Ladies and Gentlemen
Happy Easter. News
from the Town is a bit early this week-end as I have a date to go visit my new
grand-daughter on Sunday. I hope that you are enjoying the long week-end with
family and friends.
The
Week Ahead
Monday the Town office is closed for the Easter
break.
On Tuesday April 3rd at 10:00 am we
will raise the Autism flag at Town hall. At
7:30 pm at the MCC you are invited to hear three experts discuss eyeCARE - Dr.
Daniel Laurin, an Optometrist, Dr. Daniel Scanlan, an Ophthalmologist, and Fran
Moreau, who is partially sighted. The discussion will include many aspects
related to vision, but focus on screening and three long-term eye problems – diabetic
retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration. In addition, a CNIB
representative will be available prior to the event. Admission is free for those who register in
advance https://midlandculturalcentre.ticketfly.com./
Wednesday the 4th at 11:30 am, Georgian
College is providing a sneak preview of its new Advanced Technology Innovation
and Research Centre in Barrie. This facility will provide a major boost to new
technology companies and wealth creation in Simcoe County. Then at 7:00 pm it’s the April Planning and
Development Committee – a lengthy agenda including:
-
Public meeting (your chance to speak) on
zoning for the Bayport Development
-
Site plan control for 281 Midland Ave. – the
three story condominium residence
-
Zoning amendment for 786 William Street – Residential
town homes on the vacant property, just to the south of Galloway.
-
Sign by-law review
Thursday is a full day for County Councilors
as we attend the Care Connections conference at Rama starting at 8:00 am. This
event, organized by NSMLHIN, will discuss the delivery of health care services
throughout our area. One development that is of special interest is the
creation of “sub-region planning tables”. This new mechanism will allow for
improved guidance by local service providers and residents in deciding on
healthcare delivery in their area. Our area has a number of special challenges
that require a made in North Simcoe solution.
Week -
End
Saturday April 7
-
Sweet Ontario kicks off the 2018 maple syrup
season. Windlee Farms at 10 Baseline Road N. in Midland is one of the
participating sites. More information at www.mapleweekend.ca
-
2:30 pm Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Corps
Trillium hosts a retirement ceremony at the NSSRC
Sunday April 8
-
2:00 pm - Books to Eat at the Library. The
most delicious event of the year raises funds for the Library’s Makerspace
project. A $25 ticket, available at the Library or Café Roxy, allows you the
chance to vote for the best, and eat the rest! With delicious displays (based on books) from
Midland Fish & Chips, FEAST, Explorer’s Café, Dock Lunch, Georgian
Bakery, and more, the day is sure to be a memorable one. Thanks to our generous sponsors Café Roxy,
DODA photography, Colio Estate Wines, Thornbury Beverage Company, Fresh by
Leanne, Downtown Midland BIA, ELM Catering, and Maurice’s Valu-Mart.
Council
Issues Update
Service Delivery Review
As you are aware, Council and staff have embarked upon a
major redesign of Town services to bring greater efficiencies and better
control. At its last budget meeting Council
directed staff to provide a cost-benefit analysis for the entire Service
Delivery Review project. This analysis
will track the multi-year SDR project and help Council and the public track the
benefits this important project will deliver in the coming years.
Downtown Health Clinic
Basic ground construction has gone well. Now with the warmer weather you should notice
a pick-up in above ground construction activity. The Centre is still on track
for a December opening.
Budget
This
past week saw the public budget meeting.
Five individuals made comment with most concerned about keeping tax rates
down to help local business. As a result Council made a few minor changes at
the meeting.
The
Town tax rate is currently about 3%. This increase is relatively high compared
to prior years and reflects the investment Council is making in our Service
Delivery Review initiative. This increased rate represents a down payment on our
future, allowing the Town to operate at a lower relative cost in the years
ahead.
So
when the County and school potions are factored in your tax rate increase
should be about 1.5%. The budget discussion now moves to General Committee and
then to the April Council meeting for final approval. If you have comments on the budget please get
those to your Councillor soon.
*****
I wanted you to be among the first to know that I have
decided not to run for mayor in the upcoming election. I will save you a long dissertation
as to why I have come to this decision. Suffice to say I have been your mayor
for nearly 8 years and am very pleased with the significant accomplishments
that my Councils have made. Midland is definitely
a better place than when I first took office.
Midland is now positioned for a phenomenal future. We
will need intelligent and progressive leadership at Town hall to keep us on
track. Your chance to truly forge your future comes up this October. Please
listen to the candidates and vote wisely - or even better, be the candidate. And thank you for the privilege of having me
as your mayor.
Gord McKay
The
Year for Forging Our Future - 2018
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