All Candidates Meeting - September 17th

Democracy is alive a well in Midland. From a field of 27 in the running for Council positions, 22 attended the All Candidates debate at the MCC this past Wednesday. There was a good mix of youth and those with years of municipal experience - a broad choice for the people of Midland.

It was interesting to hear most of the candidates come together around the three topics that have been front and centre in my term as mayor:

• Economic development and jobs
• Fiscal management and taxes
• Development of the Midland Bay Landing property

Many of the candidates' statements were complementary of the work that has been accomplished, especially our new Economic Development Corporation and the Midland Bay Landing purchase. Others pointed to the work remaining to be done. But there was no fundamental disagreement.

A few candidates went on the offensive with personal attacks - Jonathan Reid indicated that he could have chosen a better Council by picking names from the phone book. Stephan Kramp caused a stir when he stated that there had been a legislation change that would add an additional $8-10 million to the Midland Bay Landing Project. (The Town of Midland has since confirmed that there has been no such change and that the original public announcement stands. Refer to “The Facts About the Unimin Lands Purchase”.)

All in all a good start to the political debating season.

Jobs: Your Decision, Your Future

The biggest challenge confronting Midland is to increase the number of good jobs in our community. New jobs, from both current businesses and new ones, are essential to maintaining and improving the quality of life that we all cherish.

Creating jobs is not easy. But from my business experience, I know that it starts with a solid foundation. Over the last four years I have worked to lay that foundation:

1. I brought together the four North Simcoe communities to co-operate on economic development - no simple feat in itself.


2. With some guidance, that partnership has grown to become the Economic Development Corporation of North Simcoe. Last month, Ms. Sharon Vegh accepted the new position of Economic Development Officer. Her job is to grow our area's economy.


3. I have led Council in a full review of our municipal operating costs. We are now better at controlling our taxes, fees, and regulations - measures that help all of our businesses and residents.

Creating jobs requires teamwork. My business background allows me to sit down comfortably with small business as well as large manufacturers. Many of these meetings involve active problem solving that have helped create jobs. My efforts and those of others are starting to show encouraging results:

1. Weber Manufacturing chose Midland when they brought their manufacturing line and jobs back from Mexico.


2. Forte EPS chose Midland to set up their high-tech polystyrene manufacturer, bringing new jobs to our community.


3. Kaitlin Corp. announced last month that they are returning to build homes in Bayport - more construction work.


4. Small businesses continue to come to our downtown - "Taylor and Co.", "We’re Nuts" and "Bell" are some of the most recent.

Creating good jobs is a tough business. It takes a long term vision and plenty of hard work. With your help, I will continue on the path we are on to bring jobs to our community.

The key question before voters this election is whether to continue building on the direction set by the people of Midland in the last election or to turn away and lose all of the energy and momentum that we have achieved.

Midland Bay Landing Launch

Midland took a historic step into its future on Friday August 29th, 2014.

Some 60 people gathered at the corner of William and Bayshore to recognize the unveiling of the new Midland Bay Landing site. I was pleased to welcome M.P. Bruce Stanton, Mayor Scott Warnock, Councillors Pendlebury, Charlebois, and Canning, as well as our CAO.

Speeches were short. My remarks began with a summary of the Midland history already founded on this property - the Playfair mill in the late 1800s, shipbuilding through to WWII, and then rail and coal to supply Midland's industries.

2014 turns a new page for us and it is one that will be equally as profound. Once built, Midland Bay Landing will return the Georgian Bay waterfront to its citizens. It will be a place of new beginnings and family, including an infinity pool onto the Bay, an amphitheatre for outdoor performances, and maybe even a splash pad (thanks Alya). It will also be a new economic engine for our area, with many employers already considering making the neighbourhood part of their expansion plans.

Midland Bay Landing holds the promise of our future. We now need the determination to follow though with our dreams.

Highlights from the unveiling of the site can be viewed here:

MADD Bench Dedication

A touching tribute was made by Bev and other members of MADD at the dedication of a new granite bench at Midland Harbour on Saturday. The beautiful bench, made from the same material as many headstones, is in a peaceful waterfront location near the Harbour Office where anyone can rest and reflect on the loss to our society of lives taken by those who drive while impaired. Many thanks to MADD, Midland Police, and the OPP for the work that you do to keep our families safe, informed, and up-to-date. And a special thanks to our RCSCC Trillium Sea Cadets for assisting in the unveiling.

My remarks from the event can be viewed here:

Tugfest - What a Weekend!

What a wonderful week end to be out enjoying Midland!

The party started on Thursday when the first of 26 tugboats started showing up in our harbour. This is a few more than last year and, as you can see, it caused a little congestion dockside.

Friday night the party started in earnest. The Pescotont, captained by Paul Gaynor and his lovely wife Carol, hosted the captain's party on the rear deck. The event really kicked into high gear with the arrival of the Legion Branch 80 Pipes and Drums.

Then it was time for the main event, the "Parade of Lights". Each of the tugboats set off into the harbour to show how well decorated she was. With the cacophony of water cannon, fireworks, and a lot of boat whistles, the job of the judges was far from easy. Those who stayed ashore appreciated the colourful spectacle.

Saturday was even better! The tugboats were at it again with "tooting" contests and tests of speed and who could push the Midland town dock the farthest (it was a tie). And when things were a bit slow, the boats engaged in a bit of water horseplay.

Not to be outdone, the citizenry of Midland decided to build their own tugboats and take the to water. This year there were three competitors. Not surprisingly, the Power Squadron entry was the fastest tugboat over the course. But there was a lot of sympathy for the fellow who just made it past the start line.

My sincere thanks to the event organizers and the boats and crews from all over Ontario who made this wonderful day in the Midland Harbour possible. Rick Laney and his harbour staff are to be commended for making it all come together.