Sunday, May 29, 2016

Sunday May 29, 2016


Ladies and Gentlemen



It’s not quite summer but there are already lots to get you outside. For example, today sees the wrap up of the CN Future Links Ontario Junior Golf Championship, showcasing the up and coming golfers in our province. Midland Golf and Country Club is the proud host for this major event.



Monday May 30th starts in Barrie at an Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) workshop to consider a better fiscal framework for municipalities. Municipalities are funded primarily through property taxes, which are both regressive and insufficient to fund many municipal programs. While change is some way off, this is an opportunity to get us started towards a better financial arrangement. Later on Monday I meet with a business interested in moving to Midland. Things are starting to happen.



Staying with the business theme, Tuesday the 31st is all about entrepreneurism. At 1:00 pm the Midland YMCA at 845 King Street is holding a “Boss Session” giving you all the information needed to start and operate your own small company. At 6:30 pm at the Library, the NSCFDC and Simcoe County present their third seminar on “Managing a Mature Business”.  Both events are free.



At 5:30 pm Council will attend the MPUC Annual General Meeting.  This meeting is not open to the public. It is expected to cover the receipt of financial information by MPUC’s sole shareholder (the Town) and a report about the results of MPUC’s discussions with other utilities about a sale or merger.



Wednesday June 1st is Tim Hortons’ Camp Day where they raise funds all across Canada to send needy children to summer camp.  Please drop by and show your support.  At 2:00 pm you are invited to Balm Beach in Tiny to see the installation of a “Mobile Mat”, allowing those in wheel chairs to navigate a sandy beach.



At 7:00 pm is PDC at Town Hall. The agenda includes:

-       Further consideration of the draft home occupation by-law

-       Site Plan for the Mountainview Mall redevelopment

-       Review of the Downtown Community Improvement Plan



And if you are looking for something a bit more exciting, at 8:30 pm the BIA screens the first downtown outdoor movie of the summer - Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  This free event takes place at the Town parking lot at King and Bay.  Come down and meet your neighbors.



Thursday the 2nd will see me in a philosophical frame of mind as I join the students at St. T’s for their Philosophers Café.  A challenging discussion as our young folk consider ways to change the world. At 6:30 pm you are invited to the Official Plan Steering Committee in the Council chamber.



At 7:00 pm Margaret Trudeau will be in Midland to tell us about her life challenges and experiences. The event is at the Highland Inn. Tickets are $150 with the proceeds going to Midland’s Guesthouse shelter.



And then it’s Friday. It starts with the four mayors meeting Patrick Brown to review area concerns. At 5:00 pm, summer kicks into high gear with the launch of the Georgian Bay In-Water Boat Show at Bayport marina. Your chance to see the best in boats and set yourself up for a summer on the water.



Weekend



Saturday



-       PSS will be holding its closing ceremonies at PSS this weekend.  MSS will hold its closing ceremony on June 10th, as all students prepare to move to the new regional high school to be located in Midland.

-       9:00 am to 5:00 pm the Georgian Bay In-Water Boat Show at Bayport Marina



Sunday



-       9:00 to 5:00 pm the Georgian Bay In-Water Boat Show at Bayport Marina

-       2:00 pm Legion Drum Head ceremony at St. Margaret’s/St. Mark’s Cemetery

-       7:00 pm the Bombadils bring the best of Celtic music to the MCC



Council Issues Update



MPUC



This week Council will receive the results of the survey conducted by the MPUC Board about possible partners for a sale or merger. This action has been taken as both the Board and Council recognize the increasing risk facing our small utility due to significant regulatory and technological change.



Council will meet about mid-June (in public) to decide its course of action. After that we will prepare the plan and resources to move our LDC asset to a better place. While change is stressful, Council is insistent on maintaining the key features that our citizens most value:

-       Stability of electrical rates

-       Quality of service

-       Being part of our community



Gord McKay





Your Year for Getting Aboard – Midland is on the Move - 2016

                                                                                              


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