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 CafĂ© 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.





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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

                                                                                              



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