Sunday September 4, 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen

I hate to say it but its back to work. You have to admit though, it was a fabulous summer!

The Town meetings start on Wednesday September 7^th at 6:00 with an in-camera session of the Planning and Development Committee, dealing with litigation and a potential land acquisition. Then at 7:00 pm at Town Hall is the regular PDC (I wish I could give you more information but the agenda has not been posted yet.  Please visit  http://midland.ca/meeting-schedule/index.htm )

Also on Wednesday, Rogers TV is holding an open house at the NSSRC at 1:00 pm to tell you about their programming plans for our community.

On Thursday the County celebrates the 10^th anniversary of the Adult Day Program at Georgian Manor in Penetanguishene.  The Adult Day Program provides a social setting with many activities for elderly individuals who may not otherwise be able to get out of their homes.

This Saturday September 10^th and Sunday the 11^th is the 11^th annual traditional Powwow at Ste. Marie Park, off of

Wye Valley Road

.  The Grand Entrances are at 12 noon and 6:00 pm on Saturday and 12 noon and 4:00 pm on Sunday. This is a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to come and experience the culture and friendship of our First Nations.

                                                                 +++++

This fall will be an extremely busy and important period for your Town. Some of the challenges that Council will be dealing with over the next three months are:

The 2012 Budget: This year will set the direction for the Town budget for the next four years.   Starting September 29^th Council will be holding public meetings to debate the budget. My intention is to work with my fellow Councillors to keep our entire budget within the rate of inflation, similar to last year’s 1.5% increase.

Economic development. Midland, like all of Ontario, is confronted with a changing economy. Over the summer we saw the downside with job losses at three area manufacturers. The Town has already started work on its economic strategy to bring new employers and jobs to the area. Look for further developments this fall.

Joint Efficient Task-force (JET): Talks have taken place with our friends in Penetanguishene about the ideas from the community about where we should be working together. These include everything from Police, to water, to by-law. Look for the first of these “efficiency projects” this fall.

Recent Meetings with Ministers: As reported in the media, your Town held four meetings with key Ontario cabinet Ministers last month. The work continues this month with further discussions with Queen’s Park. The major issue affecting our relationship with the Province is the increasing cost to the taxpayers of Midland, due in large part to the many regulations and requirements put on us by Queen’s Park. Look for more action on this matter.

Gord McKay