Sunday, December 17, 2017

Sunday December 17, 2017


Ladies and Gentlemen



Despite the many supportive comments I received in response to last year’s Christmas doggerel,

(see http://newsfromthetown.blogspot.ca/2016/ ),  I have decided to spare you that seasonal flourish this year. I will turn instead to another Christmas tradition - a review of the year past.  And to avoid looking like an “everything is rosy” list I will try to keep it in balance.



In January last year, News from the Town proclaimed 2017 to be The Year for Getting it Done.  So, what have we done?



1)     Right at the start of the year, Council made the decision to sell our power utility, MPUC. The sale will significantly reduce the business risk the Town was facing in owning a small utility, plus it allows the Town to establish a trust fund of $22M to be used on a revolving basis to promote infrastructure projects and keep taxes low.



2)     The year also started with a commitment to review and improve our Town services, engaging both staff and the public in the change process.  The “Midland Forward” report identified general challenges and opportunities. The Town then undertook a thorough Service Delivery Review which has resulted in 68 recommendations for improvement. For me the most significant of these was to invest in our future in Information Technology. Specifically, establish two senior positions to guide our technology development and implementation



While this was going on, a number of key staff positions were filled:  Director Human Resources; Director Corporate Services; Director Engineering; Manager of Water/Waste-Water; Manager of Communications.  Look for the impact of these changes to become evident in 2018.



3)     Many of you commented that Midland has never had so much summer fun as we did in 2017. We were treated to the Butter Tart Festival, the Big Yellow Duck, RibFest, Feast Fest, ZuchiniMani and Tugfest. Staff is already planning for more fun next year.



4)     2017 saw 15 cruise ship visits. While 2018 does not look like it will be as busy, we are taking a lead role with the province to develop a long term strategy that will keep the cruise ships coming to Midland for years to come.



5)     Downtown revitalization was a major focus of Council and staff. Much of the energy was spent in finalizing concept plans and making sure we have the capital resources to proceed with major works in 2019.  Early signs are starting to appear with new stop signs at King and Elizabeth, new parking spots along Bayshore and the “road diet” initiative along Yonge Street.



6)     We nearly had a microbrewery in Midland with Barnstormers expressing strong interest in moving into our downtown. Unfortunately the site proved to be contaminated and they were unable to complete the deal. The Town is now taking steps to ensure the environmental concerns are addressed. I expect to see Barnstormers back in Town in the near future.



7)     The decision was made to change our policing to the OPP, with the actual transfer date set for February 2018. While we have been well served by the MPS, this change provides Midland with an equivalent level of policing and an operational cost savings of about $1M per year. I expect most of the officers who have served us well to be continuing their service under the OPP.



8)     Healthcare in our community got a big boost this year. The long awaited Downtown Health Centre started construction on Bayshore. The Centre will provide much improved access to health services for our downtown residents when it opens in December 2018.



Also Georgian Bay General Hospital received much needed funding to expand the ER and add 20 new mental health care beds. These projects should complete next year. And I would be remiss without noting that Gail Hunt joined the hospital team as the new CEO.



9)     Keeping with the healthcare theme, Jarlette Health Services has started work on their new long term care site on Yonge Street.  They are building a geriatric campus next to Little Lake, providing our community with a state of the art facility to care for our elderly.



10)  On the economic development front, the investment by the four North Simcoe municipalities in EDCNS and our economy continues to pay off. Though the leadership of EDCNS our manufactures are now actively collaborating on common challenges, in particular hiring skilled staff. This past year saw over 100 individuals placed with our local companies. They are now out looking for 200 more!  And of course Streit Manufacturing moved into the vacant Pillsbury site.



Our improving economy is reflected in our retail stores. Our downtown and Mountainview Mall are looking a lot more prosperous these days.



11)  Affordable housing saw both good news and bad. Midland has a County-set target of 90 new affordable housing units to be built by 2024. The good news is that we are well ahead of target and looking to surpass it. The housing type known as “second units” proved contentious with some residents but was resolved by allowing second units with a minor restriction on floor space. The bad news is that the recent increase in housing prices is reducing the number of affordable units in our community.



12)  The challenge of housing was addressed in part with the Guesthouse opening at their new downtown location. After some growing pains they seem to be settling into their new premises. As mentioned above, the lack of affordable housing is making the Guesthouse more needed than ever.



13)  Right at the end of the year Council voted to implement a “Municipal Services Corporation” – an arm’s length corporation to manage the development of our Midland Bay Landing project. The MSC will give this multi-year $100M plus project a stable management framework to develop our key waterfront neighbourhood.



14)  I would be remiss not to acknowledge the unheralded everyday work of our staff in building roads, plowing sidewalks, cleaning your water, marrying our young couples and the myriad other tasks they perform throughout the year. It is our talented staff who makes this Town work.



It has been a busy year. The above accomplishments would not have been possible without the positive cooperation among staff, Council and our many good citizens.  I am proud to be mayor of such a caring community that is working so actively to build its future.



And something to look forward to in early 2018.  The lands in Port McNicol where the ship Keewatin has been tied up have been sold. The Keewatin has to move and one possibility is to have it come to Midland harbor. Should be an interesting discussion in 2018.









The Week Ahead



A very quiet week in the run up to Christmas. On Tuesday December 19th at 7:00 pm I will be at the Guesthouse for a Celebration of Life for one of their long-time residents. He was one of the family to those who have spent time there.



On Wednesday the 20th, you are invited by the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre to enjoy their Community Christmas Dinner.  This annual expression of community spirit will take place at their Yonge Street location from noon to 5:00 pm. It’s free.  Please come and meet some of your fellow Midlanders.





Christmas Week



A few items to note.



Town offices will be closed from Monday, December 25, 2017 to Monday, January 1, 2018. 



Bruce Stanton MP has organized a free public skate for December 31st from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre, 527 Len Self Blvd.



Our Library is hosting a creative teen event - the Teen Boss Roundtable RALLY.  The event brings together youth who want to make a difference in their community for a fun event featuring music, bingo, winning prizes and starting to shape youth activities in and around the Library. The event takes place Tuesday January 2nd from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. For more info contact Jennifer Paquette the new Teen Services coordinator -jpaquetet@midlandlibrary.com or 526-4218 ext. 3307.  



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A very Merry Christmas to you, your family and loved ones.  Be back in 2018.





Gord McKay





The Year for Getting It Done - 2017

                                                                                              








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