Sunday, November 8, 2015

Sunday November 8, 2015


Ladies and Gentlemen



A bright and sunny week ahead. I hope to see you at the Cenotaph on Wednesday as we remember our fallen sons and daughters.



I often get asked about what’s new in the Town.  My answer is “a lot”. Let me give you a quick summary.



Many are aware that things seem to be happening – service delivery is being reviewed; budgets are being reduced; new initiatives undertaken. It’s true. Council is looking at all of the Town’s operations with the view to improving service delivery while better managing costs. The process naturally starts with tough questions. The answers that Council selects will move Midland to the more prosperous forward-looking community we all want. Council’s direction is contained in its Strategic Plan.  It was adopted earlier this year. If you have a few moments take a look at http://www.midland.ca/PublishingImages/council-strategic-plan/TownOfMidland-StrategicPlan.pdf



Getting down to specifics:

  • Downtown Health Centre (Edgehill Park) - Council voted in favour of this important healthcare project. It has been appealed to the OMB. We will have to wait likely until spring, to receive the provincial body’s direction.
  • Midland Bay Landing – A downturn in the Chinese economy has affected the timing for some of the funding for the project. Our partner, the short-term funding and the contractual terms all remain in place and are being honoured. Our partner is actively looking for additional funding.
  • MPUC – Council is exploring the options for a better business arrangement for our small utility. These options include possible merger or sale. Council is in the process of asking other electrical companies what they would propose to meet our needs. I anticipate that a formal request for interest will be issued by year end.
  • Council has given direction to obtain a costing for service from the OPP. This process is expected to start this fall. Council has made no decision as to whether we will go with the OPP or not.
  • Budget – The 2016 budget is one of many budget steps that will move Midland to a more cost efficient municipality. This budget round in particular will start the process of asking the tough questions while making sure the quality of service we enjoy is protected or enhanced.
  • On the development side we are starting to see more quality jobs and development activity in our Town:
    • The Highway 12 – Jones Road should be open any day. MTO is being slow in granting its approval.
    • Marina Park has been acquired by Romspen who are actively working on its completion.
    • Mountainview Mall is under new ownership. They are considering aligning the stores scattered throughout the mall along the mall’s County Road 93 frontage.
    • Pearl Mist and St. Laurent cruise ships will visit us 14 times in 2016.

      And there’s a lot more. If you have any questions, please contact myself, your Councillor or Town staff. We are there to help.

                                                                                *****


      Monday November the 9th is just busy. At 5:00 pm you may wish to attend the meeting of the Citizen’s Healthcare Steering Committee at GBGH. From 6:00 to 8:00 pm the County of Simcoe invites you to its regional Transit Consultation session at the Midland Library.  This meeting will help the County decide on its support for area transit projects. Also at 6:00 pm is a closed meeting of Council as we assess nominations for the annual Merit Awards. And at 7:00 pm is the November General Committee meeting, including:
  • Update on the Senior 55+ Summer Games to be hosted by Midland in 2016
  • Consideration of our joint transit arrangement with Penetanguishene
  • Discussion of the municipal “dashboard” to guide the implementation of Council’s strategic plan
  • Discussion on live streaming to the internet of Council meeting

    Tuesday the 10th is a little more relaxed with the County Council meeting at 9:00 am in Midlhurst.  At 7:30 pm A Day in the Life returns to the MCC with a special guest, Dr. Abdul Hai Patel. Fred Hacker will engage Dr. Patel in a discussion about the tenets of the Islamic faith and how it fits into our Canadian society.

    On Wednesday November the 11th we will gather at 10:30 am at the Cenotaph to remember those who have fought and fallen for our Country.

    Thursday is also an exceptionally busy day. At 6:30 pm the Severn Sound Environmental Association will hold its annual partner reception at the Library. At 7:00 pm is the 2016 Ontario 55+ Summer Games launch event at the NSSRC. Please come and find out more about the 18 events, the new logo and opportunities to volunteer at the games.


At 7:00 pm, Quest Art School + Gallery will be hosting their third annual Quest Art at Home event.  For $365, patrons can borrow an original work of art by a prominent Simcoe County artist for one year, plus they will receive a $300 tax receipt and a Quest Art family membership valued at $65. All proceeds from Quest Art at Home are directed to visual arts educational programs for children, teens, adults and seniors.  Contact Karen Mealing at 705-526-ARTS (2787).



And if that is not enough, at 8:00 pm at the MCC, Community Living Huronia features a fun evening of lip-sync entertainment and the sounds of Kitty and the Boyz.



Friday the 13th.  At noon, a luncheon will be hosted at GBGH to recognize the Nurse Practitioners in our area. Then at 2:00 pm we roll into the Christmas season as the Salvation Army launches its Christmas Kettle campaign at Walmart. Two items for you at 8:00 pm:

  • Huronia Players launches its new theater season with the opening of Mr. Everything at the MCC
  • AC/DC tribute band performs at the MCC (I grew up on AC/DC)

    Weekend

    Saturday
  • Victorian Christmas Gift and Craft show at the NSSRC from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  All proceeds to the Ontario SPCA.


                                                      *****

This week, Mr. Eric Conroy, affectionately known as “Captain Rick”, announced he would step down as General Manager and leader of the SS Keewatin project. The Keewatin came back to Port McNicoll in 2012 in no small part because of the vision and energy of Captain Rick. The good news is that Eric will be staying on as a volunteer. Truly a builder of our community.



And in closing on a bit of happy news. Reader’s Digest will be publishing an article about our Butter Tart event in their January issue.  Wonderful exposure for Midland and area!







Gord McKay













Be part of Midland’s Year of Bold Action - 2015

                                                                                              


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