Sunday, September 29, 2013

Sunday September 29, 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen

The topic this week is economic development – or – bringing jobs and new people to our community. While I may be accused of being on the optimistic side of life, there are a lot of good things happening in our area.

This past week I attended the opening of our new Little Caesars franchise on Hwy. 93. Later in the week it was the opening of ShopCity a business start-up that holds out tremendous prospects for our local economy. Check out their video at http://youtu.be/LPecJQWXdhc .

On a more structural front our Town’s building permits are up some 20% so far over last year. We participated in our second Prosperity Summit last week – a forum that brings business leaders and the four municipalities together to discuss growing our economy. And speaking of our four municipalities, this month will see all four of us vote to commit County funds to our common economic development effort.  This commitment will total $400,000 over the next two years. So far three are in – Tiny votes on Monday.

And as far as jobs coming our way, I am discussing potential business expansions/relocations with three major organizations. Look for an announcement this week by one company bringing more jobs to Midland in 2014.

Yes there are empty store fronts on King Street but there is a more positive step to our local economy. More is needed. Everyone has a role to play – bringing your ideas to public meetings; helping a visitor; starting your own business; …and many other ways.  This should be your “year of getting involved”.

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Monday September 30th will start with the opening of the new Georgian Village in Penetanguishene. This $76 million investment in modern elderly living is a true showcase of what we can do.  At 7:00 pm that evening our housing service providers will meet to develop an area position on what we need for affordable housing over the next ten years. This meeting was called in response to the draft County strategy that raised many concerns with the area mayors and housing providers. The results of this meeting will be presented to the County when they come to Town on Tuesday.

If you have any spare time you will want to tune into the CBC Murdoch Mysteries on Monday.  The entire episode was filmed on the Keewatin and features many local actors. Look for an active discussion on that at Tim Hortons the next day.

On Tuesday Oct 1st at 1:00 pm you may wish to meet with County representatives to provide comment on their 10 year affordable housing and homelessness strategy. The meeting is at the Library. The strategy is at  http://www.simcoe.ca/dpt/ss/sh/index.htm#.UkhQ0IasiSo

Wednesday October 2nd features two Town meetings. At 6:00 pm is a closed meeting to discuss personal matters. At 7:00 pm at the Town is the Planning and Development Committee meeting. First up will be a public input meeting to discuss the proposed small apartment building project for 422 King St. (the old Sadie Moranis property). The developer wants to conserve the existing heritage building but to do so proposes to build a 14 unit apartment building in the large back-yard.  A number of residents have already commented that this would be inappropriate for the area. If you want to have input on the matter, this is your chance.

Later on the meeting will discuss site plan changes for the reclaimed electroplating business site at 351 Yonge St. and changes to our sign by-law to allow charities more flexibility in putting up signs for community events.


Thursday is for early risers as the North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corp. hosts its Small Business Week event at their new location (next to First for Safety on Fourth St.) at 7:30 am.  If you plan on attending please give them a call.

On Friday October 4th at 11:00 am the Waterfront Steering Committee will meet in the Council chambers. The meeting is open to the public.

Weekend

On Saturday at 7:30 pm you are invited to St. Pauls for a fundraising event for the Guesthouse (Out of the Cold). This event features our Sernata Choir.


Gord McKay


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

                                                                                              




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