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.

                                                                                              

Sunday March 31, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

An Easter break and finally the weather is showing us a little hope as well.  Spring flowers give us the promise of better days ahead.  And the reminder to get out and enjoy being in Midland.

The Town offices are closed on Monday April 1st – no kidding.

On Tuesday April 2^nd the Town will be raising the flag for Autism at 11:00 am at Town Hall. Later that day in Midhurst, mayors from around the Bay will be meeting for an update on the low water levels. Substantive meetings are now being set with opposition parties at Queens Park and with senior Ministers in Ottawa. (My own unscientific observations over the weekend are that Midland water levels are just a bit above where they were last fall.)

Wednesday April 3^rd at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall is Planning and Development Committee. It will begin with a public meeting where you are encouraged to provide your comments. Three items on the agenda:

1.     Official Plan Amendment for the recycling facility at 1081 MacDonald Rd.

2.     Draft Plan of Condominium for Marina Park (the “yellow-clad” building by Bayport)

3.     Zoning By-law Amendment for a property exchange at 289/293/297/305/309 Penetanguishene Rd.

Then we move into our regular meeting where we will decide upon the three items from the public meeting plus:

-       The Site Plan application for the new Bourgeois Motors on Cranston Cres.

-       Notice that Unimin has filed with the OMB with regard to the Town’s Interim Control By-law

Mark Sunday April 7^th on your calendar for the return of Books to Eat at the Library at 2 pm. Last year was sold out and this year promises to be bigger and better. Tickets are $20 at the Library. 

                                                                 *****

In closing, an update from the County. Our request for Midland to provide an additional leaf vacuuming service has been sent by County Council to staff for a report. The expectation is that County Council will vote on the staff recommendation in April. And remember we are under the new County Waste plan. Midland’s waste pick up is now Tuesday. Garden material pick-up also starts – check your County calendar.

Gord McKay

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

                                                                                              

Sunday March 24, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

The sunshine has returned mightily.  Spring flowers – hyacinths, crocii, daffodils - are all bursting with new found energy.  It’s just too bad they all happen to be indoors. Someday it’ll warm up.

The County has held its public meetings and the new County waste service is set to start April 1.  There will be changes as to when and how your waste is collected.  As with all changes we can anticipate some teething problems. If you have any questions/problems please contact the County at 705-726-9300 ext. 1192. Also take a look at the County’s waste web page at:   http://www.simcoe.ca/dpt/swm/index.htm#.UU8cH51zY5s

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Monday March 25^th will start at County with an interesting meeting on the impact of alcohol consumption in our region.  The meeting will bring together a few activist mayors who want to go beyond just worrying about the negative effects of alcohol and take measures to reduce the social harms.

At 4:00 pm will be a closed meeting of the Midland Police Services Board to deal with a personal matter.   Starting at 5:00 pm, friends of Frank Graham will gather at Boston Pizza for a final fundraiser for his Cycle Liberation Tour of Holland in April.  If you want to support our WWII veterans come out for dinner.  Boston Pizza will donate a percentage of every meal purchased to defray the cost of veterans and school children participating in the Tour.

Still with Monday, there will be a closed meeting of Council starting at 6:00 pm. A lengthy agenda including a number of personal matters related to Committee appointments. At 7:00 pm is the regular Council meeting at Town Hall. Not too challenging an agenda including:

-       Two presentations: Physician Recruitment; and our Hospital Care campaign

-       Four deputations: information on the 422 King St. development; Waypoint redevelopment; zoning for a property on Hwy 12; the range lights business plan

-       Announcement of Party on the Dock set for June 21^st

-       Review of our planning procedures including “complete applications”

On Tuesday March 26^th I am at County at 9:00 am for the County Council meeting. The matter of Midland’s request for an augmented fall leaf vacuuming service will be discussed. At 10:00 am, County Council will hold a public meeting to discuss the proposed change to make the Warden’s position a four year tenure (It is currently 2 years).  You are welcome to participate in this discussion.

Tuesday at 5:00 pm is the Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce AGM at the Best Western. Please call the Chamber for tickets if you plan to attend. 

At 7:00 pm that evening, your Council meets in closed session to discuss a land acquisition matter.  Also at 7:00 pm at the Library is a seminar about “Iindigenous and Canadian Approaches to the Environment and Natural Resources”. It will feature Bob Bowels a noted naturalist and Brian Charles an Anishinabe educational leader. I understand there will be some discussion on the declining water levels as well.

Wednesday March 27th, starting at 7:30 am and going until 5:00 pm is the 2013 edition of Curl with the Pros.  Curlers of all abilities will have an opportunity to share the ice with the elite of the World Curling Tour, as reigning world champions Glenn Howard and Wayne Middaugh will headline a field of professional curlers taking part in the event.  Funds raised will go to the Hospital Foundation.

Wednesday will also see a regular meeting of our areas Physician Recruitment team at the Penetanguishene campus of GBGH. Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm at the MCC, the TD Bank is sponsoring a public seminar on the effects to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Thursday March 28^th is a bit quieter as Mayor Warnock and I meet with the new CEO of our hospital, Karen McGrath. At 2:00 pm that afternoon Scott and I travel to Penetanguisehene for the Huronia Economic Alliance meeting.  The four Huronia municipalities will discuss the launch of our Healthcare action plan and refinements to our economic strategy.

Good Friday and the Town will be closed. Do enjoy the Easter week-end.

Gord McKay

PS.  Moneysense magazine has rated Midland #161 in Canada as a great place to live.  We are on the map.

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

                                                                                              

Saturday March 16, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

I think we need to have a talk with that groundhog.  If you can believe the weather forecast we may get more snow in the next week that we have had in all of February. Cold too.

This past Thursday some 150 people attended the meeting on Low Water Levels on Georgian Bay. Ten mayors were in attendance and described the problems they are seeing in their own communities – everything from marinas without water, ferry boats that cannot operate, to shoreline wells needing to be re-dug. Many residents came to the microphone and told how they were being similarly affected.

These meetings start to give you a perspective on the scale of the problem affecting all parts of the Bay.  The mayors and residents are asking for financial support and relief from a maze of regulations for 2013. The action will move shortly to Queens Park and Ottawa. If you want to lend your voice, please write a polite letter to Premier Kathleen Wynne and MP Tony Clement and tell them your story.

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Monday will see two closed meetings of the Town.  The Police Service Board will discuss a personal matter in the afternoon and Council will receive a confidential report on pay equity in the evening.

On Wednesday, March 20^th your Huronia mayors will gather in support of the Red Cross’ Mayors for Meals campaign. Far from being a free lunch, the mayors will join Red Cross volunteers in delivering meals to those who cannot make them for themselves. The event starts at 10:45 am at 850 Hartman Dr.

Later that day, the Georgian Bay Leaders Steering Committee will meet in Midhurst to further our action in dealing with low waters.

Thursday March 21^st is a busy day.  If you like eating you will want to be at St. Theresa’s High School (Galloway Dr.) starting at 5:30 pm for a Taste of Midland. For a small fee you will be able to sample the fare of some of Midland’s best food establishments.

At 7:00 pm that evening are two events, both at the NSSRC. For those who like planning, please join the Town in discussing the developing Parks and Recreation Master Plan.  We need your input on how we should provide parks and rec services for the people of our area. And if you want action, you will want to attend the Midland Senior Floor Hockey Team vs the Midland Police – a real grudge match.  Not to be missed.

I am impressed to say that we will have opera in Midland on the weekend. The enjoyable Mozart opera “Cosi Fan Tutte” will be performed at St. Pauls on Sunday March 24^th at 7:30 pm.  The cost is $40 for adults and $10 for students. The storyline is of two uncommon couples and a tale of jealousy, trickery, and mischief. A light and cheeky Mozartian delight, performed by the country’s finest emerging artists!

Gord McKay

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

                                                                                              

Saturday March 9, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

The week of March Break looms before us and you would think all would be quiet in the Town. Well that’s not quite the case.

First of all for those who are wondering what to do with the kids or grandkids this week, the MCC has a great family program:

-       Charlotte’s Web is on Tuesday the 12^th at 2:00 pm – free

-       Rise of the Guardians (if you are young you know what this is) Thursday the 14^th at 2:00 pm – free

-       Incredibent Magic Show – Saturday 16^th at 1:00 pm - $5:00 fee or family for $15 plus tax

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On Tuesday March 12^th the County is providing public information sessions to inform you about changes to our waste pick-up services. Our local session will occur at the Brian Orser arena in Penetanguishene.  The County will be sponsoring free public skating during the 2:00 to 4:00 pm open house session. An evening session (same location) will occur from 6:00 to 9:00 pm that day.

Thursday March 14^th at 7:00 pm at the NSSRC features a meeting hosted by the mayors of communities around Georgian Bay who are affected by the declining water levels. This meeting will begin by telling you some of the stories of low water from around Georgian Bay.  It will then lay out the mayors’ action plan as they approach both Queens Park and Ottawa for assistance. The meeting will then hear from the public and gain your support in this cause. A large turnout is anticipated – you are most welcome to attend.

Also that evening at 7:30 pm at the MCC is A Day in the Life with singer songwriter Douglas John Cameron.  Douglas John’s songwriting and performing career spans almost four decades and is rooted deeply in the folk/blues/country tradition.  In 1985 his tune “Mona with the Children” hit the top 20 in Canada and garnered a Juno nomination.  Please join Fred Hacker for what promises to be an enjoyable evening.

And in closing, another piece of good news on the cultural front. John French has just let us know that Midland has been chosen to host the Ontario Contact forum in 2014.  This is an annual three day event that brings together artists from across the province to network and exhibit their art forms. http://www.ontariocontact.ca/  Thanks to John and his team for showing Ontario (and the world) that Midland is fast becoming an arts destination.

Gord McKay

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