Saturday June 1, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

We took a major step into Midland’s future this past week. On Thursday some sixty residents gathered to help create the future vision for the Unimin lands.  On Friday Midland announced it had purchased this unique 40 acre parcel of land on our waterfront.  A first step – we will need your help realizing the vision in the days ahead.

                                                             *****

Monday June 3^rd will start with an in-camera meeting of the Police Services Board at 10:00 am. The topic - personal matters related to the police budget. 

On Tuesday June 4^th, those intersected in the LHIN governance structure will meet at the French Centre in Penetanguishene to discuss how our regional healthcare system should be managed.

Wednesday the 5^th will be a busy day starting with Camp Day.  This is an annual event hosted by Tim Hortons to collect funds for their charitable camp program for kids. I will be at the downtown Tim Hortons at 8:00 am.  At 1:00 pm that day the Senior of the Year award will be presented to our recipient (no hints) at the NSSRC.  Then at 7:00 pm that evening is the June Planning and Development Committee.  The agenda will include:

-       A `Public Meeting` concerning the planning application process, specifically with regards to notice and signage

-       Rezoning of the old Bourgeois Motors property on Midland Ave.

-       Direction on a new LED display sign for the Midland Cultural Centre

On Thursday June 6^th, Waypoint will be holding is Annual General Meeting at the Oak Ridges Gym in Penetanguishene at 1:30 pm.  At 5:30 pm that evening you are invited to the library to attend a County of Simcoe open house to discuss their developing Master Transportation strategy. This strategy will address the future road developments in our County and the types of transportation that will be encouraged in our communities. Later that evening, at 7:00 pm, you are welcomed to our Museum for a wine and cheese to celebrate the start of the Ontario Heritage Conference.

The Ontario Heritage Conference will take place in our area from Friday June 7^th to Sunday June 9^th.  Activities will be centered at the Midland Cultural Centre. Delegates from all over Ontario will attend lectures and be able to visit many of the local heritage locations. For more information please see http://www.arconserv.ca/news_events/show.cfm?id=335

At 7:00 pm on Friday, another `first` for Midland takes place. Parkbridge Marinas (owner of Bayport Marina plus a few more) will host the first annual Commodore`s Dinner.  This dinner will bring the ceremony of the boating fraternity together with a roaring good time as we celebrate local boating. The event will take place at Ste. Marie starting at 6:30 pm

It’s June so you have to expect the week-ends to be busy:

Saturday:

-       At 10:00 am Martyrs` Shrine will conduct its first ever `Blessing of the Boats`. The ceremony will take place at our Unimin Park

-       2:00 pm will see the 50^th annual review of the Midland Lions Royal Canadian Air Cadets at the NSSRC

-       Then at 6:00 pm is the Huronia Community Foundation annual awards dinner at the MCC

Sunday:

-       The Tiffin homeowners will meet for their AGM at 12:30 pm

-       At 2:00 pm you are invited to join our Legion Pipes and Drums for a ceremony of remembrance at the St. Margaret’s - St. Mark’s cemetery on Yonge St.

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Midland has been given a golden opportunity to spruce up its downtown. Benjamin Moore Paints is offering to provide free paint to 20 small downtowns across North America.  Only 100 towns have been registered and Midland is one of them. Please vote each day until June 30^th for Midland. You simply go on-line to www.paintwhatmatters.ca , click on the province of Ontario on the North American map, and then click on Midland to cast your vote. We can do this.

Gord McKay

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

                                                                                              

Sunday May 26, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

The grass is green (mostly) – the Bay is blue - now we just have to get rid of that tinge of white that we wake up to each morning. A busy week coming up.

On Monday May 27^th I will be meeting with my fellow mayors to discuss our situation of low water in Georgian Bay.  From the Bay’s perspective we have seen a good rise in the water level this spring. On the political side, while we have had some encouraging words from Queens Park and Ottawa, there has been no commitment yet.

Your Council meets in closed session at 6:00 pm.  A full agenda made up of:

-       Two matters of land acquisition/disposal – Unimin and a property on King Street

-       Labour relations

-       A personal matter

At 7:00 pm is the May Council meeting at Town Hall. Also a full agenda including:

-       Three awards presentations to our deserving law enforcement and fire personnel

-       Four deputations:

o    A proposed outdoor skating rink

o    Stop the Drop – low water levels in Georgian Bay

o    An update on the first year of the Midland Cultural Centre

o    A citizen’s proposal of how to change our electoral ward boundary system

-       A Public Meeting to hear your input on how Council should deal with confidential/libelous items that it receives from the public

-       Direction on the sale of surplus municipal lands

-       Direction on whether we should reduce Council to seven members from nine

-       A by-law respecting the payment for servicing for new properties along old Penetanguishene Road

While it is not on the agenda, Council may receive a motion asking us to seek an OPP costing.

And if watching Council is not to your liking, you may want to take in a one hour documentary “Bring Her On Home-The Return of the S.S. Keewatin”.  The show begins at 7:00 pm at the MCC.  Tickets are available at the MCC box office or online at www.midlandculturalcentre.com.

Tuesday May 28^th will start with the County Council meeting at Midhurst starting at 9:00 am.  Two interesting items on the agenda:

-       Tay Township will be requesting that they be able to provide additional heavy waste pick-up. I will participate in this one with interest given County’s recent position on Midland’s leaf pick-up

-       A proposal to extend residential waste pick-up to most condominium properties.  Properties that cannot be picked up will receive a rebate of their County waste levy.

At 1:00 pm that day the YMCA will host a “youth engagement” meeting at St. Theresa’s. This initiative is designed to encourage youth to more fully participate in our community. Then at 4:00 pm the Police Services Board meets in camera on a personal matter.

Wednesday May 29^th is Random Acts of Kindness Day in Midland.  This annual event is sponsored by Rotary and gives us all an excuse to be good to our fellow citizens. Your Town will be providing free coffee at the municipal office (another good reason to drop in and visit the mayor).  We will also be helping Rotary with their free BBQ lunch at the Town Dock starting at noon.

At 6:30 that evening I will be travelling to Innisfil Town Hall to discuss the high cost of policing and what municipalities can do about it.

On Thursday May 30^th the Huronia Economic Alliance meets in Tiny to discuss what we will do with the County’s offer of $50,000 per year per municipality for economic development. We will also review our recent advert in the Globe and Mail extolling the economic virtues of our area.

At 6:30 pm you will want to attend the Public Planning meeting for the Unimin property.  The meeting is at the NSSRC and is your opportunity to see how the plans for the land are developing and provide us with your ideas. My thanks to the many many citizens who have already helped out in this important planning process.

Friday night beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the Rotary Waterfront Park in Penetanguishene it is the Relay for Life Huronia.  This inspirational 12 hour fundraiser is in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. For a quieter evening, there is a tribute to Patsy Cline featuring Marie Bottrell at the MCC. I believe it is sold out but you may wish to call the MCC box office for any last minute tickets.

And if you thought the weekend would be quieter – think again. On Saturday June 1^st:

-       Kids Fishing Derby at the Town Dock - 9:00 am to noon

-       Bike Rodeo with the Midland Police – Town dock - 9:00 am to noon

-       Cycle Camelot at 9:00 am in aid of the Cancer Support Centre – starts at 9:00 am at the NSSRC

-       Relay for Life Walk – this one is at St. Theresa’s starting at 10:00 am

-       11:00 am is the start of the Midland Sailing Club Sail Past.  Yours truly will be aboard boat reviewing one of the finest sailing fleets on the Bay.

Are you involved yet?

Gord McKay

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

                                                                                              

Sunday May 19, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

Its summertime.  Our Sunday farmer’s market is back for the season, the Legion is hosting its first BBQ and our dandelions have never looked better. Time to get out there and enjoy the best Town on the planet.

Two items for this long Victoria Day weekend:

-       Please join our Legion Branch 80 as they have a good old fashioned beef BBQ this Sunday afternoon starting at 5:00 pm at our legion

-       The first working ship of the season to make port will be honoured on Monday May 20th at the ADM dock at 10:30 am.

On Tuesday May 21^st Waypoint is holding a special event to inform you about the research and development that they are undertaking with a number of universities. That’s at 1:30 pm at the Oak Ridge activity centre.  Then at 5:00 pm that day you are invited to the wrap-up of Artsvest program at the NSSRC. This special program has seen a number of artists and businesses come together to see how they can support each other. Stronger arts and more vibrant businesses – great for Midland.

Wednesday brings a very special personal event to Midland – the retirement of Mr. Fred Hacker from the leadership of his law practice. Few of us need any reminder of the significant and extensive contribution to our community from this native son – Rotary; Habitat for Humanity, our Santa Claus parade and many more. The good news is that Fred has no intention of retiring from his many philanthropic activities. I know you will join me in recognizing this milestone for a great civic leader.

Also on May 22^nd you may wish to join Garfield Dunlop at Ste. Marie Among the Hurons at 6:00 pm as they establish the OPP Youth Foundation.  Please call Garfield`s office for tickets – tickets are $100. 

Thursday will be a busy day for me as I participate in a full day strategy session at the County. We will be discussing items such as transportation links, social housing and waste collection - matters that will affect our quality of life in Midland. Let me know if you have any input for the County agenda.

On Friday, Huronia Players launches the third play of its season – Communicating Doors. We have a remarkable theater company in Huronia Players. This is your chance to come out and enjoy exceptional theatre. Tickets are available at the Midland Cultural Centre

And as for the week-end:

-       Saturday May 25^th (10:00 am to 5:00 pm) and Sunday May 26^th (10:00 am to 4:00 pm) you will want to come to the NSSRC for the Model Train Show. A great collection of model train displays and folks who truly love what they are doing

-       Sunday May 26^th at 1:00 pm at the Town dock, the Lions host their annual event to promote guide dogs.

Now back to enjoying the weekend.

Gord McKay

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

Sunday May 12, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

I am just back from ten days in the Netherlands with Frank Graham, a number of Canadian legionnaires and a host of young folk from Canada.  A moving experience as we walked the fields of battle and cemeteries with Frank. The warmth and friendliness of the liberated Dutch people defies description. Fewer veterans are making the trip each year, so the Frank Graham Tour set out to reinvigorate the bond of friendship between our two countries. The young people came though unbelievably.  (Look for more of the story in my blog in the near future.)

                                                              *****

I think they saved most of the Town work for my return.

Monday May 13^th starts with a funding announcement by the provincial government at GBGH at 9:30 am – support for our Emergency Department expansion, maybe more.  At 10:00 am the Police Services Board will meet in closed session to hopefully finalize its budget.

Later that day at 6:00 pm is a closed meeting of Council to discuss a land sale/acquisition matter. At 7:00 pm is the May General Committee meeting. A variety of interesting topics including:

-       A new approach to “geese management” in Little Lake Park

-       A listing of surplus lands owned by the Town and a question of disposal

-       A decision on  how many Councillors we need for Midland, plus a review of Council salaries and benefits

-       A status report on the action being taken on the KPMG recommendations. 38 opportunities are being actively tracked with a number already competed

-       A proposed new electronic display sign for the MCC

The General Committee meeting will be followed by a special meeting of Council (open) respecting the purchase of the Unimin lands.

Tuesday May the 14^th will see the Town hosting an invitation only workshop on sports tourism. Then at 1:00 pm at Kelsey’s on Hwy. 12 is the first of seven Big Bike rides for Heart and Stroke. Hopefully your team is ready to come out and show your stuff for a good cause.

On Wednesday May 15^th at 4:00 pm is the regular Police Services Board meeting at Town Hall. Then at 7:30 pm is the eighth edition of a “Day in the Life” as John Tory is the guest at the MCC. John Tory is a gentleman with a wide variety of accomplishments including radio broadcaster, lawyer, businessman with Rogers media and past leader of the Ontario PC party. Tickets are available at the MCC or online at http://www.ticketbreak.com/mcc.

On Thursday May 16h at 4:30 pm is the Midland Cultural Centre AGM.  Please note the AGM will be hosted at the Town Hall.   At 6:00 pm our area’s Girl Guides celebrate a Community awards Night at the Midland library.  

The Keewatin opened for the season this past weekend. Now its Port McNicoll’s turn with Port-o-Rama. The fun takes place the entire weekend of May 17-19.  The big parade is set for Saturday the 18^th starting at 11:00 am.

Gord McKay

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

                                                                                              

Saturday April 20, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

It’s been unsettling this past week as we watched the tragedy at the Boston Marathon and the destruction in West Texas.  You have to admire the spirit and resilience of our American neighbors. And appreciate this safe place we call Midland.

The meetings start on Monday April 22^nd at 6:30 pm with a closed meeting of Council. It will cover committee appointments and the acquisition/disposal of land. At 7:00 pm is the April Council meeting. The meeting will feature;

-       Two deputations: 1) A Metis Transportation proposal 2) Information about the road completion by LRG on the old Penetanguishene Road

-       Request to hold the first annual “Buttertart Festival” in downtown Midland on June 15 (hopefully not too much debate)

-       Preparation to release the RFP for the new Public Works depot

On Tuesday April 23^rd Deputy Mayor Kramp and I will be at County at 9:00 am to request that the County allow us to provide a reduced leaf vacuuming service. The County will also decide on providing $50,000 annually to municipalities to assist with their economic development efforts.

That afternoon the Georgian Bay Leaders will meet in Midhurst on the low water issue, to finalize their approach to senior government.  I wish I could be more positive but there has been little response from either the provincial or federal governments on a matter that affects everyone in our area. We will continue our efforts to change that.

And as the day closes I will be headed over to Martyrs’ Shrine for a discussion about their upcoming season and how we can better work together.

Wednesday April 24th will see a free Car Seat Clinic at the Southern Georgian Bay OPP location on Hwy 12.  It runs from 9:00 am -11:00 am and is by appointment only – call 705-526-3761.  At 10:00 am the Town will host the next Unimin Lands Planning meeting.  A draft report has been prepared by the consultant.  It will be reviewed and the public process to release the document will be discussed.

That evening at the Midland Cultural Centre, Fred Hacker’s “A Day in the Life” will host the legendary Canadian soldier, Major-General Lewis MacKenzie. The event takes place at 7:30 pm. Tickets are at the Box Office (333 King St) or online at www.midlandculturalcentre.com. Please take advantage of this opportunity to hear from one of Canada’s senior leaders in our own community.

The week-end starts on Friday April 26^th with the opening of the Midland Spring Home Show at the NSSRC.  A must see for area residents. The hours are Friday from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

On Sunday April 28^th, Shelter Now will be holding the wrap-up event for their Bowl for Beds campaign. They have had children (and politicians) throughout our area create colorful bowls while learning about homelessness. Come and see what the children have created and help the less fortunate. The event takes place at the Native Friendship Centre from 12 noon to 3:00 pm.  Please call Shelter Now (Tina) for tickets ($25) at 705-528-6941, ext. 24.

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I have been telling you about the YMCA project to engage youth in our area. The first step was to create on online survey to ask youth about their issues and help direct where the initiative should go. The survey is now live on “survey monkey” -  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/huroniayouthengagement

Please get the word out to young people in our area to get involved.

At the end of this week, I will be heading over to Holland with a group of our veterans and young people to honour Frank Graham. It will be an inspiring and memorable trip as we follow the route and visit the locations that Frank and his fellow veterans liberated during WWII.

There will be no News from the Town next week. And so you don’t feel entirely abandoned, please visit the Town’s improved website - note the new “Tourism” section.

For information on Town meetings: http://www.midland.ca/meeting-schedule/index.htm

Community events: http://www.town.midland.on.ca/Tourism/CommunityEventCalendar/index.htm

I will be back before you know it.

Gord McKay

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

                                                                                              

Sunday April 14, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

This past Saturday morning the Georgian Bay Leaders held their fourth public meeting of the year on the low water level in Georgian Bay. Approximately 200 people attended to hear an update on the state of the Bay and the status of the Leader’s initiative. Attendees were informed that the water level continues to hover near the low water extreme. And while the initiative has made some progress through meetings with the provincial PC and NDP caucuses, the Premier has still not made time for us on her agenda. The meeting with federal Minister Baird has just been postponed due to his attendance at the funeral of past Prime Minister Thatcher.

With cottage season fast approaching many more people will soon see the evidence of the water’s decline. Progress in getting action from senior government has not been as fast as we had hoped. That said, your Leaders remain optimistic that we will receive assistance from senior government this year to help our affected businesses and residents.

                

                                                    *****

Georgian Bay aside, it should be a fairly quiet week in the Town.

On Wednesday April 17^th the Police Service Board will meet at 4:00 pm at the Town to advance their budget. Part of the meeting, including the budget discussion, will be closed to the public. As you may recall, the Town passed most of its 2013 budget in January except for the police budget because it was still under review by the Board. The Town would like to receive the budget by May so that it can be factored into the final tax statements being prepared in June.

Friday the 19^th the Town gets a jump on celebrating National Volunteer Week (April 21-27) with a volunteer appreciation breakfast for our GBGH hospital volunteers. The Trillium Foundation will make a cheque presentation for heritage at 11:00 am at MCC. Then at 1:00 pm the Huronia Incubator group will gather at the Town to continue their efforts in bringing a business incubator to our area.  While many are unfamiliar with the concept of a business incubator, it is an essential part of guiding young entrepreneurs in growing new businesses - a major pillar in bringing jobs to our area.

And lastly, this Sunday April 21^st at 11:30 am, the Ontario Youth Volunteer group is hosting a “Change the World” event at the County Museum.  You are invited to come and get involved in the many activities being planned to make our entire world a better place. (More like Midland)

Gord McKay

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

                                                                                              

Saturday April 6, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

It’s now official. Forget the groundhog – the first spring robin has been reported on our street.  I am also expecting any day now my “sure sign of spring” phone call inquiring about when Town will be by to remove the gravel from the streets.

Monday April 8^th my fellow mayors and I will be in Queens Park talking to provincial parties about our low water situation.  The Georgian Bay Leaders group has made progress in getting in front of our provincial and federal leaders. I am looking forward to their support in dealing with what looks like another low-water year for Georgian Bay.

Back in Midland, there will be a closed meeting at 6:00 pm dealing with a land acquisition/disposition matter. At 7:00 pm that evening is the April General Committee meeting at Town Hall. A long agenda including:

-       A discussion of graffiti prevention measures

-       Draft procedures for dealing with inappropriate correspondence and Councillor recourse to legal counsel

-       Discussion of the financial impact of the recent firefighter’s arbitration award.  The positive news is that the 2009-2012 award was almost entirely provisioned for. We now start the process for the 2013 agreement

-       Our 2012 year end statement shows a surplus of $922,000 primarily due to reduced winter snow, an increased dividend from MPUC and operational efficiencies delivered by staff

-       A recommendation that we place the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the new public works depot

Wednesday April 10^th the County Corporate Services Committee will make an initial recommendation on our municipal request for funding local economic development. This funding will greatly assist Midland in attracting new jobs and residents to our community.

Friday April 12^th at 10:00 am the Huronia Economic Alliance will be hosting a “manufacturing summit” at Georgian College. The summit will help direct the strengthening of our local manufacturing base.

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A positive note in closing – our Community Healthcare Centre, Chigamik, received $3.3 million from the provincial government this past week to expend its operations in our community. Having these services is a tremendous asset for our area.

Gord McKay

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