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

                                                                                              


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