Sunday, April 27, 2014

Sunday April 27, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

Spring apparently has to be hauled under protest onto the Midland stage.  I have a few frosted geraniums to show for my misplaced belief that warmer weather had arrived. On a positive note, the ice breaker should be here on Monday ;-)

This past week we were able to get a release from the confidentiality agreement that was signed between the Town and Hydro One.  (See attached media release). The sudden stoppage of the discussion by Hydro One is a matter of some speculation, even to the Town. It is fair to note that there are significant recent pressures on the province to fix the entire electricity distribution system, including Hydro One. The sale matter is off the table until Council decides it wishes to consider further business changes to the MPUC.

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Monday April 26th should begin with a closed meeting at 6:00 pm, dealing with personal matters. (This may not occur due to improper notification on the website.)  At 7:00 pm is the Council meeting. An incredibly long agenda including:
-       A presentation to our champion Midland Atom hockey team
-       Three deputations;
o    200th anniversary of Discovery Harbour
o    Update on Midland Bike Fest
o    An introduction to the Teen Transition Lodge
-       A Public Meeting (you may speak)
o    Sign by-law for charitable organizations
o    Input on septic system inspections
-       Discussion on hosting the Ontario Seniors Games for 2016
-       A new name for our Unimin waterfront – “Midland Bay Landing”
-       A listing of the many events headed our way this summer – cruise ships in August; tall ship return; shakedown regatta; a major in-water boat show; and many more
-       Agreement on completing the Prospect Boulevard project
-       A by-law for the Karma Market to host a Midland Farmer’s Market from June to October

Tuesday April 29th starting at 6:00 pm in Midhurst, will feature deputations to the Simcoe County School Board concerning the future of our public high-schools in North Simcoe. It’s unfortunately a divisive issue as it pits one community against another.  You can read my prepared remarks to the Board at http://newsfromthetown.blogspot.ca/

Friday May 2nd will see a number of fun events for you. At 5:30 pm the Huronia Museum hosts its annual Heritage Dinner at the NSSRC. The guest speaker will be the well-known Jack Granatstein who will present The Greatest Victory: Canada's 100 Days 1918.

Later that evening is the Huronia Players Studio Night - an informal evening of experimental theater will including :Murder at the Banquet - by the Huronia Players MyDrama youth group and an excerpt from The Fourth Wall directed by Doris Sloan and Sue Cook. Please register with Doris at doriss@baytechplastics.com to reserve a seat.


Weekend

Saturday
-       Opening of Martyrs’ Shrine for the 2014 season.  Starts with mass at 10:30 am
-       Huronia Community Foundation Awards ceremony at 7:00 pm at Brooklea
-       Serenata Choir presentation at St. Pauls at 7:30 pm

Sunday
-       Mandarin MS Walk starting at the NSSRC at 9:00 am
-       Hike for Huronia Hospice at 1:30 pm starting at Rotary Park in Penetanguishene

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The media has carried further stories about the North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN and its recent RFP process that could have resulted in local ophthalmology services, such as cataract surgery, being moved to Barrie. That particular RFP has been stopped. The concern exists as to what other RFPs may be coming and what is the long term prospect for the level of healthcare that we will all receive in North Simcoe.

Discussions with the seniors community, my fellow mayors and the LHIN have resulted in an agreement that we, the healthcare consumers, must clarify our position on what we want from healthcare in our area. It’s not a simple a question - and will take some time to answer in a way that is reflective of our entire North Simcoe community.  A first public meeting will be held at the NSSRC at noon on Thursday May 29th, starting with the seniors community. Look for more details in the coming days.



Gord McKay


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