Sunday, October 28, 2007

Sunday October 28, 2007

The days are getting shorter and the Town agenda seems to be getting busier.

Fees will be going up for Town recreation programs and facilities. If you are interested in finding out how you will be affected there will be a Public Meeting on Monday Nov 5th at 7pm NSSRC.

The Town will be participating in a “Business Retention and Expansion” survey starting this fall. The survey, lead by the North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation ( try saying that quickly), will contact a cross section of local business to find out how they are doing and what can be done to improve their operating environment. This is a good start for our long needed business development plan.

On the social services front, the Town is organizing three public meeting to decide what role it should have in delivering social services. The meetings:
- Tuesday Oct 30, 7pm at the Town – receive report on downtown field work to date
- Wednesday Nov 14, 7pm at the Town - meet with area social agencies to determine role for Town
- Thursday Dec 6, 7pm at the Town - discuss funding options and partners for a possible $100,000 plan.

The Huronia Foundation for the Arts held its inaugural dinner this past Saturday – the 180 attendees had a great time. The HFA will now hold its first public meeting to elect a Board on Thursday 8th at 7pm, Seniors Room NSSRC. You are most welcome.

And lastly construction of the new Out of the Cold shelter at Knox is going well. Expect completion by mid-November with the doors to open on Dec 1. We are looking for volunteers who can help a few hours a week, so send me an e-mail.

Happy Halloween.

Gord McKay

Saturday, October 6, 2007

Saturday October 6th 2007

Before we get to the turkey a few quick notes about the upcoming week.

Tuesday October 9th the Town will be having its regular General Committee meeting. A couple of items of interest:
- We will hear about the 2008 water and sewer rates – should be about a 2% increase over last year or roughly $10 per consumer.
- The 2008 budget review schedule will be discussed. The first meeting is a lot earlier this year, set tentatively for December 4th.

Wednesday will feature a 7:00 pm public meeting on the zoning for the Stollar property at 935 Yonge St. This will be followed at 7:10 with the Planning Advisory Committee. Two interesting PAC items will be arrangements with the Town for the new Huronia Players Theatre and a prospective daycare development located at the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre.

Indications are that we will have another public meeting shortly to discuss the SOS outreach workers. I will let you know as that one firms up.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving

Gord McKay

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Wednesday October 3rd 2007

It’s all about growth.

There is going to be a flurry of meetings intended to educate all of us about the County/Province’s growth plans for our area.

This Thursday October 4th at 7:00 pm, the Simcoe County Growth Management Presentation will take place in our Town Hall.

The County is also holding a number of other information evenings:
- October 16th, 4:30 pm Elmvale Community Centre, Elmvale
- October 22, 4:30 pm Barrie Country Club, Barrie
- October 23rd, 4:40 pm Highwayman Inn, Orillia

Changes are coming to our area. This is a good chance to see how they may affect us.

Gord McKay

Monday, October 1, 2007

Monday October 1st 2007

Just a quick note.

Two interesting meetings tonight October 1st at Town Hall. Councillor Jeffery will start off at 7pm to discuss what the Town is going to be doing about the proposal from the two social outreach workers the Town hired this summer. Ideally we will hear where the Town stands on funding/participating in social service delivery in Midland.

Right after that the Mayor will broach the affordable housing issue. This will be the first meeting on the topic so little forward progress is likely. But we should begin to understand how likely the Town is to committing to getting involved in the issue.

The next Pesticide meeting is October 18th.

And if I can be permitted to promote a favourite group – The Huronia Foundation for the Arts will be hosting its inaugural dinner October the 20th. This will be a showcase for our local artists. Please e-mail me if you need tickets or information.