Saturday, November 26, 2011

Saturday November 26, 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen

There may be a few complaints from those with snowmobiles and blowers all gassed up and ready to go. But is it ever nice to be able to stroll the streets of Midland in late November without the concerns of slushy boots and frozen fingers.

Monday November 28th starts with the opening of a traditional healing room at Georgian Bay General Hospital at 1:00 pm. You are welcome to attend this special event made possible by a partnership with the Beausoleil First Nations. Later that day the hospital volunteers gather for their annual celebration.

That evening at in Town Hall is Council. A relatively long agenda including:
-          two deputations – the GBGH Foundation asking for support of their capital campaign and Shelter Now, asking for consideration of their new building
-          a by-law for a winter farmers market
-          final comments on the shoreline study and an update on the “recycling plant” situation with Martyr’s Shrine
-          recognition in the National Post for Midland’s library

On Tuesday at I travel to Collingwood to celebrate the start of the 100 day countdown to the Ontario Winter Games. Midland will host some of the events including air rifle and hockey. That same day at , the MPUC will host a public meeting in our Library to tell you how to reduce the amount of your hydro bill.

Wednesday November 30th should be a fascinating day as a procession will leave Martyr’s Shrine that morning to present a petition to Town Hall.  We anticipate its arrival about with a brief stop at the NSSRC about , to accommodate those who cannot walk the distance. Expect lots of media attention for this singular event.  That evening your Council will meet in camera to discuss the recycling plant situation.

On Thursday December 1st at at the Brooklea, the County will hold a launch event for its Georgian Village Fundraising campaign. Then at that evening your Council returns to the budget table at the Town Hall. Given the number of suggestions from staff, Council and the public I expect we will have a good solution before years end.

Friday December 2nd sees the Silver Stick hockey tournament return to Midland. This annual event is always great fun, with teams from all over North America competing for top honours. The ceremonial puck drop is at at NSSRC.

Saturday December 3rd launches Christmas in Midland. The annual Civitan Christmas parade is a bit earlier this year starting at . After the parade the BIA is holding a “Welcome Santa” event for children at the Midland Public Library. They are also inviting everyone to support the Local Food Bank by purchasing a Santa hat for $2.  


Gord McKay

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Sunday November 20, 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen

And so it starts. The Town Christmas tree is lit.  I have had my first glimpse of the “Jolly Olde Elf”. Christmas lights are starting to appear in the darkling streets. Time to get on with the festive season.

A word of caution for Monday. Rogers TV will be in Town filming my “Mayor’s Christmas Message”.  So if you happen to be at the Museum or the hospital or downtown, watch out if someone hands you a microphone. You may just go viral.

Tuesday November 22nd is a busy day including:
-          The annual Employers Breakfast recognizing area employers and workers – at Brooklea at
-          Simcoe County will debate its 2012 budget starting at in Midhurst. The recommendation is a tax increase of 1.5%.
-          Community Link is launching their new supporting program “Community Reach” – Hartogg House,
Hartman Dr.
at
-          The Severn Sound Environmental Association hosts its annual reception at the Library starting at

On Wednesday November 23rd at our hospital will have a “technical dig” on their grounds to start the $8 million Emergency Department expansion.  A good sign for Midland’s future.  Also on Wednesday a special treat.  I am privileged to be opening the new Kumon Learning Centre at
295 King Street
at .  You are welcome to attend and see this new addition to our growing community.

On Thursday November 24th Ste. Marie Among the Hurons hosts the first day of its three day “First Light” event. This magical outdoor festival is not to be missed. The festival is open from to .  There is an admission charge.

Later Thursday evening is the kick-off for the Town of Midland’s visioning and strategy process. The initial meeting will be held at the NSSRC starting at .  Please come and let the Town know your ideas for Midland’s future. And if you still have time on Thursday, the YMCA is hosting their World Peace Week gathering at their premises at
334 King Street
, also at .

On Friday, Town employees gather for their annual Town Christmas party. Please take a moment to reflect on all the work that these good people have done on your behalf in 2011.



Gord McKay
                                                                                              

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Saturday November 12, 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen

The days are definitely shorter now. Snow has made one vain attempt to end our summer embrace. Hate to say it - time to put the snow tires on.

Monday November 14 sees our General Committee at at Town Hall.  The agenda includes:
-          progress on our Council strategy including staffing and labour relations items
-          update on our areas economic strategy
-          good news on insurance – we may save $250,000 this year if Council agrees

On Tuesday Nov 15th, Zero Waste Simcoe will be meeting at at the YMCA premises at King and Elizabeth.  This is a public meeting and will feature presentations on how to “green your holidays”.

Wednesday the 16th will feature the Chamber of Commerce 4th Annual Trade Show to be held at the Best Western starting at . It’s free to the public.  Come out and meet the businesses in Midland and area.  Later that day, at , I will be on Politically Speaking (Rogers Local TV) where I will review many of the recent developments in our community.

Thursday the 17th at at the NSSRC is the next public meeting on our budget. This is a critical meeting as we decide upon whether our Town cost growth will be in the 2% or the 5% range.  Given the nature of the issues to be discussed we will quite likely see one or two more budget meetings this year.

Friday the 18th ushers in the Christmas season with the lighting of the Town Christmas Tree. The event will start with a parade forming at at the intersection of Yonge and King. We will walk down to the dock where we will light our tree. Come and meet your neighbours as we launch our festive season.


Gord McKay
                                                                                              

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Sunday November 6, 2011

Ladies and Gentlemen

Winter may be on its way but this weekend we are being treated to an exceptional display of fine weather. In order to encourage you to get out and enjoy, I will keep this short.

Very few meetings in the Town this week. Most of my attention will be on economic development – encouraging new companies to come to Midland or expand in our community. While Council is still focused on the tax debate, unless we also improve our economy we will not be able to make progress in building our community. I will be writing more on this topic in the days ahead.

Friday November 11th is Remembrance Day. A very special day in Midland as we pause to remember those who defend our country with their lives. You are invited to the remembrance ceremony at the Cenotaph.  Please be there by . The Town office will be closed that day.

On Saturday November 12th you can start your Christmas shopping at St Margaret’s  Bazaar.  It runs from to in the church basement on Hugel at Third. The bazaar features a tea room and cribbage tourney and lots to eat.

Gord McKay