Mayor's Message - January 28, 2018
Bonjour, Good Morning all;
They say if you can’t beat em join em. That’s what Jan and I decided to do last night, given the warmer weather we joined our friends, fired up the BBQ, threw on some maple bacon burgers, along with herb, garlic parmesan cheese cottage potatoes and a nice summer salad including grapes and strawberries. It was a nice treat for this time of year, I hope you find a similar way to join in on this unusual weather.
Last week was a variety of things, from Minister meetings, to funding announcements, to celebrations and formal council meetings.
During my meetings with the Ministers of Tourism and Infrastructure I uncovered that the Federal Government has earmarked 407 Million dollars to fund the building of new arena’s, cultural centers, libraries, etc. and that the province is looking at matching these dollars. Given our arena is in need of repair I shared this information with council and we have asked our staff to investigate and report back to council has to how the fund would work and the eligibility requirements.
I met with the Minister of Municipal Affairs to better understand the Greenbelt Study that is occurring in the County of Simcoe. Given the county is an area that is growing rapidly and will continue to do so the Minister and his staff shared that the Province wishes to ensure we grow in a manner that is respectful to the needs of our urban centers, allows appropriate development while respecting our farmlands, our water and our climate. Speaking of the study , you can share your thoughts at a meeting in Barrie this Wednesday evening from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Southshore Community Centre (205 Lakeshore Drive) Barrie. If you cannot attend this Wednesday there is a second meeting scheduled in Alliston for Thursday, February 15 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Alliston Arena (49 Nelson Street West).
Our County Council meeting had a good discussion regarding affordable housing and in particular affordable housing supports outside the main urban centers. I was happy to hear Mayor Warnock share that he and his staff are fully engaged in discussions regarding opportunities in Victoria Harbour. A quick update regarding Penetanguishene is that our County and Town staff have engaged in the early planning stages for development on Church Street.
Our public planning meeting for the new development in the Queens Court Subdivision (221 Fox Street) saw our Council Chambers packed with residents interested in the development. About 25 residents spoke to council, while others chose to write us letters, to share their thoughts, concerns and to identify for council items they felt we should be aware of prior to making any decisions. There were many learnings for council and we appreciated everyone’s input. Next steps see staff create a report for council that help answer questions raised by residents, identify how concerns can be addressed, potential options, etc. The staff report should come to council March 14th and will be available for public viewing on March 9th.
In terms of funding it was a good week, from a Town perspective, our Town Christmas party saw us raise $825 that was donated to local schools for their eat well programs and to our local food bank, we were proud to show our support for Crime Stoppers with a cheque for $2,000 and to Operation Grow as we provided them with $12,000 to help with the creation of their commercial kitchen. From a County perspective we issued a cheque to Lakehead University for $1 million dollars as we continue to support their capital needs and we provided just over $100,000 to Stevenson Memorial Hospital as part of our overall 1.15 million dollars in support of their new CT Scanner.
THINGS TO BE AWARE OF
We are still getting ready for our 70th WINTERAMA which will be occurring on Family Day weekend (February 16th to 19th) We are one of the oldest winter carnivals in Ontario! For the past 70 years our community comes together as we host and enjoy many great events, this year will be no exception as there will be many activities to take part in all weekend long! The most exciting news for this year is the return of the Demolition Derby, taking place on Saturday, February 17th at 2:00pm at the Town Dock. WINTERAMA is not possible without the help of many great individuals who volunteer at the event and we still need some volunteers to help! For more information or to fill out a Volunteer Application, visit our website www.winterama.ca Stay tuned for a complete listing of Winterama events in early February.
THE OUR HEALTH SERIES CONTINUES -
When does a fun activity shift to a habit needing help? Addiction is the challenging and thought provoking topic for the 11th program of the “Our Health” series at the MCC. Join our discussion on January 30, 2018, 7:30 PM, (doors open at 7 PM) , when three panelists take “a look at the reality of addictions”. Jack Vandenberg, the manager for addiction services in Simcoe County, has played a major role in education, assessment and withdrawal management for over 40 years. Tina Brand-Lawson is a compassionate and caring frontline addiction counsellor in Midland. Andrew Hurst, a recovering addict and alcoholic, has experienced firsthand the devastating effects of addiction. He has been clean and sober for three years. Dr. Keith Rose will moderate the discussion and questions from the audience. Our seven sponsors have made free admission possible. Register now at https://midlandculturalcentre.ticketfly.com
BLOOD CLINIC – we have a blood clinic in Town this Wednesday at our Penetanguishene Legion from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Please do consider donating blood to this life saving undertaking.
HOSPICE HURONIA FUND RAISER -
We Are The Villagers presents their Snow Angel Gala, honouring Julianna Matyas at Restaurant Sainte Marie February 3rd at 6:00 p.m. The evening features cocktails
and hors d’oeuvres, whiskey and wine tasting, performances by their young Villagers and live music by Gibbons and Figgs. Tickets are $75.00 per person. Reserve tickets at 1-855-528-5252 or online at www.watvnew.com.
North Simcoe has been selected as one of eight communities in Ontario to participate in the Business for the Arts Sponsorship and Governance Mentorship program. This
program is free to arts and culture organizations. There will be an information session on February 8th at 10:00 a.m. at the Midland Public Library. For more information about the program visit www.bit.ly/NorthSimcoe.
The four North Simcoe municipalities will be presenting Doug Griffith’s 13 Ways to Kill a Community at the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre February 8th at 7:00 p.m. Doug shows how attitude is the biggest factor—and roadblock—to building a successful community. Everyone is welcome.
Community Living Huronia presents a Red Carpet Evening featuring David Usher at the Quality Inn and Conference Centre in Midland February 10th. For tickets and information visit www.clhfoundation.ca.
My Week Ahead
Given municipal meeting cycles tend to be the first and third weeks of the month, the months with five weeks in them tend to be a bit quieter, as is the case this week.
Monday – I grab a breakfast update meeting with CEO Jeff and Anita, I connect with the owners of Maple Leaf Marinas to gain and understanding of their current and future plans, I pop down the School Board to join in on a funding announcement. I attend an update meeting. And our Youth Council meets as does our Library Board.
Tuesday – a few informal meetings and I attend a team meeting
Wednesday – I attend an audit committee meeting and the greenbelt study meeting.
Thursday – I attend our Agriculture Liaison Committee meeting.
Friday – no formal meetings
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.