Sunday, November 6, 2016

Sunday November 6, 2016


Ladies and Gentlemen



A big thank you to all those who responded to the Guesthouse Shelter appeal as they work to get into their new location before the snow flies. Over the last 3 weeks they have received over $40,000 towards their $150,000 reconstruction project.



The four North Simcoe municipalities are also getting behind the project.  This past week the Town of Midland voted to advance a $25,000 construction loan to the Guesthouse. Our three neighbouring municipal Councils will be considering their own $25,000 loans later this month. We are well on our way to having a safe place for our homeless this winter. Thank you to all.





The Week Ahead



The first municipal meeting of the week is Tuesday November 8th at 9:00 am at the County. The major agenda item is the review of the County budget.  The current County tax rate increase is at 2%. Please note that this levy increase will likely be lower when applied to Midland due to the greater assessment growth for municipalities in South Simcoe.



On Wednesday the 9th I am in Oro Medonte at 9:00 am for a presentation on their affordable housing plan. The presentation is being delivered by the County and lays out local objectives and targets that will “roll up” to meet the County’s overall housing objectives. The County’s visit to Midland has yet to be scheduled – will let you know when that happens.



Thursday the 10th will see a meeting of the Town’s MPUC Transaction Committee as they prepare the technical RFP documents for the sale of the MPUC. Then at 6:30 pm the Severn Sound Environmental Association hosts its Partners Reception at the CafĂ© Ste. Marie.



Friday is Remembrance Day. You are invited to join your fellow citizens as we pay respect to those who have fallen defending our country. You will want to be at the Cenotaph by the NSSRC at 10:30 am. At 6:00 pm that evening the Legion will hold a Remembrance Day supper at the Legion Hall. Friday also launches the Huronia Players fall season with Crimes of the Heart.  That is at the MCC at 8:00 pm.



Week - End



Saturday November 12

·         The Victorian Christmas Gift and Craft Show takes place at the NSSRC from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Show is sponsored by the OSPCA and our local animal shelter.

Sunday November 13



·         Silver Goose – Ontario Provincial Cyclocross Championship Race takes place at Little Lake Park from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. This is quickly becoming one of the premier cross country cycling races, right here in Midland.





Council Issues Update



MPUC



The MPUC Transaction Committee has now been formed and is starting its work to prepare the Request For Proposal documents to see who may be interested in acquiring our MPUC.  The Committee is also preparing a communications plan to ensure the public is properly informed about developments.



Downtown Health Centre



The North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN has now given its support to the construction of the Downtown Health Centre project. They have also clarified the roles of the two major tenants – Chigamik and Waypoint. The last hurdle in moving this forward will be the final approval by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Capital Branch.



GBGH



The GBGH Board has rejected most of the service cut-back options recommended in the Geyer report. While this augurs well for maintaining our needed services in the short term, it will create a significant challenge with the hospital’s budget. The four North Simcoe mayors have become increasingly engaged with the Ministry to obtain proper funding for medium-sized hospitals. Our goal is to ensure that GBGH remains a sustainable community hospital that meets the needs of our residents.



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Simcoe County will be picking up that special bag for used batteries this week. Please put the used battery bag beside your blue bin for pick-up.





Gord McKay





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

                                                                                              




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