Ladies and Gentlemen
Summer has returned and with it two of my favorite pastimes - mowing the lawn and digging dandelions. Well it beats shoveling snow.
A quiet week for the Town. If you drop by the Town offices you will see that they are making great progress on building the addition. Next month they will break into the existing Council chamber, so your Council will have to relocate to the NSSRC. Not sure whether we will still be on TV, so your summer may be quieter than usual.
Other groups are keeping the Town busy though:
On Monday the North Simcoe Communities Futures organization continues its work on Business Expansion and Retention with a meeting about local job skills and training
On Tuesday afternoon the Physician Recruitment organization thanks its volunteers with a reception at Ste. Marie
On Wednesday afternoon our Georgian College campus hosts an innovative event called “Thought Leadership”. Some 40 local business leaders will meet to discuss how Georgian can help invigorate the local economy.
On Thursday May 20th Community Living Huronia kicks off its Dreams to Reality campaign with a special exhibition at the Quest Gallery. Starting at 5:00 pm., it’s well worth visiting.
Many of you are have asked about the water test results at the Town’s Sundowner Road/Balm Beach Rd. location. Your best source of information is to call the Town at 526-4275. Water testing is continuing on private wells in the area. Those results are expected this week .I will let you know as soon as the Town releases any more information.
Gord McKay
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Sunday May 9, 2010
Ladies and Gentlemen
So who invited winter back? I drove up highway 27 yesterday in near whiteout conditions. Pity the poor tulips.
Monday May 10th starts at 6:00 pm at the Town with a closed meeting. Then at 7:00 pm is your General Committee (Written Input Only) Should be a relatively short meeting including:
- Announcement of the spring water main flushing program. Homeowners will be notified by notice if your neighborhood is affected.
- An authorizing by-law to proceed with development of the LRG lands, (also know as the VLA lands) .
- Answers to questions raised about leachate monitoring at the Golf Link Road transfer station.
- Consideration of the sale of Town land that is currently being used for parking behind Scully’s restaurant.
And then your Council goes into a Special Council Meeting at approximately 9:30 pm to deal with temporary road closures (Deputation Only).
Tuesday May 11th at 7:00 pm sees the Heritage Committee meeting at the Town. We will receive verbal updates on the Drummond Wall designation and the Roxy theatre demolition.
On Wednesday May 12th at 7:30, there will be a candlelight tribute for our veterans at the Cenotaph. Please arrive early.
And lastly on the calendar; Saturday May 15th at 11am is the ground breaking for the new Bayport residential development at Bayport.
A number of items that you have wondered about:
- The taxi industry has been meeting to prepare its position in response to the deferred taxi by-law. No public meeting has been yet announced. Council should next deal with this matter in June.
- Similarly the pawnbrokers in Town will have a response their deferred by-law coming to Council in June
- Gloucester Street (east end) will remain dug up a while longer as a gas main has to be relocated
- The papers have carried recent information about the Sundowner well situation. A new Town well was being drilled at Sundowner Rd. at Balm Beach Road (Not connected to Town mains). About two weeks ago a water sample showed noticeable levels of the chemicals TCE and PCB. A retest was completed this past week showing some TCE and no PCBs,. The Town is now working with nearby well owners to ensure that their wells are safe. If you have questions on this matter please contact the Town at 526-4275.
And finally, look for something “electoral” on Monday.
Gord McKay
So who invited winter back? I drove up highway 27 yesterday in near whiteout conditions. Pity the poor tulips.
Monday May 10th starts at 6:00 pm at the Town with a closed meeting. Then at 7:00 pm is your General Committee (Written Input Only) Should be a relatively short meeting including:
- Announcement of the spring water main flushing program. Homeowners will be notified by notice if your neighborhood is affected.
- An authorizing by-law to proceed with development of the LRG lands, (also know as the VLA lands) .
- Answers to questions raised about leachate monitoring at the Golf Link Road transfer station.
- Consideration of the sale of Town land that is currently being used for parking behind Scully’s restaurant.
And then your Council goes into a Special Council Meeting at approximately 9:30 pm to deal with temporary road closures (Deputation Only).
Tuesday May 11th at 7:00 pm sees the Heritage Committee meeting at the Town. We will receive verbal updates on the Drummond Wall designation and the Roxy theatre demolition.
On Wednesday May 12th at 7:30, there will be a candlelight tribute for our veterans at the Cenotaph. Please arrive early.
And lastly on the calendar; Saturday May 15th at 11am is the ground breaking for the new Bayport residential development at Bayport.
A number of items that you have wondered about:
- The taxi industry has been meeting to prepare its position in response to the deferred taxi by-law. No public meeting has been yet announced. Council should next deal with this matter in June.
- Similarly the pawnbrokers in Town will have a response their deferred by-law coming to Council in June
- Gloucester Street (east end) will remain dug up a while longer as a gas main has to be relocated
- The papers have carried recent information about the Sundowner well situation. A new Town well was being drilled at Sundowner Rd. at Balm Beach Road (Not connected to Town mains). About two weeks ago a water sample showed noticeable levels of the chemicals TCE and PCB. A retest was completed this past week showing some TCE and no PCBs,. The Town is now working with nearby well owners to ensure that their wells are safe. If you have questions on this matter please contact the Town at 526-4275.
And finally, look for something “electoral” on Monday.
Gord McKay
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Saturday May 1, 2010
Ladies and Gentlemen
The rains have arrived. I can’t recall having seen the grass turn yellow in April before. Makes you realize how much we depend upon Mother Nature.
A relatively quiet week in the Town. The County holds its second round of public consultations on our waste strategy. They take place in Thornton on May 3rd, at the Simcoe County Museum on May 4th and at the Coldwater Community Centre on May 5th. Presentations start at 4:30 pm with public discussion starting at 6:00 pm. Your chance to shape our waste future.
On Wednesday May 5th your Council meets in a relatively rare closed planning meeting at 6:30 pm. Then at 7:00 is the regular PAC meeting (Speak at Discretion of Chair). Items of particular interest are:
- A proposal to modify 340 First St to allow a dental services office
- Changes to our by-law requiring all developers to donate parkland to the Town as a condition of development
- Notification of possibly selling Town lands to Scully’s restaurant
Also on May 5th, many Councillors will be at our local McDonalds to help raise money for Community Living Huronia and Ronald McDonald House. Please drop by.
On Friday May 7th Quest Art School and Gallery is having its kick-off event for the annual juried art show. You are welcome to come and see some great art.
And on the building front:
- Final work is occurring on your library. Doors should be fully open in June.
- Across the street, architectural plans are being finalized for the Midland Cultural Centre. Demolition work should start shortly.
Gord McKay
The rains have arrived. I can’t recall having seen the grass turn yellow in April before. Makes you realize how much we depend upon Mother Nature.
A relatively quiet week in the Town. The County holds its second round of public consultations on our waste strategy. They take place in Thornton on May 3rd, at the Simcoe County Museum on May 4th and at the Coldwater Community Centre on May 5th. Presentations start at 4:30 pm with public discussion starting at 6:00 pm. Your chance to shape our waste future.
On Wednesday May 5th your Council meets in a relatively rare closed planning meeting at 6:30 pm. Then at 7:00 is the regular PAC meeting (Speak at Discretion of Chair). Items of particular interest are:
- A proposal to modify 340 First St to allow a dental services office
- Changes to our by-law requiring all developers to donate parkland to the Town as a condition of development
- Notification of possibly selling Town lands to Scully’s restaurant
Also on May 5th, many Councillors will be at our local McDonalds to help raise money for Community Living Huronia and Ronald McDonald House. Please drop by.
On Friday May 7th Quest Art School and Gallery is having its kick-off event for the annual juried art show. You are welcome to come and see some great art.
And on the building front:
- Final work is occurring on your library. Doors should be fully open in June.
- Across the street, architectural plans are being finalized for the Midland Cultural Centre. Demolition work should start shortly.
Gord McKay
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Saturday April 24, 2010
Ladies and Gentlemen
Lots of people are now out walking, biking and enjoying spring. We definitely live in one of the most beautiful parts of the universe.
The week starts on Sunday April 25th at 9:00 am. The Midland Area Reading Council is holding its semi-annual book sale at the King Street Honda.
Monday the 26th will be a busy day for Council. A closed meeting starts at 6:00 pm. Then at 7:00 pm is Council (Deputation Only). The long agenda includes:
- A deputation and by-law on the proposed Farmers Market. Still a few issues to be worked out.
- We then go into a Public Meeting (You May Speak). The Public Meeting will review two by-laws:
o By-law controls for Hawkers. Peddlers, Farmer’s Markets etc.
o Procedural by-law where we will decide on how your Council should conduct its business
Back to the regular meeting…..:
- Review of the Heritage Committee’s recommendation on the demolition of the Roxy theatre to make way for the new Cultural Centre
- Discussion of the agreement between the Town and the developer respecting the Drummond Wall
- A by-law will be tabled to permit secondary suites and their control registry. Still a few issues on “entry to property” and definition of “occupier” to be worked out
- We will be told who is on the proposed Board for Directors for the new Cultural Centre.
- A by-law proposing that the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene share building officials
- We will learn about two major building contracts for 2010:
o New soccer fields - $733,000
o Town Hall Expansion - $3,800,000
Later in the week;
- Midland Area Reading Council will host its appreciation Dinner on Thursday April 29th
- The County Waste Committee meets in Midhurst to accept the waste strategy options at 9:00 am on Friday April 30th
And in closing, a reception is being held at Town Hall on Friday the 30th between 3:00 and 5:00 pm to honor Doug Baker on the occasion of his retirement. Please come and wish him well.
Gord McKay
Lots of people are now out walking, biking and enjoying spring. We definitely live in one of the most beautiful parts of the universe.
The week starts on Sunday April 25th at 9:00 am. The Midland Area Reading Council is holding its semi-annual book sale at the King Street Honda.
Monday the 26th will be a busy day for Council. A closed meeting starts at 6:00 pm. Then at 7:00 pm is Council (Deputation Only). The long agenda includes:
- A deputation and by-law on the proposed Farmers Market. Still a few issues to be worked out.
- We then go into a Public Meeting (You May Speak). The Public Meeting will review two by-laws:
o By-law controls for Hawkers. Peddlers, Farmer’s Markets etc.
o Procedural by-law where we will decide on how your Council should conduct its business
Back to the regular meeting…..:
- Review of the Heritage Committee’s recommendation on the demolition of the Roxy theatre to make way for the new Cultural Centre
- Discussion of the agreement between the Town and the developer respecting the Drummond Wall
- A by-law will be tabled to permit secondary suites and their control registry. Still a few issues on “entry to property” and definition of “occupier” to be worked out
- We will be told who is on the proposed Board for Directors for the new Cultural Centre.
- A by-law proposing that the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene share building officials
- We will learn about two major building contracts for 2010:
o New soccer fields - $733,000
o Town Hall Expansion - $3,800,000
Later in the week;
- Midland Area Reading Council will host its appreciation Dinner on Thursday April 29th
- The County Waste Committee meets in Midhurst to accept the waste strategy options at 9:00 am on Friday April 30th
And in closing, a reception is being held at Town Hall on Friday the 30th between 3:00 and 5:00 pm to honor Doug Baker on the occasion of his retirement. Please come and wish him well.
Gord McKay
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Sunday April 18. 2010
Ladies and Gentlemen
A very quiet week coming up. I have to blame mother nature who keeps spoiling us with this lovely weather.
No major meetings at the Town this week. You may notice, however, construction folks at the Town offices. We begin work on the building expansion project this week. Parking at the Town offices will be disrupted in the months ahead.
April the 22nd is Earth Day. North Simcoe Hospital Association is celebrating the event with noon-time activities at Georgian Bay General Hospital on Monday the 19th and at Penetanguishene General Hospital on Wednesday the 21st.
Community notes:
- The Lions Club Civic Night Dinner, is on Wednesday 14th at 6:30 pm at the NSSRC
- Our museum is holding its annual Heritage Dinner this Friday at 6:30 pm
- Garfield Dunlop is hosting his annual Fish Fry at the Brian Orser Arena, Penetanguishene on Saturday April 24th starting at 6:00 pm
Get out and enjoy Midland.
Gord McKay
A very quiet week coming up. I have to blame mother nature who keeps spoiling us with this lovely weather.
No major meetings at the Town this week. You may notice, however, construction folks at the Town offices. We begin work on the building expansion project this week. Parking at the Town offices will be disrupted in the months ahead.
April the 22nd is Earth Day. North Simcoe Hospital Association is celebrating the event with noon-time activities at Georgian Bay General Hospital on Monday the 19th and at Penetanguishene General Hospital on Wednesday the 21st.
Community notes:
- The Lions Club Civic Night Dinner, is on Wednesday 14th at 6:30 pm at the NSSRC
- Our museum is holding its annual Heritage Dinner this Friday at 6:30 pm
- Garfield Dunlop is hosting his annual Fish Fry at the Brian Orser Arena, Penetanguishene on Saturday April 24th starting at 6:00 pm
Get out and enjoy Midland.
Gord McKay
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Sunday April 11, 2010
Ladies and Gentlemen
Spring is coming to Midland. The ice is off the bay. Crocii and daffodils are in abundance. And our new Cultural Centre will soon begin taking shape. Can it get any better?
Your Town General Committee gets down to work this Monday April 12th at 7:00 pm (Written Input). A number of interesting items:
- A report showing that parking tickets in the downtown have increased by over 100% in the period January to March 2010, over last year
- The third attempt at bringing our procedural by-law forward. Contentious items include changing the day-of-the-week for Council meetings and limiting Councillor’s ability to discuss items
- A proposal for a Midland Farmer’s Market to take place every Sunday morning from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving. The market is to be located on Bay Street in the parking lot behind the Chamber of Commerce building.
- 2009 saw the Town with a budgetary surplus of $1,090,237. (That translates to a 2009 tax increase of over 6%) Most of this surplus is headed for future reserves.
On Tuesday April 13th at 7:00 pm the Heritage Committee is meeting at the Town. (Speak at Discretion of Chair). The meeting will be looking at the heritage features of the Roxy Theatre and if they should be preserved.
Other gatherings this week:
- On Wednesday the 14th at 6:00 pm the Out of the Cold volunteers celebrate another successful season with a Pot Luck at Knox
- On Thursday the 15th at 7:00 is the rescheduled Poverty Committee meeting. No special agenda items.
- On Saturday the 17th at 2:00 pm is a gathering of artists and art lovers at the Peace by Peace event centre in Tay
And lastly, I know many of you are following the two recent proposed by-laws affecting taxis and pawn/buy-sell businesses. Both by-laws are in suspension pending the meeting of two ad-hoc review committees. I will keep you informed of when these committees are meeting as best I can.
Gord McKay
Spring is coming to Midland. The ice is off the bay. Crocii and daffodils are in abundance. And our new Cultural Centre will soon begin taking shape. Can it get any better?
Your Town General Committee gets down to work this Monday April 12th at 7:00 pm (Written Input). A number of interesting items:
- A report showing that parking tickets in the downtown have increased by over 100% in the period January to March 2010, over last year
- The third attempt at bringing our procedural by-law forward. Contentious items include changing the day-of-the-week for Council meetings and limiting Councillor’s ability to discuss items
- A proposal for a Midland Farmer’s Market to take place every Sunday morning from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving. The market is to be located on Bay Street in the parking lot behind the Chamber of Commerce building.
- 2009 saw the Town with a budgetary surplus of $1,090,237. (That translates to a 2009 tax increase of over 6%) Most of this surplus is headed for future reserves.
On Tuesday April 13th at 7:00 pm the Heritage Committee is meeting at the Town. (Speak at Discretion of Chair). The meeting will be looking at the heritage features of the Roxy Theatre and if they should be preserved.
Other gatherings this week:
- On Wednesday the 14th at 6:00 pm the Out of the Cold volunteers celebrate another successful season with a Pot Luck at Knox
- On Thursday the 15th at 7:00 is the rescheduled Poverty Committee meeting. No special agenda items.
- On Saturday the 17th at 2:00 pm is a gathering of artists and art lovers at the Peace by Peace event centre in Tay
And lastly, I know many of you are following the two recent proposed by-laws affecting taxis and pawn/buy-sell businesses. Both by-laws are in suspension pending the meeting of two ad-hoc review committees. I will keep you informed of when these committees are meeting as best I can.
Gord McKay
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Saturday April 3, 2010
Ladies and Gentlemen
Summer has started outside, so I will keep this short.
The Town is closed Monday for the Easter holiday. Enjoy.
Tuesday April the 6th is the day to find out more about your own solar energy project. SHARE is hosting an information meeting at 7:00 pm at the Native Friendship Centre on Yonge Street in Midland. Your chance to cash in on the hot summer ahead.
On Wednesday April the 7th at 7:00 pm is the monthly PAC meeting (Speak at Discretion of Chair). A short but interesting agenda. Two examples:
1) A discussion on “secondary suites” in single detached homes. The meeting will discuss a suites registry and the need to have the suites re-registered every 3 years. The meeting will review the power of entry onto premises for the “suites Registrar”. The meeting will also learn about the ongoing status of existing suites – are they legal? (An accepted estimate is that 10% of our single family homes have existing secondary suites)
2) Staff is bringing forward a recommendation for an Employment Area Policy Review. Apparently concerns arising from a number of recent applications that have sought to change zoning in employment areas has led to the need for an update. This request is being made even though the Town stopped Official Plan updates until after we have heard from the County and province about our employment allocations.
In closing, what could be better than the Huronia Foundation for the Arts dinner and celebration taking place at the Best Western this Saturday April the 10th at 6:00 pm. Tickets are available at $49 each – and I have a few left.
Gord McKay
Summer has started outside, so I will keep this short.
The Town is closed Monday for the Easter holiday. Enjoy.
Tuesday April the 6th is the day to find out more about your own solar energy project. SHARE is hosting an information meeting at 7:00 pm at the Native Friendship Centre on Yonge Street in Midland. Your chance to cash in on the hot summer ahead.
On Wednesday April the 7th at 7:00 pm is the monthly PAC meeting (Speak at Discretion of Chair). A short but interesting agenda. Two examples:
1) A discussion on “secondary suites” in single detached homes. The meeting will discuss a suites registry and the need to have the suites re-registered every 3 years. The meeting will review the power of entry onto premises for the “suites Registrar”. The meeting will also learn about the ongoing status of existing suites – are they legal? (An accepted estimate is that 10% of our single family homes have existing secondary suites)
2) Staff is bringing forward a recommendation for an Employment Area Policy Review. Apparently concerns arising from a number of recent applications that have sought to change zoning in employment areas has led to the need for an update. This request is being made even though the Town stopped Official Plan updates until after we have heard from the County and province about our employment allocations.
In closing, what could be better than the Huronia Foundation for the Arts dinner and celebration taking place at the Best Western this Saturday April the 10th at 6:00 pm. Tickets are available at $49 each – and I have a few left.
Gord McKay
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