Sunday December 16, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

It’s very difficult to focus on Christmas when we are still trying to fathom the gun tragedy in Newtown. Our hearts go out to our American neighbours. We will all gather our children and loved ones more closely to us this holiday season.

Monday December 17^th at 7:00 pm is Midland Council.  Another long agenda but with all sorts of interesting items:

-          Three presentations including the annual Awards of Merit and the 2013 budget. (The budget will only be passed in part as the Police Services budget, currently at a 5.6% increase, will be held over to the new year.)

-          Three deputations including one by Out of the Cold and a discussion on low water levels in the Great Lakes by Mary Muter

-          A Public Meeting to obtain input on transit and planning fee changes

-          Direction to set up a Public Meeting to gain input on allowing stores to open on three more statutory holidays.

Host Fred Hacker interviews Jerrold Karch live on stage at the MCC at 7:30 pm on Tuesday December 18^th.  Jerrold grew up in Midland and the conversation will reflect on Jerrold's experiences as a young man in a Jewish family in the Midland of the 1950s and 1960s.  The theme of this edition is  'Growing up Jewish in Midland ….. and Other Anxieties'.  Jerrold is an actor, an author, an educator, a raconteur and a very amusing guy! Tickets available at the MCC.

Wednesday December 19^th at 11:00 am at the Mountainview Mall the Salvation Army kicks it’s Toy Drive into high gear.  Then at 4:00 pm at Town Hall is the meeting of the Police Service Board.  Discussion items will include:

-          The 2013 budget

-          Traffic congestion at Leitz Rd and Yonge St.

-          A presentations on improving community safety (at 6:00 pm)

Then Town business really starts to gear down for Christmas. The Town offices will be closed starting Monday December 24^th until January 2ⁿ. And if you are planning on shopping downtown this Saturday, look forward to being entertained by the caroling Vox Huronia.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

Sunday December 9, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

Do you remember that scene from Bing Crosby’s ” White Christmas” where they are all waiting for the snow to start…well...It’s beginning to look a lot like Midland.  In the meantime enjoy Midland without the pleasure of overshoes and shoveling driveways.

Last week the Huronia mayors met about our Bay’s declining water levels. An additional 15 Georgian Bay mayors have contacted us all with similar concerns. We will now work with our respective Councils to develop a common request for assistance that should go to Ottawa this spring.

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On Monday December 10^th your Council meets at 6:30 pm in closed meeting to discuss matters about an identifiable individual.  Then at 7:00 pm is the December General Committee meeting.  A long agenda including;

-          Decision on an all-day downtown parking pass

-          Discussion on allowing stores to open on Good Friday, Thanksgiving and Family Day

-          An update to our closed meeting procedure and handling of confidential documents

-          Decision on what we will do about the County’s plan for leaf pick-up in 2013

-          Introduction of our Winter Roads Plan (our service level for keeping the roads and sidewalks clear this winter)

On Tuesday December 11^th at 1:00 pm in Midhurst we elect the Warden for the next 2 years (Cal Patterson by acclamation) and vote for our Deputy Warden, either Gerry Marshall, Penetanguishene or Harry Hughes, Oro Medonte.

The Chamber Christmas party is set for Wednesday December 12^th at 4:00 pm at their offices on King Street.

You are invited to join me on Thursday December 13^th at 3:30 pm at the Georgian Bay General Hospital as they break ground for their new ER expansion. Then at 6:30 pm Stellula Music hosts its Christmas dinner for volunteers and friends at the MCC.

On Friday December the 14^th, you are invited to Community Living Huronia’s volunteer appreciation party at their Olive Street location starting at 1:00 pm. 

Saturday:  Come down to the MCC between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm to be entertained by the antics of Huronia Player’s “Three Scrooges” as they accept donations for the food bank. At 1:00 pm you are invited over to Penetanguishene as Habitat for Humanity opens its new home at 87 Peel Street.

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Next week we should put most of our 2013 budget to bed. At this point all of our departments are showing a zero percent cost increase over 2012, except for Police.  The Police Service Board has asked for a bit more time to try to meet Council’s target.  Police aside the budget increase, once approved by Council, should come in just above zero per-cent to allow for some money to be devoted to economic development.

The budget discipline started in 2012 will have to continue for the next few years. The slow economic recovery and the reduction in Midland jobs are still impacting our community.  We have done a lot in this budget year to start to position us for the future.  My thanks to Town staff and to you the people of Midland for helping us with these tough decisions. Your Council remains dedicated to ensuring that Midland will be able to sustain its high quality of life for many years to come.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

Saturday December 1, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

It’s official. After receiving my hug from Santa at the Santa Claus parade, the festive season can now begin.

Two events in keeping with the spirit of the season occur on Monday December 3^rd.  The YMCA holds its annual Gifts to Give at the NSSRC from 9:00 am – 11:00 am.  Individuals who cannot afford to buy presents for their families this season are invited to come out and select from quality donated items.

The Salvation Army Christmas Food Drive runs from Dec 3^rd to 14^th.  One of the drop-off locations is the Edward Jones Midland office at 525 Bay St, during office hours. The food bank is looking for non-perishable items. Please check the Best Before date before donating.

Wednesday December 5^th is Planning and Development Committee at the Town at 7:00 pm.  A lengthy agenda including:

-          Site Plan application for the BINN property on Hwy 12

-          Consolidation of parts of 623, 627, 631 and 635 Sixth Street to ensure future purchasers are aware of development requirements

-          Review of our Site Plan application process and planning fees

-          Discussion of enhanced public notice for planning matters

-          A template for a future tree cutting by-law

Thursday December 6^th is the National Day for Remembrance and Acton for Violence Against Women. Our Rosewood shelter will be holding a commemorative event starting at 6:30 pm at our Library.

On Friday December 7^th, the Midland Area Reading Council invites you to enjoy their seasonal social starting at noon at their new premises on Dominion Avenue.  Later that day your Huronia mayors will gather to discuss our next steps to assist those affected by low water levels on Georgian Bay.

Two special events for Saturday December the 8^th:

-          The Midland Curling Club us hosting a Special Olympics curling event at the Midland club starting at 9:00 am

-          The Midland Heritage Committee asks you to join them for a Victorian Christmas. Tour a number of festively decorated home from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Tickets are $10.00 at the Town.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

Sunday November 25, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

Suddenly white. On Thursday you’re relaxing in an outdoor patio on King Street and on Saturday you have to remember how much oil to mix with the gas in your snow blower.  Midland – never dull.

A reminder of the seasonal Gifts to Give program sponsored by your YMCA.  You can drop re-gifting items at their premises at 334 King Street, Unit 1, November 26^th – 30^th from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm and on Saturday December 1^st from 10:00 am – 1:30 pm.  The actual giving event is at the NSSRC on December the 3^rd.

Monday November 26^th sees two meetings at Town Hall.  A closed meeting at 6:30 pm to discuss a land acquisition matter. Then at 7:00 pm the Council meeting.  A relatively short agenda including:

-          Three deputations;

o   Seniors Committee

o   A complaint about a parking ticket

o   Zoning at 17077 Hwy 12

-          A public meeting about a land swap for a property on Penetanguishene Road

Tuesday November 27^th at 9:00 am in Midhurst is County Council.  The main item on the agenda is the 2013 budget.  The County tax and waste levy increase is likely to be 0.4%. Then at 6:00 pm that evening at the Town Hall we tackle our own budget.  We are also moving towards a 0.4% budget increase but two major departments, Fire and Police, are still bringing their budgets into alignment.

On Wednesday I am a guest of Politically Speaking on Rogers Local TV at 5:00 pm.  I suspect we may be talking about the budget.

Thursday November 29^th has a number of items:

-          The Unimin Working Group meets to begin the assessment of the social, planning and technical requirements for these waterfront lands

-          The Huronia Economic Alliance meets to discuss restructuring the Alliance and attracting more healthcare jobs to our area

-          At 5:30 pm is the opening of the First Light festival at Ste. Marie. The event runs for three evenings and has been judged one of Ontario’s top 100 tourism attractions.

Friday starts the annual Silver Stick Hockey Tournament – so expect to see lots of visitors in our community.  I am to drop the ceremonial puck at 3:15 at the NSSRC.

Saturday December 1st – it’s time for the Civitan Christmas Parade. The parade leaves Little Lake Park at 11:00 am and will proceed down King Street. Afterwards enjoy the downtown with Christmas caroling and some creative new decorations. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

Sunday November 18, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

A quieter week as Midland steps towards Christmas. The Town Christmas tree is now lit. Out of the Cold has again opened its doors for our homeless citizens. The Salvation Army has placed its kettles in the stores. Can snow be far off?

The YMCA is organizing its annual “Gifts to Give” event. If you have any good quality items (except clothing and furniture) that you would think of re-gifting to others, you can donate them to the event at the YMCA offices at 334 King Street. They will be receiving gifts during the periods November 19^th to 23^rd and November 26^th to 30^th from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm and on Saturdays November 24^th and December 1^st from 10 am to 1:30 pm. 

Then on Monday December the 3^rd from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the NSSRC, the YMCA will offer your gifts to needy families who want to give a gift to their loved ones, but do not have the means to buy their own.

On Tuesday November 20^th at Town Hall at 6:00 pm, we will receive the second draft operating and capital budget. Our 2013 budget should be ready for Council approval in December.

Thursday November the 22^nd, the YMCA Employment Centre hosts its annual Peaceworks awards ceremony. These awards honor those who have made a significant contribution to making Midland a better place for all.  The ceremony takes place at their office at 334 King Street starting at 7:00 pm.

The evening of the 22^nd is also the Rotary TV auction.  This popular annual event is one the major fund raisers for our Midland Rotary club, a great service club that does so much for our community. The bidding opens on-line on the 19^th of November and wraps up with the TV broadcast on the 22^nd.  Get ready for Christmas by checking out the on-line bidding at: http://www.midlandrotaryauction.com/index.asp

Every time I visit our new Cultural Centre I become more convinced it is one of the best things that has ever happened to our Town. You have another chance to visit Midland’s exciting cultural centre on Friday November 23^rd when “Red Chamber” performs starting at 7:30 pm. These performances are brought to us by John French’s Brookside Music. Tickets are available at the MCC or on-line at http://midlandculturalcentre.com/

This Saturday November 24^th you are invited to attend the opening for the new expansion at the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre.  The ceremonies start at 2:30 pm.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

This e-mail is sent to citizens in Midland for their information. This is not an official communication of the Town of Midland. If you wish to be removed from the mail list, please send an e-mail requesting removal to gordonmckay@rogers.com

Saturday November 10. 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

A very special week-end coming up as we celebrate Remembrance Day. It’s an emotional event that binds us together as a community and as a nation. I hope to see you at the Cenotaph at 10:30 am.

On Monday the Town offices will be closed but others will be busy. At 11:00 am the Salvation Army launches their Christmas food drive at their building on 2^nd Street.

Tuesday November 13^th will feature a special luncheon by Peaceworks. Monies raised by this noon event at Explorers Restaurant will be used for charitable works in many third world countries.  At 6:00 pm that evening your Council meets in closed session for a variety of topics (See agenda at: http://calendar.county.simcoe.on.ca/upload/Closed%20Meeting%20of%20Council%20on%20November%2013%202012.pdf

Then at 7:00 pm at Town Hall is the General Committee meeting.  A long agenda including:

-       A review of how the 2013 summer tourism season fared

-       Direction on parking fee changes for the downtown

-       Discussion on accessibility plans, including accessible taxis

-       Two more (positive) reports from the Ombudsman’s office

On Wednesday November 14^th the four mayors will convene at the Out of the Cold shelter at Knox church at 8:00 pm for a sleepover. We will spend a night experiencing the same conditions that our homeless do. You may wish to come out (before the 10:00 pm curfew) to encourage your mayors. The following day the shelter will start full year operation for the first time in its history.

Early Thursday the 15^th it’s off to County to discuss the 2013 County budget.  Preliminary indications are that the overall County tax levy increase may be in the 1% range. At 6:00 pm that evening, Midland gets back to its own budget discussions with our third budget meeting.  The topic will be our capital budgets.

Friday Nov 16^th starts with the Salvation Army kettle drive kick-off at 10:00 am at Wal-Mart. Later that day a whole series of activities:

-       At 5:00 pm the Wye Marsh hosts its annual fund raising dinner at the Marsh.

-       The lighting of the Town Christmas tree starts at 6:30 pm. It begins with a parade down King Street, starting from Yonge, followed by lighting the tree.

-       At 8:00 pm, Huronia Players starts its 2012/2013 season with the play Noises Off at the MCC. A must see play.

Saturday November 17^th, our own Bob Whitam will be holding a book signing at the MCC starting at 1:00 pm.   Your chance to acquire a signed copy of Bob’s new book Birds of Georgian Bay.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.

                                                                                              

Saturday November 3, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

A little bit of snow and suddenly there is Christmas music.  And to think my dahlias are still out.

The Town received the final installment of the KPMG operational review report this past week.

http://www.midland.ca/ws_par/groups/public/@pub/@midland/documents/web_content/wspar_039894.pdf  The report will be used by staff and Council to develop the 2013 budget, as well as future budgets. Council has directed staff to present a 0% Town cost increase for 2013. Next budget meeting is November 15.

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Monday November the 5^th starts at 10:30 am with the official opening of the new Tim Hortons on Midland Avenue.  That afternoon your Emergency Management Team meets at the Fire Hall for a mock exercise. As we saw this past week, we all need to be prepared for disaster situations.  And at 7:00 pm that evening the SHARE group hosts a public meeting at the library to discuss cooperative solar power projects in our area.

Wednesday November 7^th sees two municipal meetings. At 6:30 pm is a closed meeting to discuss a matter subject to litigation.  Then at 7:00 pm is the regular PDC at Town Hall. The agenda Includes:

-       Recommendation for increased planning fees

-       Discussion on how public involvement on planning matters can be improved

-       A report on our Town’s employment lands.  Some of the highlights of this 50 page report are:

o    We have 121 ha of vacant employment land – will need 4 ha by 2031

o    We have 64 ha of vacant commercial land – will need 16 ha by 2031

On the morning of November the 8^th I will be out in the Town with Rogers shooting the Mayors’ Christmas Message. At 1:30 area politicians will receive an update by the County about their Local Immigration Partnership (LIP). The LIP is an initiative to assist immigration into our area. Midland is slated to grow by 5,000 residents over the next 20 years. Many of these people will come from outside of our area.

Later that evening, at 6:30 pm the SSEA will host a reception and awards at the library.  All are welcome.

On Friday November 9^th, starting at 10:00 am, Lakehead University in Orillia will hold a round table on economic development followed by a Report to the Community. Lakehead is quickly becoming the local university for our area.

Sunday November 11^th is a Day of Remembrance. You are invited to join our Legion for a special ceremony at the Cenotaph. Please arrive by 10:30 am.  That evening the Legion hosts a dinner at the Legion Hall. Please contact them if you wish to attend.

The Town offices will be closed on Monday November 12^th. The General Committee meeting will take place on the following Tuesday.

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People throughout our area are aware and concerned about the declining water levels that we have seen on Georgian Bay.  The four municipalities of Huronia are leading an initiative to obtain federal assistance for affected marinas, water plants and residents. More information and results will be posted in the days ahead.

Gord McKay

Be part of Midland’s exciting Year of Having Fun - 2012.