Sunday, January 17, 2016

Sunday January 17, 2016


Ladies and Gentlemen



Our old friend winter has returned once more. I see a lot more excitement around the snowmobile shops but am still waiting for the joy of shoveling your driveway to kick-in.



One of the first stories to hit the local media this year was the impending public release of the 108 recommendations of the Geyer & Associates report on Georgian Bay General Hospital. While I have yet to see the report the media has indicated that it recommends some big changes affecting our hospital’s services and personnel. This slow release of the report has led to a lot of speculation about the long-term prospects for our hospital and our healthcare.



GBGH faces significant challenges. It will take a concerted effort to fix them. A successful outcome will require the coordinated efforts of an energized GBGH Board, doctors, hospital staff and the public.  The GBGH Board will be hosting a number of public meetings from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on:

-       January 21st  - Midland NSSRC

-       January 25th - Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre

-       January 26th - Wyebridge Community Centre

-       January 27th - Victoria Harbour Oakwood Community Centre



Please get engaged. Our hospital is too important to your future and your community’s to leave it to others.



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Monday January the 18th will feature a series of meetings starting with the Citizens Healthcare Steering Committee at 5:00 pm at GBGH. A main item on the agenda will be the recent GBGH operational review, mentioned above.



The Town had planned on having its first meeting with the OPP to discuss costing this evening.  The OPP indicated they needed a bit more time to prepare so the meeting has been postponed to a future date – yet to be announced. That said, you are invited at 7:00 pm to a presentation by Grant Thornton about the considerations facing municipalities for the future of their PUCs. The meeting will be followed by a closed discussion of Council on a personal matter.



A relatively quiet week meeting-wise until Thursday the 21st.  From 9:00 am to 11:00 am you are invited to the MCC for a presentation by our own Dr. Sue Lyons of Health Works Chiropractic on the topic of Workplace and Employee Health.  The event is sponsored by NSCFDC. Please register in advance by calling 526-1371 x 113 or e-mail lirvine@nscfdc.on.ca . At 10:00 am you may wish to attend our Midland Seniors Council regular meeting in the NSSRC Boardroom



At 7:00 pm is the GBGH Board presentation of the Geyer and Associates operational review of our hospital. The meeting is at the NSSRC.



On Friday I am at the County for the first Affordable Housing Advisory committee meeting of 2016. Then at 11:00 am is a meeting not seen in some time. The Midland Bay Landing (Waterfront Project Steering) Committee will meet at the Town. No big announcement expected – just an update on where we are.



Weekend



Saturday

6:00 pm - Robbie Burns supper at the Legion. Check with the Midland Legion for tickets

8:00 pm - Native son Neil LeFaive returns to Le Caron for an evening of music





Sunday

8:00 pm - The real Rabbie Burns party at the MCC, a lively evening of Celtic music



Council Issues Update





Midland Bay Landing

The first status meeting in some time takes place this week. It features an update on the Official Plan Amendment process, recently recommended to Council



OPP

The first meeting has been delayed at the request of the OPP. It will be rescheduled.



Downtown Health Centre

The County Committee of the Whole approved the official rezoning by the Town of a portion of Edgehill Park. The matter moves on to the OMB for an expected spring hearing.



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Three items in closing. The fourth edition of our Best Butter Tart festival is taking shape for June, If you want to track its progress please link to the new blog page www.ilovebuttertarts.com or you can like the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bestbuttertart



Winterfest is coming up the weekend of February 5 - 6. If you want to get into the spirit check out the new Winterfest Snow Day rap video -




The winter Farmers Market at the Museum is a true hidden gem in our community. A great selection of top quality produce from local farmers, fresh artisanal breads and at prices below what you find in the chain stores. No imports here. That’s every Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Huronia Museum.







Gord McKay





Your Year for Getting Aboard – Midlands on the Move - 2016

                                                                                              




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