A quiet week coming up in the Town. Council members will be attending a variety of meetings including Emergency Management, Huronia Museum, Police Services, BIA and the Huronia Airport. The Town is also well into the process of hiring our new Planning Director. Should keep us all busy.
One non-Town meeting that I have a personal interest in takes place on Tuesday May 27th at 7pm at the NSSRC. It deals with “Product Stewardship”. Our society, including those of us in North Simcoe, continues to generate increasing amounts of waste. While our Blue Box allows us to divert some of this waste, the cost to taxpayers and the environment is rapidly escalating. I think we all know something more has to be done. This meeting will tell you about our waste situation, what is happening with other jurisdictions (such as BC where Product Stewardship is well established) and should see the creation of our own Simcoe Product Stewardship Council. You are cordially invited to attend.
Gord McKay
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Sunday MAy 11, 2008
And just when you thought you could ease quietly into Spring……it gets busy!
This Monday May 12th we Councillors will start off at 5:30 pm with a Closed Meeting at the Town to discuss contracts. Then at 6:00 pm the Midland Power Utility Commission will hold its Annual General Meeting at the Town (you may attend). And finally at 7:00 pm we get to the regular General Committee Meeting (“Written Comment”). It will be a busy one including:
- Discussion of a donation to Community Link for assisted transit
- A review of what should happen with the Drummond Wall
- A presentation of a plan to build 3 soccer fields by 2010
- A new policy to have the Town promote and support tourism events
- The announcement of draft terms for the new Trails Committee. It includes a proposal to have 6 civilian members.
(If you need further information on these items, please let me know.)
On Saturday May 17th the Midland Horticultural Society will be hosting its plant sale at the NSSRC. Also on Saturday, the Penetanguishene Town Dock will be the location of the commissioning of the new 32 foot OPP boat, the “Tom Coffin”. Penetanguishene will also be holding its Emergency Services Day event at that time.
Saturday May 31st; get ready for the Annual Kids Fishing Derby, 9am to 12 noon, at the Midland Town Dock.
On June 22nd expect a visit from a group of canoeists from Quebec City. They will be completing their 10 day voyage and will be in Midland to tell us about the Champlain 2008 celebrations.
And one last item that I would like you to consider, as it is important for our economic development. The County is running an online survey until the end of May asking residents to tell them about their internet access. What they hope to determine is what your problems are so they can get the industry to fix them. The internet is our highway for the next generation. Please let the County know we want to be connected. The survey can be accessed through simcoe.ca/highspeed or by calling 705-726-9300 extension 1092 for a telephone survey.
Gord McKay
This Monday May 12th we Councillors will start off at 5:30 pm with a Closed Meeting at the Town to discuss contracts. Then at 6:00 pm the Midland Power Utility Commission will hold its Annual General Meeting at the Town (you may attend). And finally at 7:00 pm we get to the regular General Committee Meeting (“Written Comment”). It will be a busy one including:
- Discussion of a donation to Community Link for assisted transit
- A review of what should happen with the Drummond Wall
- A presentation of a plan to build 3 soccer fields by 2010
- A new policy to have the Town promote and support tourism events
- The announcement of draft terms for the new Trails Committee. It includes a proposal to have 6 civilian members.
(If you need further information on these items, please let me know.)
On Saturday May 17th the Midland Horticultural Society will be hosting its plant sale at the NSSRC. Also on Saturday, the Penetanguishene Town Dock will be the location of the commissioning of the new 32 foot OPP boat, the “Tom Coffin”. Penetanguishene will also be holding its Emergency Services Day event at that time.
Saturday May 31st; get ready for the Annual Kids Fishing Derby, 9am to 12 noon, at the Midland Town Dock.
On June 22nd expect a visit from a group of canoeists from Quebec City. They will be completing their 10 day voyage and will be in Midland to tell us about the Champlain 2008 celebrations.
And one last item that I would like you to consider, as it is important for our economic development. The County is running an online survey until the end of May asking residents to tell them about their internet access. What they hope to determine is what your problems are so they can get the industry to fix them. The internet is our highway for the next generation. Please let the County know we want to be connected. The survey can be accessed through simcoe.ca/highspeed or by calling 705-726-9300 extension 1092 for a telephone survey.
Gord McKay
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Sundcay May 4, 2008
A quieter week coming up for the Town. There will be no Planning Advisory Committee this month, due to a lack of pressing issues and the departure of our Director of Planning. A search for his replacement is underway.
The murmur at our last Council meeting sounds like the “Trails Committee” may soon be announced.
And a number of items on the Arts and Culture front:
- Direction Ontario will hold an information session about the upcoming Champlain events in our area. It will take place at Ste. Marie Among the Hurons at 2:30 pm on Thursday the 8th. If you are planning to go call Kelly Kraby at 1-877-684-6673x105
- Serenata Singers will be holding a concert on May 10th at St. Pauls church. It will feature our own amazing Jessica Lalonde singing Mozart's Exultate Jubilate.
- The Carriage House Gallery is presenting an exhibition by Donald Petit this month. If you like landscapes and want to meet a charming artist, please drop in or visit him on the web http://carriagehousegallery.ca/exhibitions/ (Let me know if you can guess what the opening graphic is?
And don’t forget Mother’s day!
Gord McKay
The murmur at our last Council meeting sounds like the “Trails Committee” may soon be announced.
And a number of items on the Arts and Culture front:
- Direction Ontario will hold an information session about the upcoming Champlain events in our area. It will take place at Ste. Marie Among the Hurons at 2:30 pm on Thursday the 8th. If you are planning to go call Kelly Kraby at 1-877-684-6673x105
- Serenata Singers will be holding a concert on May 10th at St. Pauls church. It will feature our own amazing Jessica Lalonde singing Mozart's Exultate Jubilate.
- The Carriage House Gallery is presenting an exhibition by Donald Petit this month. If you like landscapes and want to meet a charming artist, please drop in or visit him on the web http://carriagehousegallery.ca/exhibitions/ (Let me know if you can guess what the opening graphic is?
And don’t forget Mother’s day!
Gord McKay
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Sunday April 27, 2008
A busy week but the outside weather is delightful so I will keep this short.
Monday will feature an update by our area’s Physician Recruitment group. It takes place at the Georgian Manor in Penetanguishene at noon.
Then for Monday evening you have a real choice. At 7pm Dr. Kevin Smith will update our local hospital situation. That will happen at Penetanguishene Secondary School, 51 Dunlop Street. Also at 7pm is our monthly Council Meeting (“Deputation Only”). Some of the more interesting items on the Town agenda are:
- a final decision by Council on whether it will contribute to the new Huronia Players theatre parking lot (not quite over yet)
- a decision will be made on funding a heritage assessment of the Drummond Wall (on Fuller Ave.)
- this summer look for an $8 million renovation of our Wal-Mart; plus Donalda will go under the shovel for new sewers
- we should pass a by-law recognizing Ms. Andrea Fry as our new Town Clerk
The Ontario Arts Council will be in Town on Thursday at 7pm at the Carriage House Gallery to speak to all artists about funding and sponsorships.
Work should start on King Street this week to install the new nautically themed street lights. This is a joint project of the downtown Business Improvement Area and the Town and should take 3 to 4 weeks to complete. It will look great when it’s finished.
Gord McKay
Monday will feature an update by our area’s Physician Recruitment group. It takes place at the Georgian Manor in Penetanguishene at noon.
Then for Monday evening you have a real choice. At 7pm Dr. Kevin Smith will update our local hospital situation. That will happen at Penetanguishene Secondary School, 51 Dunlop Street. Also at 7pm is our monthly Council Meeting (“Deputation Only”). Some of the more interesting items on the Town agenda are:
- a final decision by Council on whether it will contribute to the new Huronia Players theatre parking lot (not quite over yet)
- a decision will be made on funding a heritage assessment of the Drummond Wall (on Fuller Ave.)
- this summer look for an $8 million renovation of our Wal-Mart; plus Donalda will go under the shovel for new sewers
- we should pass a by-law recognizing Ms. Andrea Fry as our new Town Clerk
The Ontario Arts Council will be in Town on Thursday at 7pm at the Carriage House Gallery to speak to all artists about funding and sponsorships.
Work should start on King Street this week to install the new nautically themed street lights. This is a joint project of the downtown Business Improvement Area and the Town and should take 3 to 4 weeks to complete. It will look great when it’s finished.
Gord McKay
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Sunday April 20, 2008
As this will be a rather quiet week meeting-wise at the Town, I will address environmental issues. If you would rather be outside enjoying our summer weather, please read no further.
Last week Council and staff received training on the new County waste arrangements. The County is not offering any public training sessions but will send out a newsletter. For further information check the County website. Interesting changes:
- Our “green bin” program will start in late September or early October
- The green bins will be delivered earlier, likely August
- Each single family home (no multi-residential) will receive a large curbside green bin and a smaller mini-bin for the kitchen
- Collection will continue weekly for regular garbage, blue bin and green bin
- You cannot put pet waste or diapers in the green bin
- The County will restrict garbage to a 1 bag limit
- This fall our Transfer Stations on Golf Link Road, where you drop off Household Hazardous Waste, will be operating 5 days a week (as opposed to 5 times a year). Should reduce the line ups.
Our annual heavy pick-up by the County will take place on Monday May 26. Make sure you get your stuff to the curb for that date.
The Town will be holding its Pitch In Week event this Wednesday at 1:30. So if you want to see your Councillors in action, some of us should be up at County Road 93 at Yonge.
Two important non-Town public meetings are coming up:
- The County will hold a review of its growth plan this Thursday at 5pm at the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre
- On Monday April 28th, Dr. Kevin Smith will update us on what is happening with our local hospitals. The meeting will take place at 7pm at Penetanguishene Secondary School, 51 Dunlop St.
Gord McKay
Last week Council and staff received training on the new County waste arrangements. The County is not offering any public training sessions but will send out a newsletter. For further information check the County website. Interesting changes:
- Our “green bin” program will start in late September or early October
- The green bins will be delivered earlier, likely August
- Each single family home (no multi-residential) will receive a large curbside green bin and a smaller mini-bin for the kitchen
- Collection will continue weekly for regular garbage, blue bin and green bin
- You cannot put pet waste or diapers in the green bin
- The County will restrict garbage to a 1 bag limit
- This fall our Transfer Stations on Golf Link Road, where you drop off Household Hazardous Waste, will be operating 5 days a week (as opposed to 5 times a year). Should reduce the line ups.
Our annual heavy pick-up by the County will take place on Monday May 26. Make sure you get your stuff to the curb for that date.
The Town will be holding its Pitch In Week event this Wednesday at 1:30. So if you want to see your Councillors in action, some of us should be up at County Road 93 at Yonge.
Two important non-Town public meetings are coming up:
- The County will hold a review of its growth plan this Thursday at 5pm at the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre
- On Monday April 28th, Dr. Kevin Smith will update us on what is happening with our local hospitals. The meeting will take place at 7pm at Penetanguishene Secondary School, 51 Dunlop St.
Gord McKay
Monday, April 14, 2008
Monday April 14, 2008
I am a little delayed in getting the News to you this week. I have found my garden again and discovered that there is a lot of work to do.
The week will start with a very busy Committee Meeting at Town tonight (Monday) at 7:00 (“Written Comment”). Items include:
- The Drummond Wall on Fuller Ave. Committee will assess if it will undertake an “archeological assessment” of the importance of the wall before holding a public meeting on the matter.
- Household waste costs. Committee will receive a report showing that the Town will get a waste rebate from the County but more importantly that what you pay for waste services per household has increase by 19.3% in 2007 and an expected 15.2% in 2008
- Huronia Players will again ask the Town to help fund the new theatre
- King Street could be under construction this summer if Committee decides to spend the money it has received from the Province on resurfacing King St. from Galloway to Hwy. 12.
- Committee will discuss whether to waive the fees for the popular Rotary Party on the Dock
- A proposal is being brought forward by our Parks Department to start work on our new soccer field and lastly;
- The Mayor will discuss whether the Town will impose a curfew on late night snowmobiling. Appropriately we may not get to this item before 11pm.
Something for everyone.
There will be a SHARE environmental film night at the Penetanguishene Museum this Friday at 7pm.
And lastly, the Memorial Candlelight Tribute will take place at the Cenotaph on May 7th at 7:30.
Gord McKay
The week will start with a very busy Committee Meeting at Town tonight (Monday) at 7:00 (“Written Comment”). Items include:
- The Drummond Wall on Fuller Ave. Committee will assess if it will undertake an “archeological assessment” of the importance of the wall before holding a public meeting on the matter.
- Household waste costs. Committee will receive a report showing that the Town will get a waste rebate from the County but more importantly that what you pay for waste services per household has increase by 19.3% in 2007 and an expected 15.2% in 2008
- Huronia Players will again ask the Town to help fund the new theatre
- King Street could be under construction this summer if Committee decides to spend the money it has received from the Province on resurfacing King St. from Galloway to Hwy. 12.
- Committee will discuss whether to waive the fees for the popular Rotary Party on the Dock
- A proposal is being brought forward by our Parks Department to start work on our new soccer field and lastly;
- The Mayor will discuss whether the Town will impose a curfew on late night snowmobiling. Appropriately we may not get to this item before 11pm.
Something for everyone.
There will be a SHARE environmental film night at the Penetanguishene Museum this Friday at 7pm.
And lastly, the Memorial Candlelight Tribute will take place at the Cenotaph on May 7th at 7:30.
Gord McKay
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Sunday April 6, 2008
The biggest news this week – spring has finally arrived. So get outside and enjoy it.
Many committee meetings going on this week. Some of the areas your Councillors and citizen members are getting involved in are:
- Midland Accessibility Advisory Committee - Monday 7 pm
- Parking Authority – Tuesday 4 pm
- Midland Heritage – Tuesday 7 pm
- Committee of Adjustment – Thursday 4:30 pm
- Library Board – Thursday 7 pm
All of these are public meetings and you may be allowed to input at the discretion of the Chair. Please confirm locations and times with the Town office if you plan to attend.
In the months ahead I will be writing more about environmental developments. But before I start, I will be joining my fellow Councillors at the Town this Monday at 10:00 am to be briefed by Simcoe County about our new waste programs. These are:
1. Curbside Organics Collection (Green Bin)
2. One Bag Garbage Limit
3. Expanded Recycling Opportunities
4. Expanded Facility Household Hazardous Waste Programs
5. New Electronics Recycling Programs.
These presentations are just for Town staff and Council. I am told that public presentations will take place in early summer.
And Midland’s Earth Hour electricity reduction, when we all turned the lights off for one hour on March 29th – 4.5%; just a little bit less than the provincial average. What have you done to conserve energy today?
Gord McKay
Many committee meetings going on this week. Some of the areas your Councillors and citizen members are getting involved in are:
- Midland Accessibility Advisory Committee - Monday 7 pm
- Parking Authority – Tuesday 4 pm
- Midland Heritage – Tuesday 7 pm
- Committee of Adjustment – Thursday 4:30 pm
- Library Board – Thursday 7 pm
All of these are public meetings and you may be allowed to input at the discretion of the Chair. Please confirm locations and times with the Town office if you plan to attend.
In the months ahead I will be writing more about environmental developments. But before I start, I will be joining my fellow Councillors at the Town this Monday at 10:00 am to be briefed by Simcoe County about our new waste programs. These are:
1. Curbside Organics Collection (Green Bin)
2. One Bag Garbage Limit
3. Expanded Recycling Opportunities
4. Expanded Facility Household Hazardous Waste Programs
5. New Electronics Recycling Programs.
These presentations are just for Town staff and Council. I am told that public presentations will take place in early summer.
And Midland’s Earth Hour electricity reduction, when we all turned the lights off for one hour on March 29th – 4.5%; just a little bit less than the provincial average. What have you done to conserve energy today?
Gord McKay
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