Village Square Mall in Penetanguishene. A great opportunity to meet some of the real art talents in our area.

A final note. Mr, Paul Heinrich is the new Chief Executive Officer of the NSHA. Mr. Heinrich is currently with the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance where he is the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. He will join the NSHA on June 22, 2009.


Gord McKay