Mayor's Message - February 11, 2018
Good morning, Bonjour
Now that the shoveling is behind us we can enjoy the snow and we sure are as I see people snowshoeing, tobogganing and hear the Braaaaap sounds of sleds everywhere I go. I noted that there were more snow machines at the gas pumps yesterday than cars !! Having said that our Main Street Reconstruction is just weeks away and a longer winter or slower winter melt is not on our wish list !
Speaking of our Main Street please do mark your calendars for our upcoming, Pre Construction Public Information Session that be held at the Arena in the Brian Orser Hall of Tuesday, February 20th from 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to provide you with the opportunity to meet with our Town Staff and our contractor JB Enterprises Ltd., so that any questions or concerns you may have about the Main Street Reconstruction can be addressed prior to construction beginning. A copy of the Main Street Reconstruction drawings is available for viewing on the Town website at www.penetanguishene.ca.
Of course Winterama is right around the corner ! Please find attached the Schedule of Events and the Event Map for Saturday. This year’s theme is “Homecoming” and we kick-off the event next Friday night at the Discovery Harbour Skate Trail. We have pulled together some great events that used to take place years ago, such as Family Ice Fishing and the highlight being the long awaited return of the Demolition Derby which is set to go on Saturday at 2:00pm, hosted by Edge Motorsports! Winterama Souvenir Buttons are priced at $3 and are on sale now at various locations around town, please note that the contribution helps to go towards Town sponsored events that allow us to offer activities for FREE or at a reduced rate.
We can still use some more volunteers on Friday night to assist with parking control at Discovery Harbour, as well as Saturday for the outdoor activities. If you or someone you know may be interested, we have the application forms on our webpage www.winterama.ca
As is the case with all great undertakings this is a great team effort that involves our Town staff, community members, local businesses, volunteers, sponsors and partners ! We simply couldn’t have the Winterama’s we have without everyone’s help, so a BIG SHOUT OUT to all of those who are assisting and pulling together to create a great Winter Carnival for us all to enjoy! Thanks so much !
Given February is Heritage month we are taking a bit of a twist this week as we hold our Town Council meeting at the Museum. We will gather around the historic Council Table and review the agendas below.
Regular Council – 7:00pm
https://penetanguishene.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/250647
Committee of the Whole – Immediately following Council
https://penetanguishene.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/250649
I do want to remind everyone that the third annual March Mudness is happening on Saturday, March 24th at Rotary Park, Penetanguishene. This year it is hosted by our recently formed North Simcoe Rotaract in partnership with the Town of Penetanguishene. It is gearing up to be a day filled with family fun and excitement. Challenge yourself with 17 exhilarating obstacles as you walk, run, climb and crawl your way to the finish line through the mud, snow, and slush! Warm up by the fire at the outdoor Muddy Lounge where there will be live music performed by Giants Tomb, a licensed beverage garden, and a Harvey's hamburger or hotdog. It promises to be a day of sweat, laughter, and excitement so register now or come out and cheer on your friends and family! Registration forms can be picked up at the Town of Penetanguishene, online through the March Mudness website, or at Winterama! All proceeds go directly toward the Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation and their purchase of a new CT Scanner.
Don’t forget that we can help raise funds for Hospice Huronia by donating our empty wine and beer bottles during the entire month of February at the Beer stores in Elmvale, Midland and Penetanguishene.
The next employer breakfast is taking place at 7:00 a.m. at Brooklea on February 22nd. The topic is Bill 148, Fairer Workplaces and Better Jobs. The presenter is Brian Wasyliw from Sherrard Kuzz LLP. Brian is an Employment & Labour Lawyer and will break down Bill 148 and provide valuable information on how the sweeping changes to the Employment Standards Act. There is no cost but Online Registration is Required: www.nscfdc.on.ca
Also on February 22nd you can join Sustainable Severn Sound (SSS) & their partners from 2:30 - 4:30pm for a FREE event at the Midland Cultural Centre. Attendees will learn more about Climate Action in Ontario; the Partners for Climate Protection Program & the benefits of municipal membership; & SSS’s Local Climate Change Action Plan. Registration is not required. Refreshments will be provided.
My week to be
Monday
A busy day to be sure, I meet with Anita and CAO Jeff for our weekly update, I attend two separate agenda review meetings (one for the town the other for the county), I attend a meeting to discuss the Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre Programming, I participate in a leadership forum to discuss Fibre builds, I attend a media/event update session and our trails committee meets.
Tuesday
Sees Anita and I attend a County Council meeting followed by a Governance Committee meeting. I attend a team meeting and a photoshoot for our upcoming skilled trades expo. Back home our Seniors council meets at 10 a.m. at the arena.
Wednesday
I have a SWIFT Finance meeting and as mentioned earlier our Town Council meeting takes places at 7 p.m. at the Museum.
Thursday
I attend an emergency management meeting at our fire hall.
Friday
I attend an affordable housing committee meeting at the County and then it is all Winterama all weekend !
I see our Penetang Kings jumped out to a 3-1 series lead last night as they play the Midland Flyers in the first round of the JR C playoffs. The town council of Midland via their Deputy Mayor Mike Ross issued the challenge to our council that the losing teams council would wear the other towns jersey’s during an upcoming council meeting. I was wondering if the Midland Councillors wouldn’t mind sending us over a list of the jerseys sizes they need !! All kidding aside I was at the game last night and noted that there is some real talented players on both teams, the next game is Wednesday at our arena, if you can make it out it is worth the watch.
Enjoy your day everyone !
Mayor Gerry
Gerry Marshall
Warden County of Simcoe,
Mayor Town of Penetanguishene,
County (705) 726-9300 Ext. 1260
Town (705)-549-7453
This e-mail is sent to citizens of Penetanguishene for their information on my mayors personal thoughts, upcoming meetings and activities in Town. The views expressed in the Mayor's Message do not necessarily represent the views of Council. Agendas and minutes for Council and Committee meetings can be found in the Digital Library on the Town's website at www.penetanguishene.ca. If you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please send an e-mail requesting removal to gjmarshall@bell.net and I will be happy to do so.