Saturday, December 20, 2014

Saturday December 20, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

The Christmas holiday season has arrived.  Time for a well-deserved break from the regular routine – a time to reconnect with family and friends.  

This brings to a close “Midland’s Year of Decision Making”.  I don’t want to annoy you with a long recital of decisions that were made – Unimin land purchase; Fuller bike lane; a new Council - but I will take this opportunity to leave you with an example of what can happen when we decide to work together.

Over this past year there has been increasing anxiety in our community about our healthcare services, in particular the well-being of our hospital. The four mayors, who have no formal responsibility for healthcare, decided to get involved and help direct the evolution of healthcare for our citizens. On Wednesday of this past week, the four mayors met with the CEO’s of Georgian Bay General Hospital, the North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN and representatives of the Ministry of Health to sign a commitment to the future of our hospital. It reads in part:

“The Mayors of the four North Simcoe municipalities, in conjunction with Georgian Bay General Hospital and the North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN, are committed to:
1.       Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the hospital
2.       Maintaining suitable  hospital programs and services in our community hospital “
A first step – an important step. The decisions that we make every day are building a better Midland and area for all of us.

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A quiet two weeks ahead, especially with Town Hall closed from noon on the 24th to January 2nd.  A few year-end items:

The Salvation Army has had a successful Christmas season. It will be distributing 300 Christmas hampers to families and individuals this year.

The Keewatin is announcing a deal with the CBC to air their special video documentary "Bringin' her on Home". It will be shown a total of 120 times on both on the Discovery Channel and the CBC national network. That is a lot of people being introduced to Port McNicoll (and Midland) and Keewatin. Trailer link: https://vimeo.com/75834872

Winter farmers markets are open in Midland each Saturday at 9:00 am at the NSSRC and Sunday from noon to 5:00 pm at the old Brick location at the Mountainview Mall.

Christmas holidays are all about getting the family out skating. And there are plenty of opportunities for you this year. Free skating is provided by Tim Hortons at the NSSRC at 1:00 pm on December 22nd, 23rd, 29th, 30th, January 2nd and at 1:20 pm on December 27th and 28th. Bruce Stanton will be your host for free skating on Wednesday Dec 31st from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at NSSRC. And from the good rumour department, look for a new outdoor skating rink in the downtown area in the coming weeks.

Merry Christmas to all.


Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s Year of Making Decisions - 2014
                                                                                              


Sunday, December 14, 2014

Sunday December 14, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

The many faces of Christmas.

Yesterday my wife and I were over at the Guesthouse shelter dropping off some food. Easily thirty people in the crowded basement room, including children – talking, playing cards, politely waiting on supper. In the kitchen increasing concern as the meal had not yet arrived. 

Later that evening the Victorian Christmas Home Tour. A warm welcome greeted wayfarers at four century homes in downtown Midland. Christmas decorations that looked right out of a storybook. Topped off with a gingersnap and mulled wine.

This morning the Native Friendship Centre hosted its children’s Christmas party including a visit from the big guy. All of the chaos, the noise, the running around as one hundred plus excited children met Santa and hugged that special present. Brings back memories.


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Monday December 15th starts out early in the morning as the four mayors meet with the hospital and the LHIN.  We are working towards a common commitment to a sustainable community hospital in North Simcoe.  

At 2:00 pm that afternoon the Citizens Healthcare Steering Committee meets at Midland Town Hall to organize our work in educating the public on our healthcare needs and ensuring that the public has a voice at the table. Ms. Jill Tettmann of the NSMLHIN will be attending the meeting. Then at 3:30 pm the County Striking Committee meets to decide on Council and public appointments to the many County Committees.

No sooner am I finished at County, when it’s back to Midland for our own Striking Committee (a closed meeting at 6:00 pm) – followed by a special meeting of Council at 7:00 pm to ratify the new committee appointments and decide on our 2015 Sewer and Water rates. Please note that this Council meeting will include a public meeting (you may speak) about the proposed increase in water/sewer rates. See: http://www.midland.ca/Shared%20Documents/DRAFT%202015%20WATER%20AND%20SEWER%20RATES%20BY%20LAW%20NO%202014%2094.pdf

Tuesday starts back at County where the new County Council will be introduced to the 2015 budget. That evening at 7:00 pm is the regular meeting of Healthcare Innovators - a group of healthcare entrepreneurs investigating and acting upon opportunities for new healthcare jobs in our community.

Wednesday January 17th – another early morning meeting to review doctor recruitment in North Simcoe. Then at 11:00 am is a meeting with the Ministry of Health and Long term Care about – what else – our area’s healthcare services. (I anticipate that there will be a general public meeting in early 2015 to review where we are headed and to gain further direction from the public.)  At 4:00 pm that afternoon the Police Service Board meets to invest its new members and say good-bye to four retiring members.

Thursday January 14th at 4:30 pm is a Sistema concert at Huron Park School.  Sistema is a unique charity that helps children find their way by learning how to play music.

Friday December 19th wraps up the work week with the 11:00 am Waterfront Project Steering Committee at Town Hall.



Weekend

Saturday

-       1:20 to 2:30 pm Free holiday skate at NSSRC sponsored by Tim Hortons 

Sunday

-       1:20 to 2:30 pm Free holiday skate at NSSRC sponsored by Tim Hortons 

                                                      *****

This past week I completed a five day project sponsored by Karma Market, where I had to live entirely off of the food provided from the food bank. There were 17 different items in my box but it was quickly apparent that unless I ate most of the peanut butter and spaghetti I would not make it through. I was never hungry – there were enough proteins and calories. But after a week the prospect of another highly processed meal with no fruit or vegetables was most unappealing.

Observations and actions:
-       Food banks need more fresh produce (greens). While it may look better to hand over a bag stuffed with Kraft Dinner and tinned soup, I will be donating more cash in future
-       Cooking skills are important. Opening a tin of corn is hardly motivating. But with some culinary education and maybe some community cooking, you can turn the ordinary bland into some pretty interesting dishes. (ask about my Cheerio Tuna sauce)


Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s Year of Making Decisions - 2014
                                                                                              


Sunday, December 7, 2014

Sunday December 7 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

The Christmas season is upon us with a vengeance. With the “Cram a Cruiser” toy drive, Salvation Army kettles, neighbourhood parties, Christmas choral events – if it wasn’t so much fun it might be too much. Try to get some time to enjoy the quiet spirituality of the season.

Monday December the 8th sees me joining the “Eat the Math” food bank challenge.  For the next five days I will be living off of the food that is provided to our less fortunate who use our food banks. First impressions - lots of peanut butter and pasta. The program is organized by the Karma Food market for the purpose of drawing attention to the reality that every one of us should eat healthy foods. I believe that while food banks are well intentioned they are not able, on their own, to provide a healthy diet to those who often need it the most.

At 6:00 pm that evening is a closed session of Council to talk about committee appointments and labour relations. At 7:00 pm it’s a combination General Committee and Council meeting. This format is being used because of the recent election that disrupted the normal Council process.  A fairly long agenda that may take more than one evening:
-       Deputation from Fred Hacker on our Cultural Plan
-       Public meeting (you may speak) regarding the signage for the new LCBO on Highway 12
-       Announcing a date for Council’s Strategic Planning session
-       Decision on changes to the snowmobile routes in Town
-       Decision on our 2015 Water and Sewer rates – currently set to increase by 5%

On Tuesday December 9th at noon, Askennonia will be hosting their Christmas luncheon.  Please call them if you wish to attend.  At 1:00 pm its pomp and circumstance at the County Council inauguration, as the new Council is sworn in. Then to work. Councillors will choose the new Warden (Mayor Marshall is in the running) and Deputy Warden (Mayor Warnock is a candidate). The three Business Sections chairs will also be selected – I am running for Performance Management.

Wednesday December 10th at 7:00 pm you are invited by Penetanguishene to a meeting in their Town hall to hear about their transit plan. Discussions are underway between our two municipalities about an interconnecting transit link. A Midland meeting will be upcoming so you may wish to hear what our neighbours have to say.

On Thursday December the 11th you had better be up bright and early as the Dock’s Greatest Food Drive of All Time rolls into Town at the  Midland Foodland - 795 Balm Beach Rd. East 5:00 am -10:00 am – and the Penetanguishene Foodland - 2 Poyntz St. 11:00 am -1:00 pm. All donations will come back to our own area food banks to help those in need.

Thursday continues my regular meetings with area manufactures, with a visit by Elcan. Numerous meetings with our large employers over the last six months have shown a generally positive outlook towards expansion and job growth.

At 7:30 that evening, A Day in the Life features J. Patrick Boyer, a university professor, an author, a publisher, a writer, a journalist, a lawyer and a former Member of Parliament.  You’ll find Patrick to be charming, funny, very bright and quite outspoken.  Tickets at the MCC Box Office or online at www.midlandculturalcentre.com.


Weekend

Saturday

-       Victorian Christmas Home Tour sponsored by our Heritage Committee. Four lovely period homes will be featured all decked out for Christmas.  Visit from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Tickets available from Town Hall.
-       7:30 pm enjoy Carols by Serenata at St. Marks
-       For more weekend activities check out - http://www.midland.ca/visitors/events-calendar


                                                        *****

The Town of Midland has a new mascot. (No jokes) A darling penguin will be representing the Town at various events including the recent tree lighting. The problem, our cute new addition to the Town has no name.  If you have any creative ideas for a name please come to Winterfest Weekend January 30th – February 1st, 2015 and let the Town know.  Prizes will be awarded to the winner!


Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s Year of Making Decisions - 2014



Sunday, November 30, 2014

Sunday November 30, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

Santa has come to Town. A great day and a great Santa Claus parade.  I estimate that a couple of thousand people lined the route to wave at the jolly old elf. Lots of youngsters – and while I did not see it I believe our new Town mascot was in the parade.  So if you see a rather largish penguin wandering about the Town, she’s one of ours.

This week heralds the arrival of our new municipal councils. You have four council inaugurations to choose from in North Simcoe alone. Please consider dropping by to honour your fellow citizens who are prepared to spend the next four years helping make our municipalities belter for all of us.

                                                                  *****

Monday December 1st sees our annual YMCA Gifts to Give event. This special program allows individuals and families who are having a tough time making ends meet, select quality Christmas gifts for their loved ones. It takes place at the NSSRC from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. A food donation would be appreciated to help our Salvation Army Food Bank.

Inaugurations. Tiny Township invites you to welcome in its new Council at their Township offices at 1:00 pm.  Then at 7:30 pm it is your own Midland Council inauguration at 7:30 pm at the Town Council chambers.

Tuesday strikes a more serious note with a County Waste Management symposium at 2:00 pm at the County museum.

On Wednesday December 3rd the four mayors will meet to further our initiative to protect the area’s healthcare. Our major objectives are to ensure we continue to have a quality community hospital located here and that we sustain the range of medical services we enjoy in North Simcoe. Thanks to a combined effort, progress is being made with our hospital, the LHIN and the Ministry of Health.

At 7:00 pm you have a choice of meetings. The Penetanguishene Council inauguration will take place in their Council chambers on Robert Street. Midland will host its first Planning and Development Committee meeting of the new Council. (The agenda was not available at the time of writing so check the Town website at http://www.midland.ca/Pages/meetingagenda.aspx )

Thursday December the 4th sees more County Council orientation at 9:00 am in Midhurst. The meeting will also start the campaigning for the new County warden. And at 7:30 pm you are invited to the Tay Council inauguration in their chambers at 450 Park Street.  

Friday December the 5th - there will be no Waterfront Steering committee meeting. But there will be a cheque presentation by Bank of Nova Scotia to GBGH at 3:00 pm.  And at 7:00 pm it’s the Huronia Players AGM at the MCC.  The AGM is followed by a special variety show (still time for you to join HP as a member)


Weekend

Saturday

-       At 9:00 am the farmers market takes place at NSSRC
-       You are invited to a special day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The remembrance takes place at 2:00 pm in the Town Council chambers
-       Vox Huronia hosts its Christmas concert at St Paul’s church at 7:30 pm


Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s Year of Making Decisions - 2014
                                                                                              


Sunday, November 23, 2014

Sunday November 23, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

The work of one Council draws to a close and a new one begins.  You would think the business of the Town would be taking a bit of a breather but that’s not the case. Your new Councilors are going though “basic training”, getting their committee assignments and being updated on the challenges they will be facing at the Council table.

From your mayor’s perspective things have never been busier. Last term, a major accomplishment was having the four municipalities come together around economic development. This term it will be around healthcare. Over the past year we have seen a series of events that have raised concern about the long-term sustainability of our healthcare services – services critical to our future. These events include potential withdrawal of services from our area and structural funding shortfalls at GBGH. The four mayors (including a mayor-elect) have committed to joining forces to provide civic leadership on this important matter. It’s a long term initiative that will require informed public engagement.  I will keep you updated.

                                                                    *****

On Monday the 24th at 7:00 pm is the November Council meeting – the last one of this term of Council. A relatively short but none-the-less challenging agenda for a retiring Council:  
-       There will be a Public Meeting (you may speak) on the proposed new by-law for development charges. The by-law will freeze development charges for the five year period, subject to an annual review by Council
-       Two deputations and a number of letters on the proposed 2015 Watercross event on Little Lake
-       A by-law to allow Kaitlin to build 4 model homes in their Bayport property
-       A vote on the Source Water Protection by-law

On Tuesday its County’s last Council meeting for the term.  At noon, Askennonia invites you to the NSSRC for a luncheon honoring our veterans and featuring Conrad Black as the speaker.

Wednesday November 26th is relatively quiet except at the Huronia Museum. From 5:00 to 9:00 pm they will be hosting a reception to launch their new General Store exhibit.  Lots of good things happening at the museum these days.

Then it gets busy. At 7:00 am on Thursday November 27th the North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corp. (NSCFDC) and the Ontrario College of Trades host a skilled trades breakfast at the Best Western.  Then at 9:00 am County Councilors will assemble in Midhurst for their orientation.

In the afternoon, two long serving members of Town staff will be honored with separate retirement gatherings. At 1:00 pm you may wish to come and say farewell to Rick Leaney at the NSSRC. Rick has been the heart of our harbor operation for too many years to remember.  At 2:00 pm at the Fire Hall its Barb Anderson’s retirement.  While she does not have the title, Barb has been running our Fire Department - despite what the organization chart says.

And in the evening, two more special events:
-       The Town Tree lighting starts at 6:30 pm at the Town Dock with a parade up to the Library for a lighting ceremony at 7:00 pm. 
-       From 5:30 to 9:00 pm the famous “First Light” event at Sainte-Marie among the Hurons takes place with over 5,000 candles. Admission is $10.00 per person with a non-perishable food item.  This “Top 100 in Ontario” event will take place on the evenings of November 27, 28, and 29.

On Friday, November 28th, 2014 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Brian Orser Arena, is a business presentation organized by our NSCFDC. The topic entitled “The Balanced Scorecard and Organizational Effectiveness” will be presented by Frieda Ambroziak.  Pre-registration is required at the NSCFDC 705.526.1371 ext. 113

Your new municipal Council will be going through a day of orientation. And if they survive that they are invited to the staff Christmas party that evening.

Weekend
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…..

Saturday
-        The Civitan Santa Claus parade will start down King Street from Little Lake Park at 11 am
-       The Serenata Choir Christmas choral presentation, including the Georgian Bay Brass, is at 7:30 pm at St. Paul’s 
-       Midland Secondary School hosts their artisan show at MSS from 9:00 to 3:00 pm. This will raise money for the MSS Learning Centre.
-       Final day for First Light at Ste. Marie

Sunday

-       The Children’s Community Choir is hosting its Christmas show at St Paul’s at 7:00 pm
-       Midland Secondary School – second day for their artisan show at MSS from 9:00 to 3:00 pm.

                                                                   *****
And in closing I have a local charity that requires 300 square feet of dry storage for clean materials. If you have any space you can make available, let me know.


Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s Year of Making Decisions - 2014
                                                                                              



Sunday, November 16, 2014

Sunday November 16, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

The snow is here – and we love it, right  ;-)

A number of major developments on our area tourism front you should know about. Some three years ago the four North Simcoe municipalities identified tourism as a major economic pillar and decided to devote time and energy to building our tourism capabilities.  A consulting firm was brought in to develop a tourism plan. The plan was turned over to the new Tourism Action Plan Committee (TAP). That Committee is made up of our major area tourism services and attractions and all four municipalities.

Their first task was to choose a “brand” for our area. Not a simple task.  For example, when you say “Muskoka” most people think of lakes; woods; a Muskoka chair on a dock; and getting away from it all. When you say “Mildand/Penentanguishene/Tiny/Tay” – not much comes to mind. So we need a brand and that starts with selection of a brand name. Ladies and gentlemen that name is:  “The Heart of Georgian Bay”..” Au Coeur de la Baie Georgian” 

Initial work to build our brand has started with the launch of our area tourism website www.GOgbay.ca.  More website work to come. Additionally, four TAP members (Martyrs’ Shrine/Wye Marsh/Huronia Museum/Keewatin) are developing a “Passport” marketing initiative for the tour and vacation markets, and will use a telemarketing campaign to attract new visitors to our area. And to cap off our excellent tourism week, the Province on Ontario has just announced that both St. Marie Among the Hurons and the SS Keewatin are now recognized as "Ontario Signature Experiences"

Our tourism initiative is on a roll.

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Monday November 17th – your chance to enjoy good food at Boston Pizza and help out the Frank Graham 2015 Cycle Liberation Tour. Boston Pizza has graciously agreed to donate 10% of all food sales between 5:00 and 8:00 pm towards this special veteran’s event.  Then at 5:30 pm it’s the Big Brothers and Sisters AGM at NSSRC. 

A very busy evening on Tuesday November 18th.  At 6:15 pm the Salvation Army will launch its Christmas kettle campaign. The kick-off is at the Canadian Tire store on Hwy 93.  At 6:30 pm you are invited to join the Guesthouse for its AGM at St. Paul’s church. And at 7:30 pm at MCC, A Day in the Life features the internationally renowned Canadian tenor, Mr. Ben Heppner. Ben Heppner has been hailed as the finest dramatic tenor of our era.   He has excited audiences in the great opera halls of the world and with many of the leading orchestras.

Wednesday the 19th the four mayors will meet to start developing a plan to support our hospital and healthcare services.  The mayors are coming together in response to growing concerns about the potential loss of healthcare services and shortfalls in hospital funding. Left unaddressed, these challenges could negatively impact our future. The solution includes effective civic engagement, starting with the mayors and involving all citizens.  I expect the mayors to meet regularly over the next few years and involve the public fully in the process.

Thursday November 20th is another busy day. At 9:00 am the County will bring in the newly elected Councilors for their first training session. A lot to learn.  At 9:30 am the County is hosting a half day workshop entitled “Housing Solutions for Simcoe County” at the Simcoe County Museum in Midhurst.

That evening at 7:00 pm the YMCA Peace Medallion will be awarded to We are the Villagers charity for the excellent work that they do in our community with underprivileged children. The award will be accepted by Julianna Matayas and Geoff Crompton, the driving forces behind the charity. That’s at the YMCA Employment Centre at 334 King St. Please bring a non-perishable food item

On Friday November the 21st you may wish to attend the regular Waterfront Project Committee meeting at 11:00 am at Town Hall.  Then for your evening entertainment at 7:00 pm John Kokkinos opens his Digital Labyrinth exhibit in the Quest Gallery at the MCC. And at 8:00 pm it’s the Big Wigs stage show extraordinaire, also at the MCC.


Weekend

Saturday

-       9:00 am you will want to visit the fall and winter Farmers Market at NSSRC

-       10:00 am artists takeover the Huronia Museum until 4 pm with all sorts of artwork and crafts

-       Also at 10:00 am the Friends of the Midland Public Library will be marking the 4th anniversary of the Book Cellar, the library’s used bookstore. Buy a bag of books for $5. The sale runs until 2 pm with funds raised going to support your library

-       7:00 pm the Martels Rock and Roll show at NSSRC

-       8:00 pm its Big Wigs at the MCC

Sunday

-       From 10:00 am to 4:00 pm is the Lorraine Jordan Community Carnival at the old Zellers location at the Mountainview mall.  Games, blow up castles, food, cotton candy and much more. Admission is free with a non-perishable food item or the donation of a new or nearly new item for YMCA Gifts to Give. All proceeds to local charities.



Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s Year of Making Decisions - 2014
                                                                                              




Sunday, November 9, 2014

Sunday November 9, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

Lots of buzz around the new Council and the looming prospect of snow.  Most citizens are pleased with the mix on Council, made up of some new young blood together with returning veterans. Comments about the snow are a lot frostier.


Monday November the 10th gets the old Councils back to work. Both County Council and Midland Council are “lame ducks” due to the large number of new members. County Council will meet at 9:00 am in Midhurst. Midland Council will meet in closed session at 6:00 pm to discuss a labour matter.  At 7:00 pm is the General Committee meeting.  A short agenda including:
-       Recommendation to allow Kaitlin to build 4 model homes at Bayport
-       Recommendation to adopt a new Source Water Protection Plan
-       Discussion on how to organize farmers markets for the 2015 season
-       Discussion of the Watercross event planned for Little Lake in 2015


Tuesday is Remembrance Day. Town Hall will be closed. Please join our men and women in uniform at the Cenotaph at 10:30 am for the Remembrance Day ceremony. At 5:30 pm that evening the Midland Legion Branch 80 will be hosting a special dinner in honour of our veterans.

The students of St. Theresa’s High Scholl are preparing a very special tribute to our service men and women. They have made commemorative markers, each identifying one the soldiers from our area who has fallen in the war. The markers will be posted along the path from St. Ts to the Cenotaph. The students will stand by the markers and help you better know those who have given us our freedom. Please make a point of stopping and talking with these special students.  

The four (new) mayors have had a number of discussions recently about how we can best ensure quality healthcare for our area. We have all agreed that effective public participation is essential, including direct participation by the mayors. The mayors will be meeting with GBGH on Thursday to better understand the existing funding model and to chart a course that will lead to a long-term sustainable financial commitment to our hospital by the LHIN.

Also on Thursday at 6:30 pm at the Library, the Severn Sound Environmental Association will be holding its annual partners reception.

On Friday November 14th, the Town will host a farewell reception for Deborah White, who is retiring after many years of the service to the Town, most recently in our Treasury department.
The reception starts at 1:00 pm at Town Hall.  Please come out and wish Deb well.

That evening at 8:00 pm at MCC, Huronia Players launches its 2014/15 season with It’s A Wonderful Life.   Can’t say enough about our wonderful theatre troupe.


Weekend

Saturday

-       We are the Villagers hosts a very imaginative event at the Library from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  A village is being set up and children will get to meet the people who make the village work – the postman, the baker – guess who plays the mayor? Should be lots of fun for families.
-       Victorian Christmas Street Festival at the NSSRC from10:00 am to 4:00 pm – all proceeds go to the Midland OSPCA


Sunday

-       Brookside Music brings White Night in Russia to the MCC at 2:00 pm. A tour de force of Russian composers on piano and viola


Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s Year of Making Decisions - 2014
                                                                                              



Sunday, November 2, 2014

Sunday November 2, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

The 2014 election is behind us and your Council has changed – significantly. There are five new members who will bring energy and talent to the challenges ahead. It’s a good result for Midland.  I just wish we could get the voting percentage up over the 41% mark. Official  results at: http://www.midland.ca/Shared%20Documents/Official%20Results1.pdf

The current Council will remain in place until the end of November. With only four Council members continuing, the Council is now known as a “lame duck” council.  As such Council will not be able to make and significant decisions affecting the Town during the month of November. But we can talk.

                                                                *****

Monday November 3rd will see the public start of the Downtown Master Plan study.  You are invited to the public launch at the MCC at 6:30 pm. There will be presentations from a number of community leaders and a chance for you tell us what you want for your future downtown. Should wrap up about 9:00 pm

On Tuesday November 4th the work on the Downtown Master Plan continues with a Steering Committee meeting at Town Hall at 9:00 am. You are welcome to attend. At 5:00 pm, also at Town Hall, Bell Mobility will hold an open house about their wireless plans for our area.

That evening at 7:30 pm at the MCC, it’s a Day in the Life with Louise Pitre.  Ms Pitre is a Tony Award nominated songstress, often regarded as Canada’s first lady of musical theatre. Should be an interesting interview moderated by Fred Hacker.

Wednesday November 5th at 7:00 pm will see one of the shortest Planning and Development Committee meetings ever. Two items on the agenda;
-       Recommendation to move the draft Source Protection Plan to Council for approval
-       Economic development report, including the first report from our new economic development corporation

Thursday the 6th is the start of the Ontario Contact Conference at the MCC. This conference will bring 300 delegates from performers to agents to our Town. The three-day conference features contemporary and classical music, dance, theatre, spoken word, and youth orientated programming. This is an excellent opportunity to get involved in the performing arts sector. http://ontariocontact.ca/news/ontario-contact-2014-november-6-8-midland
Friday November 7th will feature the regular Waterfront Steering committee at 11:00 am at Town Hall.  Then at 5:00 pm is a very special tribute to our veterans of the First Would War.  The  Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 80 will be hosting a dinner at its premises at 196 Queen starting at 6:30 pm.  That will be followed by a presentation by Dr. Nicholls who will tell us what conditions were like for our men and women who served in the Great War. Tickets are $25 and available in advance at Huronia Museum (705.526.2844

And don’t forget, the Ontario Contact Conference is at the MCC all day.

Weekend

Saturday
-       Georgian College has an Open House from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at its Midland campus. Your chance to see campus life.
-       The last day of the Ontario Contact Conference at the MCC



Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s Year of Making Decisions - 2014
                                                                                              


Sunday, October 26, 2014

Sunday October 26, 2014

Ladies and Gentlemen

Election Day is upon us.  27 candidates have put their names forward to be your representatives in the challenging years ahead. It is now your turn to choose where Midland is headed. Please take time to go and vote.

Monday October 27th is Election Day. The voting location is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Voting takes place in the gymnasium, North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre (NSSRC), 527 Len Self Boulevard. Remember you must bring identification with you to the voting location

Tuesday – the day after – a collective sigh of relief and hopefully the removal of most of the election signs.  Healthcare Innovators will meet at the ShopMidland location at 7:00 pm.  Healthcare Innovators is a group of healthcare entrepreneurs who meet regularly to identify and build new healthcare businesses in our community. This is essential work in building out area’s new economy.

Wednesday October 29th, the business of the Town gets back into full swing. The day has three good examples of citizens engaged with municipal leaders to build our community.
1.     At 10:00 am at Midland Town Hall is the first meeting of the Seniors Healthcare Steering Group. This group was announced at the recent public senior’s healthcare meeting.  Its purpose is to build a strong relationship between the citizens of North Simcoe and the healthcare providers/system. It will allow citizens to be more aware of what is really happening with their healthcare and enable us to provide timely direction. Committee membership is limited - the public is welcome. (This is not a Town of Midland committee)

2.     At 3:00 pm at Town Hall is the meeting of the North Simcoe Housing Working Group.  This public stakeholder group is supporting the whole of North Simcoe in advising the County about what affordable housing measures we need in our area. The meeting will discuss a number of innovative affordable housing models that we may wish to bring to North Simcoe. The public is welcome. (This is not a Town of Midland committee)

3.      At 6:30 pm the BIA will be meeting in a brainstorming session at Lot 102 to come up with new event ideas for our downtown. This creative exchange of ideas is an excellent example of how we can all make our Town better. (The BIA is a Committee of the Town of Midland)

By working together, we can solve any of the challenges facing our citizens. If you want to get involved or have a challenge that needs some work, let me know.

Thursday starts out with County Council at 9:00 am in Midlhurst. Then at noon I will be in Barrie with the Georgian College Board of Governors, talking about enhancing their presence in our area.

Friday the 31st – Hallowe’en. And what better way to celebrate than a Monster Halloween Dance hosted by Twisted Pines at NSSRC 7:00 pm.



Gord McKay


Be part of Midland’s Year of Making Decisions - 2014