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
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