Sunday October 27, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

Time for trick or treat – and no that is not a reference to the Senate. I have to admit it is becoming more challenging to be a “politician” of any stripe in these mistrustful times.  That said….

Monday October 28^th the Town of Midland will receive an official visit from Mr. Julang Pujianto Indonesian Consul General.  Mr. Pujianto is conducting a familiarization tour of the province and wanted to become better acquainted with Midland. Seems we are gradually getting onto the map.

At 6:00 pm is a closed meeting of Council to cover two personnel and two litigation items. Then at 7:00 pm is the Council meeting. Could be a lengthy agenda with:

-       Presentation of a long service medal to our by-law officer Jim Reicheld

-       Three deputations:

o    Water levels in Georgian Bay – Stop the Drop

o    The 2014 Butter Tart festival

o    Affordable housing strategy from our Seniors Council

-       Ratification by Council of the policy direction given Parks and Recreation to “regularize” our user fees. The most contentious element is non-residents fees and striking the proper balance between encouraging use of Midland facilities by our neighbors while recognizing the ongoing tax support of the people of Midland. Your thoughts on this are appreciated.

-       Search for a community member to represent Midland at the public School Board Accommodation Review. The Review is looking to consolidate shrinking local high-schools (MSS and PSS) but unfortunately pits us against one another. Population growth would solve a lot of problems. Hopefully a solution that works for both communities can be identified.

On Tuesday October 29^th I am back at the County for budget discussions. That evening at 7:00 pm at the MCC is the International Festival of Authors event. It features four authors, all nominees to the Rogers Writers Trust awards. Tickets are available at the MCC or the Midland Library. A must attend for all “bookies”.

Wednesday October 30^th starts at 10:00 am in Barrie with an announcement of a cooperative business innovation arrangement between Lakehead University and Georgian College. The relevance for Midland is that we are currently active with both of these institutions about innovative job creation in Midland, including the development of an area business incubator. Simply put our jobs of tomorrow start with initiatives like this today.

Then at 2:00 pm Scotiabank (King Street) invites you to attend their 50^th anniversary celebration - 50 years of helping area residents with their banking needs.

On Thursday the 31^st at 12:30 pm the Library will host an appreciation reception for their volunteers. Please come and thank those who give of their time to make our Library work. At 6:00 pm the Georgian College Board of Governors will meet at the Midland campus - an opportunity to strengthen the Town’s relationship with this important institution. Then home for Halloween.

Friday Nov 1^st at 11:00 am you are welcome to attend the regular Waterfront Steering Committee meeting at Town Hall.

Weekend

A weekend of downtown shopping as the BIA hosts the Girls Holiday Weekend. A three day extravaganza of food, shows and yes shopping. Apparently men need not apply – go figure. Further information at https://sites.google.com/site/midlandgirlsholidayweekend/home

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Three items in closing:

This week is the second of five County bagged leaf and garden waste pick-ups. Please make use of this new service.

Advance notice of the 2013 YMCA Gifts to Give event. This charity provides gifts to those who want to celebrate Christmas by presenting a gift to loved ones but don’t have the means to do so. The exchange event itself takes place on Monday December 2^nd, 2013 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre. Donations of nonperishable food items will be collected at that time for the Salvation Army Food Bank. If you wish to donate unused or nearly new gift items (no furniture or clothing please) please bring them to:

1. YMCA Employment Services – Midland, 334 King Street

November 18^th to 22^nd, November 25^th to 29^th, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

Saturday November 23^rd   and 30^th, 10:00 am to 1:30 pm

2. North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre, 527 Len Self Boulevard

December 2^nd, 9:00 am to 11:00 am

Last week’s hospital fundraiser was treated to an innovative rap anthem by one of our local artists Damon Morin, It’s a song about our hospital and community that I know you will enjoy.  http://youtu.be/j2G_0SB_DN8

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s Year of Getting Involved - 2013.

                                                                                              

Sunday October 20, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

Mother Nature has followed Thanksgiving up with cooler weather - a reminder to start thinking about where you put the snow shovel last spring. 

The fall is also our budget period and Midland has just concluded its second round of typically a three round budget preparation process. At the end of our Thursday budget meeting the projected cost increase (not tax increase) was about 2%. Major negotiations are still underway with the Police and Fire groups that could significantly affect that number. A lot of work is still ahead as we try to keep your tax increase to about the rate of inflation (1.5%).

One other financial matter this past week was the direction given by Council to consider the sale of the Midland Power Utility Corporation. This discussion was kicked off three weeks ago when the Town received an unsolicited offer from Hydro One. While I cannot divulge the details of the offer, it was significant. The MPUC is a wholly owned asset of the Town. The MPUC is heavily regulated so the Town has limited say on hydro rates and level of service. The Town does receive a “dividend stream” of $400,000 per year that is used to reduce the tax rate. The evaluation and sale process will likely take until next summer to complete.

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On Monday October 21^st Hospice Huronia will be celebrating its 20^th anniversary at 2:00 pm at the Penetanguishene Branch of the GBGH.  Then at 5:00 pm you may wish to drop by the MCC to participate in an innovative artistic endeavor called HUB. The HUB will bring our creative and artistic citizens together to build new cultural initiatives and just have some fun.   Later that day (5:30 pm) I have the honour of opening the Palmer Chiropractic Centre in Midland - another sign of the growing importance of healthcare in our local economy.

Tuesday will see two important meetings. The regular County Council takes place at 9:00 am in Midlhurst. At the meeting Midland will be called to account for providing a limited leaf vacuuming service for its residents. The County has responsibility for leaf pick-up and this year mandated that all 16 municipalities use its “leaf bag” service. In order to help a number of our citizens transition to the new service, Midland Council voted to provide a limited leaf vacuuming service at our own expense, in addition to the County service. The Deputy Mayor and I (Midland’s two County Council representatives) will continue to make the case for our Midland residents.

Then at 5:00 pm that evening, Chigamik will host its AGM at their offices at 845 King Street. Always an interesting update. You are welcome to attend.

Wednesday October 23^rd starts early at 6:30 am with the annual Christian Breakfast at the NSSRC. A good time to meet your neighbors, enjoy breakfast and be inspired by messages of hope and good fellowship.

On Thursday October 24^th its back to the County at 9:00 am for their budget discussion.  Then at 2:00 pm the Huronia Economic Alliance gets together at the Tay Town Hall at 2:00 pm.  The discussion should be interesting as the four municipalities have now all passed motions agreeing to pool their share of $400,000 in County funds to pursue economic development.  This is truly a milestone of cooperation in our area. My thanks to our good neighbours.

Right after the HEA meeting we move into our Heads of Council meeting (apparently we cannot get enough of each other).  The Heads of Council is a quarterly informal discussion of common issues such as water levels and relations with the County.

And at 7:30 pm at the MCC Brookside Music hosts a tribute to legendary singer and songwriter Hank Williams. Jason Petty brings his unique and insightful perspective on one of country music’s most influential icons, offering a glimpse into the legend’s glorious and often dark personal life and musical career. Don’t miss this New York Obie Award winning production.

Friday starts early in the morning (again) with the Small Business Week breakfast at the Best Western at 7:00 am.  Sponsored by NSCFDC this gathering honours our many small business entrepreneurs who provide us with products and services while creating most of the local jobs.

At 1:00 pm that afternoon Bayfield House Retirement Lodge, Beck Blvd. in Penetanguishene, will celebrate its 5^th anniversary. Music will be provided by the Desotos – all are welcome.

Weekend

Saturday at 9:00 am – the Horticultural Society holds its annual meeting at the NSSRC.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s Year of Getting Involved - 2013.

                                                                                              

Sunday October 13, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

 The Thanksgiving break and time to be with your family. I will keep this short.

On Tuesday October 15^th we recover from the turkey with a series of meetings at the Town. At 4:00 pm the Police Service Board will hold an in-camera meeting concerning a personnel matter. Then at 6:00 pm its Council’s turn for a closed meeting to discuss personal, litigation and land acquisition/sale matters.

At 7:00 pm the public General Committee meeting featuring a long list of interesting topics including:

-          Information about management (non-union) “terms of employment” showing an overall cost reduction for 2014

-          Consideration of reducing the many committees that Councilors  participate in – currently about 25

-           An update on how we are proceeding with the 38 operational recommendations from the KPMG study (Now honestly, I bet you thought you would never hear of the KPMG report recommendations again)

-          A notice from the OPP that they cannot continue with their costing for Midland until September 2014. The OPP are going through an internal cost allocation review that while not reducing the overall cost of OPP services, will redistribute them differently to the customer municipalities. Some will see increases and others cost reductions.  Our discussion will likely recommence a month before the election so this matter will go to the new Council.

-          Bryan Peter will seek Council direction for a number of important policy matters:

o    Should we have non-resident user fees?

o    Should Parks consider contracting out services? (eg grass-cutting)

o    Should fees for the many rec services be rationalized?

And one matter that did not appear on the agenda. The 6:00 pm closed meeting will discuss some aspects of the potential disposition of the MPUC. The continuation of that discussion will move to open session, hopefully later that same night.

On Wednesday the Police Service Board is back at Town Hall at 4:00 pm with its regular meeting, including a closed portion.

Thursday October 17^th is one of those days where everything seems to happening in the evening. At 6:00 pm at the Town Hall is the second round of our budget review. Staff should be coming forward with proposals to meet overall targets of 0% and 2% for cost growth. Council will then discuss the final target for the 2014 budget.

Also at 6:00 pm, The Karma Food market is hosting a Food Share event at the Le Cle offices on Main Street in Penetanguishene. And back in Midland, a Day in the Life series features our own renowned Canadian artist John Hartman at 7:30 pm at the MCC.

On Friday October 18^th you are invited to the regular Waterfront Planning meeting at 11:00 am at the Town Hall.  And at 8:00 pm that evening in Barrie, the County Service Recognition awards will be made to exemplary County staff.

Weekend

Saturday October 19^th:

-          You are invited to the opening of the Banana Basket at noon at 465 Dominion

-          The annual Hospital Gala takes place at the MCC.  It’s already sold out so good news for our hospital.

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The first of five County leaf collections takes place this week.  Have your bags and containers out to the curb by 7:00 am on Monday.

And finally, the Huronia Economic Alliance needs your views on living, working, recreation and investment in our area. Their survey should only take a few minutes to complete. Please link to the survey on the HEA’s website at, http://www.investhuronia.ca/

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s Year of Getting Involved - 2013.

                                                                                              

Sunday October 6, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

The seasons are changing and so too our fall leaf pick-up. The new pick-up service has led to a lot of discussion at Council so I will do my best to help you sort through the new arrangement.

The County of Simcoe has the responsibility for picking up your leaves at curbside this fall. They require that you put your leaves into the large compostable leaf bags or other open containers that can be lifted by their service truck operator.  They will pick up bags/containers of leaves in Midland every second week starting the week of October 13^th and ending the week of December the 8^th.  Please refer to your County of Simcoe waste calendar (you were sent a copy in the spring) or call the County at 705-735-6901.

Recognizing that this is a transition year, Midland is offering help to those who are challenged by the new County service. Midland will provide an extra service including reimbursement for leaf bag purchases, having service agencies help you bag your leaves as well as a limited vacuuming. Please see the Town website at  

http://www.midland.ca/ws_par/groups/public/@pub/@midland/documents/web_content/wspar_045675.pdf

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Monday October 7^th is a busy one for evening meetings.

-       At 7:00 pm at the Midland Legion is an organizational meeting for the proposed Frank Graham Tour of Holland being planned for 2015 – the 70^th anniversary of the end of WWII.

-       Also at 7:00 pm at the NSSRC is the Midland Waterfront public meeting. Your chance to comment on the current Waterfront Plan.  The meeting will also lay out the next steps in the development process. Come out and tell us about your waterfront

-       At 7:30 pm the Healthcare Innovators group will meet to further develop new healthcare businesses in in our area

Tuesday will be a busy day a County as the new County Council and Committee of the Whole meetings take place.

Thursday Oct 10^th will feature a Police and Crime Prevention meeting at NSSRC at 7:00 pm.  The meeting brings together agencies and organizations who are involved in community safety and policing to explore ways to make Midland a safer place for all.

Weekend

Just one note - we will cut the ribbon at the renewed ESSO station on Hwy 93 at 1:30 pm

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A closing comment on the public meeting held last week respecting a proposed development on the property at 422 King. Many of you probably recognize this address as belonging to a stately century home on King Street immediately adjacent to the Cenotaph.  Many citizens spoke, all in opposition to the development.  The concerns brought forward were real and heartfelt – from increased traffic; to increased density; to change of the neighborhood’s appearance. The situation though is complicated by the fact that the century home is now starting to fall into disrepair. An open question to Council is what is the best path to preserve this signature neighborhood while satisfying the concerns of the residents. Look for further discussion at the Planning and Development Committee.   

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s Year of Getting Involved - 2013.

                                                                                              

Sunday September 29, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

The topic this week is economic development – or – bringing jobs and new people to our community. While I may be accused of being on the optimistic side of life, there are a lot of good things happening in our area.

This past week I attended the opening of our new Little Caesars franchise on Hwy. 93. Later in the week it was the opening of ShopCity a business start-up that holds out tremendous prospects for our local economy. Check out their video at http://youtu.be/LPecJQWXdhc .

On a more structural front our Town’s building permits are up some 20% so far over last year. We participated in our second Prosperity Summit last week – a forum that brings business leaders and the four municipalities together to discuss growing our economy. And speaking of our four municipalities, this month will see all four of us vote to commit County funds to our common economic development effort.  This commitment will total $400,000 over the next two years. So far three are in – Tiny votes on Monday.

And as far as jobs coming our way, I am discussing potential business expansions/relocations with three major organizations. Look for an announcement this week by one company bringing more jobs to Midland in 2014.

Yes there are empty store fronts on King Street but there is a more positive step to our local economy. More is needed. Everyone has a role to play – bringing your ideas to public meetings; helping a visitor; starting your own business; …and many other ways.  This should be your “year of getting involved”.

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Monday September 30^th will start with the opening of the new Georgian Village in Penetanguishene. This $76 million investment in modern elderly living is a true showcase of what we can do.  At 7:00 pm that evening our housing service providers will meet to develop an area position on what we need for affordable housing over the next ten years. This meeting was called in response to the draft County strategy that raised many concerns with the area mayors and housing providers. The results of this meeting will be presented to the County when they come to Town on Tuesday.

If you have any spare time you will want to tune into the CBC Murdoch Mysteries on Monday.  The entire episode was filmed on the Keewatin and features many local actors. Look for an active discussion on that at Tim Hortons the next day.

On Tuesday Oct 1^st at 1:00 pm you may wish to meet with County representatives to provide comment on their 10 year affordable housing and homelessness strategy. The meeting is at the Library. The strategy is at  http://www.simcoe.ca/dpt/ss/sh/index.htm#.UkhQ0IasiSo

Wednesday October 2^nd features two Town meetings. At 6:00 pm is a closed meeting to discuss personal matters. At 7:00 pm at the Town is the Planning and Development Committee meeting. First up will be a public input meeting to discuss the proposed small apartment building project for 422 King St. (the old Sadie Moranis property). The developer wants to conserve the existing heritage building but to do so proposes to build a 14 unit apartment building in the large back-yard.  A number of residents have already commented that this would be inappropriate for the area. If you want to have input on the matter, this is your chance.

Later on the meeting will discuss site plan changes for the reclaimed electroplating business site at 351 Yonge St. and changes to our sign by-law to allow charities more flexibility in putting up signs for community events.

Thursday is for early risers as the North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corp. hosts its Small Business Week event at their new location (next to First for Safety on Fourth St.) at 7:30 am.  If you plan on attending please give them a call.

On Friday October 4^th at 11:00 am the Waterfront Steering Committee will meet in the Council chambers. The meeting is open to the public.

Weekend

On Saturday at 7:30 pm you are invited to St. Pauls for a fundraising event for the Guesthouse (Out of the Cold). This event features our Sernata Choir.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s Year of Getting Involved - 2013.

                                                                                              

Saturday September 21, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

I miss the Free Press. When we had two papers in Town they did a good job of covering Council and the local issues. Now that we are down to one I find that many citizens are not able to stay on top of what is happening in our community. So to try to help out I will provide a bit more commentary in your News from the Town. Let me know what you think.

Monday September 23^rd will leave a good taste in your mouth as Little Caesars opens its new location in Midland at 11:00 am.  Keeping with the pizza theme, Wheels 4 Wheels (our volunteer accessible transportation service) is fundraising at Boston Pizza.  Between 5 pm & 9 pm, 10% of every meal ordered (excluding taxes and alcohol) will be donated to Wheels 4 Wheels.

The at 6:00 pm Council will have a closed meeting to discuss a number of matters related to personal, labor relations and land acquisition. At 7:00 pm at the Town Hall is the regular Council meeting including:

-       Three deputations

-       A discussion and direction on the Huronia Museum. The Huronia Museum is a private institution that the Town has long supported. Over the last decade attendance has been declining and various plans have been proposed to improve the situation. Of late the concern about the roof leaking has led to some heated comments about who is paying for what and what type of funding should the Town give the museum over the longer term. The meeting will likely focus on fixing the roof.

-       Leaf pick-up direction. With the new County service in place this fall, Council will clarify the additional help the Town will offer citizens who have large volumes of leaves. A contentious issue for Council.  Look for this to echo through the coming election.

-       Recommendation to provide the Huronia Economic Alliance with the $100,000 grant from County over two years. This is a major step in having the four North Simcoe communities work together on economic development.

-       The Police Service report is not to be missed. We will hear about a major downtick in criminal activity in Midland over the last two years.

Tuesday September 24^th will start with County Committee of the Whole at 9:00 am and then County Council. A new format.  Could be an all-day event.  

At 7:00 pm that evening the Town will launch the Midland Cultural Plan.  You are invited to the Library at 7:00 pm to provide input on how culture is important for our community and what should be done to build our culture.  Yes, the County was at the library two weeks ago on a similar topic.  These two exercises are supporting each other.

Wednesday September 25^th starts in Collingwood at 9:00 am with a conference on tourism and the impact of declining water levels. At 3:30 pm, back in Midland at the Town Hall is the Police Service budget discussion, much of it will be in-camera.  Then at 6:00 pm is the Midland public budget meeting at the Town Hall. This is your opportunity to speak to Council and staff about where you feel the 2014 budget should be headed. All good suggestions welcomed.

At 6:30 pm that evening Community Living Huronia is hosting its membership event and AGM at the Brooklea. At 7:30 that evening, John French will be celebrating the donation of a grand piano to the MCC. The beautiful Heintzman piano was donated by Ann Koppel and family following the wishes of her late husband Peter Koppel. This free event is at the MCC.

Thursday September 26^th at 11:00 am you are again invited to the MCC for a Catalpa open house.  Catalpa is a service organization that provides support for individuals with disabilities. Check them out at http://www.catulpa.on.ca/s/home.aspx

Peaceworks is hosting a lunch featuring a presentation on Human Trafficking by Francisco Rico-Martinez, Co-Director FCJ Refugee Centre.  The lunch is at noon at the Explorers restaurant. Get your tickets early at Explorers.

ShopCity will launch its new training Centre at 4:00 pm at their new King and Hugel location. You are cordially invited to attend to hear about this exciting business enterprise and how it will bring a new dynamic and new jobs to our area.

Friday the 27^th is the full day Prosperity Summit held this year at Kings Wharf in Penetanguishene. The Prosperity Summit is designed to bring business leaders together to discuss our area’s economy and be updated on the many things that are happening. While it seldom makes the media I have been involved with a number of companies who are seriously considering moving to our area. The HEA is actively pursuing a business incubator to grow our own businesses. While I and others are impatient to see our economy improve, we have made good progress on bringing new jobs in our area.

Weekend

You will want to be at the Teddy Bears picnic, in aid of the Cancer Support Cente.  11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Perkinsfield Park in Tiny.

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And in closing, leaf season is upon us. The County will be collecting the leaf bags in Midland on the weeks of Oct 13, Oct 27, Nov 10, Nov 24 and Dec 8.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s Year of Getting Involved - 2013.

                                                                                              

Saturday September 14, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

Close to frost last night. Hockey starting this week. It won’t be long before we are looking for the mitts and boots. Never a dull moment in Midland.

It’s no secret that over the last five years businesses in our area have lost a number of high paying jobs. One sector that seems to be bucking that trend is healthcare. This Monday a group of our healthcare entrepreneurs will start a series of meetings to identify new business opportunities and grow new healthcare jobs in our community.  This is a critical part of rebuilding our economy.  We wish the Healthcare Innovators every success.

On Tuesday the 17^th the municipality will be meeting with the Huronia Museum Board. The two critical items before us are working together to ensure the museum roof is fixed for this winter and setting the direction for a longer term relationship.  Details of meeting location are still pending.

The $450 million construction project at Waypoint is nearing completion.  This Wednesday September the 18^th an initial tour will be held for local officials.  Hopefully public tours of this impressive facility will soon be available.  One meeting that you can attend – the Police Service Board will be meeting at Town Hall at 4:00 pm.

The exceptional series A Day in the Life continues with Mr. Justice Michael Moldaver, one of the nine Justices of the Supreme Court of Canada. This may be the first time that a Justice of the Supreme Court has been in Midland. That’s Wednesday, September 18^th at 7:30 pm at MCC.  Tickets are available at  http://www.ticketbreak.com/event_details/6467

Thursday September the 19^th will likely see a series of meetings at Town Hall. The capital budget meeting will start at 6:00 pm.  A special meeting of Council may follow – check the Town website next week at  http://www.midland.ca/meeting-schedule/index.htm

Friday will see the Waterfront Project Steering Committee meeting at 1:00 pm at the Town. Please remember you are invited to our public review meeting on the Waterfront Project coming up on September 26^th at 6:00 pm at the NSSRC.

Weekend

Saturday 21

• 1:00 pm at Mountainview Mall is the Concerned Motorcyclists Toy Ride in support of our Salvation Army
• 7:00 pm at the Midland Legion. Jeff Fillingham needs your help to raise money for a wheelchair accessible taxi in our community. Join Jeff for some good music and a worthwhile cause.

Sunday 22

• Lakeview Cemetery will hold its cemetery re-dedication at 12 noon
• From 1:00 to 4:00 pm the Coldwater Mill Museum will host an open house.  Some good food and an interesting look into our history.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s Year of Getting Involved - 2013.