Sunday, April 29, 2018

Sunday April 29, 2018


Ladies and Gentlemen



Nothing like the promise of warm sunshine to get everyone in a better mood. Now if we could just do something about those Leafs.



The Week Ahead



Monday, your chance to get moving as the YMCA Huronia Half Marathon takes to the Midland Rotary Trail. The goal of the campaign is to raise money to promote better health and physical activity, helping local youth who require financial assistance to participate in YMCA programs.  For more information contact the YMCA at 705-526-7828.



Tuesday May 1st starts a new month and the nomination period for the 2018 municipal elections.  These dates have changed as a result of recent amendments to the Municipal Elections Act.  The close of the nomination period will be at 2 p.m. on July 27, 2018. Get involved - it’s your future.



The Ontario Early Years Centre is having its annual spring walk to recognize the importance of proper child rearing for the Midland community. Look for them in the downtown about 11:00 am, ending up at their location at 356 King St.



Wednesday May 2nd is McHappy Day. McDonalds restaurants donates a portion of its earnings to local children’s charities, in our case a new play structure at GBGH.  I will be serving coffee at their location on Hwy. 93 about 8:30 am.  Hope to see you there.



At 1:00 pm that afternoon we host a delegation from the Netherlands at Veterans Park on Aberdeen Blvd.  Mr. Gert Jan Oplaat will be unveiling a special commemorative plaque recognizing the strong bond between our two countries and remembering the Canadian troops who liberated Holland during WWII. The plaque will recognize one of our local veterans, Mr. Frank Graham, who will be in attendance. All are welcome.



The Planning and Development Committee meeting takes place at Town Hall at 7:00 pm. An important agenda including:

-       A public meeting (you may speak) respecting the zoning change for two new apartment buildings proposed for 786 William Street

-       The site plan review for Jarlette Health Services and their new development at 658 King  Street

-       Zoning change application for the Bayport subdivision, essentially changing street access to the lots in their new phase



On Thursday I head to Montreal for a meeting with international regulators who are assisting with bringing more cruise ships to the Great Lakes.  If you have ever wanted to travel to the Middle East the Library has a local solution for you. At 7:00 pm travel with Mark & Claudia to the United Arab Emirates to see the country’s story of “from rags to riches in less than a generation”.  Spend a night in a Bedouin camp, and then marvel at the world's tallest building and the Grand Mosque. Sip Arabic coffee and enjoy basbousa. Snacks and refreshments included. Tickets are $10 at the library desk.



Friday May 4th the North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN hosts a public input session on healthcare specific to indigenous health issues. The meeting takes place from noon to 3:00 pm at the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre on Yonge Street. At 5:30 pm MP Bruce Stanton hosts his annual Feast for Learning in support of the Gateway Centre. Bruce’s event is being held at the Midland Legion building, 196 Queen Street. And at 8:00 pm Huronia Players starts their run of Calendar Girls on stage at the MCC.







Week - End



Saturday May 5



-       8:00 am to 5:00 pm – WATV joins with Native Woods Nursery on Hwy 12 to raise funds though the sale of a special purple daisy, a favorite of Julianna Matyas.  Come out and celebrate spring with a $2 BBQ and gardening events/specials at Native Woods Nursery



-       8:00 pm – Fred Eaglesmith comes to the MCC. After years touring the United States, Canada, and Europe and having his songs covered by some of the biggest names in music, the enigmatic, countrified, Rock n’ Roll troubadour Fred Eaglesmith and his talented wife Tif Ginn are finally making it to Midland



Sunday May 6



-       9:00 am - Mandarin Walk for Multiple Sclerosis starts and ends at NSSRC





Council Issues Update



Downtown Safety



Council has approved the creation of a Community Safety Task Force that will develop a Community Safety Plan to address long standing safety issues in our downtown and Library.  Members of the core committee are: the Canadian Mental Health Association, County of Simcoe Health and Social Services, Downtown Midland BIA, The Guesthouse, Midland Police Services Board, Midland Public Library, the OPP, and the Salvation Army/Street Outreach. Many additional stakeholders will be brought into the discussion to ensure that complete well-rounded information is available to the Task Force.



The Task Force will complete its work by August 2018. The recently approved budget includes $50,000 for the Task Force’s work, primarily to engage outside expertise. The Task Force will ensure that their Community Safety Plan meets the needs of the community and the requirements of the Safe Ontario Act (Bill 175).



Budget



The 2018 budget is now passed. The final overall tax rate tax rate will be determined in May when County and School Board rates are available.







Gord McKay









The Year for Forging Our Future - 2018

                                                                                              


Sunday, April 22, 2018

Sunday April 22, 2018


Ladies and Gentlemen



Sunshine and warm weather - finally.  And to add to the excitement, this past week the Ontario Restaurant Hotel Motel Association selected our own Butter Tart Festival as the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Regional Festival. A great win for Midland and all the folks who make this festival an annual reality. Mark June 9th for your next butter tart fix.



The Week Ahead



Monday April 23rd sees the start of the shipping season in Midland harbor.  The SS Frontenac arrived this week-end and we welcome the Captain (who is a cousin of our own Harbour Master Rick Lehney) with our traditional Top Hat ceremony.  That’s at 11:00 am by ADM in the harbor.



At 6:30 pm Council meets in closed session to discuss an appointment to the Audit Committee. Then at 7:00 pm it’s the April Council meeting including:

-       Heritage Merit Awards

-       Approval of the Downtown /Library Safety project

-       Approval of the 2018 budget – it looks like a 2.2% increase in tax and a 3.5% increase for water/wastewater rates

-       Recommendation to protect the Letherby Home (422 King Street) under the Heritage Act

-       Direction on recruitment for the Board of the new MBL Development Committee



Tuesday the 24th sees a very special event.  Approximate 200 volunteers will fan out across the County to conduct a “point in time” count of all our homeless and marginally housed residents. This information will be used by the County and our many social agencies to better target programs to those in need.  At 9:00 am County Council will hear a presentation on the future of Lakehead University in our area.  And to complete the day, you are invited to our Library at 7:00 pm to see the judging of the finalists for the Battle of the Books – where local students defend a favorite book.



On Wednesday the 25th at 5:00 pm Anytime Fitness celebrates the opening of their new location behind the Galaxy Theatre, Mountainview Mall. Come on out and get fit. At 7:30 pm Diabetes Canada invites you to an evening of discussion on the topic of Diabetes and Your Eyes.  Dr. Daniel Scanlon will answer your questions on this important topic at the Penetanguishene Legion.



Also at 7:30 pm it’s a Day in the Life at the MCC. Fred will interview Dan Needles, a very amusing guy with a fascinating life story. He has been a journalist, a speech writer, a newspaper publisher, a public relations officer, an author, a playwright, a social commentator and a popular speaker. He is best known for his Wingfield Farm series which has been performed across Canada, at the Stratford Festival and on CBC. He’s the recipient of the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour.



A quiet end to the week. On Friday Georgian Village hosts a staff appreciation luncheon at their location at noon.



Week - End



Sunday April 29



-       1:00 to 4:00 pm - Chartwell Retirement hosts an open house at 105 Pillsbury Dr.





Council Issues Update



Budget



This week Council should bring the 2018 budget process to a close. The municipal tax rate increase is likely to be 2.2%. When this is blended with the County and school taxes your all in tax rate increase should be about 1.5%.  



The 2019 budget process starts in a few months. The current Council will start the process off and the new Council will be the one to approve it. Your vote this fall will definitely impact the budget discussion.





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Many of you have inquired about the Operation Grow facility operated by Rosewood Women’s Shelter and when it will be ready to sell its produce to the public. Well the good news is that they are now open for business at 436 Bay Street. The store front opens 4-6 pm daily during the week. Your chance to get quality low cost produce and help Rosewood with their critically important work.



Two years ago the Midland community welcomed its first Syrian refugee family. The Amirs continue to prosper and have become part of our local family. Zafec and Ibrahim, the mother and father, are doing very well with their English lessons. Ibrahim is often seen down at the Town dock with his fishing rod. Khatchik, the son, continues to work at Ciboulette as the pastry chef. And Zarmig, the daughter’s big news is that she just got married to her long-time boyfriend and is going through the process of bringing him to Canada. Life in Midland.





Gord McKay









The Year for Forging Our Future - 2018

                                                                                              






Sunday, April 15, 2018

Sunday April 15, 2018


Ladies and Gentlemen





                   ***********************  BREAKING   **************************



The Mayors’ Mac & Cheese dinner slated for this evening is cancelled due to inclement weather.



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And you think you are having a tough time with this never ending winter weather.  I was watching two frigid robins this morning trying to decide what to eat since they can’t find any worms. Spring…where are you?



The Week Ahead



Monday the 16th at 4:00 pm the Police Service Board holds its first meeting with our new OPP service. You are invited to attend this meeting at Town Hall.

   

On Wednesday I am in Ottawa for a number of meetings about the development of the cruise ship industry in Midland and throughout the Great Lakes. I will be presenting to a group of MPs and Senators about the prospects for the industry and what federal assistance is required. The next day I present to the Governors and Premiers Conference about the economic impact of the cruise industry on municipalities.  These presentations should help stimulate the growth of the industry and bring more tourism to Midland and Ontario.



At 6:30 pm you are invited to a municipal election information session sponsored by the province. A must attend if you are thinking about running for elected office this fall. The meeting is at the NSSRC. 



On Thursday April 19th at 2:00 pm the Downtown Safety Committee meets to review recent developments and to help move the Council Community Safety Plan along.  At 6:00 pm you are invited to a public information session at Town Hall on the Noreen Street reconstruction.  And lastly at 7:00 pm Adam Shoalts, a professional explorer and adventurer visits Midland Library. Described as “Canada’s Indiana Jones”, Adam will discuss his recent 4,000 km journey alone across Canada's Arctic. He'll also talk about his #1 national bestseller Alone Against the North. Tickets are on sale at the main library desk.



On Friday at 9:00 am it’s the County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.  They will be looking at additional ways to promote secondary units, a housing form that represents about 30% of all affordable units built in the County in 2017.  At 10:00 am the Governance Review Committee turns its attention to the Town’s Procedural By-law.  This may sound dry but this By-law contains the rules on how we make decisions at the Council table and for keeping Council and the public properly engaged. At 1:00 pm it’s the first day of the 2018 Midland Home Show at the NSSRC. A great line-up of exhibitors. This year, thanks to Minds Alive, you have the opportunity to build your own Lego dream house. And at 4 pm you are invited to celebrate with Chantel Coward as she opens her new business location at 341 King Street.



Week - End



Saturday April 21



-       9 am to 4 pm - Midland Home Show continues at the NSSRC

-       7:00 pm – Quest Art Kaleidoscope of Arts. An evening of champagne, a sit-down dinner and live entertainment.  All proceeds support visual arts programs in North Simcoe.  I understand it is sold out.



Sunday April 22



-       10 am to 12:30 pm - 2nd Earth Day Litter A Thon.  Youth are invited to help us clean up designated areas in both Penetanguishene and Midland.  Registration is required.  Prizes for top pledges for male and female youth. Contact Pam Brodie, Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Simcoe, at 705-526-5051





Council Issues Update



Budget



We appear to be closing in on the municipal portion of the tax rate increase of between 2 and 2.5%. Town staff is doing the final calculations which will be made available at the Council meeting on the 23rd.  I anticipate we will pass the 2018 budget that evening.



Library



A very intense week for the Library as Council dealt with both the security issues at the Library and the need to takes steps on improving safety in the downtown. The discussion recognized that the “downtown safety issue” is not new. We have had challenges on our streets and in the Library for years. Over the last four years Council has reviewed the matter a number of times and essentially turned to our police to keep the peace. Additionally the Town sponsored the Downtown Safety Committee with membership from the BIA, Police, Street Outreach, the Town and the Guesthouse. The Committee monitored the downtown situation and implemented a number of controls – lighting, benches, an e-mail notice system.



Over the last six months it has been apparent that something more substantive must be done. New measures are required to ensure ongoing safety at the Library and in the downtown while helping those challenged by life in receiving needed help.  In response General Committee recommended $50,000 for a new Task Force to develop a Community Safety Plan by August, 2018. Recognizing that proper security must be maintained at the Library, the Committee also advanced up to $90,000 for Library safety measures, including a guard.  When the Task Force report is completed in August, Council and the Midland Library Board will decide on the measures needed to ensure appropriate safety for Midland.





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And three general items in closing:



1)     Treasure Day Weekends are planned the May 12 – 13 and the October 13 – 14 weekends. Free Garage Sale Permit Weekends are scheduled for July 6, 7, and 8 with a new second date set for mid-September. Council has yet to ratify the second date.



2)     Our MPUC is sponsoring a home energy efficiency program known as the Afford-Ability Fund. If you have a home, a tight budget and want to be more energy efficient take a look at www.AffordAbilityFund.org



3)     The Our Health series looks at “Medical Cannabis, Weeding Through the Issues” on its
Tuesday, May 8th, 7:30pm edition at MCC. I understand that tickets are nearly sold out.







Gord McKay









The Year for Forging Our Future - 2018

                                                                                              








Sunday, April 8, 2018

Sunday April 8, 2018


Ladies and Gentlemen



Hard to argue that it’s not winter when it is snowing outside. Focus on the sunshine. We will get to spring yet.



The Week Ahead



Monday the 9th starts with a ceremony of remembrance for those who took part in the Battle of Vimy Ridge.  We will assemble at Base Borden at 7:30 am for a moving ceremony, including a tour of the practice trenches created at Borden to help our soldiers prepare for the trials they were to face. Lest we forget.



At 7:00 pm you are invited to the April General Committee meeting at Town hall. A lengthy agenda including:

-       Proposal for the environmental assessment of the Town’s Parks Depot on Fourth Street and the Operations Yard on Ontario Street.  The assessment is a necessary step in converting the lands to other uses, including possible sale

-       A protocol agreement between the Town and Beausoleil First Nations. This is an important first step as we build a more solid and trusting foundation between the Town and our First Nations

-       Staff report on the need for a new aerial fire apparatus

-       Budget considerations, including the funding for safety of our Library and downtown



Tuesday also starts early in the morning, 7:45 am, with the opening of our new Winners location at the Mountainview Mall. Then at 9:00 am our Midland Bay Landing Steering Committee and Council meet in a workshop to discuss the new “development corporation” that will guide the MBL project.  You are welcome to attend the workshop at Town Hall.



Wednesday April 11th is a Day of Hope. The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre is opening its doors from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm to raise awareness of the emotional, physical, social, spiritual support and education it offers to the North Simcoe community.  Please drop in at 15 Jeffery Street in Penentanguishene.



At noon the Town meets with the Provincial Facilitator in Midhurst to provide comment about the recent changes to the planning process and what it means for municipal infrastructure – for example, “Where will new water treatment plants be located?”  At 3:00 pm at Town Hall our Official Plan Review process continues with a meeting of the Steering Committee.



On Thursday the 12th our Economic Development Corporation of North Simcoe holds a Manufacturers Roundtable at TRW. This provides an opportunity for area manufacturers to work together on shared challenges. Then at 7:00 pm at the Library,  The Real Deal Student Info. Series” returns with “Advice to My Younger Self”. Hear from our panel of young professionals and recent post-secondary graduates about their experiences post-graduation. How have the choices they made during their post-secondary years affected their career paths and life journeys? Register to attend this free event at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-real-deal-student-info-series-advice-to-my-younger-self-tickets-42988067467 or visit the main Library desk.



On Friday (the 13th!) at 5:30 pm ReStore has its grand re-opening in their new location on Balm Beach Road.  The store opens for business on Saturday at 9:30 am.





Week - End



Saturday April 14



-       9:00 am to 2:00 pm - Georgian College, Midland hosts an Open House. Learn about Georgian’s programs and services, win some great prizes and meet some wonderful people

-       9:00 am to 3:00 pm - All Nations Water Ceremony at the prior Site 41 location, 230 Concession Road 2 East, Tiny.  In response to the concern about a water-taking application at the Teedon pit, the ceremony intends to bring about healing through the water, to lift each other up and to create greater awareness.

o    9:00 am to 11:00 am - Welcome to the Territory by Chief/ Council of Beausoleil First Nation

o    11 am to 11:30 am - Open Mic and Water Walk

o    11:30 am to 1:30 pm - Dance and Water Ceremony

o    2:30 pm to 3:00 pm - Potluck Feast and Fellowship

Bring a copper water vessel, a feast bundle (plate, bowl, cup, utensils), a reusable water jug, snacks and a contribution of food or donation to cover costs of the feast

-       1:30 pm - Sistema Huronia Music academy holds their fundraising concert at the Midland Alliance Church, 829 Yonge Street. You will be entertained by our talented local children. Free will offering.

-       7:30 pm - Green River Revival. A attribute to CCR at the MCC



Sunday April 15



-       5:00 pm - Mayors Mac N Cheese at Phil’s Pub and Eatery. Two seatings -  5:00 pm and 6:45 pm.  Advance tickets at WATV offices at 486 Hugel or online at www.watvnew.com or talk to your mayor. Good food, entertainment by the children and a chance to meet your local mayors. All proceeds to We Are the Villagers, a children’s charity.



Council Issues Update



Library



A lot of coverage this week about inappropriate behaviors at our Library and the subsequent concerns by some Councilors about funding Library security. Like many towns (and libraries) we face the reality of dealing with socially unacceptable and sometimes criminal behaviors on our downtown streets. Safety is clearly the primary concern but we also have a responsibility to ensure that the offending individuals are provided with the help they need.



Town staff has recognized this need for a balanced response and will be presenting Council on Monday with a plan that addresses the security needed by our Library while also asking us to address the long standing challenge of safety in our downtown. It is time for a full examination and a long –term solution.



GBGH



Our hospital received an award this past week from the North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN. It recognizes the innovative and cooperative obstetrics program between our hospital and Orillia’s Soldiers Memorial Hospital. By joining forces these two hospitals are able to provide a comprehensive obstetrics service to our area. A great solution allowing our expectant mothers to confidently turn to our own GBGH.



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Our Economic Development Corporation invited author Doug Griffiths to Town recently to give a talk on the topic of “13 Ways to Kill your Community”.  A lot of great community lessons. The link below takes you to a short video of the talk prepared by our own Midland Film Company.




And finally Quest Art School + Gallery has launched their Spring Fundraising Campaign.

They are looking to raise $5,000 by April 14th.  Donate $50.00 or more for a chance to win a $200.00 gift card and help their Children and Youth programs. Please donate at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/quest-art-school-gallery/








Gord McKay









The Year for Forging Our Future - 2018