Sunday, February 28, 2010

Sunday February 28, 2010

Ladies and Gentlemen

And here we thought we would quietly enter into spring – sunshine – birds singing - I am not even sure where I left the snowblower!

A relatively quiet week.

Wednesday March 3rd is the busy day with Public Meetings starting at 7:00 at the Town (You May Speak). These meetings will cover a variety of topics including:
- The DeSantis rezoning for a hotel on Hwy 12
- Application for storage sheds at 408 Galloway Boulevard
- Application for rezoning at 204 Gianetto Dr.
- Review of the secondary suites by-law
- Review of planning housekeeping amendments that cover many matters (such as can you park on your lawn – check the Town website for more on this)

Following the public meetings is the regular Planning Advisory Committee meeting (Speak at Discretion of Chair). PAC should be short as its only item is to review how we measure the performance of our planning department.

Also that night is the first public meeting on the Georgian Valley Project. This is the billion dollar development by Skyline for Port McNicoll and Horseshoe Valley. The first meting is at 7:00 pm at the Port McNicoll Community Centre. The second meeting occurs March 9th at 7:00 pm at the Horseshoe Resort, Highlands Gold Course Clubhouse.

Back to shoveling.

Gord McKay

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Sunday February 21, 2010

Ladies and Gentlemen

Is there a prettier place anywhere than Midland on a bright sunny (albeit frosty) day?

A quiet week as some of your Councillors and staff are away at the Good Roads conference.

Zero Waste Simcoe will be releasing a report this week on how expected changes to the province’s waste legislation could result in hundreds of jobs for Simcoe. Public sessions are:
- Tuesday February 23rd at 7:00 at the Simcoe County Museum
- Wednesday February 24th at 8:00 am at the Midland Town Hall
If we act decisively we may be able to bring these jobs to Midland.

On Thursday February 25th you have the opportunity to attend an information session about a new private school coming to the area, Georgian Shores Academy. The event starts at 7:00 pm at the Olympia Event Centre, 2 Robert St. W, in Penetanguishene. A $10 cover charge will pay for the food.

This Friday get ready to attend Garfield Dunlop’s annual “Lasagna Dinner” at the Wye Marsh. Seating times are 4:00 pm, 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm.

Last week I attended a meeting concerning the Georgian Valley development being built over the next ten years in Port McNicoll and Horseshoe Valley. The developer, Skyline, expects the project to cost $1.65 billion. The construction phase will provide some 9,000 construction jobs while operating the development will provide some 1,300 jobs. (By way of comparison, Statistics Canada states that in 2006 Midland’s total labour force was only 8,180) Look for public meeting in early March.


Gord McKay

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Sunday february 14, 2010

Ladies and Gentlemen

Happy Valentines Day….and if you are reading this as opposed to spending time with your significant other….time to review your priorities.

Monday the Town is closed for Family Day – enjoy.

On Tuesday February 16th
· The Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce is holding its AGM and dinner starting at 5:30 pm at Brooklea.
· At 7:00 that evening you are invited to informally meet local artists at Explorer’s restaurant off of King St. Good food and good times at a price that is hard to beat.

Wednesday the 17th starts off at 8:30 am when the Town will hold a public meeting (Speak at Discretion of Chair) on our heavy waste voucher system. This early meeting should also discuss a “Treasure Day” coming to Midland.

Then later that same day your Council meets at 7:00 pm (Deputation Only). A short agenda. The most contentious item is a new by-law defining the power of Town officials to enter your land and premises.

On Thursday February 18th, Bruce Stanton invites you to an open house at 5:00 pm at his office at 504 Dominion Ave.

And lastly, Knox Presbyterian Church is holding a concert on Saturday February 20th at 7:00 pm featuring Titus Chapman, a dynamic and passionate musician from Louisville, Kentucky. Well worth attending.

Gord McKay

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Sunday February 7, 2010

Ladies and Gentlemen

A cold week ahead but a lot going on in the Town to keep you warm. By the way, I hope you were able to get out and enjoy Winterfest

Monday the 8th starts at 6:30 with a closed meeting. At 7:00 pm is the Committee meeting of the Town (Written Input). A long agenda with a few contentious items:
- Discussion of pedestrian crossing on Yonge Street by Mundy’s Bay school
- Proposal for off-leash areas in Little Lake and Tiffin Parks
- Discussion to permit paint ball operations by “zone” (as opposed to be site)
- A draft by-law that would allow increased entry onto “lands” (premises) by Town officials to enforce by-laws
- A review of our experience with the heavy garbage voucher system this past year
- Suggested changes to Town procedures including how we call Town meetings and how long Councillors can debate topics

On Wednesday February the 10th the County comes to the NSSRC to discuss garbage. (Information session at 4:30 pm; Public discussion at 7:00 pm) The County is currently trying to discern our waste future - Do we need more landfills? Should we export our waste? What do you do with heavy pick-up and sewage? The answers to these questions will significantly affect your future and that of your children. If you want to make a significant difference to our waste future, please take time to get involved. If you want more information, take a look at the County’s website www.simcoe.ca or Zero Waste Simcoe at www.zerowastesimcoe.org.

Thursday sees the opening of Huronia Players’ new play Danock’s Dance. Well worth going.

And finally on Friday: at 8:00 am at the North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation offices, the BR+E committee will discuss economic plans for our area


Gord McKay