Sunday, December 18, 2016

Sunday December 18, 2016


Ladies and Gentlemen



T’was the week before Christmas

And all through the Town

Folks rushed to get ready

With n’ary a frown



The snow was fresh fallen

And our merchants rejoiced

Christmas lights were aplenty

Hear Serenata carols, sweet voiced



So many packages and toys

And presents for all

Needed Wye Marsh gift wrapping at MCC

And Huronia Mall



At this time of year

There’s no time for delay

Wrapping’s from 10 am to 4 pm

Takes place every day



The Week Ahead



On Tuesday our Trillium Sea Cadets proud

Deliver their salute to Christmas

(Perhaps a bit loud)



At their festive Christmas dinner

A sight to be seen

That’s 6:30 at the Legion

Penetanguishene



While at 5:00 pm

Knox Presbyterian will be your host

To “Messy Church - A Night in Bethlehem”

For which they can boast



That the whole family’s invited

From the kids through to dad

A wholesome family gathering

And a meal’s to be had



Wednesday the 21st

Features more Christmas feasting

Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre

Gives you warm season’s greetings



To join in their tradition of

Feeding their guests

Serving from noon until 6:00

A heartfelt Christmas repast



At 7:00 pm it’s time for more fun

As GMA Players

Present their Christmas plum



It’s a play, not a pudding

At Shop Midland they say

Know it’s an adult production

So keep the children away



On Friday the 23rd

Let’s break into song

You are invited by Connexus chuch

Bring the children along



MCC at 7:00 pm

And don’t forget mom

Tickets are free




Week - End



Saturday December 24



The 24th is tingling

With expectations galore

One more sleep and its over

Who knows what’s in store



Sunday December 25



And now it is Christmas

The day we await

When we all come together

In goodwill to celebrate



With family and friends

The yule tree we surround

To reflect on our gifts

And human love, quite profound



Council Issues Update



The cares of 2016

Are quick put away

Forget the OPP costing

The Midland Bay Landing delay



Finding funds for the hospital

Or budget shortfalls

Lose their importance

When we believe “Good will to all”



The Town Hall hunkers down

For a well-deserved rest

Municipal offices close the 24th

Opening Jan 3rd at best



So to each and every one of you

At this time of year

Rejoice in all the good things

That you hold dear



Your wife, your husband

Your children and friends

Living in Canada

Even the snow that never ends



Take time for yourself

And hear the spirit that guides us

I wish you good cheer

And the very best Christmas



Gord McKay





Your Year for Getting Aboard – Midland is on the Move - 2016

                                                                                              


Sunday, December 11, 2016

Sunday December 11 2016


Ladies and Gentlemen



The snow has arrived and our downtown merchants are starting to breathe easier. Lots of positive news in our community as we get close to year end.



·         The Guesthouse has the funds needed to complete its renovation and expects to be in full operation in their new building by mid-January.  Thank you to everyone who helped make this Christmas wish a reality

·         Expect more than 25 cruise ship visits to Midland in 2017 from 3 different cruise lines. We are fast becoming a tourism “place to go”.

·         Rosewood, our women’s shelter, announced their new “social enterprise”.  The business involves indoor agriculture, making locally grown garden-fresh produce available to you 12 months a year. Rosewood has purchased the old LCBO premises on Queen Street. This new downtown business will provide Rosewood with needed funds and be a place for shelter clients and staff to safely learn life skills.  



And if you want to see where all this is happening check out the new mapping tool developed by   the Town and the County. If you are interested in finding out what zone you are in and what is permitted in that zone, take a look at https://maps.simcoe.ca/zoning/?muni=midland.



The Week Ahead



On Monday December 12th  my day begins with a trip to Queens Park to meet with Housing Minister Ballard on the topic of affordable housing. The County’s Affordable Housing Advisory committee has set a new course by redefining how we build affordable housing and what resources are needed to significantly improve our ability to house those in need. As an example, the plan requires each of Simcoe’s 16 municipalities to develop their own affordable housing target – Midland has a current target of 90 new units. My meeting with the Minister will be all about maintaining provincial funding for social housing plus allowing us greater flexibility to use those funds for local housing needs.



At 6:30 pm, back in Midland, Council will have a closed session to discuss a personal matter related to the Butter Tart festival.  At 7:00 pm there will be a combined General Committee and Council meeting. The agenda includes:

-       Award of Merit presentations to 4 deserving individuals. (I am sworn not to divulge the names)

-       25 Years of Service recognition for:

o    Chief Osborne, Midland Police Service

o    Terry Paquette, Chief Building Official

o    Pat LeClair, Manager Water-Wastewater Operations

-       Update on our “Second Unit” by-law as it progresses through County. New provincial laws, especially Bill 7, will likely require our by-law to be amended

-       A draft Traffic Calming discussion document. This will start our public discussion about what changes we want to see in Midland to slow traffic down

-       Request by the Boathouse Restaurant to lease a small section of municipal land



Tuesday the 13th at 10:00 am sees a special meeting at our Library. They are hosting an information session on an innovative software product designed to help organizations manage their volunteers.  Then at 1:00 pm County Council holds a special meeting to elect the Warden and Deputy Warden for the next two year term. Section Chairs and Vice-Chairs will also be decided.







On Wednesday I visit Tay Township at 10:00 am as part of the County’s program of meeting with municipalities on their individual affordable housing plans. Midland’s turn comes in January.



Thursday the 15th features the Seniors Council Christmas lunch at noon at the MCC.  Later that day the “Good Lovelies” return to the MCC – unfortunately all tickets are sold.



At 2:00 pm on Friday the 16th at the MCC, Quest formally announces that they are receiving a grant for their Canada 150 mural project. The project will create major murals in each of the four North Simcoe municipalities.  The murals will be unveiled on July 1, 2017 as part of Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations. Quest is looking for historical themes to be included in the murals. If you have any ideas, please forward them to Quest at murals@questart.ca.

.

At 6:00 pm the Penetanguishene Rotary Club’s Festival of Trees comes to a conclusion with the drawing for the trees at the MCC. Please come and enjoy the festivities.



Week - End



Saturday December 17



-       10:00 am to 3:00 pm please help our Police and Fire Departments with a food donation for Cram a Cruiser.  They can be found at Canadian Tire, Superstore, Foodland, Valu-Mart, Wal-Mart and No Frills

-       Second City comes to Town with its Christmas comedy review at the MCC 8:00 pm



Council Issues Update



GBGH



Lots of good news for our hospital this week.  This past Friday saw the ground breaking for the Emergency Department building phases 2 and 3. The province has contributed $8.6M to this project. Completion is expected in early 2018.



The North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN (aka the province) announced an increase to GBGH’s annual base budget funding of $961,000.  This will go a long way to resolving our hospital’s annual budget shortfall. Additionally the North Simcoe Muskoka CCAC received over $3.7M from the province for its annual base budget.  These funds will be used for improved home services to clients and their caregivers. This new funding underscores the province’s intention to improve health services to residents in their own homes.





Gord McKay





Your Year for Getting Aboard – Midland is on the Move - 2016

                                                                                              



Sunday, December 4, 2016

Sunday December 4, 2016


Ladies and Gentlemen



A definite chill is in the air but it’s more than made up for by the many smiles from those whom you meet. Stores are busy, helped along by the 3 hour free parking for December in the downtown. Do get out and enjoy your Town at this special time of year.



The Week Ahead



On Tuesday December 6th at 3:00 pm our manufacturers gather at a local plant to advance plans for increasing employment in our area. Our commercial attractiveness is growing with an unprecedented number of inquiries at Town Hall about locating in Midland. At 6:00 pm you are invited to Askennonia to take part in a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. This moving annual event is organized by our Rosewood Women’s Shelter.



Wednesday sees the return of a unique event – the Christmas Toy Caravan. Captain Eric Conroy (of Keewatin fame) and Mayor Warnock have been able to organize a truck load of toys that will be delivered to children’s charities across our area. Groups such as We are the Villagers, the Boys and Girls Club plus many others will benefit from this Christmas gift. A big thank you to all who have made this possible.



At 5:15 pm at Town Hall is the monthly meeting of the Midland Youth Committee. From what I hear, our future is in good hands. Then at 7:00 pm is the Planning and Development Committee.  The agenda includes:

-       Public Meeting (you may speak) regarding draft plan of subdivision and zoning for 283 Barnett Ave, the old St. Theresa site

-       Master Stormwater Management Study for the Pratt lands (open parcel adjacent to the soccer fields)



Thursday the 8th starts with the County Audit Committee meeting at 9:00 am in Midlhurst. On Thursday evening you have a choice of what you want to do:

-       First Light begins its final weekend. Its last dates are December 8, 9 and 10. You can catch a shuttle at Midland library and at the 509 Bay St. parking lot from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm every 30 minutes

-       At 7:00 pm get a “Handle on Handel” - a free workshop at St Pauls featuring the Cellar Singers

-       At 7:30 pm A Day in the Life brings Lawrence Fox, Canada’s own “James Bond”, back to the MCC. Tickets at www.midlandculturalcentre.com or at the Box Office

-       And at 8:00 pm our Huronia Players celebrate the season with the launch of their zany Christmas production “Miracle of Elizabeth Street. Tickets at http://www.huroniaplayers.ca/tickets/





On Friday you are invited to witness another step forward for our hospital as they break ground for an extension to the Emergency Department. That’s at 1:30 pm at GBGH. At 5:30 pm our MPP Patrick Brown invites you in for some seasonal cheer at his office at 354 Midland Ave. And if you are still in good voice you may wish to participate in a Sing-Along Handel’s Messiah at 7:30 pm at St Pauls. The event includes an orchestra and soloists.





Week - End



Saturday December 10



-       10:00 am to 3:00 pm please help our Police and Fire Departments with a food donation for Cram a Cruiser.  They can be found at Canadian Tire, Superstore, Foodland, Valu-Mart, Wal-Mart and No Frills

-       The Christmas Home Tour runs from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.  Your chance to see some of Midland’s heritage homes in holiday attire. Tickets at the Midland library, Town Hall, and the NSSRC

-       The Midland library’s Christmas Wreath fundraiser closes today. The auction is happening live in the library and online:  http://www.biddingowl.com/Auction/index.cfm?auctionID=9932



Sunday December 11



-       We Are The Villagers Christmas Dinner. A great turkey dinner and entertainment at Phils Eatery, 519 Hugel. Seatings are at 5:00, 6:30 and 8:00 pm. Reserve tickets by calling 705-529-1247 or info@wearethevillagers.com





Council Issues Update



MPUC



The Request for Proposal process is underway with initial contact with a number of organizations who have expressed interest in the MPUC. Responses are expected in February/March.





Gord McKay





Your Year for Getting Aboard – Midland is on the Move - 2016

                                                                                              


Sunday, November 27, 2016

Sunday November 27, 2016


Ladies and Gentlemen



Christmas is in the air. This past week saw our Town Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, the Civitan Santa Claus parade and the twinkle of First Light at Ste. Marie.



It’s also the time of year when our thoughts turn to those who are not as fortunate. From December 5th to 9th a group of our civic leaders will challenge themselves to live on the contents of a typical food bank food hamper. Having taken the challenge two years ago, I can say that after 5 days of eating pasta, peanut butter, canned vegetables and little else, you understand that food banks are not the real answer. Look for future reports on how our participants are doing.



The Week Ahead



Monday the 28th features a closed meeting of Council at 5:30 pm to discuss three items: a labour matter, review of the MPUC sale process and consideration of committee appointments. At 7:00 pm Council meets to consider:

-       Certificate of Commendation for two citizens who helped save the life of one of our residents

-       Notice of Motion concerning a new park in Sunnyside

-       Three deputations:

-       Stefan Walma on by-laws to encourage Second Suites

-       Chris McLaughlin, Director NSCFDC, on why Midland should participate in a broadband communications gap analysis

-       R. Stacey on the need for security services



Tuesday the 29th sees me involved in an all-day emergency planning exercise. The Emergency Response Team will be given a realistic situation and then go through the steps of coordinating a response, just as they would in a real emergency. Practice makes perfect.



From 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm the Severn Sound Sustainability project invites you to a discussion on sustainability for our communities.  The event is at the NSSRC and it is free. At 4:00 pm Waypoint hosts a reception for its supporters to learn more about the services they provide both at the hospital and within the community at large.



Lots to choose from on Wednesday the 30th. At 6:00 pm the Town hosts a Snowmobiling Open House in the Midland Library Community Room. This is your opportunity to comment on the future of snowmobiling within the Town boundaries. The 724 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets salutes the departure of Petty Officer Second Class Edward Roberts with a farewell dinner. The dinner is at the NSSRC at 7:00 pm. At 7:30 pm at the MCC, Dr. Keith Rose invites you to a discussion on “Our Health - Huff and Puff Your Way to Wellness”. Your chance to pick up some tips and insights on healthy living. No charge to attend.



Thursday December 1st.  I have a meeting with our Physician Recruitment team to plan how we will continue to attract doctors to our area. The good news is that doctors have started to discover North Simcoe and regard this as a good place to set up practice. Still lots of work to be done.



First Light at Ste. Maries continues into its second week this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There is event parking in Town lots and a free shuttle service from the Midland Library and the 509 Bay St parking lot from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm, every 30 minutes. At 7:00 pm that evening, our Library is host to the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre’s launch of their new cookbook, “Rez Recipies” – a compendium of traditional and modern First Nation’s fare. The event features food samples and drumming. All proceeds will go to the Friendship Centre’s youth programs.



On Friday at 9:00 am Midland meets with Penetanguishene to discuss a coordinated taxi service that will better serve residents in both communities. Then at 2:00 pm the four mayors get together for a photo, celebrating our collective response to the Guesthouse Shelter’s request for $100,000 to fund the building of their new shelter.



Week - End



Saturday December 3



·         A “Day in the Life” sits down with Santa Claus at the MCC at 10:30 am. All children and the young at heart are invited to this free event

·         Midland Library hosts Pancakes & Pajamas with Santa at 10:30am. A free program for children but please pre-register with Crystal at 705-526-4216  ext. 3301

·         Penetanguishene Christmas Parade and Festival of Lights kicks off at 4:00 pm with the tree lighting at 5:30 pm


Sunday December 4



·         Midland Fire Captain Jim Ironside celebrates retirement at Lot 102 at 1:00 pm

·         Christmas Chopsticks with the Children’s Community Choir led by Juli Bridgeman at St Pauls at 7:00 pm

·         Christmas at the Wye Marsh and wreath making. Pre-register at https://www.wyemarsh.com/Wreath-Making-Workshop





Council Issues Update



MPUC



Council will meet this Monday to finalize its Request for Proposal for the sale of the MPUC. The RFP is a fairly legalistic document that specifies what the potential purchaser must provide for the Town to consider them at all. Council and the MPUC Board are looking to continue the good services that residents have received from the MPUC and also bring in the resources that will permit us to respond to the rapidly changing electricity generation and distribution sector. The RFP asks the question. But if we are not fully satisfied with the response there will be no sale.



GBGH



John Kurvink, CFO of GBGH, will be stepping in as interim CEO until the Board’s search committee completes its work. The CEO replacement process could take 4-6 months.



                                                            *****

I was down to see my doctor on Friday and she says that my cancer is in complete remission. It’s been quite a journey. My sincere thanks to each and every one of you who dropped by to wish me well, sent me a “thinking of you card” or prayed for my recovery. You make Midland a very special place.





Gord McKay





Your Year for Getting Aboard – Midland is on the Move - 2016

                                                                                              


Sunday, November 20, 2016

Sunday November 20, 2016


Ladies and Gentlemen



Christmas is about to take centre stage.  As you will see below there are a whole host of Christmas activities this week. And if you can believe the weather forecast, Old Man Winter arrives as well.



The Week Ahead



Monday the 21st sees the start of YMCA Peace Week.  The Y will be running a number of activities you can participate in including:

1)     A launch event at the YMCA location in Little Lake Park at 11:30 am. It will introduce the “Be Kind Bells” program symbolized by a string of beads with a bell and a note attached, encouraging you to perform an act of kindness. These bells will be hidden in locations throughout our community

2)     Daily events at the YMCA location in Little Lake Park and at their Elizabeth Street office, such as free Yoga for Peace

3)     On Thursday November 24th YMCA staff hit the streets to spread random acts of kindness.        

At 1:00 pm please join me at Le Caron High School in Penetanguishene for the launch of the annual Red Ribbon Campaign sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving. At 5:00 pm the Community Healthcare Steering Committee will be meeting in Rm 1 at GBGH – possibly for a final time. The CHSC is the group that brings you the quarterly public meetings with our LHIN and GBGH, allowing you to put your questions to those responsible for our healthcare services. If you feel public involvement is essential to the debate, you may wish to attend.

Tuesday the 22nd starts with County Council at 9:00 am.  The main item on the agenda for Midland is the likely approval by Council of our Midland Bay Landing official plan amendment, allowing for mixed-use development of our waterfront. At noon you will want to be at Askennonia in the NSSRC as they host their annual Honour our Veterans lunch. Then at 3:00 pm the North Simcoe Housing Working Group meets at Town Hall to advance a couple of affordable housing projects:

-       A “Housing First” pilot that could lead to more private sector investment in affordable housing

-       An update on the affordable housing style known as “Tiny Homes”

7:00 pm that evening sees a major area event – the Cultural Awards Gala at the MCC. The evening will feature a number of video presentations about culture and Midland, followed by the announcement of our four cultural award winners. For more information visit www.culturemidland.ca or call Nicole at 526-4275 ext. 3206. 

Wednesday is National Affordable Housing day. This topic is explored with a half day information event at the Simcoe County Museum staring at 9:00 am. At 10:00 am the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Center - Indigenous Children Wellness Program is hosting a workshop about violence towards our indigenous citizens. The agenda features four speakers including Curtis Copegog, (Indigenous Outreach) and Kathy Willis (Rosewood). Lunch will be provided so please register with Katie at 526-5589 ext. 261 or at cwwv@gbnfc.com. The Centre is at 175 Yonge Street. Please come out and meet the members of our local First Nations community.



The County Archives celebrates its 50th anniversary at its building in Midlhurst at 1:30 pm.  If you have never been to the County Archives, this is a great opportunity for you to see the historical treasures that mark the founding and development of our County. And at 5:00 pm step into Christmas with our Christmas tree lighting at Neezhoday Park. Festivities start at 5:00 pm - a visit by Santa Claus and carol singing with the Bell Choir. The actual lighting will be at 7:00 pm.





On Thursday 24th at 9:00 am at the NSSRC you are invited to the third presentation in the NSCFDC Speakers Series. Sarah Durant will guide you through the challenging topic of Mental Health in the Workplace. Register online at www.nscfdc.on.ca

Thursday also sees the start of our famous First Light exhibit at Ste. Marie.  This year the program has expanded to include Martyrs’ Shrine. First Light will take place on November 24, 25 and 26 and December 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10. Event organizers are expecting a large turnout this year so have added overflow parking space in downtown Midland. There will be a shuttle from the Midland library and the 509 Bay St parking lot, running from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm every 30 minutes - and it is free.

And it that wasn’t enough, “A Day in the Life” is bringing Lord Conrad Black to Midland. One of Canada’s most fascinating personalities, Lord Black was born into wealth and ascended to the title of "Lord Black of Crossharbor” with the British House of Lords. He renounced his Canadian citizenship to accept the peerage although he now lives in Canada. That’s at the MCC at 7:30 pm.



Friday the 25th (one month to Christmas) our Police are holding their annual Cram a Cruiser at the Canadian Tire on Hwy. 93 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.  Please help them out with the donation of a toy or food. Your gift will go to the Salvation Army. Town staff also gets into the spirit with their annual Christmas party at the NSSRC.



Week - End



Saturday November 26



·         The Midland Civitan Club’s 39th Annual Midland Santa Claus Parade takes to the streets at 11am. It will run from Little Lake Park down to the bottom of King Street.  Please bring a food donation as the Midland Police will be collecting for the Salvation Army.

·         Serenata Choir will “Sing Christmas” at 7:30 pm at St. Pauls.





Sunday November 27



·         From 10:00 am to 4:30 pm the Big Brothers and Sisters is hosting a “Curl for Kids Sake” bonspiel at the Midland Curling Club. You can enter a team or come along and watch the fun.

·         At 8:00 pm Pavlo returns to the MCC. Pavlo brings amazing guitar skills as he explores the sounds of folk music set to Greek and Latin themes.





Council Issues Update





OPP



The OPP have again pushed off their presentation of a police service costing. It will likely now be in January.















Gord McKay





Your Year for Getting Aboard – Midland is on the Move - 2016

                                                                                              




Sunday, November 13, 2016

Sunday November 13, 2016


Ladies and Gentlemen



Just over two months ago Council hired our new CAO, John Skorobohacz. Once John was settled in, one of the first tasks given him by Council was to come back with a report on how he would organize staff and municipal resources to deliver on Council’s strategic objectives. John has responded amazingly well to this challenge and has just released his draft report “Midland Forward” to Council and the public. You may view it at http://www.midland.ca/Shared%20Documents/CAO-2016-9%20Midland%20Forward.pdf



This Report represents a critical step in bringing Council and staff together to deliver on some very big municipal challenges. The Report will be tabled on Monday (see below) and is likely to be revised based upon feedback from Council and staff. Once approved it will be turned into a set of business plans with implementation expected to start early in the New Year. If you have any comments on this draft document you may send them to jskorobohacz@midland.ca or to me at gmckay@midland.ca.



The Week Ahead



Monday November 14th. There will be a closed meeting at 5:30 pm to discuss three items: a potential land sale; an update on Midland Bay Landing; and recommendations for the Town’s Award of Merit. General Committee starts at 7:00 pm. The agenda includes:

-       Council review of the Midland Forward report prepared by CAO Skorobohacz

-       Direction on how to handle downtown parking during the Christmas season

-       An update on the recent provincial changes for municipal elections and a decision on whether we want to consider a voting method other than “first-past-the-post”.



On Wednesday the 16th, the local realtor community will be meeting with our planning staff to discuss developments in the real estate market and their potential impact upon Town plans. At 10:00 am Midland’s Aboriginal Relations Committee meets in the Harbourview Room of Town Hall. This is a newly formed committee established to improve our relationship with the First Nations and Metis groups and to develop a plan to effectively include them in the Town’s municipal affairs. And if you are over at the Library at 1:00 pm you will witness the launch of the Red Scarf program – providing clothing to keep the less fortunate warm as we get into the colder months.



An interesting start to Thursday the 17th.  At 10:30 am you are invited to join the Georgian Shores Swinging Seniors who will be hearing from Midland’s own Larry Fox.  Larry has a fascinating life story, leading a “James Bond” type of life during the Cold War.  The presentation is at 300 Balm Beach Road, Balm Beach.



At 5:00 pm the North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation celebrates its 30th anniversary at Café St Marie. This remarkable organization has helped hundreds of individuals and companies in our area build successful businesses. One of their specialties is public educational events – so sign up for their November 24th event on Mental Health in the Workplace, led by Sarah Durant. Please register online at www.nscfdc.on.ca.  No cost to attend.



Then at 6:00 pm Chigamik (our Community Health Centre) will be screening the documentary “Milk”.  This film tells the story of a man who sets out to find the facts about milk and instead discovers the growing controversy surrounding it. He is left with more questions than answers amidst the contradictory positions of doctors, scientists and experts about a drink we all trust.  There is no charge to attend this event at the MCC.



Friday features a very special event for one of our local companies. Kee Bee Play is a manufacturer of play equipment. You may have seen their products in the play areas of McDonalds restaurants. While we typically associate play with children, Kee Bee Play has developed new products that will help seniors with dementia. They are working on this project with the University of Toronto and three of our local Long Term Care facilities. On Friday morning they will host a reception at their plant to reveal their plans and show off two of the new products. This is a significant step for Kee Bee Play, a local manufacturer that most of us probably never knew existed.



If girls just want to have fun, Friday is their opportunity with the start of the Girls Holiday Event. This downtown Midland event features entertainment, food and a chance to shop. For more details see;




Week - End



Saturday November 19



·         9:00 am to 2:00 pm – Candy Cane Bazaar sponsored by our Legion’s Ladies Auxiliary at the Legion building.

·         10:00 am to 4:00 pm - Craft and artwork sale at Huronia museum

·         8:00 pm - Gavin Crawford’s “Friends Like Me” comedy show comes to the MCC



Council Issues Update



GBGH



Karen McGrath has just announced that she is stepping down as President and CEO effective January 13, 2017. Karen has led GBGH for three years and will move on to a prestigious position as President and Chief Executive Officer at Horizon Health Network in New Brunswick.



This is a challenging time for GBGH as they have just made a number of difficult choices affecting their services and their budget. Hopefully the GBGH Board will soon acquire a replacement of Karen’s stature to take on these challenges.





                                                                     *****

I am pleased to report that the Town of Penetanguishene and the Township of Tay have joined Midland in each offering a $25,000 loan to the Guesthouse Shelter for their redevelopment project. The Township of Tiny will consider the matter later in the month.







Gord McKay





Your Year for Getting Aboard – Midland is on the Move - 2016