Sunday, May 21, 2017

Sunday May 21, 2017


Ladies and Gentlemen



Warmer weather may be proving elusive but things are heating up in Midland. My discussions with a number of folks in the real estate business indicate the home prices are up by about 30% year over year in Midland. The Pillsbury property has now been sold to a manufacturer. The sale will close in July at which time we will have more information about who is moving in and how many jobs are being created. Also this week I met with a manufacturer from the city who is thinking of relocating to our area. Midland is the place to be.



The Week Ahead



Monday 22 – Town Hall closed for Victoria Day.   





On Tuesday the 23rd it is back to work (for some). At 9:00 am County Council will deal with a number of items that affect our area. Good news on the housing front as the waiting list for rent-geared-to-income housing has decreased by 3.5% since last year.  At 6:00 pm is a closed meeting of Council to discuss two items: 1) Appointments to the Community Service Advisory Committee; 2) disposition of land. Then at 7:00 pm is the May Council meeting. A short agenda with some interesting items:

-       Council will start the discussion on how to manage the proceeds of the sale of our MPUC. The principal amount received from the sale is about $22 million

-       Finalization of your 2017 property tax rate. Expect an average tax increase of 1% for residential property owners over 2016

-       Discussion of acquiring a service to help locate grants for the many charities in our community



Wednesday May 24th is Rotary’s Random Acts of Kindness Day – a chance for each of us to show our fellow citizens a little compassion.  Rotary is hosting a free BBQ at the dock at 12 noon, while the Town invites you to drop by Town Hall for a coffee and a chat. At 1:00 pm is day one of the Culture Grows Here conference taking place at MCC. For more details, please see http://experience.simcoe.ca/culture-grows-here



Starting at 3:00 pm the Mental Wellness Ambassadors at Georgian Bay District Secondary School are hosting a Wellness Fair.  Students from GBDSS, Tay Shores Public School and James Keating Elementary Schools invite you to drop by the event at Little Lake Park and see how today’s schools have embraced the challenge of mental health. Also at 3:00 pm is the MCC AGM, taking place in the Town’s Council chambers. Later at 5:00 pm you are invited to visit the County’s skilled trades expo at the Wyevale Community Centre.



Thursday, a quieter day with the Culture Grows Here conference continuing at the MCC.



On Friday the 26th I attend an all-day County conference to discuss the coordination and sharing of services amongst the County and its municipalities.  Over the last four years Midland has successfully shared resources and services with Penetanguishene, Tiny and Tay.  Seems the County wants to take this even further.  Friday also sees the 93rd Toronto Conference of the United Church of Canada. The church conference, hosted by St. Pauls, will bring about 350 visitors to our area.



From 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm the Midland Legion is hosting another one of their famous spaghetti dinners.  Then at 8:00 pm Brian Neale, the lead singer of Northern Harbour, returns to Midland’s MCC with his “Livin’ the Life”, concert featuring Jimmy Buffett songs, Brian’s own original compositions, and the hits of Neil Diamond, Elton John, James Taylor and others.

A fun way to “kick off summer”!!  





Week - End



Saturday May 27



-       10:00 am to 12 noon, Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Simcoe is hosting an “Every Day is Earth Day- Litter A Thon” to clean up our communities. Youth aged 6-18 are encouraged to participate (parents are encouraged to attend as well). Participants must pre-register through the Big Brothers Big Sisters office (705-526-5051).  Once the 2 hours of collecting litter are complete, participants will return to the BBBS parking lot at 67 Fourth Street for prize awards and a treat

-       11:00 am the Midland Bay Sailing Club launches its 2017 season with a sail past. Look for lots of sails in the harbour

-       8:45 pm Wye Marsh holds its Marsh by moonlight paddle series at Wye Marsh



Sunday May 28



12:30 pm is the Hospice Huronia Walk, starting from the curling club in Penetanguishene

1:00 pm – the Midland Lions guide dog walk starts at the Town dock

2:00 pm - GB Garden Tour hosts a launch evet for its July Garden Tour

8:00 pm - Huronia Hotstrings Gypsy Jazz at MCC featuring our own Jessica Lalonde



Council Issues Update



Budget



The 2017 budget and tax rate should be finalized this week with a tax rate increase of 1%. The 2018 budget process will start shortly with the first public meeting likely in the early fall. 



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Two general items in closing.



1)     Midland Seniors Council is hosting its annual luncheon on Wednesday June 7th at the NSSRC. Featured speakers this year are retired Justice Bob Main and Bob Reynaud.  They will give you all sorts of advice on how to protect your retirement nest egg.  Get your tickets early at the NSSRC ticket office, the GBGH Gift Shop or at Askennonia

2)     Pickleball is coming to St Theresa’s and Georgian Bay District Secondary Schools. St Ts starts play this month with GBDSS in September.  This up and coming sport serves all age groups. For further information contact Garry Morehouse at mapickleball@hotmail.com





Gord McKay





The Year for Getting It Done - 2017

                                                                                              



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