Sunday May 25, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

At last summer seems to have arrived. And with it the temptation to get out the lawn chair and push the world away.  As you will see below, there are a number of important meetings coming up in the Town this week. You may want to get involved before the truly lazy hazy days of summer set in.

This past week, the Town held a special meeting of Council to pass the required Development Charge By-law. These by-laws are set every five years and define the onetime charges assessed on new houses and buildings to pay for increased use of Town services. Your Council voted to freeze our current rates for one year so we could decide on what rates would best allow for managed growth in Midland. By taking time to assess the planning and economic implications of development charges, we will be in an informed position by this fall to set our rates for another five years.

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Monday May 26^th at 4:00 pm is a Waypoint Sponsors event at Waypoint – a celebration of the many people who continue to make Waypoint such a success.  Then at 6:00 pm at the Town is a closed meeting to discuss a matter of litigation.

At 7:00 p is the May Council meeting. A long agenda featuring:  

-       Two presentations:

o    Our champion Midland Atom BB Hockey team and

o    A special award to four of our firefighters

-       Three deputations:

o    Huronia Museum’s three year strategy

o    Presentation on our septic tank inspection program

o    Request for a compassionate exemption for two additional dogs – our by-law limits households to two dogs

-       Finalization of the 2014 budget – we are coming in with a Town tax rate of about 0.5%

-       Review of two new summer 2014 events for our Town – Ribfest and a Watercross event for Little Lake Park

-       By-law regarding the zoning variance for the proposed Guesthouse shelter relocation

-       Direction on the long outstanding RSI waste re-cycling facility.

Tuesday May 27^th starts with County Council at 9:00 am.  Then at 3:00 pm are two important items:

-       Our Georgian Bay General Hospital will make a media announcement regarding the situation they face

-       The first meeting of the North Simcoe Housing Working Group will meet at NSSRC.  This group will establish our North Simcoe requirements for affordable housing and homelessness prevention.  This position will guide the County’s 10 year housing strategy.

At 7:00 pm that evening a “Café Conversation” on healthcare in our area will take place at the NSSRC.  The panel discussion is hosted by Fred Hacker and sponsored by Chigamik and the Association of Ontario Health Centres.  There is no charge to attend.

Wednesday is a quieter day. Our Healthcare Innovators group will be presenting one of their innovative business ideas to the Midland Penetanguishene Builders Association.  If successful we will be able to better help area seniors who modify their homes to make them more livable.

Thursday May 29^th, you may want to be at Home Depot at 9:00 am as they launch their “Buy a Hammer, Build a Community Campaign” in support of Shelter Now.

At 12 noon is a very important meeting at the NSSRC. The North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN recently issued an RFP (since rescinded) that could have resulted in ophthalmological services moving out of the North Simcoe area. Many citizens were concerned with the increased difficulty in accessing services such as cataract surgery and the potential for other services (eg. Endoscopy, laboratory services) leaving the area.  After a number of discussions with local groups, the North Simcoe mayors agreed that we needed to sponsor a public discussion on what healthcare services were needed in North Simcoe. This first meeting, focusing on seniors healthcare, starts the discussion that should lead to a “Healthcare Charter” – a citizens statement of what healthcare services our area must have to meet our citizens’ needs. You are welcome to attend.  A light lunch will be served.

Following that meeting, at 2:30 pm at the NSSRC, is the regular Huronia Economic Alliance meeting.  The meeting will review the potential Board members for the new Economic Development Corporation of North Simcoe (EDCNS). A well-structured EDCNS is a major step forward on our economic development journey.

Friday and the weekend looms. At 5:00 pm join Bruce Stanton at Brian Orser Arena in Penetanguishene for a Fish Fry in support of Gateway.  Then at 6:45 the Relay for Life event in remembrance of cancer survivors takes place at Rotary Park in Penetanguishene.

Weekend

Saturday

So much to do – so little time!

o    “Welcome to the Water” – the new In-Water Boat Show at Bayport Marina – all day – all welcome

o    At 11:00 am the Midland Bay Sailing Club hosts ”Blessing of the Fleet” at its location

o    At 12:00 noon the HMS Badger arrives at the Bayport gas dock carrying Mayor Marshall. Cannon fire will be de rigeur

o    1:00 pm the Commodores Sail Past takes place in Midland harbor,  just off the sailing club

o    Ontario Seniors Games featuring tennis at Little Lake Park, starting at noon

Sunday

o    “Welcome to the Water” – In-Water Boat Show at Bayport Marina continues

o    At 8:45 am I board the HMS Badger at Bayport for the return trip to Penetanguishene. Ceremonies will occur there about noon

o    The farmers market opens downtown at the Harbourside Park location at 10:00 am. Note this is a different location from last year.

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More signs of summer in our downtown. The new Authentic Thai restaurant is now open on Bay Street.  The new men’s clothing store Taylor&Co. is now open on King Street. The expanded Bajic denture clinic is now open at 519 Hugel.

Gord McKay

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

                                                                                              

Sunday May 18, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

The May 2 4 week-end - the sun is shining mightily – the tourists are starting to spring to life. So why is everyone still hanging onto their winter coat?  Longing for summer.

Tuesday May 20^th will feature a special presentation at the MCC, “Cancer Screening for Life”.

The event features our popular Phil Edmunds and Dr. Jennifer Jones.  It starts at 7:00 pm; tickets are $10.

Wednesday May 21^st is the Midland Rotary Random Acts of Kindness Day - a reminder that kindness makes the world a better place for all.  Come to the Town dock at noon for a Rotary “chili-dog” or drop by Town Hall for a free coffee – and pass the kindness along.

From 9:00 am to 1:00 pm that day, the Simcoe County Alliance to End Homelessness will host a conference at the Simcoe County Museum on Affordable Housing Strategies.  You should register in advance at cdermott@unitedwaygsc.ca. At 4:00 pm is the delayed Zombie Walk (seems that zombies don’t like rain!)  This youth engagement activity will start at the NSSRC and proceed down King Street, telling all who they encounter about the upcoming blood donor clinics in the Midland area. Apparently they will not be soliciting donations on the sidewalk. ;-)

And to close off Wednesday I will assist with the opening of the Bajic Denture Clinic at 5:00 pm at 519 Hugel.  Getting busy in the downtown.

On Thursday May 22^nd Discovery Harbor invites you to the opening of its new Tecumseth museum.  This museum displays the hull of the original Tecumseth, a fighting ship that figured in the war of 1812.  The launch event is at 11:00 am - admission to the museum and the Discovery Harbour grounds is free all day.

At 6:00 pm that evening the Town will host two meetings.  A closed meeting will start at 6:00 pm for Council to receive a final solicitor briefing on the terminated MPUC talks. The closed meeting will also review the current negotiations with OPSEU. At 7:00 pm is a special Council Meeting to pass the DC by-law, as required by law. The intention of Council is to freeze the existing rates for a year to allow Council the opportunity to better determine our DC charges to meet planning and economic development objectives.

Friday May 23^rd at 8:00 pm sees Huronia Players start their latest play “I’ll be Back Before Midnight”. Your ticket awaits at the MCC.

Weekend

Must be summer – so much going on.

Saturday

-       At 9:00 am,  the Horticultural Society plant and bake sale at NSSRC

-       The Model Train Railroad Show at NSSRC from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  A delight for young and old

-       Midland Firefighters are hosting a fundraiser at Lot 102 for Muscular Dystrophy. The evening will feature the Barrel Works Band

Sunday

-       The Model Train Railroad Show at NSSRC from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

-       Big Bothers and Sisters Car Rally. Starts at Pillsbury parking lot at 11:00 am

-       Midland Lions Walk for Guide Dog at 12:45 at Midland dock

-       Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Review at NSSRC at 13:30 sharp

-       We are the Villagers is hosting a fundraiser at the Library restaurant - The Love Bus Murder Mystery and dinner. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $45.  Well worth it for an evening of great fun.

Gord McKay

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

                                                                                              

Sunday May 11, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

Midland just wrapped up a very special weekend. Sunday was an important day for most of us being Mother’s Day. Saturday brought some 150 people from all over Ontario to King Street to celebrate the park dedication to Andrew Mixemong.  Andrew was a leader of the Beausoleil First Nation who was killed in our downtown two years ago. The sun was out, the wind blew lustily and Andrew’s warm spirit was felt by many - a day that brought our communities closer together.

Monday May 12^th starts with a closed meeting at 6:15 pm to deal with two matters:  OPSEU negotiations and a matter of litigation. Then at 7:00 pm is the May General Committee meeting. Agenda items include:

-       Creation of the Midland Cultural Committee

-       Update on our 2014 geese management activities

-       Discussion on whether we should host a WaterCross sporting event on Little Lake

-       A follow-up report on the Town’s 2013 budget surplus

-       The Police Service Board response to Council’s’ questions on their 2014 budget

-       A staff report on the state of backflow preventers in Midland  (Backflow preventers are valves used to make sure that water in a building does not get siphoned back into the municipal water supply)

Tuesday the 13^th and more meetings. County Council meets at Midhurst at 9:00 am.  At 7:00 pm there is a special Council meeting to discuss the Little Lake store lease and the expected DC charges for Midland for the next five years.  You are welcome to attend.

Also at 7:00 pm Mr. Fred Hacker’s A Day in the Life will feature the legendary Lloyd Robertson, the news anchor for CTV News for 35 years and now host of CTV’s “W5”.  I believe that all the tickets are sold for this one. A tip of the hat to Fred – attracting this caliber of person to Midland shows that we can compete with the best.

Wednesday May 14^th I am back at County for the inaugural meeting of the Simcoe County Housing Advisory Committee. This Committee will inform County actions for the next decade on the housing solutions needed in Midland and area. To support my role in representing North Simcoe, we will be forming a North Simcoe Housing Committee.  They will start their work on May 27^th.  Look for a lot of public engagement in the months ahead if we are to make a meaningful change to providing the housing needed by all of our residents.

At 4:00 pm is the regular meeting of the Police Service Board at Town Hall.  Then at 7:00 pm is the May Planning and Development Committee meeting. Topics include:

-       Staff recommendations on the Guesthouse homeless shelter

-       Establishment of the Downtown Master Plan Steering Committee

-       Review of the Town’s response to the County Transportation Master Plan

And now for something completely different.  On Thursday May 15^th starting at 4:30 at the NSSRC, Youth Engagement is hosting a “Zombie Walk”. Yes, a Zombie Walk down King Street in Midland. All for a good cause to get youth involved and spread awareness of upcoming blood donor clinics in the Midland area. So come down and be part of what’s happening.

Weekend

Saturday

-       Port-O-Rama parade in Port McNicoll starting at 11:00 am.  Come for the parade and stay the week-end.

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Two notes in closing. First, the four municipalities have now formed the Economic Development Corporation of North Simcoe (EDCNS) - a very important step forward for our area. This arm’s length corporation will organize and lead economic development and job growth for North Simcoe. We are now starting to look for six private sector members to be on the EDCNS Board.  If you have the skills and are interested in helping our community grow economically, this may be an opportunity for you.  Recruiting announcements should be out shortly.

And the private sector is not waiting around. One of our up and coming downtown businesses, “Shopcity.com” is changing the way we shop while strengthening local community. Colin Pape, the President, has passed along the following information:

1.     Want to find who is selling what in Midland and area? The new SGB Chamber of Commerce app, developed in partnership with ShopMidland.com is now live for both iPhone and Android. Download at www.southerngeorgianbay.ca/app

2.     The new Midland BIA website is now up, also powered by ShopMidland.com. You can see some great new shopping features and “what’s going on” at www.downtownmidland.ca.

Shopcity is making some great things happen, not only in Midland but in cities across North America. It is redefining the marketplace and stands to become one of our major employers.  Thanks to Colin and his team it is getting easier to tell the world that in Midland – Yes we can!

Gord McKay

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

                                                                                              

Sunday May 4, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

Day by day, degree by degree, we will get to summer.  I had never appreciated that part of the mayor’s job was encouraging the citizens of Midland to believe that yes, the sun will come out again. Tomorrow?

Monday May 5^th at 6:00 pm sees an interesting example of democracy in action. MidlandCommunity has organized a public meeting (a ticket is required) at Lot 102.  The purpose of the meeting is to give some of the aspiring candidates for the municipal election a chance to meet the public. Anything we can do to encourage good candidates is a good step for our community. Having a choice at the polls is essential for voters to really get involved in steering the future of Midland. Have YOU ever thought of running?

On Tuesday May 6^th there is a flurry of interesting meetings.  From 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm the SSEA Source Water Protection initiative hosts a public Open House at the Library.  At 6:30 pm the Midland BIA holds their regular meeting at the Shopmidland location (King at Hugel). The BIA has invited Rogers Communications in to answer questions about the quality and availability of high-speed services in Midland.

Then at 7:00 pm at the NSSRC is an informational meeting on the upcoming Bike Week event. The organizers expect that this July 11^th to 20^th event will attract thousands of bikers to our community for the first time. The meeting will answer your questions and concerns about “bikers” and provide guidance on how we can best welcome so many tourists to our community.

Wednesday May 7^th at 8:00 am will see me at the McDonalds location on Hwy 93 in support of McHappy Day.  McDonalds Children’s Charities will donate part of the proceeds of the day to our own Community Living Huronia.  Please drop by and support this worthy cause. That evening the Town hosts a special Candlelight Ceremony at the Cenotaph. It is only a few times a year that many of us pause to reflect on the men and women in uniform who give so much for our peace and security. Please come about 6:45 as the ceremony starts at 7:00 pm. 

On Thursday May 8^th the Karma Market is hosting an organizational meeting for its 2014 Midland Farmers Market. The meeting, at 6:00 pm the Town dock, will be geared towards potential vendors but the public is welcome to attend.

The Town will hold its regular meeting of the “Midland Bay Landing” Steering committee on Friday May 9^th at 11:00 am at the Town.  All are welcome.  At 7:00 pm that evening you will want to be at the Museum for the opening of the art exhibit by M.J. Weber.  M.J. is a talented area artist who has a wide range of artistic styles.  Please do drop by. 

Weekend

Saturday

-       Treasure Day for the Town. Put your treasures out after 8:00 am and if any are left have them back inside by 5:00 pm.

-       At 2:00 pm the Town will host a very special dedication to the memory of Andrew Mixemong. Andrew, a First Nations community leader, was murdered in Midland two years ago. This ceremony, by the Town Library, recognizes the loss his passing represents to all of us. Please do attend.

-       Sistema Huronia Music Academy is hosting a fund raising dance at the MCC at 8:00 pm featuring Andre and the J-Tones, a rhythm and blues, funk, rock, and soul band. A very worthy cause – great music.

Gord McKay

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

                                                                                              

Sunday April 27, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

Spring apparently has to be hauled under protest onto the Midland stage.  I have a few frosted geraniums to show for my misplaced belief that warmer weather had arrived. On a positive note, the ice breaker should be here on Monday ;-)

This past week we were able to get a release from the confidentiality agreement that was signed between the Town and Hydro One.  (See attached media release). The sudden stoppage of the discussion by Hydro One is a matter of some speculation, even to the Town. It is fair to note that there are significant recent pressures on the province to fix the entire electricity distribution system, including Hydro One. The sale matter is off the table until Council decides it wishes to consider further business changes to the MPUC.

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Monday April 26^th should begin with a closed meeting at 6:00 pm, dealing with personal matters. (This may not occur due to improper notification on the website.)  At 7:00 pm is the Council meeting. An incredibly long agenda including:

-       A presentation to our champion Midland Atom hockey team

-       Three deputations;

o    200th anniversary of Discovery Harbour

o    Update on Midland Bike Fest

o    An introduction to the Teen Transition Lodge

-       A Public Meeting (you may speak)

o    Sign by-law for charitable organizations

o    Input on septic system inspections

-       Discussion on hosting the Ontario Seniors Games for 2016

-       A new name for our Unimin waterfront – “Midland Bay Landing”

-       A listing of the many events headed our way this summer – cruise ships in August; tall ship return; shakedown regatta; a major in-water boat show; and many more

-       Agreement on completing the Prospect Boulevard project

-       A by-law for the Karma Market to host a Midland Farmer’s Market from June to October

Tuesday April 29^th starting at 6:00 pm in Midhurst, will feature deputations to the Simcoe County School Board concerning the future of our public high-schools in North Simcoe. It’s unfortunately a divisive issue as it pits one community against another.  You can read my prepared remarks to the Board at http://newsfromthetown.blogspot.ca/

Friday May 2^nd will see a number of fun events for you. At 5:30 pm the Huronia Museum hosts its annual Heritage Dinner at the NSSRC. The guest speaker will be the well-known Jack Granatstein who will present The Greatest Victory: Canada's 100 Days 1918.

Later that evening is the Huronia Players Studio Night - an informal evening of experimental theater will including :Murder at the Banquet - by the Huronia Players MyDrama youth group and an excerpt from The Fourth Wall directed by Doris Sloan and Sue Cook. Please register with Doris at doriss@baytechplastics.com to reserve a seat.

Weekend

Saturday

-       Opening of Martyrs’ Shrine for the 2014 season.  Starts with mass at 10:30 am

-       Huronia Community Foundation Awards ceremony at 7:00 pm at Brooklea

-       Serenata Choir presentation at St. Pauls at 7:30 pm

Sunday

-       Mandarin MS Walk starting at the NSSRC at 9:00 am

-       Hike for Huronia Hospice at 1:30 pm starting at Rotary Park in Penetanguishene

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The media has carried further stories about the North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN and its recent RFP process that could have resulted in local ophthalmology services, such as cataract surgery, being moved to Barrie. That particular RFP has been stopped. The concern exists as to what other RFPs may be coming and what is the long term prospect for the level of healthcare that we will all receive in North Simcoe.

Discussions with the seniors community, my fellow mayors and the LHIN have resulted in an agreement that we, the healthcare consumers, must clarify our position on what we want from healthcare in our area. It’s not a simple a question - and will take some time to answer in a way that is reflective of our entire North Simcoe community.  A first public meeting will be held at the NSSRC at noon on Thursday May 29^th, starting with the seniors community. Look for more details in the coming days.

Gord McKay

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

                                                                                              

Public High Schools in North Simcoe

Presentation by Mayor Gord McKay, Midland

To ARC Special Board Meeting, Tuesday, April 29^th

Concerning Public High School Configuration for North Simcoe

An ARC process is an exceedingly difficult experience for any community or group of communities.  It forces citizens to confront the cold reality of change for a matter that we all hold very close – the education of our children.

Change is never easy.  Change that causes immediate upset and is unlikely to show benefits for many years is even more problematic. On top of that, the change contemplated by this ARC process pits the high school in one town against the other.  It is no wonder our communities want to stop the ARC process. But the situation demands that we must continue and bring it to conclusion.

The Compelling Need for Change

So why must we change?

When I first came to Midland, many of the old timers told me that Midland and Penetanguishene would never cooperate on anything. Wasn’t in their blood. Then is 2010, with some new leadership, the municipalities recognized that things had changed around them – that they had to cooperate or face an increasing bleak economic future. We looked at joint policing (unsuccessfully), sharing sewer and water services, and most successfully economic development.  Over four years the four communities have built a progressive economic partnership that has attracted the attention of the province and many other municipalities. So yes we can change.

Why the need to change our public high-schools?

The School Board has made us aware that our local high school environment has changed significantly:

-       The two high-schools are both significantly under capacity. Given feeder school projections, that situation will remain for at least a decade

-       Both high schools require significant capital investments. There is insufficient funding for both schools

-       The Board has funding for improved education.  A funding request for the status quo – that is paying for two sub-optimal schools – will move that request well down the priority list

-       Small poorly funded rural schools are increasingly unlikely to attract quality teachers and programming. And with that our area will not be able to attract families who are increasingly selective about the school they choose for their children.

Yes, there is a compelling need for change.

Advantages of Change – One Area High School

I believe that North Simcoe will be best served by one area public high-school, built to accommodate the educational needs of the modern student.

My belief is founded upon the central purpose of our educators; our trustees; and our School Board – to deliver the best educational outcomes for our children. Those best educational outcomes will be achieved through a modern scale-appropriate school that has the range of programming and activities needed to fully meet the needs of the modern student.

The other supportive arguments, and there are many, are secondary to this;

-       That the one high-school model is the one most likely to be funded

-       That modern families are most attracted to modern schooling – both for breadth of programming and facilities

-       That we will finally have a facility that breaks the status quo and stops the bleeding of students to other area and non-area schools

The one school model delivers many benefits, and above all the most important one – providing our children with the best in quality modern education.

Perceived Problems with Change

Are there drawbacks with the one-area-school approach? Absolutely.  Otherwise we would have settled the question some time ago.

Closing a school raises the perception that a community loses. It is the loss an educational asset; it strikes at community spirit; and it diminishes economic development. It causes people to question whether their town is growing or falling back. All understandable concerns.

These concerns parallel those of the four North Simcoe municipalities when they set out to build their economic partnership. Local leadership recognized that our future lay in coming together for common purpose, not in clinging to a service model that divided us. We had to give up the historical notion that each community had to have their own. And we did so - we put aside the mindset of four separate development offices because we profoundly understood that we would all gain more by coming together – by sharing a common vision and pooling our resources and energies. That same argument applies just as strongly to the challenge before us – the education of our children.

And while many of my comments seem to have been directed to Midland and Penetanguishene they apply to the entire catchment area.  They embrace the common educational vision we must all share in Tiny, Tay, Christian Island as well as Penetanguishene and Midland.

What will be Preserved of the Status Quo

So what we get out of this is the best educational outcome for our children. Something we have always valued and will continue to value. We will have our own area school that represents all of us, our combined community – something that we all own collectively and equally. And as a side-bar we can turn our collective attention to working on related concerns that all communities want to resolve such as transit for students among the communities or pursuing improved educational funding with a louder combined voice.

Summary

For me the bottom line is education – what best prepares our children for the future?  What decision can we make today that will have parents choose to educate their children in our area as opposed to moving to Barrie?

Our one new school must deliver the best in modern education and seamlessly serve the entire catchment area - Tiny, Tay, Christian Island, Penetanguishene and Midland. Our two schools must become one.

So in summary, I recommend:

-          That the one area high-school solution be adopted

-          That available funds be used to construct a new school, or failing that to extensively refurbish the existing school

-          That the school represent the entire area and be named accordingly

-          That the school be located in Midland due to its central position in the area and access to school related infrastructure

-          That the School Board strengthen the integrative role of the school by helping fund improvements to after-hours transportation for students to all areas, allowing students to fully participate in all the school has to offer. Extending Midland transit to link to Penetanguishene should be considered

-          That the school Board provide budget/staff to assist with the conversion of surplus high school real estate to other useful purposes

-          And finally, bring the ongoing North Simcoe ARC process to an end – make a decision

Thank you.

Saturday April 19, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

A long Easter week-end and it looks as if the fine weather is here to stay. King Street is very busy with spring shoppers and I understand the Easter bunny has been busy too.  Enjoy.

Tuesday starts with County Council at 9:00 am.  One of the more interesting items for Midland is the vote on funding for inter-urban trails. The County will consider providing partial funding for a number of trails in the County including the Fuller Avenue bike trail.  Midland’s portion of this shared project is already in the 2014 budget.  Hopefully we can complete the Fuller trail this year with our good neighbour.

Later that day I meet with a young man who is considering running in our upcoming election. Despite many citizens being down on their political leaders, the job of municipal Councilor is a tremendously important one for our future. In the coming term your elected leaders will decide upon the development of the Unimin lands, your taxes and even the future of your police service. Please make sure you vote and if you have any interest, consider running for public office.

Many of you will recall the fabulous Butter Tart festival that the Town hosted last year. Well it’s back! On Thursday April 24^th at 1:30 pm at the Boathouse restaurant the BIA launches the 2014 edition of the World’s Best Butter Tart Festival. There will be some surprise announcements. All are welcome to attend.

At 2:00 pm is the Huronia Economic Alliance meeting at the Penetanguishene Fire Hall. The meeting will discuss our new economic development corporation and the hiring of the economic development officer. Right after that meeting the four mayors will turn their attention to the recent LHIN RFP situation that could have moved ophthalmological services out of North Simcoe. We will be considering a game plan to ensure that we have adequate levels of healthcare in North Simcoe for all of our citizens.

Then at 7:00 pm Thursday evening Council will meet at Town Hall to discuss what should be done with the nearly $900,000 2013 budget surplus.  You are welcome to attend.

Friday April 25^th at 12 noon will see the start of the 2014 Midland Home Show.  This is your opportunity to see in one spot all of the local vendors that you will need for your home repair and services. The show wraps up on Sunday.

Weekend

Saturday

-       Midland Home Show all day at the NSSRC

-       Huronia Foundation for the Arts and the MCC host a joint dinner/dance fundraiser at MCC starting at 6:00 pm.  A few tickets are still available.

Sunday

-       Midland Home Show all day at the NSSRC

-       We are the Villagers hosts a pancake breakfast at Brian Orser Arena in Penetanguishene from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm

-       Shelter Now is hosting a Bowls for Beds fundraiser at their location starting at noon

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And in closing some further information from Enbridge Gas for those trying to cope with the high costs for natural gas in our province.

“We recognize that the recent gas rate increase may make it difficult for some customers to pay their natural gas bills. The OEB’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) provides emergency financial assistance of up to $500 towards their energy bill. In 2013, more than 2,700 low-income households received assistance on their natural gas bills. We also have the Home Weatherization Retrofit Program for qualified low-income homeowners which offers free energy saving measures, such as insulation, to help lower future energy bills and increase comfort in the home.

As you may know, Enbridge Gas Distribution has a policy of not turning off gas to residential customers with a history of non-payment during the cold winter months. This year, we have delayed the date at which we will begin disconnections, from April 1^st to April 22^nd as the cold weather has lingered well into spring. Lastly, if a customer is having or expecting to have difficulty paying their bills, we would encourage them to contact us (Enbridge), so that we might work with them to make payment arrangements.”

Gord McKay

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