Sunday October 29, 2017

Ladies and Gentlemen

Over the last few weeks News from the Town has covered the Town’s Service Delivery Review process - essentially a top to bottom look at the services we provide to our residents with the view to see where we can improve. So it’s not surprising that the Town wants your input on what you think of our current services and those we should be implementing.  To this end the Town has prepared a survey located at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/midlandcomsurvey).

It takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and will be accessible until Wednesday, November 15^th.  If you do not have a computer, paper copies are available at the following locations:

·         Town of Midland Municipal Office (575 Dominion Ave.)

·         North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre (527 Len Self Blvd.)

·         Midland Public Library (320 King St.)​

·         Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre (175 Yonge St.)

Thank you for your help.

The Week Ahead

Monday October 30^th the Midland Bay Landing Steering committee meets at Town Hall at 3:00 pm to review the proposed Municipal Service Corporation (MSC).  Council was informed earlier this month about using a MSC to manage the development of the Midland Bay Landing property. The MSC would be an arms-length corporation controlled by Council and made up of members of the public and Council.  The MSC would bring the benefits of faster development decisions and a more skills-based management of the development. The potential downside may be that Council would not be involved directly in all development decisions. You will have your opportunity to learn more about the MSC and chance to comment at 6:00 pm when a public meeting about the MSC is hosted in the Council Chambers.

Also at 6:00 pm Haunted Huronia takes place at the Penetanguishene amphitheater.  This free event will feature our local improv group Good Morning Apocalypse, and an introduction to their new film series about haunted locations in Huronia.  And at the same time at NSSRC, you are invited to a discussion by medical professionals on Diabetes and Your Health. This free event is sponsored by Diabetes Canada.  For information call Fran at 705-245-7611.

Tuesday is Hallow’een. Looks a bit soggy but get out and have fun.

On Wednesday November 1^st Rosewood Women’s Shelter hosts the public launch of their new Operation Grow location at 436 Bay Street, the old LCBO. The event is from 5:00 to 7:30 pm. You are invited to see Midland’s first “vertical garden” in our downtown that will supply us with fresh produce year round. At 7:00 pm it’s the Planning and Development Committee meeting at Town Hall. Topics include:

-       OPA and ZBA direction for the new Jarlette geriatric center at 858 King Street

-       ZBA direction for a proposed four story condominium apartment building at 281 Midland Avenue

On Thursday the 2^nd MCC proudly presents the award winning Canadian musical Billy Bishop Goes to War. It dramatizes the life of Canadian World War 1 fighter pilot Billy Bishop and is one of the most famous and widely produced plays in Canadian theatre history. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

Week - End

Saturday November 4

-       7:30 am – Join the Water Walk with Beausoleil First Nation, celebrating the Alliston aquafer that passes under the territory of the pre-confederation treaties 5 and 16. The walk starts at Cedar Point, French’s Road in Tiny, with a sunrise ceremony.  Visit www.facebook.com/events/1951551501766738/ or call Vicki Monague at 705-427-0512

-       10:00 am - Tribal Visions Dance in Visions of Turtle Island takes place at MCC. Tribal Vision Dance Troupe is from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. It includes champion singers and dancers with a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with young audiences and families and a desire to build deeper understanding and appreciation of First Nations culture

-       1:00 pm to 4:00 pm - St Pauls Renovation Celebration and dedication of their recent accessibility renovations. Greetings are at 1:15 pm, followed by music and refreshments. All are welcome.

Sunday November 5

-       7:30 am – Join the Water Walk - Day 2. The walk starts at Cedar Point, French’s Road in Tiny, with a sunrise ceremony.  (See Saturday description)

-       7:00 pm - Guy David brings his southern music to the stage at MCC. His musical storytelling was influenced by artists like Blind Willie McTell, Big Bill Broonzy and Lightnin’ Hopkins. https://www.youtube.com/watch/?ref=0&v=p5xrwYxOO-k

Council Issues Update

MBL

While the Midland Bay Landing site may appear quiet these days, there is lot going on in the background.  Three of the four foundational site studies are now completed. The funding request for the fourth study is with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and we are expecting a positive response. The market is active too with developers making inquiries and the occasional unsolicited offer.  Council will consider the Municipal Service Corporation proposal before we take the MBL properly back out to market.

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This week we received the not unexpected news that Barnstormers Brewery was not going to go forward with their Midland waterside project at this time. (See Midland media release at http://www.midland.ca/Pages/News-room.aspx#Barnstormer.) The reason simply was that the site is a brownfield site and contains pollutants left over from past industries that have been part of our 100 year old downtown. With regards to public safety, the level of contamination does not exceed Ontario guidelines so does not pose any immediate health risk.  But if we are to continue our downtown redevelopment we must take action.

The Town will start immediately with an analysis of historical records to identify the likely sources of historical pollution. With that information some site drilling will occur to properly map out the area. This information will then be used to develop a remediation plan to ensure that we can continue to enjoy and develop our downtown confidently for the next 100 years.

Dustin Norlund, President of Barnstormers, still intends to be part of Midland’s downtown. We will get this cleaned up and enjoy a good glass of Barnstormer’s in Midland yet.

Gord McKay

The Year for Getting It Done - 2017

                                                                                              

Sunday October 22, 2017

Ladies and Gentlemen

Quite something when it’s October 22^nd and people are out in shorts and sea-dooing on the Bay. But beneath it all is that feeling of apprehension – must be snow out there somewhere.  The reality of living in Canada.

The Week Ahead

A good start to Monday the 23^rd with the official groundbreaking for the new downtown health centre at 11:30 am. You are invited to join the ceremony at Edge Hill Park, close to the corner of Manly and Bayshore.

At 5:00 pm Council goes into a closed meeting to discuss the sale of municipal property, security of municipal property and personal matters. At 7:00 pm you are invited to attend the October Council meeting. The meeting will include:

-       Two deputations;

o    Update by Sharon Vegh of EDCNS on what they have accomplished

o    Update on our North Simcoe Tourism initiative

-       Proposed tribute to Gord Downie scheduled for Little Lake Park on October 28^th

-       Recommendation for heritage protection of the “Grand Mansions``  district on King Street

-       Interim report on the results of the Service Delivery Review project

-       A number of proposed changes to the Town`s financial arrangements, specifically reserve allocations and internal loans policies

Tuesday the 24^th starts with County Council in Midhurst at 9:00 am.   The most interesting agenda item is the proposal to have all residents of Simcoe County use a standard sized garbage container. At noon Grandmothers Hands Huronia invites you to an afternoon of learning about their mission to the third world and celebrating their success -

12:00 pm. - African luncheon (Donations accepted)

1:00 pm. - “Powered by Love” book launch presentation and introduction of guest Grandmothers from Africa

2:30 pm.  Close of launch event

All this takes place at the Midland Legion Hall - 196 Queen St.

Wendat invites you to its AGM and social at 6:30 pm at its new residential location, 44 Dufferin Street in Penetanguishene.

Thursday October 26^th the County starts its budget deliberation at 9:00 am. Midland is not expecting to start our own public budget process until January. At 5:30 pm Quest host a special evening for the whole community -

            5:30 pm – Dinner. Please call to reserve your spot at 705-526-2787

            6:00 pm – AGM and business meeting

7:15 pm - Screening of the 20 minute documentary of the North Simcoe Canada 150 Mural Project

8:00 – Screening of the French version of the documentary

This free-entry event (except for dinner - $20) is open to all at the Midland Cultural Centre at 333 King Street.

Also on Thursday at 6:30 pm, the County of Simcoe honors its newcomers with a series of awards. That  takes place at the Tangle Creek Golf and Country Club in Thornton.

Friday the 27^th sees the Grand Opening of the Brick at 9:00 am in its new location on Hwy 12 in the Walmart plaza. That evening at 7:00 pm Sharon Mackinnon invites you the opening of her new exhibition in the Quest Art gallery at the MCC.

Week - End

Saturday October 28

-       9:30 - 3:30 pm - Simcoe & District Maple Syrup Producers Association meets at Peter & Anne Lorriman's Windlee Farms Maple Syrup farm in Tiny to discuss maple syrup

-       2:00 – 9:00 pm - Proposed tribute to Gord Downie at Little Lake Park

-       6:00 pm - Midland Lions Club celebrates 80 years with a dinner at the Midland Legion

Sunday October 29

-       7:30 pm - Blues singer Suzi Vinnick graces the stage at the MCC.  Ms. Vinnick is a  10-times Maple Blues Award winner, 3-times Juno Nominee and finalist in the 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis 

Council Issues Update

Downtown Health Clinic

Now that Council has approved the health centre`s site plan construction should start this fall.  They are looking to open by December 2018.

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Gord McKay

The Year for Getting It Done - 2017

                                                                                              

Sunday October 15, 2017

Ladies and Gentlemen

Cooler weather and color in the trees - starting to look like fall. Spooky decorations are eerily arising all over Town. And if you want a real treat for the Halloween season check out Pumkinferno at Discovery Harbour - a seasonal “must see”.

http://www.discoveryharbour.on.ca/dh/en/SpecialEvents/HalloweenDay/index.htm

The Week Ahead

On Monday the 16^th our Premier will be visiting the area to find out about the many great things happening in North Simcoe. That morning I will get a sneak preview of our newly built Operations Centre out on MacDonald Road.  The Centre will officially open later this fall and be the home of Town Operations and Parks. Look for an Open House announcement shortly.

At 6:00 pm the Guys Who Care will be meeting at Lot 102. This “flash charity” event should raise about $20,000 in one hour, to be donated to one charity selected that same evening. If you are a guy and have $200 to help a local charity, please come and enjoy the event.

Wednesday will see me in Orillia for a meeting of the North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN, Simcoe County and a number of area mayors. We will be discussing the development of local healthcare and raising issues important for residents. Then at 2:00 pm the Town’s Service Delivery Review Committee meets to continue the discussion on improving the services we provide to Midland residents.

At 5:00 pm you are invited to a special event at the Boys and Girls Club, located at 527 Len Self Blvd. (the NSSRC). The Open House will take you through a “Day in the Life of an After-Schooler”, showing you all the challenges and creative activities that our children have in store.

Thursday October the 19^th sees us in the middle of Small Business Week. The NSCFDC is honouring the week with a breakfast and presentation featuring Sami Jo Small, Canada Women’s Hockey Team goalie and 3-time Olympic medalist. The event starts at 7:00 am at the Quality Inn. You must preregister at www.nscfdc.on.ca.

Later that day Shelter Now will bring a group of interested individuals together to discuss their new affordable housing project. Shelter Now has serviced land available on Hartman Drive and will look for partners to help make this much needed project a reality. At 6:30 pm you may wish to attend the King Street Rejuvenation Committee discussion taking place at Town Hall. 

Friday starts at the County where we meet to discuss affordable housing. Then from 5:00 to 7:00 pm you are invited by the ladies of the Legion Branch 80 to come down for one of their famous fundraising spaghetti dinners.

Week - End

Saturday October 21

-       5:30 to 7:30 pm - Penetanguishene Museum hosts its 50^th Anniversary celebration and fundraiser. The event will take place at the Penetanguishene Legion and features music, a silent auction and a fish fry.  For more information call 705-549-2150

-       All day – The Silver Goose Cyclo-Cross Race in Little Lake Park. The event features 275 high performance cyclists from across Canada and the US. Your chance to see some great cycling

-       7:30 pm - The Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation Gala takes place at the MCC. This year’s theme is Moonlight Masquerade - An Evening in New Orleans

Sunday October 22

-       1:00 pm at the Midland Public Library – mayor Gerry Marshall is going to formally announce his intention to seek the nomination for the provincial Liberals

Council Issues Update

Midland Bay Landing

This past week Council started the process to look at forming a “municipal service corporation” (MSC). An MSC is a corporation entirely controlled by the Town that allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in dealing with private sector partners on complex projects.

It is proposed that the MSC will take on the task of being our management face when dealing with the development of the Midland Bay Landing property. This multi-year and complex project will require a better form of management than referring the many development decisions back to the Council table. The MSC will bring together a skills based group of local residents and councilors to guide the development.  The MSC is in turn guided by Council developed policy and represented by individuals selected by Council.  A public meeting will be called shortly to give you a more complete background and answer questions about this management tool.

Gord McKay

The Year for Getting It Done - 2017

                                                                                              

Sunday October 8, 2017

Ladies and Gentlemen

It was an amazing week for healthcare in North Simcoe. First of all the Ministry of Health visited GBGH to make two announcements:

-       Funding will be provided to transfer 20 acute care mental health beds from Waypoint to GBGH.  The funds will be used to construct a new wing at GBGH

-       Go ahead for the Waypoint/Chigamik downtown health center.  The sod turning is scheduled for October 23^rd

Both of these announcements come after years of work by many different stakeholders – the hospitals, the North Simcoe LHIN, the province and all North Simcoe municipalities. A major step towards effective mental health care in our community.

The second development was Council’s support for the new Jarlette long term care and geriatric centre.  This project will both upgrade long term care in our community and build a geriatric centre of excellence, bringing together many of the services needed by an aging population. The facility will also undertake research on how to improve care for the aged. A significant development for Midland’s future. Look for a public meeting on the Jarlette project to be announced shortly.

The Week Ahead

October 8^th to 14^th is Fire Prevention Week.  This year’s theme is “Every Second Counts - Plan 2 Ways Out”.  Our Fire Fighters are setting up all sorts of opportunities for you to come out and get your questions answered:

-       Thursday October 12^th Fire Fighters will be at McDonalds at both Hwy 93 and Walmart locations from 5:00 to 8:00 pm

-       Friday October 13^th at Huronia Mall from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

-       Saturday October 14^th at Midland Home Depot (Hwy 12) from 9:00 am to noon. Activities for the kids and a chance to try your hand with a fire hose

On Tuesday the 10^th, County Council holds its regular meeting at 9:00 am. Then at 7:00 pm it’s our October General Committee meeting including:

-       Consideration for forming a “Municipal Services Corporation” – a corporate entity that would allow the Town to better manage the development of its Midland Bay Landing asset

-       Proposal to expand the BIA boundaries to include such areas as the Boathouse and the Midland Bay Landing property

-       Discussion on having free parking downtown in December

-       Proposal for a new committee to review the Towns’ property standards bylaw.

At 7:30 pm at the MCC Dr. Keith Rose presents a discussion on Bridging the Gap – Navigating the Youth Mental Health System.  Please preregister at: http://midlandculturalcentre.com/page.php?page=Events&pageType=events&eventid=100045055

Wednesday the 11^th sees me at Lakehead University in Orillia at 5:00 pm for a special business innovation event. This open ended discussion speaks to how business can be more entrepreneurial and better able to take on new ideas to significantly grow their business,

On Thursday  October 12^th Askennonia's Seniors Health & Active Living Fair takes place at the NSSRC from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The Fair features a variety of presentations by Dr. Richard Thomas, Pharmacist Mike Tolmie and Sarah Orr-Shaw RN. They will address the topic of

opioids and their impact upon seniors. Also look for 35 vendors showing you all the latest in services and products for seniors.

Week - End

Saturday October 14

-       6:00 pm - Civitan Annual Recognition Dinner at “The Place” in Balm Beach

-       6:00 pm – Fundraiser for Wye Marsh’s famous Sonic the Turtle. Nick Howell ( a great local musician) will be entertaining at the Hidden Agenda nightclub on Hugel

-       6:30 pm to 8:30 pm - Wye Marsh by Moonlight paddle series

Council Issues Update

Service Delivery Review

The process is starting to get into gear. I have been personally impressed with how Town staff have risen to the challenge and are now taking leadership of the change initiative. Council should receive a second report at the October Council meeting giving us a better insight into some of the improvements we can expect to see over the next few months.

Downtown Health Clinic

With the announcement from the province it’s all ahead full.  The sod turning is set for the 23^rd and work on the site may be as early as the 24^th.

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Three items in closing…

The Guesthouse has a new CEO.  Mr. Steve Pelletier will be replacing Robert Sykes effective immediately. Steve has been involved in many homelessness prevention programs including the County’s Alliance to End Homelessness. He is a faculty member of Georgian College’s Indigenous Studies and Vice President of our local FACE organization. A big thank you to Robert Sykes for all he has done over the years and welcome to Steve.

Karen Mealing will be taking over as the Town’s Cultural Development Coordinator. Karen’s responsibilities will include managing our Butter Tart festival and developing exciting cultural attractions for our area. If you thought the summer of 2017 was fun, wait ‘til 2018.

The 2017 Terry Fox Run proved to be very successful.  886 participants braved hot weather to run, walk, cycle and horseback ride in raising more than $71,000. Over 1,000 local organizations helped out with goods and services. The run, first taking place in 1983, is now closing in on $2M in total donations.  A wonderful testament to Terry, our community and the many volunteers led by Don Chapman who make this happen.

Gord McKay

The Year for Getting It Done - 2017

                                                                                              

Sunday October 1, 2017

Ladies and Gentlemen

The halcyon days of summer were brought to a sudden end with a vicious wind storm this past Friday. While many parts of the Town fortunately escaped, the western arm of Midland Bay was hit with 2 meter swells that ripped out many of the docks. A significant amount of destruction.  Fortunately no one hurt and the attitude of the homeowners is “we will get through this”.

The Week Ahead

Monday October 2^nd features a book launch by local author Jackie Gautier. Jackie has a fascinating personal background including eloping with a South African paramedic she met while on an aid trip to South Sudan. Her first book “The Gift of an Elephant”, is now followed by “Twenty Eight Elephants and Other Everyday Miracles” that together tell you about life, love, Africa and creating the life YOU want. The launch is at 7:30 pm at the MCC and is hosted by Fred Hacker. 

On Tuesday I meet with mayors from around the Great Lakes to plan the development of the cruise ship industry. This past Saturday Midland saw the M/V Victory at the Town dock, our 15^th cruise ship visit of the year. The mayors want to make sure that this welcome industry continues to grow in the years ahead.

On Wednesday the 4^th, the Sisters in Spirit Walk takes place at 6:00 pm. Organized by the Georgian Bay Native Women's Association, it starts at their building at 562 King Street and ends at Neezhoday Park, beside the library.  At 6:30 pm Council has a closed meeting to discuss a matter of Town property.  Then at 7:00 pm it’s the Planning and Development Committee.  The agenda includes:

-       Two public meetings (you may speak):

o    Zoning Bylaw Amendment for 536 Dominion, concerning the change of use for a lower floor

o    Official Plan Amendment for the Jarlette property at 658 King Street

-       Review of the Waypoint/Chigamik site plan for their new downtown healthcare hub

-       Start of the zoning amendment process for the Hanson development on Hwy 12 to address storm water management  ponds

Also that evening at 7:00 pm, the Guesthouse is hosting a special meeting at St. Pauls (308 King Street) in their upper room.  The meeting will announce their new Guesthouse CEO and discuss the Guesthouse mission.

Thursday the 5^th sees an internal meeting about the Town’s ongoing Service Delivery Review project. This project is reviewing all of the Town’s operations to improve overall efficiency.  At 12:30 pm, Georgian College celebrates their 50^th anniversary at their Barrie campus. And finally at 4:30 pm Council holds a closed meeting to discuss personal issues.

On Friday the 6^th you are invited to a very special presentation.  At 11:00 am we will receive the first shipment of the commemorative Frank Graham tulip. Frank Graham is a World War Two vet who has developed a special bond between the veterans in Canada and the people of Holland. The “Canada Committee of The Netherlands” has organized many tours between our two countries and has now commissioned a special tulip produced to honour Frank. This honour is normally only given to politicians and famous Dutch citizens.  The Frank Graham tulip is red with a black centre (much like a poppy) and will available for a short time at Normans Garden Gallery 830 Yonge Street. The tulips are $7 per half dozen, $12 per dozen. Please join us at Norman’s to celebrate Frank and an unbelievable friendship.

At 8:00 pm MCC hosts the legendary Andy Kim. Remembered for songs such as “How’d We Ever Get This Way?”, “ Rock Me Gently” and “Sugar, Sugar”, Andy has earned the country’s top music industry honor twice, the JUNO Award for outstanding achievements in the record industry, as well as the “Indie Award” for Favorite Solo Artists in 2005. Andy Kim rocks Midland.

Week - End

Saturday October 7

-       The start of Thanksgiving weekend. Drive safely and enjoy the turkey.

-       6:30 pm - Wye Marsh by Moonlight paddle series

Council Issues Update

Downtown Health Clinic

The long discussed Chigamik/Waypoint Health Centre site plan is before Council this week. Council has approved the Centre’s location on Bayshore and will now ensure that its design fits into the neighborhood and serves to improve healthcare for many citizens located in our downtown. Once the site plan is approved the ground work should start later in the fall.

Official Plan Review

This past Wednesday approximately 100 people met at NSSRC to hear about the “Natural Heritage System” (NHS) feature of the OPR. A number of attendees were concerned that the “NHS” designation would deprive them of their right to develop their property. The NHS is provincially mandated process that requires municipalities to systematically and scientifically look at all their natural heritage features – trees, wildlife, water, etc. While the Town has included natural heritage in its Official Plan for many years, this year the province has mandated new control requirements.  In summary, if your property is currently zoned for a use and you stay within the meaning of that zoning there is no impact.  If you are considering a development that is not contemplated in the zoning, you will have to conduct a study to see how that change affects the natural heritage. If you have questions about the NHS and your property, please contact Wes Crown at the Town. wcrown@midland.ca

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The Town Hall is closed on Monday, Thanksgiving Day.

Gord McKay

The Year for Getting It Done - 2017