Sunday November 16, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

The snow is here – and we love it, right  ;-)

A number of major developments on our area tourism front you should know about. Some three years ago the four North Simcoe municipalities identified tourism as a major economic pillar and decided to devote time and energy to building our tourism capabilities.  A consulting firm was brought in to develop a tourism plan. The plan was turned over to the new Tourism Action Plan Committee (TAP). That Committee is made up of our major area tourism services and attractions and all four municipalities.

Their first task was to choose a “brand” for our area. Not a simple task.  For example, when you say “Muskoka” most people think of lakes; woods; a Muskoka chair on a dock; and getting away from it all. When you say “Mildand/Penentanguishene/Tiny/Tay” – not much comes to mind. So we need a brand and that starts with selection of a brand name. Ladies and gentlemen that name is:  “The Heart of Georgian Bay”..” Au Coeur de la Baie Georgian” 

Initial work to build our brand has started with the launch of our area tourism website www.GOgbay.ca.  More website work to come. Additionally, four TAP members (Martyrs’ Shrine/Wye Marsh/Huronia Museum/Keewatin) are developing a “Passport” marketing initiative for the tour and vacation markets, and will use a telemarketing campaign to attract new visitors to our area. And to cap off our excellent tourism week, the Province on Ontario has just announced that both St. Marie Among the Hurons and the SS Keewatin are now recognized as "Ontario Signature Experiences"

Our tourism initiative is on a roll.

                                                                          *****

Monday November 17^th – your chance to enjoy good food at Boston Pizza and help out the Frank Graham 2015 Cycle Liberation Tour. Boston Pizza has graciously agreed to donate 10% of all food sales between 5:00 and 8:00 pm towards this special veteran’s event.  Then at 5:30 pm it’s the Big Brothers and Sisters AGM at NSSRC. 

A very busy evening on Tuesday November 18^th.  At 6:15 pm the Salvation Army will launch its Christmas kettle campaign. The kick-off is at the Canadian Tire store on Hwy 93.  At 6:30 pm you are invited to join the Guesthouse for its AGM at St. Paul’s church. And at 7:30 pm at MCC, A Day in the Life features the internationally renowned Canadian tenor, Mr. Ben Heppner. Ben Heppner has been hailed as the finest dramatic tenor of our era.   He has excited audiences in the great opera halls of the world and with many of the leading orchestras.

Wednesday the 19^th the four mayors will meet to start developing a plan to support our hospital and healthcare services.  The mayors are coming together in response to growing concerns about the potential loss of healthcare services and shortfalls in hospital funding. Left unaddressed, these challenges could negatively impact our future. The solution includes effective civic engagement, starting with the mayors and involving all citizens.  I expect the mayors to meet regularly over the next few years and involve the public fully in the process.

Thursday November 20^th is another busy day. At 9:00 am the County will bring in the newly elected Councilors for their first training session. A lot to learn.  At 9:30 am the County is hosting a half day workshop entitled “Housing Solutions for Simcoe County” at the Simcoe County Museum in Midhurst.

That evening at 7:00 pm the YMCA Peace Medallion will be awarded to We are the Villagers charity for the excellent work that they do in our community with underprivileged children. The award will be accepted by Julianna Matayas and Geoff Crompton, the driving forces behind the charity. That’s at the YMCA Employment Centre at 334 King St. Please bring a non-perishable food item

On Friday November the 21^st you may wish to attend the regular Waterfront Project Committee meeting at 11:00 am at Town Hall.  Then for your evening entertainment at 7:00 pm John Kokkinos opens his Digital Labyrinth exhibit in the Quest Gallery at the MCC. And at 8:00 pm it’s the Big Wigs stage show extraordinaire, also at the MCC.

Weekend

Saturday

-       9:00 am you will want to visit the fall and winter Farmers Market at NSSRC

-       10:00 am artists takeover the Huronia Museum until 4 pm with all sorts of artwork and crafts

-       Also at 10:00 am the Friends of the Midland Public Library will be marking the 4th anniversary of the Book Cellar, the library’s used bookstore. Buy a bag of books for $5. The sale runs until 2 pm with funds raised going to support your library

-       7:00 pm the Martels Rock and Roll show at NSSRC

-       8:00 pm its Big Wigs at the MCC

Sunday

-       From 10:00 am to 4:00 pm is the Lorraine Jordan Community Carnival at the old Zellers location at the Mountainview mall.  Games, blow up castles, food, cotton candy and much more. Admission is free with a non-perishable food item or the donation of a new or nearly new item for YMCA Gifts to Give. All proceeds to local charities.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s Year of Making Decisions - 2014

                                                                                              

Sunday November 9, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

Lots of buzz around the new Council and the looming prospect of snow.  Most citizens are pleased with the mix on Council, made up of some new young blood together with returning veterans. Comments about the snow are a lot frostier.

Monday November the 10^th gets the old Councils back to work. Both County Council and Midland Council are “lame ducks” due to the large number of new members. County Council will meet at 9:00 am in Midhurst. Midland Council will meet in closed session at 6:00 pm to discuss a labour matter.  At 7:00 pm is the General Committee meeting.  A short agenda including:

-       Recommendation to allow Kaitlin to build 4 model homes at Bayport

-       Recommendation to adopt a new Source Water Protection Plan

-       Discussion on how to organize farmers markets for the 2015 season

-       Discussion of the Watercross event planned for Little Lake in 2015

Tuesday is Remembrance Day. Town Hall will be closed. Please join our men and women in uniform at the Cenotaph at 10:30 am for the Remembrance Day ceremony. At 5:30 pm that evening the Midland Legion Branch 80 will be hosting a special dinner in honour of our veterans.

The students of St. Theresa’s High Scholl are preparing a very special tribute to our service men and women. They have made commemorative markers, each identifying one the soldiers from our area who has fallen in the war. The markers will be posted along the path from St. Ts to the Cenotaph. The students will stand by the markers and help you better know those who have given us our freedom. Please make a point of stopping and talking with these special students.  

The four (new) mayors have had a number of discussions recently about how we can best ensure quality healthcare for our area. We have all agreed that effective public participation is essential, including direct participation by the mayors. The mayors will be meeting with GBGH on Thursday to better understand the existing funding model and to chart a course that will lead to a long-term sustainable financial commitment to our hospital by the LHIN.

Also on Thursday at 6:30 pm at the Library, the Severn Sound Environmental Association will be holding its annual partners reception.

On Friday November 14^th, the Town will host a farewell reception for Deborah White, who is retiring after many years of the service to the Town, most recently in our Treasury department.

The reception starts at 1:00 pm at Town Hall.  Please come out and wish Deb well.

That evening at 8:00 pm at MCC, Huronia Players launches its 2014/15 season with It’s A Wonderful Life.   Can’t say enough about our wonderful theatre troupe.

Weekend

Saturday

-       We are the Villagers hosts a very imaginative event at the Library from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  A village is being set up and children will get to meet the people who make the village work – the postman, the baker – guess who plays the mayor? Should be lots of fun for families.

-       Victorian Christmas Street Festival at the NSSRC from10:00 am to 4:00 pm – all proceeds go to the Midland OSPCA

Sunday

-       Brookside Music brings White Night in Russia to the MCC at 2:00 pm. A tour de force of Russian composers on piano and viola

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s Year of Making Decisions - 2014

                                                                                              

Sunday November 2, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

The 2014 election is behind us and your Council has changed – significantly. There are five new members who will bring energy and talent to the challenges ahead. It’s a good result for Midland.  I just wish we could get the voting percentage up over the 41% mark. Official  results at: http://www.midland.ca/Shared%20Documents/Official%20Results1.pdf

The current Council will remain in place until the end of November. With only four Council members continuing, the Council is now known as a “lame duck” council.  As such Council will not be able to make and significant decisions affecting the Town during the month of November. But we can talk.

                                                                *****

Monday November 3^rd will see the public start of the Downtown Master Plan study.  You are invited to the public launch at the MCC at 6:30 pm. There will be presentations from a number of community leaders and a chance for you tell us what you want for your future downtown. Should wrap up about 9:00 pm

On Tuesday November 4^th the work on the Downtown Master Plan continues with a Steering Committee meeting at Town Hall at 9:00 am. You are welcome to attend. At 5:00 pm, also at Town Hall, Bell Mobility will hold an open house about their wireless plans for our area.

That evening at 7:30 pm at the MCC, it’s a Day in the Life with Louise Pitre.  Ms Pitre is a Tony Award nominated songstress, often regarded as Canada’s first lady of musical theatre. Should be an interesting interview moderated by Fred Hacker.

Wednesday November 5^th at 7:00 pm will see one of the shortest Planning and Development Committee meetings ever. Two items on the agenda;

-       Recommendation to move the draft Source Protection Plan to Council for approval

-       Economic development report, including the first report from our new economic development corporation

Thursday the 6^th is the start of the Ontario Contact Conference at the MCC. This conference will bring 300 delegates from performers to agents to our Town. The three-day conference features contemporary and classical music, dance, theatre, spoken word, and youth orientated programming. This is an excellent opportunity to get involved in the performing arts sector. http://ontariocontact.ca/news/ontario-contact-2014-november-6-8-midland

Friday November 7^th will feature the regular Waterfront Steering committee at 11:00 am at Town Hall.  Then at 5:00 pm is a very special tribute to our veterans of the First Would War.  The  Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 80 will be hosting a dinner at its premises at 196 Queen starting at 6:30 pm.  That will be followed by a presentation by Dr. Nicholls who will tell us what conditions were like for our men and women who served in the Great War. Tickets are $25 and available in advance at Huronia Museum (705.526.2844) 

And don’t forget, the Ontario Contact Conference is at the MCC all day.

Weekend

Saturday

-       Georgian College has an Open House from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at its Midland campus. Your chance to see campus life.

-       The last day of the Ontario Contact Conference at the MCC

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s Year of Making Decisions - 2014

                                                                                              

Sunday October 26, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

Election Day is upon us.  27 candidates have put their names forward to be your representatives in the challenging years ahead. It is now your turn to choose where Midland is headed. Please take time to go and vote.

Monday October 27^th is Election Day. The voting location is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Voting takes place in the gymnasium, North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre (NSSRC), 527 Len Self Boulevard. Remember you must bring identification with you to the voting location

Tuesday – the day after – a collective sigh of relief and hopefully the removal of most of the election signs.  Healthcare Innovators will meet at the ShopMidland location at 7:00 pm.  Healthcare Innovators is a group of healthcare entrepreneurs who meet regularly to identify and build new healthcare businesses in our community. This is essential work in building out area’s new economy.

Wednesday October 29^th, the business of the Town gets back into full swing. The day has three good examples of citizens engaged with municipal leaders to build our community.

1.     At 10:00 am at Midland Town Hall is the first meeting of the Seniors Healthcare Steering Group. This group was announced at the recent public senior’s healthcare meeting.  Its purpose is to build a strong relationship between the citizens of North Simcoe and the healthcare providers/system. It will allow citizens to be more aware of what is really happening with their healthcare and enable us to provide timely direction. Committee membership is limited - the public is welcome. (This is not a Town of Midland committee)

2.     At 3:00 pm at Town Hall is the meeting of the North Simcoe Housing Working Group.  This public stakeholder group is supporting the whole of North Simcoe in advising the County about what affordable housing measures we need in our area. The meeting will discuss a number of innovative affordable housing models that we may wish to bring to North Simcoe. The public is welcome. (This is not a Town of Midland committee)

3.      At 6:30 pm the BIA will be meeting in a brainstorming session at Lot 102 to come up with new event ideas for our downtown. This creative exchange of ideas is an excellent example of how we can all make our Town better. (The BIA is a Committee of the Town of Midland)

By working together, we can solve any of the challenges facing our citizens. If you want to get involved or have a challenge that needs some work, let me know.

Thursday starts out with County Council at 9:00 am in Midlhurst. Then at noon I will be in Barrie with the Georgian College Board of Governors, talking about enhancing their presence in our area.

Friday the 31^st – Hallowe’en. And what better way to celebrate than a Monster Halloween Dance hosted by Twisted Pines at NSSRC 7:00 pm.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s Year of Making Decisions - 2014

                                                                                              

Sunday October 19, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

Political signs and Hallowe’en pumpkins best describe our Midland landscape. Young and old are anxiously awaiting the big night. Time for you to get out and get involved, whatever your age.

Monday Oct 20^th features a closed meeting of Council at 6:00 pm. The meeting will deal with two personal issues and a land acquisition matter. At 7:00 pm at Town Hall is the October Council meeting – the last one before the election. (Note: The term of the current Council ends on November 30^th)  The agenda includes:

-       The family of Dennis Milton will present one of his works of art to the Town for our municipal collection

-       Council will discuss changes to the fencing at Midland Bay Landing

-       A Development Charge by-law, recommending freezing our DCs, will be decided

-       Approval of the Hanson Lands red-line amendments

Wednesday October 22nd starts with the annual Christian Community Breakfast at the NSSRC.  Doors open at 6:30 am.  This event is always well attended and a great place to meet your fellow Midlanders.  Right after the breakfast I am back to Town Hall to receive the students from Huron Park School and tell them a little about the municipality and the upcoming election.

Thursday October 23^rd also starts early with the Penetanguishene Sweeps Bonspiel at the Penetanguishene Curling Club.  The event runs from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and features Glen Howard as host skip. Funds raised by the event will support We Are The Villagers and the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre.

At 2:00 pm that afternoon you are invited to the Tiny Town offices on Balm Beach Road for the launch of the Champlain website.

On Friday October 24^th things start to quiet down a bit. There will be no meeting of the Waterfront Steering Committee, normally scheduled for 11:00 am. At noon the Huronia Pregnancy Resource Centre will hold its 20^th birthday party celebration at the MCC.  Please give them a call if you plan on attending. (527-4272)

                                                                  *****

Two items in closing.

The North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN is looking for new Board members. If you have been following News from the Town and the media you will be well aware how important proper healthcare is to our future. The LHIN is the central organization that holds sway over the services we receive locally and how they will be funded. Being on the LHIN Board would be an excellent way to help out with our healthcare challenge. If you are interested please see the attached notice.

Election Day is this coming Monday October 27^th.  It will be a very important election for Midland – a decision between moving forward with a progressive agenda or returning to the way things were done in the past.  News from the Town is one example of the new ways that I have tried to ensure that all Midlanders are engaged in determining our future. You can see further information about my position on issues on my blog http://www.gord4mayor.blogspot.ca/

October 27^th is your opportunity to make an important statement about your future.  Please get out and vote.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s Year of Making Decisions - 2014

Sunday October 12, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

Its election time.  And whether you are still deciding on whom to vote for or just tired of the whole thing, this is a critical election for Midland. You have 27 candidates to choose from and your vote will decide where Midland is headed.   

This week there are three advance polls all at the NSSRC:

-       Wednesday October 15, 2014, between 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

-       Thursday October 16, 2014, between 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

-       Saturday October 18, 2014, between 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

Election Day is October 27th. Your vote does matter.

                                                               *****

Monday October 13^th is a day of Thanksgiving and a chance to enjoy some turkey with family and friends. It’s also the start of the County yard waste and leaf pick-up in Midland – check your County calendar.

On Tuesday October 14^th it’s back to the regular fare – more meetings.  County Council meets at 9:00 am in Midhurst.  At 6:00 pm Council has a closed meeting at the Town Hall.  The meeting will address the OMB appeal respecting the Guesthouse rezoning and labour relations.

At 7:00 pm that evening is the October General Committee meeting. A relatively light agenda including:

-       Authorization for the Town to host the Ontario 55+ Seniors Games

-       Discussion on hosting Watercross 2015 on Little lake

-       Request for direction on the Fire Department’s aerial ladder truck

-       Notice of a winter farmers market at NSSRC

Wednesday the 15^th will see the Police Service Board meeting at 4:00 pm at Town Hall.  Then at 7:30 pm, A Day in the Life takes the stage at MCC featuring Marlene Smith.  Marlene has been producing theatre shows for 55 years including Godspell and the original 1985 version of Cats.  If you like theatre, this is your evening.

Thursday is senior’s day.  At 10:00 at the NSSRC is the monthly Seniors Council meeting. I will be there to update on recent developments from our area’s healthcare discussion. Also from 10 a.m. to noon, more than 30 health organizations from North Simcoe will offer displays and information. Lunch will be served at noon and will be followed by guest speakers Dr. Glenn Cameron and Kristy Murphy from Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care. All taking place in the Askennonia room.

Weekend

Saturday

The 9th annual Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation Gala presented by "Your GBGH ER Docs" will whisk you away to vibrant Brazil, for Carnival - Night in Rio! – 7:30 pm at MCC.  You'll be able to sample the tastes of Carnival prepared by the top local chefs as part of our chefs' showcase; samba in the famed Sambordromo Parade; and eat your sweets atop Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset while sipping your Brazilian coffee.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s Year of Making Decisions - 2014

                                                                                              

Sunday October 5, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

Summer’s departure was saluted yesterday by a beautiful double rainbow over the bay. Cooler days and a lot of fall gardening ahead. We are lucky to have such beautiful place to enjoy our four seasons.

Monday October 6^th is the start of Waypoint’s mental health week. The launch event is at Waypoint at 10:00 am.

Midlandcommunity.ca and our Downtown Merchants BIA will co-host two “meet the candidate” nights on October 6th and 7th. The first evening will host all candidates running for Councillor in Wards 1, 2, and 3 (approximately 12-15 individuals). The second evening will host candidates for Mayor and Deputy Mayor who run in Town-wide races (approximately 8-10 individuals). Both meetings begin at 7:00 upstairs at the North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre. Please RSVP to talktous@midlandcommunity.ca

Lots to do on Tuesday October 7^th.  At 1:30 pm Georgian College is hosting a Celebration of Entrepreneurship at its Barrie campus. Entrepreneurship is key to Midland’s economic future and creating the high-paying jobs we all want. You are welcome to attend.

At 7:00 pm is the second BIA/Midland community all candidates meeting, featuring mayors and deputy mayors. If politics is not your forte you may wish to drop by the MCC at 7:30 pm to hear Jamie Hunter speak on the history of logging on Georgian Bay

Wednesday October 8^th starts with a breakfast at 7:30 am at NSSRC hosted by the Huronia Community Foundation. The event is called Vital Signs and will update you on the many HCF activities in our community.  Huronia Museum celebrates the reopening of its art gallery at 5:30 pm at the museum. And at 6:00 pm at Town Hall, Council will review the second draft of the 2015 budget.

A bit slower on Thursday. I have a County Housing Advisory Committee meeting at 9:00 am in Midhurst. We are in the process of formulating the measures to improve and increase the affordable housing stock throughout the County.

Friday Oct 10^th will be challenging as there are two meetings to choose from at 11:00 am.  The Waterfront Steering Committee meeting will take place at Town Hall. Also at 11:00 am CHIGAMIK celebrates the opening of its “Cedar Room” healing lodge. The event continues until 2:00 pm with a light lunch.  If you are planning to attend, please RSVP to 527-4154 x242

At noon Garfield Dunlop hosts his Seniors Information Day at the NSSRC. And to round out the day you may wish to visit MSS at 2:00 pm to help the Mauraders kick-off their football season.

Looking ahead, the County starts its leaf and yard waste pickup for Midland the week of Oct 13^th.  Council has agreed to reimburse residents for all leaf bags that they purchase. For more information on the fall collection visit:

http://www.simcoe.ca/dpt/swm/collection/leaf/index.htm#.VDFtoWd0w5s

                                                                    *****

There have been many recent articles and e-mails about healthcare services in our area. These all link back to healthcare pressures that are coming down from the Ministry of Health and our North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN. Two recent developments causing special concern were the proposal to move much of our ophthalmological services out of the area, and the shortfall in hospital funding that hastened the closing of the PGH site.

After some initial upset our local community has responded well. Our healthcare leaders, including Dr. McNamara and Dr. Scanlan, have told the LHIN what these changes will mean to our community. Our seniors (400 at the first meeting) gathered to clearly state what they wanted for healthcare services. Local municipal leaders are also involved – and must be involved - healthcare is too important for our citizens and our future.

The good news is that Midland has started to forge an effective working relationship with our LHIN, our healthcare leaders and citizens. A new “seniors healthcare group” is forming to ensure the citizen’s voice is heard. The CEO of the LHIN, Jill Tettmann, personally took our message to heart and directed that the LHIN look at service models that would allow cataract surgeries to stay in Midland. A positive and informed dialog over the long-term is our best course of action for ensuring that quality healthcare stays in our area.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s Year of Making Decisions - 2014