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.

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Monday November the 5^th 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 7^th 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 8^th 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 9^th, 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 11^th 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 12^th. The General Committee meeting will take place on the following Tuesday.

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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.