Sunday, December 30, 2012

Sunday December 30, 2012



New Year’s 2013

Another year completed in Midland – but are we making progress towards our becoming a prosperous, balanced and sustainable community where all citizens can enjoy a high-quality of life?

Our backdrop for 2012 presented some formidable challenges:
  •  A slow economy that continues to hamper local businesses, depress our real estate market and discourage  quality job creation. This is compounded by senior governments cutting back on loans and grants to municipalities
  • A municipal cost structure that is unsustainable – resulting in projected annual tax increases of 4-7% for the foreseeable future
  • A community that benefits from a growing population of active seniors and but suffers a diminished population of young singles and families – all in, near zero-population growth


Challenges to be dealt with but……

How Did We Do in 2012?

While there were some set-backs in 2012 most of the developments were positive:


  1. Despite philosophical divisions, Council came together to deliver a 2013 budget in the 1% range, just above the 0% target.  Positively, most departments hit the 0% target.  Fire and Police still require some work. (Note: 2013 budget yet to be finalized)
  2. The Council mandated KPMG study sets the stage for further service efficiencies and tax increase control over the next three years. 
  3. Council also made service adjustments and cuts, something many Councils are loath to do.  Council decided to move some funds from superior services such as snow plowing and grass cutting to new areas such as improved LED street lighting and waterfront planning.
  4. Midland made good but limited progress on efforts to manage its economy. The miniscule $5.000 budget was leveraged into a new area economic website and promotion. More importantly tourism, a portfolio where attention was greatly needed, was reinvigorated under the aegis of Mr. B. Peter.
  5. The Midland Cultural Centre opened in our midst. I may be biased but the MCC is arguably the greatest physical cultural asset that we have. Properly developed it will significantly contribute to our quality of life and prosperity. Our collective thanks to the Weber Foundation.
  6.  And not to be overlooked, the many services that everyone in our community relies upon continue to be delivered in a safe and professional manner.

What’s Likely for 2013?

2012 laid the foundation for service levels, budget and economic development.  2013 will build upon that base.


  1. Expect continued focus on budget discipline.  Tax rate increases should remain about 1% (inflation) for the next 2 years. 
  2. Expect further adjustments as municipal service levels are balanced with our taxpayer’s ability to pay. Labour negotiations will be interesting as we move from an era of 2.5% - 7% increases to one of 0 – 1.5% increases.
  3. There will be further change in our local employment situation. Zellers will close in the spring with the loss of some 100 jobs. On the positive side, a number of our larger employers, both established and new to Town, will be hiring in 2013.  In net we should be adding quality jobs.
  4. We  will increase our efforts for landing more employers and jobs. There will be increased direct contact with existing and potential employers. The “Unimin waterfront plan” will be completed. More events, including “Tall Ships” and “Tugfest”. The potential for a “business incubator”, to kick-start small business formation. Tourism will be better coordinated – look for more private sector involvement, including links to the Keewatin. And lastly expect more focus on improving high-speed internet access to our Town.
  5.   Look for the Town to develop a housing strategy to ensure we have the housing stock and amenities to match our needs, especially those of our aging population.  We will be partnering with the County in this initiative.
  6. We will participate in a Youth Engagement strategy with the YMCA, to identify youth interests and build ways to engage youth in the future of Midland.
  7. And as for our seniors, the Seniors Council has taken an active lead with their new “seniors strategy”. I expect to hear more from then in the near future.

A lot needs to happen in 2013 to keep us on the road to “quality of life”.  And it won’t happen unless each citizen does his/her part.  So your first question in 2013 should be “What can I do to help make it happen?”

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Sunday December 23, 2012


T’was the last post of Christmas for News from the Town
Readers all smiling, n’ary a frown
The budgets and by-laws are all stuffed away
The problems of 2012 are forgotten this day

With a new mantle of snow, the tree and some lights
The family, the turkey – all wondrous sights
Nothing remains that could add to the cheer
But to wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year


Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Sunday December 16, 2012


Ladies and Gentlemen

It’s very difficult to focus on Christmas when we are still trying to fathom the gun tragedy in Newtown. Our hearts go out to our American neighbours. We will all gather our children and loved ones more closely to us this holiday season.

Monday December 17th at 7:00 pm is Midland Council.  Another long agenda but with all sorts of interesting items:
-          Three presentations including the annual Awards of Merit and the 2013 budget. (The budget will only be passed in part as the Police Services budget, currently at a 5.6% increase, will be held over to the new year.)
-          Three deputations including one by Out of the Cold and a discussion on low water levels in the Great Lakes by Mary Muter
-          A Public Meeting to obtain input on transit and planning fee changes
-          Direction to set up a Public Meeting to gain input on allowing stores to open on three more statutory holidays.

Host Fred Hacker interviews Jerrold Karch live on stage at the MCC at 7:30 pm on Tuesday December 18th.  Jerrold grew up in Midland and the conversation will reflect on Jerrold's experiences as a young man in a Jewish family in the Midland of the 1950s and 1960s.  The theme of this edition is  'Growing up Jewish in Midland ….. and Other Anxieties'.  Jerrold is an actor, an author, an educator, a raconteur and a very amusing guy! Tickets available at the MCC.

Wednesday December 19th at 11:00 am at the Mountainview Mall the Salvation Army kicks it’s Toy Drive into high gear.  Then at 4:00 pm at Town Hall is the meeting of the Police Service Board.  Discussion items will include:
-          The 2013 budget
-          Traffic congestion at Leitz Rd and Yonge St.
-          A presentations on improving community safety (at 6:00 pm)

Then Town business really starts to gear down for Christmas. The Town offices will be closed starting Monday December 24th until January 2n. And if you are planning on shopping downtown this Saturday, look forward to being entertained by the caroling Vox Huronia.


Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Sunday December 9, 2012


Ladies and Gentlemen

Do you remember that scene from Bing Crosby’s ” White Christmas” where they are all waiting for the snow to start…well...It’s beginning to look a lot like Midland.  In the meantime enjoy Midland without the pleasure of overshoes and shoveling driveways.

Last week the Huronia mayors met about our Bay’s declining water levels. An additional 15 Georgian Bay mayors have contacted us all with similar concerns. We will now work with our respective Councils to develop a common request for assistance that should go to Ottawa this spring.

                                                                  *****
 
On Monday December 10th your Council meets at 6:30 pm in closed meeting to discuss matters about an identifiable individual.  Then at 7:00 pm is the December General Committee meeting.  A long agenda including;
-          Decision on an all-day downtown parking pass
-          Discussion on allowing stores to open on Good Friday, Thanksgiving and Family Day
-          An update to our closed meeting procedure and handling of confidential documents
-          Decision on what we will do about the County’s plan for leaf pick-up in 2013
-          Introduction of our Winter Roads Plan (our service level for keeping the roads and sidewalks clear this winter)

On Tuesday December 11th at 1:00 pm in Midhurst we elect the Warden for the next 2 years (Cal Patterson by acclamation) and vote for our Deputy Warden, either Gerry Marshall, Penetanguishene or Harry Hughes, Oro Medonte.

The Chamber Christmas party is set for Wednesday December 12th at 4:00 pm at their offices on King Street.

You are invited to join me on Thursday December 13th at 3:30 pm at the Georgian Bay General Hospital as they break ground for their new ER expansion. Then at 6:30 pm Stellula Music hosts its Christmas dinner for volunteers and friends at the MCC.

On Friday December the 14th, you are invited to Community Living Huronia’s volunteer appreciation party at their Olive Street location starting at 1:00 pm. 

Saturday:  Come down to the MCC between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm to be entertained by the antics of Huronia Player’s “Three Scrooges” as they accept donations for the food bank. At 1:00 pm you are invited over to Penetanguishene as Habitat for Humanity opens its new home at 87 Peel Street.

                                                                        *****

Next week we should put most of our 2013 budget to bed. At this point all of our departments are showing a zero percent cost increase over 2012, except for Police.  The Police Service Board has asked for a bit more time to try to meet Council’s target.  Police aside the budget increase, once approved by Council, should come in just above zero per-cent to allow for some money to be devoted to economic development.

The budget discipline started in 2012 will have to continue for the next few years. The slow economic recovery and the reduction in Midland jobs are still impacting our community.  We have done a lot in this budget year to start to position us for the future.  My thanks to Town staff and to you the people of Midland for helping us with these tough decisions. Your Council remains dedicated to ensuring that Midland will be able to sustain its high quality of life for many years to come.


Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Saturday December 1, 2012


Ladies and Gentlemen

It’s official. After receiving my hug from Santa at the Santa Claus parade, the festive season can now begin.

Two events in keeping with the spirit of the season occur on Monday December 3rd.  The YMCA holds its annual Gifts to Give at the NSSRC from 9:00 am – 11:00 am.  Individuals who cannot afford to buy presents for their families this season are invited to come out and select from quality donated items.

The Salvation Army Christmas Food Drive runs from Dec 3rd to 14th.  One of the drop-off locations is the Edward Jones Midland office at 525 Bay St, during office hours. The food bank is looking for non-perishable items. Please check the Best Before date before donating.

Wednesday December 5th is Planning and Development Committee at the Town at 7:00 pm.  A lengthy agenda including:
-          Site Plan application for the BINN property on Hwy 12
-          Consolidation of parts of 623, 627, 631 and 635 Sixth Street to ensure future purchasers are aware of development requirements
-          Review of our Site Plan application process and planning fees
-          Discussion of enhanced public notice for planning matters
-          A template for a future tree cutting by-law

Thursday December 6th is the National Day for Remembrance and Acton for Violence Against Women. Our Rosewood shelter will be holding a commemorative event starting at 6:30 pm at our Library.

On Friday December 7th, the Midland Area Reading Council invites you to enjoy their seasonal social starting at noon at their new premises on Dominion Avenue.  Later that day your Huronia mayors will gather to discuss our next steps to assist those affected by low water levels on Georgian Bay.

Two special events for Saturday December the 8th:
-          The Midland Curling Club us hosting a Special Olympics curling event at the Midland club starting at 9:00 am
-          The Midland Heritage Committee asks you to join them for a Victorian Christmas. Tour a number of festively decorated home from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Tickets are $10.00 at the Town.


Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Sunday November 25, 2012


Ladies and Gentlemen

Suddenly white. On Thursday you’re relaxing in an outdoor patio on King Street and on Saturday you have to remember how much oil to mix with the gas in your snow blower.  Midland – never dull.

A reminder of the seasonal Gifts to Give program sponsored by your YMCA.  You can drop re-gifting items at their premises at 334 King Street, Unit 1, November 26th – 30th from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm and on Saturday December 1st from 10:00 am – 1:30 pm.  The actual giving event is at the NSSRC on December the 3rd.

Monday November 26th sees two meetings at Town Hall.  A closed meeting at 6:30 pm to discuss a land acquisition matter. Then at 7:00 pm the Council meeting.  A relatively short agenda including:
-          Three deputations;
o   Seniors Committee
o   A complaint about a parking ticket
o   Zoning at 17077 Hwy 12
-          A public meeting about a land swap for a property on Penetanguishene Road

Tuesday November 27th at 9:00 am in Midhurst is County Council.  The main item on the agenda is the 2013 budget.  The County tax and waste levy increase is likely to be 0.4%. Then at 6:00 pm that evening at the Town Hall we tackle our own budget.  We are also moving towards a 0.4% budget increase but two major departments, Fire and Police, are still bringing their budgets into alignment.
On Wednesday I am a guest of Politically Speaking on Rogers Local TV at 5:00 pm.  I suspect we may be talking about the budget.
Thursday November 29th has a number of items:
-          The Unimin Working Group meets to begin the assessment of the social, planning and technical requirements for these waterfront lands
-          The Huronia Economic Alliance meets to discuss restructuring the Alliance and attracting more healthcare jobs to our area
-          At 5:30 pm is the opening of the First Light festival at Ste. Marie. The event runs for three evenings and has been judged one of Ontario’s top 100 tourism attractions.

Friday starts the annual Silver Stick Hockey Tournament – so expect to see lots of visitors in our community.  I am to drop the ceremonial puck at 3:15 at the NSSRC.

Saturday December 1st – it’s time for the Civitan Christmas Parade. The parade leaves Little Lake Park at 11:00 am and will proceed down King Street. Afterwards enjoy the downtown with Christmas caroling and some creative new decorations. Looking forward to seeing you there.


Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Sunday November 18, 2012



Ladies and Gentlemen

A quieter week as Midland steps towards Christmas. The Town Christmas tree is now lit. Out of the Cold has again opened its doors for our homeless citizens. The Salvation Army has placed its kettles in the stores. Can snow be far off?

The YMCA is organizing its annual “Gifts to Give” event. If you have any good quality items (except clothing and furniture) that you would think of re-gifting to others, you can donate them to the event at the YMCA offices at 334 King Street. They will be receiving gifts during the periods November 19th to 23rd and November 26th to 30th from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm and on Saturdays November 24th and December 1st from 10 am to 1:30 pm. 

Then on Monday December the 3rd from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the NSSRC, the YMCA will offer your gifts to needy families who want to give a gift to their loved ones, but do not have the means to buy their own.

On Tuesday November 20th at Town Hall at 6:00 pm, we will receive the second draft operating and capital budget. Our 2013 budget should be ready for Council approval in December.

Thursday November the 22nd, the YMCA Employment Centre hosts its annual Peaceworks awards ceremony. These awards honor those who have made a significant contribution to making Midland a better place for all.  The ceremony takes place at their office at 334 King Street starting at 7:00 pm.

The evening of the 22nd is also the Rotary TV auction.  This popular annual event is one the major fund raisers for our Midland Rotary club, a great service club that does so much for our community. The bidding opens on-line on the 19th of November and wraps up with the TV broadcast on the 22nd.  Get ready for Christmas by checking out the on-line bidding at: http://www.midlandrotaryauction.com/index.asp

Every time I visit our new Cultural Centre I become more convinced it is one of the best things that has ever happened to our Town. You have another chance to visit Midland’s exciting cultural centre on Friday November 23rd when “Red Chamber” performs starting at 7:30 pm. These performances are brought to us by John French’s Brookside Music. Tickets are available at the MCC or on-line at http://midlandculturalcentre.com/

This Saturday November 24th you are invited to attend the opening for the new expansion at the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre.  The ceremonies start at 2:30 pm.

Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              
This e-mail is sent to citizens in Midland for their information. This is not an official communication of the Town of Midland. If you wish to be removed from the mail list, please send an e-mail requesting removal to gordonmckay@rogers.com

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Saturday November 10. 2012


Ladies and Gentlemen

A very special week-end coming up as we celebrate Remembrance Day. It’s an emotional event that binds us together as a community and as a nation. I hope to see you at the Cenotaph at 10:30 am.

On Monday the Town offices will be closed but others will be busy. At 11:00 am the Salvation Army launches their Christmas food drive at their building on 2nd Street.

Tuesday November 13th will feature a special luncheon by Peaceworks. Monies raised by this noon event at Explorers Restaurant will be used for charitable works in many third world countries.  At 6:00 pm that evening your Council meets in closed session for a variety of topics (See agenda at: http://calendar.county.simcoe.on.ca/upload/Closed%20Meeting%20of%20Council%20on%20November%2013%202012.pdf
Then at 7:00 pm at Town Hall is the General Committee meeting.  A long agenda including:
-       A review of how the 2013 summer tourism season fared
-       Direction on parking fee changes for the downtown
-       Discussion on accessibility plans, including accessible taxis
-       Two more (positive) reports from the Ombudsman’s office

On Wednesday November 14th the four mayors will convene at the Out of the Cold shelter at Knox church at 8:00 pm for a sleepover. We will spend a night experiencing the same conditions that our homeless do. You may wish to come out (before the 10:00 pm curfew) to encourage your mayors. The following day the shelter will start full year operation for the first time in its history.

Early Thursday the 15th it’s off to County to discuss the 2013 County budget.  Preliminary indications are that the overall County tax levy increase may be in the 1% range. At 6:00 pm that evening, Midland gets back to its own budget discussions with our third budget meeting.  The topic will be our capital budgets.

Friday Nov 16th starts with the Salvation Army kettle drive kick-off at 10:00 am at Wal-Mart. Later that day a whole series of activities:
-       At 5:00 pm the Wye Marsh hosts its annual fund raising dinner at the Marsh.
-       The lighting of the Town Christmas tree starts at 6:30 pm. It begins with a parade down King Street, starting from Yonge, followed by lighting the tree.
-       At 8:00 pm, Huronia Players starts its 2012/2013 season with the play Noises Off at the MCC. A must see play.

Saturday November 17th, our own Bob Whitam will be holding a book signing at the MCC starting at 1:00 pm.   Your chance to acquire a signed copy of Bob’s new book Birds of Georgian Bay.


Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Saturday November 3, 2012


Ladies and Gentlemen

A little bit of snow and suddenly there is Christmas music.  And to think my dahlias are still out.

The Town received the final installment of the KPMG operational review report this past week.
http://www.midland.ca/ws_par/groups/public/@pub/@midland/documents/web_content/wspar_039894.pdf  The report will be used by staff and Council to develop the 2013 budget, as well as future budgets. Council has directed staff to present a 0% Town cost increase for 2013. Next budget meeting is November 15.

                                                                *****
Monday November the 5th starts at 10:30 am with the official opening of the new Tim Hortons on Midland Avenue.  That afternoon your Emergency Management Team meets at the Fire Hall for a mock exercise. As we saw this past week, we all need to be prepared for disaster situations.  And at 7:00 pm that evening the SHARE group hosts a public meeting at the library to discuss cooperative solar power projects in our area.

Wednesday November 7th sees two municipal meetings. At 6:30 pm is a closed meeting to discuss a matter subject to litigation.  Then at 7:00 pm is the regular PDC at Town Hall. The agenda Includes:
-       Recommendation for increased planning fees
-       Discussion on how public involvement on planning matters can be improved
-       A report on our Town’s employment lands.  Some of the highlights of this 50 page report are:
o    We have 121 ha of vacant employment land – will need 4 ha by 2031
o    We have 64 ha of vacant commercial land – will need 16 ha by 2031

On the morning of November the 8th I will be out in the Town with Rogers shooting the Mayors’ Christmas Message. At 1:30 area politicians will receive an update by the County about their Local Immigration Partnership (LIP). The LIP is an initiative to assist immigration into our area. Midland is slated to grow by 5,000 residents over the next 20 years. Many of these people will come from outside of our area.

Later that evening, at 6:30 pm the SSEA will host a reception and awards at the library.  All are welcome.

On Friday November 9th, starting at 10:00 am, Lakehead University in Orillia will hold a round table on economic development followed by a Report to the Community. Lakehead is quickly becoming the local university for our area.

Sunday November 11th is a Day of Remembrance. You are invited to join our Legion for a special ceremony at the Cenotaph. Please arrive by 10:30 am.  That evening the Legion hosts a dinner at the Legion Hall. Please contact them if you wish to attend.

The Town offices will be closed on Monday November 12th. The General Committee meeting will take place on the following Tuesday.

                                                                   *****
People throughout our area are aware and concerned about the declining water levels that we have seen on Georgian Bay.  The four municipalities of Huronia are leading an initiative to obtain federal assistance for affected marinas, water plants and residents. More information and results will be posted in the days ahead.


Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Sunday October 28, 2012


Ladies and Gentlemen

A dark and rainy Hallow’een looms, ushered in on the heels of a modern day “Frankenstorm”. Hollywood couldn’t set the stage any better. Get ready for rough weather followed closely by ghouls and goblins.

This past week saw its own bit of rough weather as Council wrestled with its first budget draft and adjustments to our service levels such as leaf pick-up. While it may be upsetting to some, these public discussions are a necessary part of steering us towards a healthy and sustainable future. Council remains committed to listening to its citizens and doing what it takes to protect the quality of life for you and your children.

                                                                *****

On Tuesday October 30th, the attention shifts to County Council where we receive the 2013 budget. This year’s budget (first draft) is for $415 million dollars, an expenditure increase of $15 million or 3.7% over 2012. The proposed spend increase is to be financed by a tax increase of 2% and a debt of $8.1 million. Last year the County portion, including waste, of your Midland tax bill was 19%.

On Thursday November 1st, Midland Council gets back to its own budget deliberations with two meetings. At 6:00 pm we will meet in closed session to receive the final report by KPMG on staffing issues.  Then at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall we will again be meeting in public with KPMG to review impacts of their report on our 2013 budget.

Friday November 2nd is your chance to learn more about the new Georgian Village being built in Penetanguishene. This “Seniors in Transition” event will take place at Georgian Manor, 7 Harriet St. starting at 2:00 pm.

Happy Hallow’eening


Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Saturday October 20, 2012


Ladies and Gentlemen

The leaves are falling and a few pumpkins are adding a splash of color. The long term forecast is for a bit more warmth than usual. Still, I wouldn’t put off those garden chores too long.

Monday October 22nd – The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is conducting a workshop on reducing the harm caused by alcohol consumption. The half-day workshop starts at 9:00 am at the NSSRC and costs $30.00. Then at 7:00 m that evening is the Midland Council meeting.   The agenda includes:
-          Three deputations:  Physician Recruitment; Shelter Now ; and our Midland Farmers Market
-          A second draft of the Council Code of Conduct
-          Changes to Council appointments on Town Committees
-          Three more contracts being let to improve the Bayport sub-division

Wednesday October 24th starts off with a breakfast (8:00 am) at the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre as they welcome a First Nation youth delegation to Midland.  Later that afternoon, Midland and Pentanguishene will meet to discuss interest in a transit link between the two communities. And later that afternoon I will be in Barrie as the YMCA recognizes our very own Reinhart Weber.

At 7:00 pm that evening at the NSSRC is a special public meeting on the changes we will see to our waste services in 2013. The County, which has responsibility for all waste services, will tell us about recent changes to the Blue Box, the new heavy waste system and leaf pick-up. The second part of the meeting will allow citizens to ask questions and voice concerns about pending changes.  I expect most Councilors to be there.

Also at 7:00 pm the evening at the Town Hall, Town staff will inform area businesses about our new economic development website and how they can get themselves listed on the site.  All are welcome.

On Friday October 26th you are invited to Bruce Stanton’s Fish Fry.  It starts at 5:00 pm at the Brian Orser arena in Penetanguishene.

On Saturday October 27th at 6:00 pm the Midland Lions Club celebrates its 75th Charter Anniversary with a special dinner at NSSRC. Tickets may still be available ($45.00).  At the same time the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre will be hosting a dinner to welcome First Nation representatives from across Ontario to our community.

                                                                  *****

In closing, your Huronia mayors and Councils have started to spend more time convincing senior levels of government that we have a real problem with the receding water levels in Georgian Bay. We will need to work with other communities around the shoreline to develop a common approach to deal with the very real impacts upon our residents, businesses and environment.




Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Sunday October 14, 2012


Ladies and Gentlemen

The week ahead looks more fit for growing rice than doing yard work. But with the lake level being down a bit, we will certainly welcome the rain. Lots going on in our Town

On Monday October15th at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers is a special public meeting of Council. The agenda includes:
-       Training on the Closed Meeting process from the Ombudsman’s Office
-       A review of our long term arrangement with the Huronia Museum
-       Huronia Museum audit fees
-       Application for funding for our asset management program

Tuesday October the 16th is just busy:
-       The NSCFDC Small Business Week will host a business breakfast at Brooklea starting at 7:00 am.  The speaker will be Mr. Frank McKenna, Deputy Chair TD Bank Group. Mr. McKenna will give us his insight into political and economic matters as they affect small business.
-       At 9:00 am, the Council of the County of Simcoe will hold an important meeting on its own governance structure. The discussion may lead to changes in how we elect our Councilors for this half-billion dollar corporation
-       At 4:30 pm, a special conference on business innovation will be held at the Holiday Inn in Barrie
-        And at 7:30 pm at the MCC is a first in a special presentation series, featuring Arkadi Kuhlmann founding CEO of ING Bank.

On Wednesday October 17th you have to get up early for the Christian Community Breakfast. Doors open at 6:30 am at the NSSRC.  Later that day, at 12:30 pm, the Library will hold a ceremony to recognize its volunteers. At 6:00 pm that evening we get into the meat of the Town’s budget process. This first public meeting will look at our operating budget for 2013 and how we intend to meet our restraint targets.

On Thursday October 18th at 6:00 pm is the Severn Sound Environmental Association Sustainability Summit. This public event takes place at Lakehead University in Orillia and will feature Tom Rand talking about our dependence on fossil fuels, plus a public forum on tree-cutting by-laws.

To round out the week, our Hospital Foundation hosts its “Une Soiree Extraordinaire” at the MCC starting at 7:30 pm on Saturday October 20th.

                                                         *****

I have a special request to make of you. The Midland Out of the Cold (OOTC) will establish itself as a permanent emergency shelter when it opens this November 15th.  The new level of service will significantly improve the well-being and safety of our homeless and our community. Rebuilding the shelter for full year occupancy costs money – approximately $700,000.  The four Huronia mayors will be kicking off the fundraising by sleeping on the mats at the shelter on November 14th. If you would like to contribute to the OOTC program (and encourage your mayor) you may make a contribution pledge by e-mailing me at this address or sending a contribution directly to OOTC at 174-208 Charles St. Midland, ON, L4R 2X4. OOTC is a registered charity. Please help our homeless.


Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.