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)

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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.

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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

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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

                                                                                              

Sunday September 21, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

The last day of summer – they are making summers far too short these days.

Monday September 22^nd will feature our Council meeting at the Town Hall. It will begin at 6:15 pm in closed session to discuss committee appointments and a personal matter. Then at 7:00 pm is the public meeting. A moderate agenda that includes:

-       Presentation by Roy Ellis on our sustainable economy

-       OPP costing deferred to late summer 2015 (OPP decision)

-       Decision to implement free downtown parking for this Christmas season

-       Report to Council on the recommendations from the downtown safety meetings

-       Decision on bike lane connections to the new Fuller bike lanes

Tuesday will start at County Council in Midhurst at 9:00 am with Council receiving the province’s master transportation strategy. While there are a number of supportive statements about multi-modal transportation there are no specific projects identified for North Simcoe.

That evening you may wish to attend the Gateway AGM at 7:00 pm at the NSSRC. (Gateway is a local charity dedicated to improving adult literacy).  At 7:30 pm it is “A Day in the Life” at MCC where Fred Hacker will interview investigative journalist Paula Todd who wrote “Extreme Mean”, a book about abuse of the internet and who tracked down and interviewed Karla Homolka on a Caribbean island.

On Wednesday September 24^th there is an important public meeting on senior’s healthcare at 10:00 am at the NSSRC.  The meeting is the start of a profound conversation between the LHIN and the senior’s community of North Simcoe.  We will receive the report from the May meeting where 400 seniors met to discuss healthcare. The LHIN will attend to learn what we want.

At 6:00 pm that evening at Town Hall is the public input budget meeting.  The budget is now at first draft and shows a tax increase of about 2%.  This is your chance to help you Councilors decide on your tax future.

Thursday the 25^th will be an exceptional day for our downtown as two new businesses celebrate their respective openings. At 1:00 pm the Harbourview Denture Clinic (Yonge at King) will cut the ribbon. Then at 3:00 pm it’s over to the Advanced Foot and Orthotic Clinic (Hugel at Midland).

And Friday the 26^th is just plain busy. At 11:00 am is the regular Waterfront Steering Committee at Town Hall. Our Midland Bay Landing project is getting some serious inquiries from developers and future employers.

At noon I am over to Waypoint where they will update the community on recent developments. Martyrs’ Shire will host its first annual Taiwenk dinner at Café Ste. Marie.  The 6:00 pm dinner is a thanksgiving feast for the many who support the Shrine. Tickets are $75. At 7:00 pm the MCC is hosting a special photographic exposition entitled “Seven Nights in Havana”.  It features the travels of Reinhart Weber, Ken Woods and Rodrigo Moreno.

Weekend

Saturday

-       Start of Coldwater Fair. This great fall fair runs all weekend

-       7:00 pm at the NSSRC is the Midland Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony and dinner

Gord McKay

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

                                                                                              

Sunday September 14, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

And you wonder why Canadians talk about the weather.  I have stopped looking for the Halloween decorations and gone directly to Christmas. Oh well, no snow yet.

On Monday September 15^th at 7:00 pm there will be a public meeting on the Town’s proposed development charges. This is an important discussion that will find balance for who pays for new development in Midland.

Tuesday the 16^th sees the start of the International Plowing Match being held this year in Ivy, just outside of Barrie.  This five day festival is likely to attract over 100,000 visitors. This is your opportunity to come out and enjoy the best of our agricultural community. Midland will be there as part of the County of Simcoe booth.  More info at http://www.plowingmatch.org/home-2014

That evening at 7:00 pm at the NSSRC, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing will hold a “campaign finances” session for candidates in the upcoming municipal election. Nothing about creative financing, I understand,

The election cycle gets kicked up another notch on Wednesday September 17^th when the Chamber of Commerce hosts its regular All Candidates Meeting.  The meeting starts at 5:30 pm at the Midland Cultural Centre.  The public and media will be given the opportunity to ask the candidates questions during this meeting.  The public is invited to submit written questions by fax (705) 526-1744) or email (info@sgbchamber.ca). The meeting format has created a bit of controversy as a $50 candidate fee is required. Should democracy have a price tag?

On Thursday September 18^th the second budget meeting takes place at Town Hall at 6:00 pm. This meeting will bring the capital and operational budgets together and require Council to set direction for the final budget, to be approved by the next Council.

Friday the 19^th is a day to participate in all the many events taking place in our area.

1)     At 5:30 pm it’s Marche at the Marsh, an evening of local food and superb entertainment, all to raise funds for our Marsh. Tickets at Wye Marsh.

2)     At 7:30 pm Brookside Music hosts its fundraising gala at the MCC.  A night of great entertainment as Brookside goes Broadway

3)     At 8:00 pm at the MCC is a remarkable performance by renowned Canadian songstress Patricia O’Callaghan who sings Leonard Cohen (and more). 

Weekend

Saturday

2:00 pm - Calling All Newfoundlanders – a first Newfoundlanders reunion and kitchen party at the pavilion in Little Lake Park. Pot luck, t’be sure.

Gord McKay

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

                                                                                              

Saturday September 6, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

I’m back…..

….and we are into the thick of the municipal election. I have made a decision to keep politics out of News from the Town. That said, I am running for re-election as mayor, so if you wish to find out more about my campaign please send me an e-mail. At last check there were some 25 candidates signed up for municipal office, including 5 running for mayor. This truly is your “year of making decisions”.

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Monday September 8^th will see our first General Committee meeting in some time. It starts at 7:00 pm at Town Hall and has one of the shortest agendas that I can recall.  You will hear about:

-       The International Plowing Match that starts next week outside of Barrie

-       Update on operational changes stemming from the KPMG report

-       A “one foot municipal reserve” recommended for properties along Lakewood Dr.

On Wednesday September 10^th it’s back to Town Hall at 6:00 pm for the first public meeting on our 2015 budget.  This Council will propose a budget but it will be left to the new Council to actually pass it or not.

Thursday will be a busy day starting at 9:00 am at the County for a meeting of the Housing Advisory Committee. I chair this County Committee that is recommending ways to bring better housing options to the residents of North Simcoe.

At 1:30 pm I will be at the Library for the launch of the Downtown Master Plan project. Our consultants, Urban Strategies will be there to answer questions and start the process with a walkabout. At 2:00 pm, at Penetanguishene General Hospital, Mayor Marshall has set up a special meeting with GBGH to further discuss the closing of PGH. And to round out the day, Judy Rebbick a celebrated feminist and social advocate will be at the MCC at 7:30 pm. Proceeds from the event will support our Rosewood Shelter.

Friday the 12^th at 11:00 am is the regular meeting of our Waterfront Steering Committee at the Town - always interesting.

Weekend

Sunday

2:00 pm Drumhead Ceremony honouring our soldiers and veterans at Lakeview Cemetery.

Gord McKay

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