Sunday, February 25, 2018

Sunday February 25, 2018


Ladies and Gentlemen



While you may have already put winter behind you, the 2018 Ontario Winter Games are underway right here in Midland. This year’s games host city is Orillia but a lot of the action takes place right here in our home town.



Friday March 2




Saturday March 3

Boxing – @ North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre  http://www.orillia2018.ca/en/experience-the-games/boxing.aspx



Sunday March 4

Boxing – @ North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre  http://www.orillia2018.ca/en/experience-the-games/boxing.aspx

Kickboxing – @ North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre. Schedule to be determined. Medal ceremony at 5:00 pm



So if you missed the Olympics, this is your chance to come down and cheer on our athletes.



The Week Ahead



Monday February 26th at 2:00 pm is the Audit Committee at Town Hall. The meeting will feature a closed session to deal with the recent MPS audit, followed by an open session dealing with the annual Financial Information Report (FIR) that we provide to the Province.  At 4:00 pm you are invited to celebrate Tony Vipond’s 43-year career with CLH at his retirement reception at the NSSRC.  



At 7:00 pm it’s the February Council meeting. An interesting agenda with:  

-       Heritage awards presented to Mr. and Mrs Johnstone and Mr. John Todd

-       Three deputations:

o    Update on the Guesthouse Shelter

o    An offer to move the SS Keewatin to Midland harbour

o    Summary of the Town led Cruise Ship Industry Group project to grow the cruise ship industry in Midland and the Great Lakes

-       Wind up of three ad-hoc committees of Council



On Tuesday you are invited at 6:00 pm to attend the BIA AGM at 538 Bay Street



Wednesday the 28th at 5:00 pm, the Midland Youth Committee meets at Town Hall. Then at 7:00 pm the action is at the Library with the First Chapter Book Club exploring indigenous authors and their cultural topics. http://www.midlandlibrary.com/event/first-chapter-book-club/2018-02-28/ .



On Thursday the First of March you are invited at 3:30 pm to a special meeting of Council at Town Hall to continue the discussion on the Town’s operating budget. At 7:00 pm it’s the 2018 edition of Midland Reads at the MCC. This year the audience selects the book best able “To Open Your Eyes”. The contestants are:

-       David Bayfield defending Brother by David Chariandy

-       Jane Barnet defending Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali

-       Will Baird defending The Measure of a Man by JJ Lee

-       Brendan Main defending Dance, Gladys, Dance by Cassie Stocks

-       Camille Girard-Ruel defending The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline



On Friday the Big Brothers Big Sisters roll out their annual Bowl for Kids' Sake event.

-       Friday March 2nd starting at 4:30 pm is corporate/ business-nite. The opportunity for community businesses to show their stuff

-       Saturday March 3rd there are lanes available from 7:00 – 9:00 pm and 9:00 – 11:00 pm in both Penetanguishene and Midland

-       Sunday March 4th its Family Bowl from 4:30 – 6:00 pm

Teams and individuals are encouraged to sign up and collect pledges. For more information on the event, visit www.kidsdomatter.com.



At 6:00 pm the Waypoint Gala gets underway at their location. Each year they feature a speaker whose life has been significantly affected by mental illness. This year’s presenter is Jessica Holmes, a comedian you likely know from her days with CBC’s Royal Canadian Air Farce. She shares her story called Depression, the Comedy. A frank and hilarious account of how it took two years to be diagnosed as depressed. Her story, which has a deeply happy ending, relates to anyone who has ever been on a downhill trajectory.



Friday also sees the start of the Remax Hockey Tournament at the NSSRC.



Week - End



Saturday March 3rd



-       6:00 pm – We Are the Villagers hosts its fundraising murder mystery “The Parting Shot – A Mardis Gras Mystery”. That’s at Le Maitre’D Restaurant, Penetanguishene http://watvnew.com/event/murder-mystery-dinner/

-       8:00 pm - Sass Jordan takes to the stage at the MCC.  Canada’s Queen of Rock Ms. Jordan is on her ‘Racine Revisited Tour’ to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the release of her 1992 Sophomore album, ‘Racine’. Songs you may remember include “Make You a Believer”, “I Want to Believe”. https://www.youtube.com/watch/?ref=0&v=mm7siMUdzqw





Council Issues Update



Budget



The first public budget meeting lasted a mere seven and a half hours. We complete the second half of the meeting this Thursday.  At this point the Town portion of the levy increase looks to be about 2%. After the County and school portions are factored in, your 2018 tax increase should come in somewhere under 1%.



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Make a note of your invitation to the annual Mayors Mac N Cheese dinner scheduled for April 15th. This year’s event will feature an expanded menu and take place at Phil’s Fine Dining on Hugel.  More details to come.



And lastly, Freedom to Read Week continues until March 3rd.  The Library will be showcasing a variety of works that will challenge your accepted views about life and living. All week at our Library. http://www.midlandlibrary.com/events/





Gord McKay









The Year for Forging Our Future - 2018

                                                                                              








Sunday, February 18, 2018

Sunday February 18, 2018


Ladies and Gentlemen



The days are getting longer and temperatures have retreated from that bone-chilling cold. Not spring yet but well on the way. A tip of the hat to our tireless road crews who have done a great job of keeping our streets plowed and safe this winter.





The Week Ahead



Monday is Family Day and Midland invites you to a free family skate from 1:00 to 2:30 pm at the NSSRC. Try to spend some time with your family today.



Tuesday the 20th sees an emergency management meeting at the Town. The group is planning our next emergency scenario test to take place this fall.  



On Wednesday February 21st at 2:00 pm the Midland Bay Landing Steering Committee meets to discuss its future. (This meeting was deferred from last week)  From 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Library the “Between the Covers Book Club” gathers for engaging conversation about this month’s book of choice. Please come and join the discussion.



At 7:00 pm our Library launches a new educational series “The Real Deal Student Info Series” designed to help youth and parents understand what awaits them when they go on to higher education. This evening’s event is about “The First Year”.  Second year student Kody McConkey and his family describe what the first year of university is REALLY like. How did they prepare? What was it like to live independently for the first time? Kody and his family will share their tips, tricks and advice for prospective students. Register to attend this free event at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-real-deal-student-info-series-the-first-year-tickets-42943434970  or visit the main desk.  At 7:30 pm the MCC Intimate Spaces series presents an evening with Bobby Watt, one of Canada's finest traditional singers. Mr. Watt is a Scottish-born master stonemason and ex-police scuba diver with a voice that will melt your heart.



Thursday the 22nd starts with the Employer Breakfast at 7:00 am at Brooklea. The speaker, Brian Wasliw an employment and labour lawyer, will address the topic of Bill 148 and its impact upon local businesses. Please pre-register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EmployerBreakfast2018

At 1:30 pm you are invited to a special Council meeting at Town Hall to start our public discussion of the 2018 budget.  From 2:30 to 4:30 pm Dr. Dianne Saxe, Ontario’s Environmental Commissioner, will be at the MCC to talk about protecting our environment, climate change and sustainable communities. There is no cost to attend.



Friday and its Jully Black at the MCC starting at 8:00 pm.  A true Canadian icon, Jully has been dubbed ‘Canada’s Queen of R&B Soul’ by her fans and peers. As a platinum selling recording artist her music career has yielded multiple singles reaching the Top 10 pop, R&B and dance music charts. She has taken home multiple Juno Awards and was selected to sing for the Queen of England. https://www.youtube.com/watch/?ref=0&v=oYsu-_jyfTk



Week - End



Saturday February 24



-       10:00 am to 1:00 pm – MCC Spelling BEE at the MCC conducted in three segments for grades 3-8



Sunday February 25



-       All day - Freedom to Read Week starts at the library. The week showcases a variety of challenging works and invites you to make your statement by being photographed with your favourite book using the Library’s new “green screen”. Another great free event at your Library. The Library’s events calendar is on their website at www.midlandlibrary.com/events



Council Issues Update



Midland Bay Landing



The MBL Steering Committee will recommend to Council the guidelines (aka. shareholders agreement) that will ensure the newly created Municipal Development Corporation is fulfilling Council objectives. These guidelines will be used by the Corporation as they seek a new developer for the MBL property this spring.



Budget



The public budget process gets into gear this week. It has been delayed a bit this year due to the many organisational changes that have affected the budget. This week we look at the operational budgets for the Town’s department and agencies. Next month it will be capital. Please see the schedule of budget meetings at http://www.midland.ca/Pages/treasury.aspx



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Looking ahead, two items:



1)     Peter Mansbridge is coming to the MCC on May 24th for an episode of A Day in the Life. TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE! You may want to book early.



2)     The Midland Sports Hall of Fame is looking for nominations to be included in their induction ceremony on September 29. Nominations can be for any of four categories: athlete; builder; teams; and historic venues. Check out the web site for the complete list of past inductees. Nomination forms are available at www.midlandonsportshalloffame.com , or from Customer Service at the NSSRC or at the Town of Midland municipal offices. Deadline for submissions is March 31st.



And lastly, I had an opportunity to enjoy Huronia Player’s “Spitfire Grill” last evening. A touching story about a small town told through songs delivered by our incredibly talented local players. You want to see this one. http://www.huroniaplayers.ca/index.php/menu-see-a-show/menu-this-season/289-the-spitfire-grill





Gord McKay









The Year for Forging Our Future - 2018

                                                                                              


Sunday, February 11, 2018

Sunday February 11, 2018


Ladies and Gentlemen



I recall a few years back when there was speculation that the town of Buffalo, New York would have to be abandoned due to the heavy snow fall.  Well…..



The Week Ahead



A busy Monday February the12th, to start the week.  At 7:30 am the NSCFDC Marketing Monday series continues at the Midland Library. This week’s topic - Social Media – Choosing the Right Platform and Getting Results.  Please register in advance at www.nscfdc.on.ca/upcoming-events.php



While we are at the Library, I have a week’s worth of information about all of their upcoming events.

·         Every day until after Valentine’s Day the Library is having Blind Date with a Book. Patrons can come into the library and select a blind date book (which has been festively wrapped). They check out the book based on just a few profile hints, and who knows, it just might be love! This was a super popular initiative last year and we’ve brought it back due to the demand & fun feedback. (FREE)

·         Monday, Feb. 12th – Wiggle, Jiggle & Dance (this program happens each Monday from 11am – 11:30 until the end of April) Gentle stretching, movements, rhymes & songs for parents & babies from 0-18 months. (FREE)

·         Tuesday, Feb. 13th – Teen Tuesday – Movie day – Spiderman Homecoming (with free snacks provided).   (we have a teen Tuesday event each week from 4:30pm – 6:00pm with a different activity each week, and of course, free snacks for the teens) (FREE)

·         Wednesday, Feb. 14th – Storytime with Miss Bonnie (happening every Tuesday and Wednesday morning from 10:30 – 11:30) (FREE)

·         Thursday Feb. 15th – Baby Got Bounce (Every Thursday morning from 10:15 – 11:00am until the end of February) Songs, stories & rhymes for babies aged 0-18 months. (FREE)

·         Friday February 16th - French Conversation Club – Every Friday from 11am – 12pm. Improve your French without the pressure of a classroom environment. Join our friendly conversation group to work on your French skills. All levels welcome. (FREE)

Ladies and gentlemen, we do have an amazing Library.



Also on Monday at 10:00 am the OPP Transition Committee meets at the Town. At 6:30 pm Council holds a special meeting to address:

-       Update on the OPP transition

-       Amalgamation of police reserves to ensure we track the costs associated with the transition and better manage funds derived from the wind-up



At 7:00 pm it is the General Committee meeting at the Town. The agenda includes:

-       Direction on improving our management of bio-solids at the wastewater plant

-       Update on the Midland Forward project

-       Update on actions in support of Council’s strategic objectives. Please refer  http://www.midland.ca/Pages/Council-Strategic-Plan.aspx

-       Legion request to waive an encroachment fee arising from a sign for their building

-       Approval for Butter Tart Festival 2018, set for Saturday June 9th

And lastly at 7:00 pm, Brookside Music presents Moscow Sounds at the MCC.



Tuesday and its County Council at 9:00 am. Key items for Council include new initiatives for affordable housing development in rural areas.



Wednesday the 14th is Valentines Day. What better way to celebrate your special someone than with a fun dinner-theatre. Good Morning Apocalypse invites you to “Bad Dates” at the MCC at 6:30 pm. The comedy show embraces the dark side of Valentine’s Day and all the broken hearts it leaves lying in its wake! From blind-dating Debra to a harrowing date gone wrong at Count Chocula’s castle. Good food – good fun.



On Thursday February 15th  the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs hosts a day-long meeting in Newcastle  to discuss building a stronger rural Ontario. This is an important meeting for Midland and rural communities as it gives us a stage to address many of the systemic issues that negatively affect our long-term survival - everything from needed changes to municipal finance, to infrastructure deficits, to the unique challenges of rural affordable housing will be on the table.



At 1:00 pm the Midland Bay Landing Steering Committee meets to address the changes to its mission in light of the new Municipal Development Corporation authorized by Council.  At 7:30 pm A Day in the Life interviews Mr. Max Eisen, a Hungarian Jew who survived Auschwitz-Birkenau, the notorious Nazi concentration camp. At the age of 15, Max became a slave labourer at the camp. He suffered under horrific conditions in Auschwitz, survived the infamous “death march” in January 1945, and endured a long journey of physical and psychological healing. Max is one of a group of Holocaust survivors who has dedicated the latter part of his life to teaching the next generation about morals and ethics. That’s at the Midland Cultural Centre



Friday the 16th sees me at County again for the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. But if you want to have fun, this is your day. Drop into the Town office and see what staff is up to on “Hawaii Day”, as they bring a little warmth to a cold winter climate. If you would rather be outside you may wish to try the skate trail and frosty winter fun at HHP Discovery Harbor from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.  http://www.discoveryharbour.on.ca/dh/en/Home/index.htm . And if you are looking for something different, how about a murder mystery courtesy of Huronia Museum. This dinner- theatre entitled “It Came from Little Lake” starts at 6:00 pm. For tickets please see:






Week - End



Saturday February 17



-       10:30 am - The Penetanguishene Winterama parade down Main Street





Council Issues Update



Service Delivery Review



The Service Delivery Review Committee will wrap up its work this month.  Its final report presented over 60 recommendations for changes to the Town’s operation. The report stressed the need to apply modern IT solutions to many of the Town’s functions; to streamline the controls over financial management in all departments and improve our voice-mail system to better serve our citizens. These changes will be implemented in a staged fashion over the next few years.





OPP



Training is underway for the MPS staff that has transitioned to the OPP. They are likely to be back in our community in early March. For staff that is not transitioning, their salary and benefits will be continued until the arbitration process concludes, likely next month. At that point they will be protected by the employment contract terms approved under the police arbitration process.

The transition has been difficult for many. The Town its doing its utmost to ease the process. We are thankful for the many years of service that the MPS has provided to Midland. We look forward the continuation of this level of service to the community under the OPP.



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Two items for the following week;



1)     Monday the 19th is Family Day. Town offices are closed.



2)     The NSCFDC is hosting an Employer Breakfast on February 22nd at 7:00 am at the Brooklea. The speaker will be Brian Wasliw, an employment and labour lawyer who will address the impact of Bill 148 and how it is affecting local business. Please pre-register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EmployerBreakfast2018







Gord McKay









The Year for Forging Our Future - 2018