Sunday January 22, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

The snowmobiles are out enjoying the street (they seem to go faster every year), Midland’s Winterfest is all set for February 3^rd thru 5^th, Midland will be a co-host for the Ontario Winter Games in March.   Time to celebrate winter.

This past Thursday, Minister Bob Chiarelli, Ministry of Infrastructure provided clarity on the government’s growth targets and process for Simcoe County, including Midland. Generally we got what we wanted.  Our target population for 2031 was left at 22,500; we were given relative autonomy in deciding where development could occur; and we kept our designation as a Primary Settlement Area (aka Urban Growth Node).  Maybe we should have asked for more?

                                                                         *****

Monday January 23^rd, a closed meeting will take place at 6:00 pm at the Town to discuss land disposition, labour relations and committee appointments.  At 7:00 pm is the public Council meeting. While not a long agenda it includes:

-          three deputations, including one about the Severn Sound Sustainability Plan

-          our 2012 budget

-          a discussion of the e-mail matter, recently reported in the media

Two items that were expected but not shown on the published agenda are a motion to proceed with our Council Code of Conduct and a mention that the Provincial Ombudsman’s office has been invited in to review our closed meetings.

On Thursday January 26^th at 12 noon, Bruce Stanton MP, invites you to come to the Best Western to advise him on the federal government’s budget.  Later that day, the mayors and staff of the four North Simcoe municipalities will be meeting to advance our common economic plans. The meeting will likely discuss a new economic development website and area promotion.

Gord McKay