Sunday June 4, 2017

Ladies and Gentlemen

It’s been a busy week in Midland. This past Thursday the details of the sale of our MPUC to Newmarket-Tay Hydro were announced.  While attendance was light at the public meeting those who were there enjoyed meeting the Board and senior staff from Newmarket-Tay.  We are going to get along well.  For more information from the meeting please visit www.poweringmidland.ca. Council will now turn its attention to how to best manage the $22M we have received from the sale.

This past week we met with two companies who are thinking of making major investments in Midland. Also I expect the manufacturer who will be taking over the Pillsbury plant to be announced next month.  It seems that our economic development work is starting to pay off.

And lastly if you were down in Little Lake Park this past week and noticed some fantastic artwork on the sidewalks, that was courtesy of the students from GBDSS, Bayview, Mundy’s Bay, and Huron Park.

The Week Ahead

The busy part of the week starts on Tuesday June 6^th. Big Bike for Heart and Stroke is coming back to Midland. If you want to join the ride that starts at our waterfront at 10:00 am please contact Councillor Jon Main at jmain@midland.ca.

Our Library will be the centre of action for June. They are introducing three new events all starting on June 6^th.

1.     Like A Boss – From 3:30-4:30 pm students get to think like an entrepreneur.  From business plans and finances, to taxes, to market research – there’s a lot to think about! Tap into ongoing workshops and mentorship, plus a shot at $1000. To register, email alexandra.obrien@sm.ymca.ca

2.     Paws for a Story – Every Tuesday this June from 4:30-5:30 pm help your child embrace the love of reading while enjoying positive experiences with animals. Call to register your child, aged 6-10, for a 15 minute reading session with a registered therapy dog.

3.     Makers of Midland – From 6:00-7:00 pm join other creators and creative crafts-people and share your projects and tips. Hear their stories and maybe learn a new skill! Bring a project you’re proud of or are currently working on.

Contact Amanda at the Midland Library 705-526-4216.  

At 6:30 pm you are invited to the BIA AGM taking place at Shopmidland, the corner of King and Hugel.  At 7:30 pm it’s A Day in the Life at the MCC featuring Steve Paikin. Steve is a host of TVO's flagship current affairs program The Agenda. He is a journalist, author and documentary producer. He recently authored Bill Davis: Nation Builder, and Not so Bland after All. Tickets are available online at www.midlandculturalcentre.com or at the Box Office at 333 King St., Midland.

On Wednesday June 7^th at noon please join our seniors at NSSRC for a lunch and learn. The topic is “Protecting your Nest Egg” presented by retired Justice Bob Main and Mr. Steve Reynaud.  At 6:00 pm you are invited to take the stage as Midland Has Talent struts its stuff at the MCC. Also at 6:00 pm Council is likely to hold a special meeting. Please check the Town website for details as the agenda has not yet been published. Then at 7:00 pm it’s Planning and Development Committee at Town Hall. The agenda includes:

-       A Public Meeting (you may speak) on Second Units

-       Site Plan for a new Montana’s restaurant (at Mountainview mall)  

-       The Source Protection Plan implementation study

On Thursday June 8^th at 6:00 pm at NSSRC the County, Midland and Penetanguishene are hosting a Public Information Centre on the redesign of Highway 93 through Midland and Penetanguishene. The discussion will feature the problematic intersection of Hwy 93 and Vinden. Later that evening Drayton launches its 2017 season at Kings Wharf with the Terry Fox inspired Marathon of Hope.

And to help you ease into a busy weekend, you should take in Friday’s Jazz & Blues Festival at the Library.  From 3:00 to 6:00 pm enjoy rhythm and blues at the Library with this week’s featured artist Jo Gravelle. This free concert is part of the Barrie Jazz & Blues Festival .

Week - End

Saturday June 10

-       8:00 am the Butter Tart Trot, featuring 1.0, 5.0 and 10.0 km runs at Ste. Marie Among the Hurons

-       9:00 am - Butter Tart all day. 40,000 visitors, 150,000 Butter Tarts – what more needs be said – have fun http://buttertartfestival.ca/

-       6:00 pm – The County hosts the Wardens Pace at Innisfil Raceway

Council Issues Update

MPUC

Council will now turn its attention to the proper stewardship of the funds received from the sale of the MPUC. The public will be invited to actively participate in the discussion. An announcement of upcoming meetings on this topic should be made shortly.

                                                                *****

The County has introduced a new social program to our area – the Circles Program. It is based on an innovative approach to poverty reduction. The program avoids lecturing individuals about how to avoid poverty but rather works with them intensively as a partner who joins them on their journey to beat poverty. I have already spoken to a few individuals who have experienced the Program and they say it has changed their lives.  For more information take a look at the County’s Circles website at Simcoe County Circles Website.

Gord McKay

The Year for Getting It Done - 2017