Saturday November 26, 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen

There may be a few complaints from those with snowmobiles and blowers all gassed up and ready to go. But is it ever nice to be able to stroll the streets of Midland in late November without the concerns of slushy boots and frozen fingers.

Monday November 28^th starts with the opening of a traditional healing room at Georgian Bay General Hospital at 1:00 pm. You are welcome to attend this special event made possible by a partnership with the Beausoleil First Nations. Later that day the hospital volunteers gather for their annual celebration.

That evening at 7:00 pm in Town Hall is Council. A relatively long agenda including:

-          two deputations – the GBGH Foundation asking for support of their capital campaign and Shelter Now, asking for consideration of their new building

-          a by-law for a winter farmers market

-          final comments on the shoreline study and an update on the “recycling plant” situation with Martyr’s Shrine

-          recognition in the National Post for Midland’s library

On Tuesday at 1:30 pm I travel to Collingwood to celebrate the start of the 100 day countdown to the Ontario Winter Games. Midland will host some of the events including air rifle and hockey. That same day at 7:00 pm, the MPUC will host a public meeting in our Library to tell you how to reduce the amount of your hydro bill.

Wednesday November 30^th should be a fascinating day as a procession will leave Martyr’s Shrine that morning to present a petition to Town Hall.  We anticipate its arrival about 12:30 pm with a brief stop at the NSSRC about noon, to accommodate those who cannot walk the distance. Expect lots of media attention for this singular event.  That evening your Council will meet in camera to discuss the recycling plant situation.

On Thursday December 1^st at 12 noon at the Brooklea, the County will hold a launch event for its Georgian Village Fundraising campaign. Then at 7:00 pm that evening your Council returns to the budget table at the Town Hall. Given the number of suggestions from staff, Council and the public I expect we will have a good solution before years end.

Friday December 2^nd sees the Silver Stick hockey tournament return to Midland. This annual event is always great fun, with teams from all over North America competing for top honours. The ceremonial puck drop is at 1:30 pm at NSSRC.

Saturday December 3^rd launches Christmas in Midland. The annual Civitan Christmas parade is a bit earlier this year starting at 11:00 am. After the parade the BIA is holding a “Welcome Santa” event for children at the Midland Public Library. They are also inviting everyone to support the Local Food Bank by purchasing a Santa hat for $2.  

Gord McKay