Saturday, September 29, 2012

Saturday September 29, 2012


Ladies and Gentlemen

October comes to us with the radiant colors of autumn on the ascent.  These special days really showcase the beauty of our area. Now if I just didn’t have to cut the grass.
                        
Monday October 1st provides you an opportunity to help the community.  The Canadian Blood Services will hold its blood donor clinic from 1:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Mountainview Mall. 

At 7:00 pm that evening, a special meeting of Council will take place at the NSSRC.  The purpose of this meeting is to receive the final report from KPMG who have spent the last three months conducting an operational review of our municipality. KPMG is expected to come forward with 60-80 “opportunities” that will identify how to run the Town’s business more efficiently and/or adjust our service levels to better align with real needs.

The findings from this report will go directly into our 2013 budget cycle. Town staff was directed last spring to prepare budget scenarios for 2013 showing year over year cost growth of 2%, 0% and -2%. Opportunities from the KPMG report will be selected by Council to meet those targets. The final 2013 budget should largely be in place by November.

On Tuesday October 2nd, the BIA Board will hold its AGM at 5:30 at the Midland Library. At 7:00 pm that evening at Town Hall is the third in our new “ward meeting” series, featuring Ward 2. While the first two of these meetings have been lightly attended, they have allowed for a very direct and informal exchange between citizens and Councilors. I expect that Council will continue these types of meetings in the months ahead.

Wednesday Oct 3rd is the PDC meeting at 7:00 pm at Town Hall.  It’s a long agenda including:
-       A special meeting for Public Input on the rezoning of 486 and 487 Forest Hill Ct.
-       A revised draft plan of sub-division for the “Hanson Lands” , the large property to the south of Little Lake
-       A flurry of site plans: a gazebo at the Javelin Coop; the new emergency entrance for our hospital; a redevelopment of the gas bar and store on Hwy 93 (the Harvey’s/Swiss Chalet plaza)
-       A status report on Council’s strategic direction as it affects Planning, including an update on our proposed business incubator.

On Thursday October 4th you should drop by the Museum at 7:00 pm for the opening of Dennis Milton’s art exhibition. Dennis is a well know local artist with a wide variety of interesting styles.



Gord McKay


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

                                                                                              


Saturday, September 22, 2012

Saturday September 22, 2012


Ladies and Gentlemen

Its fall, though the weatherman promises more warm days ahead. The new season sees lots going on with Keewatin now open to the public and our new Tim Hortons ready to launch in mid-October.  Still….summer will be missed.

Council will convene Monday September 24th with a closed session at 6:00 pm.  The closed session will address labour and personnel matters.  At 7:00 pm that evening in the Town Hall is the regular Council meeting. The agenda includes:
-       Two deputations; one dealing with the property at 17077 Hwy 12, the second on the Town Waterfront Study
-       We will receive a second Ombudman’s report; this one finding problems with our closed meeting process
-       A request from our neighbours to help keep the Trent Severn locks open for the full boating season
-       An offer by the YMCA for us to participate in a youth engagement initiative

Wednesday September 26th at 9:30 am the four Huronia municipalities will be hosting a unique event at the MCC – our first Prosperity Summit.  The Summit is a key element in our growing economic development initiative.  It brings together area business and economic leaders to better steer our economic future. The conference will be highlighted by an address from Dr. Kevin Stolarick and showcase our new Huronia Economic Alliance website.

Later that same day, at 6:30 pm, is the Community Living Huronia AGM at Brooklea.  Then at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall is the second of our Ward meetings. This is the chance for those from Ward Three to meet your Councillor(s) one on one.

Thursday September 27th sees two important gatherings:
-       The Huronia Community Foundation holds its AGM at Martyrs’ Shrine starting at  11:45 am
-       At 7:00 pm that evening at Town Hall we kick off the budget cycle with a special type of meeting.  This new meeting gives citizens an opportunity to talk to Council about what they would like to see in the 2013 budget. Please come and give us your views on our next budget.

Friday the 28th is the start of the Coldwater Fall Festival. Come and join me for the parade staring at noon in Coldwater.

Saturday will also be a busy day.
-       It’s our last Treasure Day of the season. Please put your re-usable items out to the curb after 8:00 am and have unclaimed items back in before 4:00 pm
-       Big Brothers Big Sisters host their Home Tour. Tickets to gain entry to the many fine homes are $35.00. More information at www.KidsDo.Matter.com
-       At 5:30 pm is the Midland Sports Hall of Fame Inductees Ceremonies and dinner at the NSSRC. A great event for our community – tickets required.


Gord McKay


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