Sunday June 24, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

This past Saturday all eyes were on Port McNicoll for the return of the SS Keewatin. A truly beautiful ship returning memories to our area. Even though it is not yet open for tours, it’s well worth a visit.

On Monday June 25^th we see another excursion into our past as a ground penetrating radar study will be made of the historic William Wilson cemetery. The field work should be occurring between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, beside the Old Penetanguishene Road near Highway 12.

At 2:00 pm you are invited to attend an information session regarding the Local Immigration Partnership at the County of Simcoe Administration Centre in Midhurst.  The session will provide results of the research gathered by Simcoe County and allow your feedback on issues affecting newcomers’ settlement in the County of Simcoe.  

Then at 5:30 pm is an invitational event hosted by the Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). Organizations involved in healthcare delivery will meet to exchange ideas about prospective changes to services. This discussion will help the LHIN better define its delivery solutions.

At 6:00 pm Council will hold a closed meeting covering three items including land disposition and a personal matter. At 7:00 pm is the June Council meeting at Town Hall. The agenda includes:

-       Three deputations including a proposed bus link between Midland and Penetanguishene

-       Update on our budget meeting dates

-       Agreement on the planning process for the Unimin property

On Tuesday June 26^th the attention turns to the County. County Council meets at 9:00 am in Midhurst to discuss tiered medical response and the draft agreement between the Province and the County directing our area’s growth plan.  At 11:00 am that morning is the official opening of the expanded County Council administration building. Back in Midland that evening I have the privilege of honouring three students from Huron Park PS for being exceptional citizens.

Wednesday June 27^th will be devoted to economic development. The morning starts at 7:30 am in Penetanguishene, where we continue the “smart manufacturing” discussion. Then at 1:00 pm in Midland we will meet to discuss how the private sector should be engaged in helping direct our area’s economy. Closing out the day, Huronia Players will be hosting their AGM at the MCC at 7:00 pm.  Always a fun event.

The Ontario Early Years North Simcoe celebrates ten years in our community on Thursday June 28^th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. This fun filled public event, with lunch, takes place at the Upper Pavilion in Little Lake Park.  Then at 12:00 noon the Midland Seniors Council hosts a community planning event.  Over a complimentary lunch (You need a free ticket available at the NSSRC) you will be able to present your ideas about what should be happening in Midland from a senior’s perspective.

At 2:00 pm that Thursday the four municipalities will meet to discuss economic action. The agenda includes an update on the new economic website and a discussion about area coordination for tourism. At 7:00 pm that evening I attend the high school graduation at St. Theresa’s and Deputy Mayor Kramp attends at MSS.

Friday is relatively quiet as we head into the Canada Day long weekend. Sunday, the place to be is Little Lake Park with activities starting at 9:00 am and the parade set for 10:30 am.  Special activities this year:

-       A tribute to Sarah Burke

-       A war of 1812 encampment complete with musket drill and field cooking

-       Fireworks at dusk in Little Lake Park

For further information please see the Canada Day Event Schedule attached.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

Saturday June 16, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

The soft siren call of summer is in the air. It’s time to start winding down a bit – time to get out with the BBQ, a stroll through our parks or simply sitting with a coffee in one of our many summer sidewalk cafes. Midland – yours to enjoy.

Two items for Monday June 18^th. At 12 noon the Georgian Bay General Hospital hosts its AGM at the Midland Cultural Centre. Then at 4:30 pm the Town holds a closed meeting to discuss a labour matter.

On Tuesday June 19^th another AGM.  This time it’s your MPUC who will hold their meeting at 6:00 pm the MPUC building.

Wednesday will see may people gather in Barrie to say goodbye to Brian Tamblyn, the retiring President of Georgian College.  Brian has been a good friend to Midland over the years, especially with the growth of our own Midland campus.

On Thursday June 21^st I will head to Christian Island to participate in the Beausoleil First Nation Signatory Celebration. The celebration recognizes the financial settlement between the federal government the three Chippewa First Nations in our area that has been outstanding for over 100 years. Then at 5:00 pm that evening the four municipal heads of Council will meet in Tay to discuss matters affecting our district of Huronia.

Saturday is very special.  It marks the return of the historic passenger ship Keewatiin to Port McNicoll.  The celebrations run from noon to 5:00 pm, with the official ceremony about 2:30 pm.  You will want to arrive early as parking may be a challenge.

In closing the week, take look at the video recognizing the opening of our new Midland Cultural Centre. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwYJLpzEu_U  Also please note MCC tours will continue for the public in June from Monday through Saturday at 11:30 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

Sunday June 10, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

                                                      A Major Milestone

This past weekend saw the launch of our new Midland Cultural Centre. The building is magnificent – a true foundation for our area’s future. You must come out and see Mr. Webers’ outstanding gift to all of us.  And then start imagining how this unparalleled opportunity can make Midland the exciting creative community we all desire.

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Monday June 11^th is a busy day for Council. At 5:30 pm at CLH on Olive Street, a sad gathering takes place as we say good-bye to Katimavik, a youth group that has been so active in our community over the years. At 6:00 pm Council gathers in closed session for a discussion of labour matters. Then at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall is the General Committee meeting. A long agenda including:

-       A request for a transit stop at the Superstore

-       Discussion of LED lighting for all our street lights

-       Review of our taxi situation and prices

-       Further direction to staff on our 2013 budget targets

On Tuesday morning I head to Victoria Harbor for a civics class with children at St. Antoine Daniel school. It’s never too early to learn about politicians!  At 7:00 pm that evening at the NSSRC is the change of command ceremony for our Sea Cadets. We recognize retiring Lt M. McKinnon and welcoming SLt G Pardy. You are welcome to attend.

Wednesday June 13^th sees two plaque presentations:

-       Sutton Bayside Realty for their new offices at King and Yonge – at noon

-       Louis DeSantis for his newly opened Midland Inn – at 1:00 pm

You are welcome to attend both events.

On Thursday June 14^th at 3:00 pm you are invited to attend the Severn Sound Environmental Association Open House at the library. At 4:00 pm that day the Town will hold and open meeting at Town Hall to hear from KPMG, the firm that has been hired to conduct an operational review of the Town.

Friday the fun starts.  The Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual BBQ on the Town dock at noon.  Then, that evening, its Rotary’s Party on the Dock. This annual charity event features the Jimmy Buffet tribute band Northern Harbor and is arguably the best party of the summer.

Finally on Saturday June 16^th:

-       Clearview Township and the County open a new Joint Emergency Services facility at 11:00 am (6993 Highway 26 in Stayner)

-       Closer to home is the Teddy Bear Picnic in Perkinsfield Park at 11:00 am in support of Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre

-        

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

Sunday June 3, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

A wet and windy weekend for a change. Midland Bay Sailing Club hosted Big Brothers and Sisters of Huronia and myself to a brisk turn around Midland harbor. Most enjoyable - especially getting back onto land.

On Tuesday June 5^th at 7:00 pm, Zero Waste Simcoe will hold its AGM at the YMCA in Little Lake Park. All are welcome to attend.

Wednesday June 6^th you are invited to the Shelter Now Garden Day fundraiser on Hartman Drive from 11 am to 2 pm.   Then at 7:00 pm the Town will hold a Public Meeting in the Council Chambers for the proposed rezoning of the condominium property on Shewfelt Cres. This is followed by the PDC meeting covering:

-       A framework for planning the Unimin waterfront lands

-       Review of the public consultation on a gaming opportunity for Midland

-       Update on economic development activities

Also on Wednesday at 7:00 pm at St. Pauls United Church is the Grand Finale of the Listen Up  - Midland!. Huron Park Public School and the Children's Community Choir will join forces for the world premiere performance of "The Seasons of Midland" by composer Andrew Staniland.  This incredible program is a collaboration of John French of Brookside Music and the Juno award winning Gryphon Trio.

Thursday June 7^th at 1:00 pm the North Simcoe County Alliance to End Homelessness will be hosting its spring forum from 1 to 3:00 pm at the Salvation Army on Second Street. It will feature a presentation on the County’s Investment in Affordable Housing. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Peter Thomas (705) 526-2751.

That same day at 1:30 pm is the Waypoint AGM at Oak Ridge Gym in Penetanguishene. Then at 6:00 pm, We Are the Villagers will be holding a fundraiser to support their initiative to improve early childhood education in our area. A five course meal at the Library Restaurant is part of the fun.

Friday June 8^th at 12 noon Rural Medicine Week holds its BBQ at Waypoint’s Tonache Bldg. Proceeds will go towards our doctor’s recruitment. At 7:00 pm to 7:00 am is the Relay for Life for Cancer, held at the Penetanguishene Waterfront Park. For information: http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR?fr_id=10592&pg=entry

Then the weekend breaks out – Saturday June 9th:

-       It’s a swirl of activity around our new Midland Cultural Centre (MCC)

o    9:30 am - Entertainment on Elizabeth St. outside the Centre

o    10:00 am - The MCC opens with a ribbon cutting

o    10:30 am - Quest Arts will have their grand opening

o    11:00 am - Public tours of the new Centre start

o    5:30 pm – MCC Gala dinner organized by the Huronia Foundation for the Arts. John French is the featured performer.

-       11:00 am is the first leg of the Second Annual Shakedown Regatta – Help me welcome Mayor Marshal with cannon fire at our Town dock

-       2:00 pm the 724 Royal Canadian Air Cadets host their annual review and demonstration at the NSSRC

Sunday June 10th:

-       9:00 am – Your Mayor steps aboard the HMS Badger for a dangerous journey to Penetanguishene. The arrival in Penetanguishene about noon will feature the christening of the newly built HMS Lynx.

-       2:00 pm – The Annual Memorial Day ceremony to honour our veterans at the St. Margarets/St. Marks Cemetery. All are welcome.

And you thought there wasn’t enough to do!

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

Sunday May 27, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

Thursday May 24^th 2012 was an exceptional day for Midland. Huronia Players opened their theatre in the new Midland Cultural Centre to thunderous applause. The Centre is a beautiful modern building that heralds a bright future for our community. Be part of the setting of this major Midland milestone - please attend the opening ceremonies on Saturday June 9^th at 10:00 am at the Centre on Elizabeth Street.

                                                             *****

Monday May 28^th sees the May Council meeting at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers. The agenda includes:

-       Three deputations: Urban Trees; Out of the Cold; and Human Rights

-       A number of items pertaining to the Museum, including who fixes the roof and future lease arrangements

-       Announcement of Mr. Marc Villeneuve as our new Director of Treasury and Finance

-       With building permits now ahead of the 2011 level, further information on the projects at Tim Hortons, Pro Oil (including the white pine tree issue), Hugel Lofts and the Canadian Tire development

On Tuesday members of the private sector will gather to discuss how to direct economic development in Midland. This information will form an important element of our economic development plans.

The Renew Midland group will meet again on Wednesday May 30^th. The project continues to go well with the next stage involving contacting prospective landlords. That evening, a special recognition event will be held by the 724 Midland Lions Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. Retiring cadet instructor Captain David Elwell will be honoured for 28 years of guiding the youth of Midland.

Thursday May 31^st invites you to a Doors Open Huronia launch party at the Library restaurant at 3:00 pm.

Then on Saturday June 2^nd it really gets busy:

-       The annual Kids Fishing Derby starts at 9:00 am at the Town dock

-       At 11 am the Midland Bay Sailing Club host it’s Sailpast in support of Big Brothers and Sisters of North Simcoe. Should be a wonderful spectacle.

-       Also at 11 am in Victoria Harbor is the start of the MARC BBQ fundraiser

-       To cap off the day at 5:00 pm is the Huronia Community Foundation gala and philanthropic awards night

June 2^nd and 3rd is Doors Open weekend. Your chance to get out and see some special historical homes and buildings throughout our area. For information please see: http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/Events/Huronia.aspx

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

Sunday May 20, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

It’s one of those weekends that you never want to end.  The sun is shining, shops are busy, the farmers market is back in operation, last minute details are being completed at our new Cultural Centre. The start of a great summer.

The work week starts on Tuesday with a meeting of County Council in Midhurst. Likely some heated discussion about where the province wants to see the County’s growth occur. We are also starting a review of County governance. Are 32 Councillors too many?

Wednesday May 23^rd is a busy day:

-       I will be heading down to Georgian College’s, Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre in Barrie. A closer association will help our own economic development plans in Midland

-       The County will visit Tiny to update area Councils on the Midland - Penetanguishene transfer site and closed landfill

-       This is Rotary Random Act of Kindness Day. Your chance to pleasantly surprise your fellow citizens with a small act of unexpected kindness. Come down to Town Hall for a free cup of coffee or visit the free noon-time BBQ at the Town Dock.

Thursday May 24^th is also busy:

-       The four mayors meet on the economy. One agenda item will be cooperation on joint tourism.

-       At 5:00 pm we cut the ribbon for the opening night of Huronia Players in their new theatre at the Midland Cultural Centre. The opening play is Our Town.  Tickets are still available for some nights.

-       At 7:00 pm the Town will host a Town Hall meeting at the NSSRC to hear your views on whether Midland should be considering a casino. A variety of information on this topic can be found at:

http://www.midland.ca/Whats-New/PublicConsultationreGaming/index.htm

On Friday May 25^th you have to be up early for the Dock to Dock Bike Ride. The ride starts at 8:00 am at the DOCK radio station parking lot on Cranston- then down King Street to the Town Dock.

And then the weekend:

-       Saturday May 26^th at 4:00 pm, the Coldwater Curling Club honors Glen Howard.  You are welcome to attend. Glen will also grace our Canada Day parade in Midland.

-       Sunday May 27^th at 1:00 pm the Lions Walk for Guide Dogs, starting at the Town Dock.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

Saturday May 12, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

Dawn over Georgian Bay was graced by two trumpeter swans landing with delicacy and purpose. It pays to get up early on these beautiful days. And make sure you take time for Mother’s Day this Sunday.

Midland’s traditional start of the shipping season Top Hat ceremony takes place at the Town dock this Monday May 14^th at 10 am.  We will welcome the skipper of the Frontenac in fine style. At noon, still at the dock, we officially open our new Visitor Information Centre. You will also hear about our official Tourism Midland logo, phone number, email, website, Facebook and Twitter initiatives to help us provide timely information for our visitors.

At 6:00 pm that evening is a closed meeting of Council.  Then at 7:00 pm is General Committee.  A long agenda including:

-          Consideration of a number of new parking fees – Town Dock, Pete Peterson, NSSRC

-          Consideration of the leases with organizations who occupy Town facilities/property – YMCA, Huronia Players, Lawn Bowling Club, etc.

-          Selection of the firm for the Town’s operational review

-          Discussion of the Museum’s leaking roof and a request for a new lease arrangement

On May 16^th and 17^th Georgian College hosts its second annual trades showcase. Georgian brings in students from across Simcoe County and Muskoka to give then a hands-on understanding of a trades career. This year’s event will be twice the size of last year’s success.

At 5:00 pm on the 16^th I will appear on Roger’s Politically Speaking. Your chance to ask questions of your Mayor. Then at 6:30 pm is the Annual Civic Night dinner sponsored by the Midland Lion’s Club.

Thursday May 17^th sees a number of special celebrations:

-          2:00 pm, County Councillors gather in Barrie for the opening ceremonies of the RVH cancer centre

-          6:30 pm at St. Pauls church is a ceremony honoring the achievements of our young ladies in Girl Guides.

-          7:00 pm that evening I attend a Citizenship Awards ceremony at the Community Centre in Port McNicoll

Saturday is your chance to celebrate with our neighbours in Port McNicoll.  Portarama starts at 11:00 am in Port with a parade followed by a day full of fun and activities for all.

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This is Police Week. Please take time to say thank you to our excellent men and women who serve you in policing.

Gord McKay