Saturday June 30, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

The kids are out of school; air conditioners are buzzing; hazy smoke is drifting from the BBQ as your friends arrive – the lazy days of summer are here. Politicians need a break too, so just a few notes from the Town.

On Tuesday July 3^rd, a special meeting of Council has been called for noon at the Library (Community Room). Council will consider a status report from KPMG on our Town operations as well as a request for parking assistance by the Midland Cultural Centre.

Wednesday July 4^th I will be at County for a full day strategic planning session.  Later that evening, note that the monthly Planning and Development Committee meeting has been cancelled for July.

On Thursday July 5^th a special unveiling of the Sarah Burke Street sign will take place at the Huron Street location at 5:00 pm.

Saturday July 7^th its Community Reach’s annual fundraising motorcycle ride. If you like choppers you want to be at the NSSRC at 10:00 am.

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Some of the fun dates you will want to be aware of this summer.

July 14^th  - the 18^th annual Library Garden Tour from 9:00 am to 4:00pm.  16 gardens will be featured this year. Tickets are required.

July 14^th - Garfield Dunlop holds his annual BBQ in Coldwater starting at 3:00 pm.

July 16^th – The International Joint Commission invites public comment on its Upper Great Lakes Report “Addressing Uncertainty in the Upper Great Lakes Water Levels” That’s at 7:00 pm at the  NSSRC.

August 11^th – The annual downtown Artwalk festival featuring artists and family entertainment.

August 24^th to 26^th – The return of Tugfest well see an armada of tugs in our harbor

Every Sunday morning, don’t forget our own downtown Farmers Market – rain or shine.

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And not to leave you with the impression that Council and staff are taking the summer off - just a few of the things that we will be working on:

Council meetings will occur at 7:00 pm on July 23^rd and August 27^th. The PDC will meet on August 8^th.

KPMG operational review will continue through the summer.  Planned public meetings are July 24^th at 7:00 pm at the Town, with a final report on September 13^th.

Economic development will be in high gear with the launch of the Renew Midland program; a proposal for an area business incubator; a recommendation on how to organize and fund our economic initiatives; a review to streamline our development application process; final preparations on our new economic website and the September 29^th Prosperity Summit.

Preparations for the public discussion of the Unimin lands.

Decision on converting our streetlights to energy efficient LED lights.

Consideration of a park dedication for Sarah Burke.

Receive a staff report on transit services considering in-town services as well as a link with our neighbors in Penetanguishene

Discuss the transfer of the municipal leaf pick-up to the County in 2013.

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News from the Town will take a brief break this summer – back in September.  Special bulletins will be sent as needed. Enjoy Midland’s beautiful summer.  See you at Canada Day at Little Lake Park.

Gord McKay

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

                                                                                              

Sunday June 24, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

This past Saturday all eyes were on Port McNicoll for the return of the SS Keewatin. A truly beautiful ship returning memories to our area. Even though it is not yet open for tours, it’s well worth a visit.

On Monday June 25^th we see another excursion into our past as a ground penetrating radar study will be made of the historic William Wilson cemetery. The field work should be occurring between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, beside the Old Penetanguishene Road near Highway 12.

At 2:00 pm you are invited to attend an information session regarding the Local Immigration Partnership at the County of Simcoe Administration Centre in Midhurst.  The session will provide results of the research gathered by Simcoe County and allow your feedback on issues affecting newcomers’ settlement in the County of Simcoe.  

Then at 5:30 pm is an invitational event hosted by the Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). Organizations involved in healthcare delivery will meet to exchange ideas about prospective changes to services. This discussion will help the LHIN better define its delivery solutions.

At 6:00 pm Council will hold a closed meeting covering three items including land disposition and a personal matter. At 7:00 pm is the June Council meeting at Town Hall. The agenda includes:

-       Three deputations including a proposed bus link between Midland and Penetanguishene

-       Update on our budget meeting dates

-       Agreement on the planning process for the Unimin property

On Tuesday June 26^th the attention turns to the County. County Council meets at 9:00 am in Midhurst to discuss tiered medical response and the draft agreement between the Province and the County directing our area’s growth plan.  At 11:00 am that morning is the official opening of the expanded County Council administration building. Back in Midland that evening I have the privilege of honouring three students from Huron Park PS for being exceptional citizens.

Wednesday June 27^th will be devoted to economic development. The morning starts at 7:30 am in Penetanguishene, where we continue the “smart manufacturing” discussion. Then at 1:00 pm in Midland we will meet to discuss how the private sector should be engaged in helping direct our area’s economy. Closing out the day, Huronia Players will be hosting their AGM at the MCC at 7:00 pm.  Always a fun event.

The Ontario Early Years North Simcoe celebrates ten years in our community on Thursday June 28^th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. This fun filled public event, with lunch, takes place at the Upper Pavilion in Little Lake Park.  Then at 12:00 noon the Midland Seniors Council hosts a community planning event.  Over a complimentary lunch (You need a free ticket available at the NSSRC) you will be able to present your ideas about what should be happening in Midland from a senior’s perspective.

At 2:00 pm that Thursday the four municipalities will meet to discuss economic action. The agenda includes an update on the new economic website and a discussion about area coordination for tourism. At 7:00 pm that evening I attend the high school graduation at St. Theresa’s and Deputy Mayor Kramp attends at MSS.

Friday is relatively quiet as we head into the Canada Day long weekend. Sunday, the place to be is Little Lake Park with activities starting at 9:00 am and the parade set for 10:30 am.  Special activities this year:

-       A tribute to Sarah Burke

-       A war of 1812 encampment complete with musket drill and field cooking

-       Fireworks at dusk in Little Lake Park

For further information please see the Canada Day Event Schedule attached.

Gord McKay

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

                                                                                              

Saturday June 16, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

The soft siren call of summer is in the air. It’s time to start winding down a bit – time to get out with the BBQ, a stroll through our parks or simply sitting with a coffee in one of our many summer sidewalk cafes. Midland – yours to enjoy.

Two items for Monday June 18^th. At 12 noon the Georgian Bay General Hospital hosts its AGM at the Midland Cultural Centre. Then at 4:30 pm the Town holds a closed meeting to discuss a labour matter.

On Tuesday June 19^th another AGM.  This time it’s your MPUC who will hold their meeting at 6:00 pm the MPUC building.

Wednesday will see may people gather in Barrie to say goodbye to Brian Tamblyn, the retiring President of Georgian College.  Brian has been a good friend to Midland over the years, especially with the growth of our own Midland campus.

On Thursday June 21^st I will head to Christian Island to participate in the Beausoleil First Nation Signatory Celebration. The celebration recognizes the financial settlement between the federal government the three Chippewa First Nations in our area that has been outstanding for over 100 years. Then at 5:00 pm that evening the four municipal heads of Council will meet in Tay to discuss matters affecting our district of Huronia.

Saturday is very special.  It marks the return of the historic passenger ship Keewatiin to Port McNicoll.  The celebrations run from noon to 5:00 pm, with the official ceremony about 2:30 pm.  You will want to arrive early as parking may be a challenge.

In closing the week, take look at the video recognizing the opening of our new Midland Cultural Centre. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwYJLpzEu_U  Also please note MCC tours will continue for the public in June from Monday through Saturday at 11:30 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

Gord McKay

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

                                                                                              

Sunday June 10, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

                                                      A Major Milestone

This past weekend saw the launch of our new Midland Cultural Centre. The building is magnificent – a true foundation for our area’s future. You must come out and see Mr. Webers’ outstanding gift to all of us.  And then start imagining how this unparalleled opportunity can make Midland the exciting creative community we all desire.

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Monday June 11^th is a busy day for Council. At 5:30 pm at CLH on Olive Street, a sad gathering takes place as we say good-bye to Katimavik, a youth group that has been so active in our community over the years. At 6:00 pm Council gathers in closed session for a discussion of labour matters. Then at 7:00 pm at the Town Hall is the General Committee meeting. A long agenda including:

-       A request for a transit stop at the Superstore

-       Discussion of LED lighting for all our street lights

-       Review of our taxi situation and prices

-       Further direction to staff on our 2013 budget targets

On Tuesday morning I head to Victoria Harbor for a civics class with children at St. Antoine Daniel school. It’s never too early to learn about politicians!  At 7:00 pm that evening at the NSSRC is the change of command ceremony for our Sea Cadets. We recognize retiring Lt M. McKinnon and welcoming SLt G Pardy. You are welcome to attend.

Wednesday June 13^th sees two plaque presentations:

-       Sutton Bayside Realty for their new offices at King and Yonge – at noon

-       Louis DeSantis for his newly opened Midland Inn – at 1:00 pm

You are welcome to attend both events.

On Thursday June 14^th at 3:00 pm you are invited to attend the Severn Sound Environmental Association Open House at the library. At 4:00 pm that day the Town will hold and open meeting at Town Hall to hear from KPMG, the firm that has been hired to conduct an operational review of the Town.

Friday the fun starts.  The Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual BBQ on the Town dock at noon.  Then, that evening, its Rotary’s Party on the Dock. This annual charity event features the Jimmy Buffet tribute band Northern Harbor and is arguably the best party of the summer.

Finally on Saturday June 16^th:

-       Clearview Township and the County open a new Joint Emergency Services facility at 11:00 am (6993 Highway 26 in Stayner)

-       Closer to home is the Teddy Bear Picnic in Perkinsfield Park at 11:00 am in support of Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre

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Gord McKay

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

Sunday June 3, 2012

Ladies and Gentlemen

A wet and windy weekend for a change. Midland Bay Sailing Club hosted Big Brothers and Sisters of Huronia and myself to a brisk turn around Midland harbor. Most enjoyable - especially getting back onto land.

On Tuesday June 5^th at 7:00 pm, Zero Waste Simcoe will hold its AGM at the YMCA in Little Lake Park. All are welcome to attend.

Wednesday June 6^th you are invited to the Shelter Now Garden Day fundraiser on Hartman Drive from 11 am to 2 pm.   Then at 7:00 pm the Town will hold a Public Meeting in the Council Chambers for the proposed rezoning of the condominium property on Shewfelt Cres. This is followed by the PDC meeting covering:

-       A framework for planning the Unimin waterfront lands

-       Review of the public consultation on a gaming opportunity for Midland

-       Update on economic development activities

Also on Wednesday at 7:00 pm at St. Pauls United Church is the Grand Finale of the Listen Up  - Midland!. Huron Park Public School and the Children's Community Choir will join forces for the world premiere performance of "The Seasons of Midland" by composer Andrew Staniland.  This incredible program is a collaboration of John French of Brookside Music and the Juno award winning Gryphon Trio.

Thursday June 7^th at 1:00 pm the North Simcoe County Alliance to End Homelessness will be hosting its spring forum from 1 to 3:00 pm at the Salvation Army on Second Street. It will feature a presentation on the County’s Investment in Affordable Housing. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Peter Thomas (705) 526-2751.

That same day at 1:30 pm is the Waypoint AGM at Oak Ridge Gym in Penetanguishene. Then at 6:00 pm, We Are the Villagers will be holding a fundraiser to support their initiative to improve early childhood education in our area. A five course meal at the Library Restaurant is part of the fun.

Friday June 8^th at 12 noon Rural Medicine Week holds its BBQ at Waypoint’s Tonache Bldg. Proceeds will go towards our doctor’s recruitment. At 7:00 pm to 7:00 am is the Relay for Life for Cancer, held at the Penetanguishene Waterfront Park. For information: http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR?fr_id=10592&pg=entry

Then the weekend breaks out – Saturday June 9th:

-       It’s a swirl of activity around our new Midland Cultural Centre (MCC)

o    9:30 am - Entertainment on Elizabeth St. outside the Centre

o    10:00 am - The MCC opens with a ribbon cutting

o    10:30 am - Quest Arts will have their grand opening

o    11:00 am - Public tours of the new Centre start

o    5:30 pm – MCC Gala dinner organized by the Huronia Foundation for the Arts. John French is the featured performer.

-       11:00 am is the first leg of the Second Annual Shakedown Regatta – Help me welcome Mayor Marshal with cannon fire at our Town dock

-       2:00 pm the 724 Royal Canadian Air Cadets host their annual review and demonstration at the NSSRC

Sunday June 10th:

-       9:00 am – Your Mayor steps aboard the HMS Badger for a dangerous journey to Penetanguishene. The arrival in Penetanguishene about noon will feature the christening of the newly built HMS Lynx.

-       2:00 pm – The Annual Memorial Day ceremony to honour our veterans at the St. Margarets/St. Marks Cemetery. All are welcome.

And you thought there wasn’t enough to do!

Gord McKay

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