Sunday, January 7, 2018

Sunday January 7, 2018


Ladies and Gentlemen



I hope that you survived the “Deep Freeze of O-18”.  When the snowmobilers tell you it is too cold to go sledding you know that it’s cold. With the freeze behind us, the Town is back to work.





The Week Ahead



Monday January 8th starts at 10:00 am with a meeting of the Aboriginal Relations Advisory Committee at Town hall.  At 2:00 pm the Midland Accessibility Advisory Committee meets.



At 7:00 pm, it’s the General Committee of Council.  A very short agenda with one critical topic - a report from the Governance Review Committee on recommended changes to many of the Town’s committees. We currently have over 40 committees that municipal Council and staff participate in. More committees are likely to be added as we deal with new services, such as the new Municipal Services Corporation that will look after the Midland Bay Landing development.  While the report recommends keeping most of the Committees it emphasizes the need for an improved “Terms of Reference” for each committee. The Terms of Reference are Council’s “marching orders” to ensure a committee is properly tasked and responsive to the overall direction of the Town.



Tuesday the 9th features the first County Council meeting of the month at 9:00 am in Midhurst. Then at 6:00 pm, the Midland Public Library is hosting an “Arteprenuer” information session.  This County-wide program helps equip independent artists, arts administrators and creative entrepreneurs with vital business skills needed for success across all arts disciplines and industries. The session is open to all.  And at 7:00 pm the Midland Heritage Committee meets at Town hall, also open to all.



On Wednesday the 10th Councilors will participate in interviews throughout the day on our transit operations. The review was directed by Council last year to ensure that we have the bus services and resources to serve the people of Midland.



At 7:00 pm the Planning and Development Committee takes place at the Town. The agenda includes;

-       A Public Meeting (you may speak) regarding a zoning change request from Oz Developments to permit office use in their building at 1000 Wye Valley Rd.

-       Kaitlin will present their new vision for the Bayport development

-       Staff reports on the three recent zoning by-law public meetings:

o    Hanson Lands zoning changes for their Hwy 12 development

o    Lot separation at 344 Fuller

o    De Santis application for a residential building at 281 Midland Ave.

-       Site plan review for Bourgeois Leasing development at 290 Cranston Cres.



Thursday starts in Orillia as the North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN, the County and local mayors meet to discuss area healthcare services. The meeting focus will be on:

-       Involving local government in health care capital decisions

-       Providing better at-home healthcare supports to those not able to care for themselves

At 4:30 pm the Committee of Adjustments meets at Town Hall. You are welcome to attend.



Friday January 12th at 10:00 am, the OPP Transition Committee meets at Town hall. This Committee oversees the transition of our policing service from the MPS to the OPP.



Week - End



Sunday January 14



-       10:00 am - Connexus Church celebrates its formation with a gathering at the Galaxy theatre. (You may already be aware of Connexus as they provided the music we enjoyed at our downtown Christmas tree lighting)





Council Issues Update



OPP



The Town has now received an Agreement in Principle from the Ontario Civilian Policing Commission to transition to the OPP. They are still looking for full certainty that the Town will properly respect termination details for existing MPS contracts. Still anticipating the transition to occur in mid-February



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I want to end on a note showing the true “Spirit of Midland”.  Kevin Leonard through his association with the Ys-Men’s club, has led the organization of the Midland “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Campaign” over the last two years. This Campaign seeks to stop violence towards women - all funds going to our local women’s shelter , Rosewood.



Recently Rosewood launched its new social enterprise – Operation Grow.  Operation Grow is a high-tech urban farm that provides a safe environment for Rosewood clients while making fresh locally grown greens available to our community all year long. Kevin has again stepped forward by having his firm Huronia Alarm & Fire Security donate the access control security system to the Operation Grow facility.



Thank you to Kevin, Huronia Alarms and the Ys-Men for all they do for Midland.





Gord McKay





The Year for Forging Our Future - 2018

                                                                                              








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