Sunday, March 26, 2017

Sunday March 26, 2017


Ladies and Gentlemen



Just back from my annual pancake flipping adventure at the Wye Marsh Sweetwater Festival. Despite the cool day there were many happy families discovering the joys of maple syrup.  The maple syrup industry is achieving new prominence in our area. In fact we have a major conference in Midland this July attracting maple syrup producers from across the province to discuss growing the industry. Another sign of how we are changing.


The Week Ahead



Monday March 27th at 1:00 pm is a Housing First conference at the Kempemfelt Conference Center in Innisfil. The conference will discuss how the County can establish affordable housing programs that:

-       House the homeless unconditionally, as a first step

-       Provide the supports to help them stay housed

The Housing First model has proven to be successful in reducing homelessness in many jurisdictions across North America.



At 5:30 pm is a closed meeting of Council to discuss a number of matters: a potential land sale; potential litigation; appointment to committees.  Then at 7:00 pm is the March Council meeting including:

-       One deputation from the District Health Unit on “Breastfeeding Friendly Places”

-       An application by Jarlette Health Services for a development charge exemption for their new Villa Long Term Care facility. This new facility will replace the long term care beds in the current Villa building, bringing them up to modern standards

-       A request to consider a common taxi service for the area including Midland and Penetanguishene

-       A request to review a regional fire service for North Simcoe

-       Council membership for our new HR committee



Tuesday starts in Midhurst at 9:00 am with County Council.  A number of interesting items before Council including a proposal for an incentive program to encourage more of us to use of our green bin. Regular use of the green bin may net you a gold sticker for your bin and/or a Recycling Star ball cap. 



On Wednesday you are invited to attend the Askennonia  AGM at 11:30 am at the NSSRC.  That afternoon Mary Lynn West-Moynes, President of Georgian College, comes to visit our library to discuss potential cooperation around entrepreneurial programs.  At 3:00 pm our economic development group EDCNS hosts it’s Manufacturers Roundtable at Techform.  This working meeting brings area manufacturers together to discuss how to improve their businesses. The meeting should receive an update on the recent jobs advertising program.



Thursday March 30th at 9:30 am, Simcoe County Circles (Bridges Out of Poverty) Program holds an information session at the old PSS location in Penetanguishene.  The Circles Program is based on forming supportive relationships among Circle Leaders (individual/family working to get out of poverty) and community Allies (individuals who have completed a Bridges Out of Poverty workshop) who are willing to provide support.



At 7:00 pm at Town Hall is the next step in our 2017 budget process.   This is your turn to provide input about the 2017 budget. For background information please see http://www.midland.ca/townhall/budget.   Also at 7:00 pm Brookside Music brings Tafelmusik  to St Pauls. The Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra will provide a selection of pieces exploring 100 years of Canadian history.



Friday the 31st sees the Battle of the Bands at 7:30 pm at the MCC. Rock out with five local bands as they battle it out in support of The Next Door Teen Transitional Lodge. Bands include returning champs Souled Out, Crossfire, The Penny Love Band, Blues Connection and Coconut Navy.





Week - End



Saturday April 1



-       10:00 am - YMCA Fire Truck Pull and Fun Run at the Midland YMCA

-       12 noon – Trans Day of Visibility at Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre



Sunday April 2



-       Books2Eat at the Midland Public Library at 2pm. One of our Town’s signature events





Council Issues Update



GBGH



The GBGH Board has started a strategic review of the hospital’s vision and mission. This is an important step for our community in making sure our hospital continues to serve the needs of the people in our area. If you have any thoughts on our hospital’s future please forward then to Mr. John Kurvinck, acting CEO of GBGH.



Georgian Bay General Hospital is looking to fill four (4) positions on its Board. The GBGH Board is skills-based and is interested in applications from individuals who reflect our many communities, including people from the Francophone, First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities. If you are interested please contact:

Community Based Nominations Committee – Attention: Chair

C/O Jacki Dumont

Georgian Bay General Hospital

1112 St. Andrew's Drive,

P.O. Box 760

Midland, ON L4R 4P4

Applications, including resumes, must be received before 4:00pm on Friday, April 7th,



Budget



Council has completed its first review of both the 2017 operational and capital budgets. We are currently looking at a municipal tax rate increase of just over 3%. Council is still looking for a few more reductions.  You may wish to speak at the public meeting on the budget scheduled for Thursday March 30.



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And lastly, the Mayors Mac & Cheese dinner at Lot 102 is set for Monday April 3rd.  Three seatings - 4:30,  5:45 and 7:00 pm.  Please help us by getting your tickets early. All proceeds to We are the Villagers children’s’ charity.












Gord McKay





The Year for Getting It Done - 2017

                                                                                              

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