Sunday, December 20, 2009

Sunday December 20, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is almost time for the sound of eight tiny reindeer. In keeping with the season the Town offices will close about noon on Thursday the 24th and re-open January 4th.

On Monday the 21st at 7:00 pm the Town will host the last Council meeting of the year. (Deputation Only). A relatively short agenda with an interesting variety of items:
- a deputation by Mike Breslin on the Midland Family Paintball operation
- a deputation by Rotary on the trail system
- consideration of a by-law recognizing the seepage of wastewater from the property on which the County transfer station resides
- the building permits report will tell us that our building activity is back to the level we had in 2001
- consideration will be given to nominating Vern Sweeting and the book “Midland on Georgian Bay” for Ontario Historical Society awards

After that things get quiet. Two items for the future:
- do not miss the historic Olympic Flame Run though our Town, highlighted by the ceremony at the NSSRC at 12 noon Tuesday December 29th.
- election season kicks off when nominations open on January 4th. Will be interesting.

And lastly let me wish each of you a very Merry Christmas – enjoy these special days. See you in 2010.


Gord McKay

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Saturday December 12, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen

The snow blower is definitely getting a good workout. Hope you have all made it through the first winter stress test safely.

Monday December 14th starts with a very special event – the YMCA’s Christmas Gifts to Give. It takes place at the NSSRC with residents bringing good used gifts in in the morning (10:00 am) and recipients showing up in the afternoon (2:00 pm). A wonderful example of the caring Midland community.

The Town’s formal business starts at 6:00 pm on Monday with a closed meeting. At 7:00 is General Committee (Written Input). A moderately long agenda including:
- discussion of the rules of the road for our Rotary Trail system
- notice that the battle for Georgina Bay (tall ships) will return in August 2013
- a vote on how the Town will deal with the Arch restaurant access at 8th Street

Wednesday the 16th at 9:00 am at the County Council Chambers in Midhurst, the future of what happens with your garbage will be discussed. There are some fairly major changes afoot at both the provincial and municipal level, including a rethink of the Blue Box.

Now get out and enjoy the season.


Gord McKay

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Sunday December 6, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen

With December comes the snow. I will keep this short to give you extra time to go out and shovel.

The Town will be pretty quiet this week with;
- Heritage meeting Tuesday at 7:00 pm; nothing too contentious on the agenda
- Committee of Adjustment on Thursday at 4:30
- Library Board on Thursday at 7:00 pm

An interesting presentation on Wednesday December 9th at 7:00 in the Town of Penetanguishene. Doug Ewen of the Economic Development Association of North Simcoe (EDANS) will be presenting a private sector view of where our local economy should be headed.

Recognizing that Christmas is getting closer, two events you should know about:
- Severn Sound Environmental Association will hold a reception on Thursday December the 10th at 7:00 pm at the NSSRC
- Midland Area Reading Council has its open house on Friday at 10:00 in their offices at 67 4th Street

And lastly, The Southern Georgian Bay Physician Recruitment Program has launched an on-line survey, challenging us with the following question:

Do you believe that the municipalities of Midland, Penetanguishene, and Tiny and Tay Townships should contribute in a fair and equitable manner (with your tax dollars) on a per capita basis of $2 per person, per year?

The poll is at http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/459486