Saturday February 20, 2016

Ladies and Gentlemen

On the good news front, the first member of our Syrian refugee family should be arriving at Toronto Pearson tomorrow. Given the chaotic state of refugee movements our local support group is not sure when the other family members will arrive. Hopefully once they are all here and settled you will have an opportunity to meet them.

On a more challenging front, the fight to save our hospital has begun. I use the term “fight” quite deliberately as it will take a concerted effort to make the difficult changes needed to put our hospital back on a healthy footing.

The challenges are manifold. The recent operational report pointed to a number of cultural and organizational issues that must be resolved. This first and foremost engages the hospital administration, staff and the doctors. The “vision” for our future hospital must be established.  What are the services that GBGH will deliver to serve our community while keeping our hospital financially viable?  Resolving the vision question will involve our hospital, the public and politicians. And our vision cannot be dictated by a cost-consultant or the provincial government.

Thirdly, the most insidious challenge is the improper funding of our hospital. The current funding formula and all its rationalizations are simply leading GBGH deeper into the hole. Radical change is needed.  Changing the funding will take a resolute hospital, an engaged North Simcoe public and flexibility on the part of the LHIN and the provincial government.

Make no mistake, we are fighting for the future of our healthcare in North Simcoe. Winning this fight will take a well thought out plan, collective energy and an acceptance by all the parties that we must come together to deliver a hospital solution that meets the needs of the people of North Simcoe.

Note: the next public meeting planned by our Citizen’s Healthcare Steering Committee is on March 7^th from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at the Brian Orser arena in Penentanguishene.

                                                                  *****

On Monday 22^nd the regular business of the Town starts with a closed meeting at 5:30 pm. The meeting will discuss an OMB appeal regarding Source Water Protection, a legal issue and staffing matters. At 7:00 pm is the regular Council meeting.  The agenda includes:

-       Three deputations:

o    The Downtown Safety Committee reports on its progress

o    Brittany Black, our area Tourism Director, will tell you about plans for 2016

o    An update on the development of Marina Park

-       Preparations for the OPP costing process

-       Information on the mayors’ initiative on broadband fibre networks in North Simcoe

-       A motion to direct MPUC to look for a new business arrangement

The rest of the week is pretty quiet.  Many of the politicians will be at the ROMA conference in Toronto. I fortunately drew the short straw and will stay in Midland.

Council Issues Update

Midland Bay Landing

The Town held its Open House this past week.  Some 30-40 individuals attended and from what I could tell, were quite pleased with the zoning changes being proposed. Another key step in moving this project forward.

MPUC

Peterborough Council announced this week that it was investigating selling its LDC. If you are of the opinion that there have been a lot of changes recently with municipal LDC ownership, you would be right. The province is changing the rules and with that the entire LDC industry is changing. Our own MPUC, with an extremely small base of 6,500 customers, cannot just stand pat. On Monday Council will likely ask the MPUC Board to start looking for options.

                                                                 *****

If you are interested in the future of Georgian Bay, there is a special event for you. The Great Lakes Café is taking place on Wednesday March 9^th at 7:00 pm at the NSSRC. This moderated evening of dialogue, idea exchange and creativity will identify ways that we can raise awareness of the importance of our Great lakes.  Results of the Café will be presented to the International Joint Commission, the body that manages our Great Lakes.  

The event is sponsored by the federal governments of the US and Canada. Please preregister at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/celebrating-the-great-lakes-north-simcoe-tickets-21520149346

Gord McKay

Your Year for Getting Aboard – Midlands on the Move - 2016

                                                                                              

Sunday February 14, 2016

Ladies and Gentlemen

Happy Valentines Day. Its cold outside but I know there are a lot of warm hearts in Midland.

This past week I received a note from a man, living in Barrie, who wanted to move his family to Midland. He had visited and loved the Town but decided not to move - because of the high taxes.

His note serves as a reminder that in 2015 Midland had the second highest property tax rate in Simcoe County.  I am the first to point out (and I did) that property taxes are not the whole story.  Our taxes are somewhat offset by the low costs of sewer and water services, plus housing costs in Midland are quite low compared to other parts of the County. The fact remains though that we are a high tax jurisdiction.

Over the past three years the Town has made some progress in reducing taxes. As recently as 2014 Midland had the highest tax rate in the County. Over the past three years, Midland has turned in the lowest tax rate growth of any municipality in Simcoe County. A good start - more must be done.

Next month the Town will turn its fiscal attention to policing by starting the process for costing the OPP service. Policing costs must be examined for the simple fact that they are such a significant part of our annual budget. If you look at the yellow “2015 Town of Midland Taxes” sheet you received last year, you will see that policing took 27.5% of the municipal budget, the largest budget share for any department. Of equal concern to Council is the proportional growth of the police budget. As recently as five years ago the police budget represented only 16-18% of our budget.

While the question may have been raised by a financial concern, the answer critically involves the quality of policing that we receive. We do enjoy high quality policing from the Midland Police Service. And as stated by our Police Chief, the OPP is also a quality police service. So Council will have to address that issue once the costing situation has been clarified.

At this point we do not know what the costing exercise will show. At a minimum Council will have a better understanding of our own policing costs and insights as to where we can be more cost effective.  If there is a substantial cost difference, Council will have to very seriously consider looking at OPP as our policing option.

                                                                  *****

Monday February 15^th is Family Day.  Town Hall is closed. Whether you have the day off or not take time to enjoy your loved ones.

Tuesday the 16^th starts with a meeting at Midland Secondary School. Plans are underway for the new school that will receive the students from PSS in Penetanguishene. I will be meeting with the Principle, the School Board and a leading manufacturer from our community to make sure that the school design accommodates the educational needs of students who want to enter the trades.  At 4:00 pm at Town Hall you are invited to attend what should be the last budget meeting, prior to Council voting on the 2016 Town budget.

On Wednesday at 3:30 pm you are invited to an entrepreneurial showcase at Georgian College, Midland Campus.  The meeting will share information on College activities and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem within Midland.  Please RSVP if you wish to attend.  That evening I meet with Julianna Matyas of We are the Villagers to plan a “Mac and Cheese” extravaganza. The mayors, Bruce Stanton and Patrick Brown will be there to serve the people. Please put dinner on April 5^th on your calendar – an event not to be missed.

On Thursday the 16^th I will spend much of the day with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in Toronto as I look for provincial support for our Downtown Master Plan project. Back in Midland you may want to attend the Midland Bay Landing Open House at 4:00 pm at Town Hall. And that evening at 7:00 pm at MCC, pure enjoyment as the Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra presents Bach.

Friday the 19^th is a busy day for all. At 9:00 am at the Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre is a special presentation for businesses on the topic of “Canada Revenue and You”. 

Registration is required. Contact Lois Irvine at North Simcoe CFDC, 705.526.1371 ext. 113 or lirvine@nscfdc.on.ca

Dinner is served from 5:00 till 7:00 pm at the Midland Legion by the Ladies Auxiliary of Branch 80 Midland Legion. These spaghetti dinners are always a wonderful event.  Tickets are $10.00 with children under 10 for $5.00.

At 8:00 pm at the MCC, Huronia Players launches 2016 with the well-loved comedy, The Perils of Persephone.

Weekend

Saturday

-       6:00 pm Ducks Unlimited hosts its annual dinner at the Best Western

-       7:30 pm Serenata Choir presents a cabaret and silent auction at Ste. Marie restaurant.  Tickets at Johnstones Musicland or from Serenata members

Council Issues Update

Budget

The 2016 process moves into the final phase with a budget meeting this Tuesday at 4:00 pm.  You are welcome to attend.

Midland Bay Landing

Another step towards getting the site ready for development occurs at the Town Hall this Thursday with the Public Open House respecting the zoning changes. This is not a design meeting to discuss what it will look like, but rather a consideration of the zoning requirements for the site and how it will support the MBL Master Plan.

GBGH

With the informational meetings on the report over, the mayors are now working closely with GBGH and its Board to ensure we have a service mix that is acceptable to the community and that the LHIN and the province provide the financial supports to keep our hospital viable.

Gord McKay

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Ladies and Gentlemen

I hope you were able to get out and enjoy WinterFest. While it was a bit cool with the wind down at Little Lake, some of those hot chilis served up at the downtown square more than made up for it.

This past week saw many of our area’s large manufactures come together to discuss their challenges and how we can grow the area’s manufacturing economy. The outstanding news is that virtually every one of them is now hiring. Their challenge is finding skilled individuals to fill these well paid positions. One of the conclusions of the meeting was to reach out to area high schools, to make students, teachers and parents more aware of the rewarding career path involving the science/technology disciplines.

                                                                  *****

Monday February 8^th starts with a closed meeting of Council at 6:00 pm to discuss labour and personal matters. At 7:00 pm is the General Committee meeting featuring:

-       Recommendation for traffic calming on Norman Cres.

-       Overview of the Town’s new Operations Centre

-       Discussion of the request to not install sidewalks on Taylor Dr.

On Tuesday I am at the County for the regular County Council meeting at 9:00 am.  That evening, starting at 5:00 pm, is a special visioning session hosted by Wye Marsh. This is a public discussion of where the Wye Marsh is headed and how it should relate to the rest of the community.  If you plan on attending, please contact Sara at  sstreet@wyemarsh.com

A pretty quiet “rest of the week” as far as public meetings go.

Weekend

Saturday

11:00 am   Penetanguishene Winterama parade  - always a fun event but bundle up

7:30 pm   Masquarade Dance at Brian Orser Hall. Proceeds to support “We Are the Villagers”. Call 529-1247 for tickets

8:00 pm   Enjoy the Beatlemaniacs at MCC

Council Issues Update

Budget

Council provided direction to staff last Monday about what should be included in the 2016 budget. Expect a public budget meeting next week, and if we can come to agreement, the budget should come to Council for approval in early March.

GBGH

GBGH has held additional public meetings to explain their recently released operations report. Various citizen groups are organizing petitions to protest the changes to services identified in the report. Patrick Brown, our MPP, has agreed to make the sustainability of our hospital one of his major issues. The four mayors continue their work with the North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN and GBGH to ensure we retain our service mix (including obstetrics) and also fix the long outstanding funding problem faced by our hospital.

Gord McKay

Your Year for Getting Aboard – Midlands on the Move - 2016

                                                                                              

Sunday January 31, 2016

Ladies and Gentlemen

This past week has been stressful for all of us in North Simcoe as we learned about the findings of the operational review of our hospital, GBGH. The review was commissioned by the Board last year. The consultant, Geyer and Associates, came back with 108 recommendations that impact virtually every facet of the hospital’s operation - from a major overhaul of the organization’s culture; to improved training; to eliminating obstetrical care; to closing the cafeteria. For the complete report please visit http://gbgh.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/GBGH-Operational-Review-Report-2016.pdf

Over the last three years the mayors of North Simcoe have joined with citizens in advocating for our hospital. This led in December 2014 to the four mayors, GBGH and the North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN signing a joint declaration of support for GBGH:

·         “Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the hospital

·         Maintaining suitable hospital programs and services in our community hospital”

This past week the four mayors met with the CEO of the hospital, Karen McGrath, and the Chair of the Board, Ralph Befort. We agreed that the report was hard hitting and underscored the need for real change. But change had to meet our signed commitment to “suitable hospital programs and services” as reflected in the impassioned statements of citizens at the recent public meetings. The mayors also criticized the report for not addressing the chronic underfunding of the hospital, a fact that likely led to some of the negative outcomes identified in the report.

Following the public and mayors meetings, the GBGH Board met and in a January 29^th media release committed to:

-       Continued public consultation

-       Implementation of those recommendations that addressed internal safety, culture and efficiency issues

-       Deferral of the recommendations that dealt with obstetrics, surgery, ICU and bed closures. Specifically “…we would take the recommendations that deal with clinical service changes such as OB, surgery, ICU and bed closures (#’s 70, 76, 82, 83, 84, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108) out of the mix to be dealt with separately,” said Board Chair Ralph Befort.

While GBGH does many things well, many things need substantial improvement. Our meeting with the hospital CEO and Board Chair was candid, direct and sensitive to concerns of North Simcoe citizens. With this as a basis we can move our community hospital to a better place. It will take the combined and cooperative efforts of GBGH leadership, the doctors, the GBGH staff, the LHIN and most importantly the citizens of North Simcoe.  The mayors, in particular, will work to resolve the funding issue with the LHIN/Ministry.  Your help will be essential as we put our hospital on a much more solid foundation to serve our community’s healthcare needs.

                                                           *****

Monday February 1^st - Get on the bus.  Today marks a milestone in service delivery for Midland and Penetanguishene as the new transit service is launched. Running hourly, the service operates from Monday to Saturday and will allow you to go from one end of Penetanguishene to the far end of Midland, all for one low fare.   If you wish to see your Councilors “get on the bus” be at the Foodland mall parking lot in Penetanguishene at 8:45 am.

Then it is into a full day of meetings. At 9:30 am at Town Hall, Council meets to review its strategic plan and progress made to date.  You are welcome to attend. At 11:00 am Council breaks out of the meeting and goes into closed session to discuss labour and personal matters. Then about noon, Council goes back into a public meeting with staff to discuss the business plan and actions for 2016. At the end of that meeting, Council will conclude with a discussion on the need for a temporary CAO.

On Tuesday the 2^nd I will head to Christian Island to meet with Chief Monague.  The purpose of the meeting is to start consultations with Beausoleil First Nation for Midland’s Official Plan.

Wednesday February 3^rd will see a key meeting as EDCNS (our economic development group) brings area manufacturers together to discuss strengthening the local economy and creating jobs.  We all know the Canadian economy is going through a rough patch but many of our own local manufacturers are actually expanding. Recent discussions indicate they have 40-50 good job openings available. Their challenge is to find candidates who have the proper skills. Education is key.

At 5:30 pm Huronia Historical Parks is gearing up for the 2016 tourist season with their season launch at restaurant Ste. Marie. This is the same group that brought you the smash event Pumpkinferno. If you are attending, please RSVP to betty.gillan@ontario.ca  by Feb 1. At 7:00 pm that evening is Planning and Development Committee at the Town including:

-       Zoning Bylaw Amendment for 711 Aberdeen by Tiffin Harbour Development Corp.

-       Discussion on restrictions to second units

-       Introduction to a planning service the Town is considering that will allow residents improved access to their municipal lot and zoning information. The software is currently in use by Severn Township.  You can see what it looks like at: (http://www.townshipofsevern.com/Pages/Zoning-Map.aspx )

Thursday the 4^th sees a unique on-line job fair connecting employers to job seekers. It is sponsored by The County of Simcoe, in partnership with the Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board and Employment Ontario. To date more than 1,700 registered job seekers and more than 60 employers offering hundreds of local employment opportunities are involved. The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sign up today at http://www.jobfairsimcoemuskoka.ca/

At 1:00 pm the four mayors meet to further their discussions about bringing high bandwidth fibre optic networks to North Simcoe.

On Friday the 5^th the mayors start out the day with a meeting with Patrick Brown our MPP.  And then we get right into Midland’s Winterfest. There is far too much going on for me to include here, so please consult the weekend schedule (attached). That said do not miss the annual downtown road hockey match starting at 4:00 pm.

Weekend

Saturday

-       9:00 am Valentines breakfast with the Marksmen at St Marks church

-       1:00 pm is the great Chili Cook-Off and competition at the downtown parking lot, Bay and King

Sunday

-       10:00 am Winterfest Spelling Bee at the NSSRC

                                                                               *****

Through the fall, residents met with the Town to develop our “vision statement”, a part of our Official Plan process. You can see the Vision Statement Report they produced at: http://www.midland.ca/Shared%20Documents/Vision%20Statement%20Report.pdf

Gord McKay

Your Year for Getting Aboard – Midlands on the Move - 2016

                                                                                              

Sunday January 24, 2016

Ladies and Gentlemen

The sounds of Wintertime – the hum of snowmobiles; the scraping of car windshields; a quiet moment listening to the chirp of a chickadee – Gotta love it.

Some 300 people crowded into the NSSRC this past week for the first public presentation on the operational situation at our hospital. While much of the discussion focused upon the potential loss of obstetrics at the hospital, the report laid bare that there were problems in many areas. A lot to be done to get our GBGH back to where it should be. Its success is critical to our future. Three more public meetings this week – then the tough work begins.

                                                                      *****

Monday the 25^th sees three meetings at the Town. At 5:00 pm is a closed Council meeting to discuss personal matters. The at 5:30 (approximately), Council will come out into a special open meeting to discuss the impact of the recent departure of the CAO, consider replacement options and identify how we will focus our energies to ensure the business of the Town continues to go forward.  

At 7:00 pm is the regular January Council meeting.  A short agenda including:

-       Three deputations:

o    Review of Culture Midland activities with Fred Hacker

o    Presentation by Askennonia

o    Proposal for the third waiting shed at our Town dock by the Museum

-       Update on our upcoming 55+ Summer games

-       Two motions brought forward by Councilors:

o    Development of a Youth Committee

o    Town-wide traffic calming

Also at 7:00 pm is the GBGH operational review meeting at the Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre.

Tuesday January 26^th at 9:00 am, it’s the County Council in Midhurst. Then at 2:00 pm at the Town is the meeting of the North Simcoe Housing Working Group. 

At 7:00 pm is the GBGH operational review meeting at the Wyebridge Community Centre in Tiny. Also that evening at 7:30 pm it’s a Day on the Life at the MCC. Fred will interview Nicole Moore who in 2011 survived a malicious shark attack in waist deep water at a Cancun beach.

On Wednesday January 27^th at 1:00 pm Georgian College reconvenes its “community engagement” group to assess how the college can have a greater impact upon its local communities. This discussion is vital to our future as a well-educated populace is essential to our economy and job creation. At 7:00 pm is the GBGH operational review meeting at the Victoria Harbour Oakwood Community Centre in Tay.

Thursday the 28^th sees two interesting meetings.  At 3:00 pm the four mayors will meet with Karen McGrath at GBGH to discuss the operational review. The report identified some major fixes that had to occur.  The mayors want to ensure that an effective recovery plan is in place and the citizens of North Simcoe are properly engaged in its delivery. This is the time we all need to rally around our hospital.

At 7:00 pm Midland entrepreneurs and those with a home-based business are invited to a workshop at the NSSRC.  Council, recognizing the shift to smaller especially home-grown business, wants to change our by-laws and remove unnecessary constraints. Come out and have your say in how we make Midland more supportive of our home-based businesses.

Weekend

Saturday

-       8:15 pm “Laugh It Up” fundraiser at Midland Legion. A great evening of stand-up comedy. All monies go to a future splash pad for our children.

-       8:00 pm Buddy Holly tribute at the MCC

Council Issues Update

Budget

Council will discuss the budget plan for 2016 at the special meeting on Monday the 25^th. I anticipate the budget will be wrapped up in February.

                                                                             *****

The Wye Marsh is undergoing a re-visioning process and they need your input.  The link (following) is to a very short online survey that will help them immeasurably: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RZRWLZ9

Gord McKay

Your Year for Getting Aboard – Midlands on the Move - 2016

                                                                                              

Sunday January 17, 2016

Ladies and Gentlemen

Our old friend winter has returned once more. I see a lot more excitement around the snowmobile shops but am still waiting for the joy of shoveling your driveway to kick-in.

One of the first stories to hit the local media this year was the impending public release of the 108 recommendations of the Geyer & Associates report on Georgian Bay General Hospital. While I have yet to see the report the media has indicated that it recommends some big changes affecting our hospital’s services and personnel. This slow release of the report has led to a lot of speculation about the long-term prospects for our hospital and our healthcare.

GBGH faces significant challenges. It will take a concerted effort to fix them. A successful outcome will require the coordinated efforts of an energized GBGH Board, doctors, hospital staff and the public.  The GBGH Board will be hosting a number of public meetings from 7:00 to 9:00 pm on:

-       January 21^st  - Midland NSSRC

-       January 25^th - Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre

-       January 26^th - Wyebridge Community Centre

-       January 27^th - Victoria Harbour Oakwood Community Centre

Please get engaged. Our hospital is too important to your future and your community’s to leave it to others.

                                                           *****

Monday January the 18^th will feature a series of meetings starting with the Citizens Healthcare Steering Committee at 5:00 pm at GBGH. A main item on the agenda will be the recent GBGH operational review, mentioned above.

The Town had planned on having its first meeting with the OPP to discuss costing this evening.  The OPP indicated they needed a bit more time to prepare so the meeting has been postponed to a future date – yet to be announced. That said, you are invited at 7:00 pm to a presentation by Grant Thornton about the considerations facing municipalities for the future of their PUCs. The meeting will be followed by a closed discussion of Council on a personal matter.

A relatively quiet week meeting-wise until Thursday the 21^st.  From 9:00 am to 11:00 am you are invited to the MCC for a presentation by our own Dr. Sue Lyons of Health Works Chiropractic on the topic of Workplace and Employee Health.  The event is sponsored by NSCFDC. Please register in advance by calling 526-1371 x 113 or e-mail lirvine@nscfdc.on.ca . At 10:00 am you may wish to attend our Midland Seniors Council regular meeting in the NSSRC Boardroom

At 7:00 pm is the GBGH Board presentation of the Geyer and Associates operational review of our hospital. The meeting is at the NSSRC.

On Friday I am at the County for the first Affordable Housing Advisory committee meeting of 2016. Then at 11:00 am is a meeting not seen in some time. The Midland Bay Landing (Waterfront Project Steering) Committee will meet at the Town. No big announcement expected – just an update on where we are.

Weekend

Saturday

6:00 pm - Robbie Burns supper at the Legion. Check with the Midland Legion for tickets

8:00 pm - Native son Neil LeFaive returns to Le Caron for an evening of music

Sunday

8:00 pm - The real Rabbie Burns party at the MCC, a lively evening of Celtic music

Council Issues Update

Midland Bay Landing

The first status meeting in some time takes place this week. It features an update on the Official Plan Amendment process, recently recommended to Council

OPP

The first meeting has been delayed at the request of the OPP. It will be rescheduled.

Downtown Health Centre

The County Committee of the Whole approved the official rezoning by the Town of a portion of Edgehill Park. The matter moves on to the OMB for an expected spring hearing.

                                                                          *****

Three items in closing. The fourth edition of our Best Butter Tart festival is taking shape for June, If you want to track its progress please link to the new blog page www.ilovebuttertarts.com or you can like the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bestbuttertart . 

Winterfest is coming up the weekend of February 5 - 6. If you want to get into the spirit check out the new Winterfest Snow Day rap video -

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OHCka0N5gII&feature=youtu.be

The winter Farmers Market at the Museum is a true hidden gem in our community. A great selection of top quality produce from local farmers, fresh artisanal breads and at prices below what you find in the chain stores. No imports here. That’s every Sunday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Huronia Museum.

Gord McKay

Your Year for Getting Aboard – Midlands on the Move - 2016

                                                                                              

Sunday January 10, 2016

Ladies and Gentlemen

The Christmas tree is put away, the kids are at school and that aura of normalcy descends. Hoping for a good year ahead for all.

Monday January 11^th will start at 5:30 pm with a Special Council meeting. Our economic development group EDCNS will be presenting to Council on the importance of economic development and how they are bringing economic wealth to our area.  You are welcome to attend.

At 7:00 pm is the January General Committee including:

-       A proposal by our Museum for a display area on the Town dock

-       A review of the many traffic issues raised over the past year.  Traffic issue locations include Aberdeen Blvd, Norman Cres., Mundys Bay School and King Street by Tim Hortons

-       Discussion of a Community Energy Plan

The General Committee will be followed by a closed meeting to deal with a tax situation.

Tuesday the 12^th is a bit quieter. County has their Committee of the Whole meeting starting at 9:30 in Midlhurst.  That afternoon I meet with We Are the Villages to plan our first Mayors Annual Charity Event.  Save the dinner hour of Tuesday April 5^th for a special evening in aid of a great children’s charity

Wednesday January 13^th will feature a closed meeting at 5:30 pm as the Town gets into labour negotiations with our unions. At 7:00 pm is the Planning and Development Committee meeting where we will discuss:

-       The Official Plan amendment required to go ahead with the Midland Bay Landing project

-       Preparations for our Home-Based Business by-law

-       The recent downtown parking survey showing a continued decrease in our use of downtown parking

Also at 7:00 pm is the Huronia Chapter of the Ontario Archeological Society meeting at the Library.  It will feature a fascinating presentation by Jamie Hunter about Champlain’s visit to our area in 1615. Public are welcome.

Thursday the 14^th will see the wrap-up meeting of the Downtown Safety Committee at 10 am at the Town Hall.

Weekend

Saturday

-       12 noon to 4:00 pm is the volunteer fair for the MCC at the MCC

-       8:00 pm brings the “Hot Rocks” Rolling Stone Tribute show to the MCC

Council Issues Update

Midland Bay Landing – Council will discuss the Official Plan Amendment process for MBL at the Wednesday Planning meeting. In February/March look for both the public open house and a public input meeting on this matter.

OPP – The OPP have indicated that they are ready to start the costing process. The first meeting between the Town and the OPP is scheduled for January 18^th.

                                                                    *****

The BIA is looking for three judges to decide who has the best chili in Midland. The judging will take place as part of our Winterfest on Saturday February 6^th. If you are interested in being a judge please e-mail manager@downtownmidland.ca, explaining why you would make a great judge.

Another upcoming event. On Thursday January 21^st from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, the NSCFDC is sponsoring a talk by our own Dr. Sue Lyons on Employee and Workplace Health. The talk will be at the MCC.  Please register in advance by calling 526-1371 x 113 or e-mail lirvine@nscfdc.on.ca

Gord McKay

Your Year for Getting Aboard – Midlands on the Move - 2016