Mayor's Message - March 18, 2018
Good morning all, Bonjour
I hope yesterday’s St. Paddy’s Day celebrations have not left you feeling a bit green this morning !
Given it was March Break, many folks boarded planes for sunny destinations, and for those still looking for a bit more winter it was nice to see Mother Nature co-operating with a couple dustings of fresh snow. I am hearing that thousands of residents and tourists took to our region’s ski hills and trails. And that is not a bad thing as the tourism industry draws more than 9 million visitors to Simcoe County each year, generating more than $1 billion in economic lift for our communities.
The following is my monthly Wardens summary of a very busy and newsworthy four weeks at the County, and a look at all the activity ahead of us for the next month:
For this month’s did you know (DYK), I’m sharing details about our new Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Study in the hopes to encourage our business partners to participate and have their voices heard:
DYK…
There are more than 3,000 businesses identified within the agri-food value chain operating in Simcoe County (this includes farms, restaurants, retail and wholesale),
Simcoe County is home to more than 1,900 farms
The Holland Marsh feeds approximately 75 per cent of Ontario and 65 per cent of Canada
We are home to a number of agri-food entrepreneurs that started small such as Creemore Springs Brewery and Reinharts Food, and that have expanded nationally
Simcoe County grows one-third (38.73 percent) of the province’s total potato harvest
Given the vital significance of our agriculture and agri-food sector, we have partnering with Grey County, Bruce County, City of Barrie, City of Orillia, Georgian College and local business support agencies to undertake a significant study of the region’s agriculture and agri-food sector. We are seeking participation from up to 350 regional businesses (200 in Simcoe County) associated with this sector to participate in the study through survey-styled interviews.
We are all ears and we are encouraging local businesses (owners/operators and/or managers) associated with the agriculture and agri-food sector, including farmers, agri-food processors, distributors, nurseries, food retailers, restauranteurs and agri-support businesses (i.e., tractor dealerships or grain elevators) to participate and provide input.
Study will consist standardized interviews with local businesses and the results and feedback will be analyzed by independent consultants and developed into action plans for the region and each County to address identified opportunities and challenges for this vital business sector and to ensure that support provided meets current and future sector-specific needs.
To participate or to learn more about the Agriculture and Agri-Food Value Chain BR&E, please contact the County of Simcoe’s Economic Development Office at 705-726-9300 ext. 1206 or e-mail edo@simcoe.ca. More information is also available at www.simcoe.ca/agri-foodstudy
County News:
Archeological Management Plan and Consultation Efforts
We are in the process of developing a County-wide Archeological Management Plan to identify and map out key heritage features in Simcoe County. We will be hosting public consultation sessions in early spring and are currently meeting with our First Nations partners to introduce the project, gain their feedback pre beginning this important consultation process.
Secondary Suites Funding
We have relaunched our 2018 Secondary Suites funding program. This year, we provided $635,000 in additional funding to grow and expand this program. These County funds will complement $300,000 already dedicated through federal and provincial funds for creation of secondary and/or garden suites this year, bringing the total available funding close to $1 million for 2018. This program is a win-win for everyone as it provides added incentive to our homeowners to be part of the solution, while contributing to our affordable housing goals across all our communities – particularly smaller or rural hamlets and villages where larger builds aren’t as feasible. The program provides financial support in the form of a forgivable loan, up to a maximum of $25,000, to create a secondary or garden suite. These new units will then be placed in the social housing rental system. With 900 new affordable housing units already created since 2014, our Council is committed to helping our staff reach our target of creating 2,685 new units by 2024. To learn more visit www.simcoe.ca/ontariorenovates
2018 Skilled Trades Expo
Just a reminder that we are calling for local businesses, organizations and entrepreneurs from the skilled trades to participate as exhibitors in the 2018 edition of the Simcoe Muskoka Skilled Trades Expo, being held Thursday, May 17, 2018 at the Elmvale Community Arena. The 2018 event will feature two sessions: a student/school session for grades 7/8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a session geared for the general public from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. New this year, the evening event will feature a live Job Fair, which will provide participating businesses an opportunity to meet and interview skilled tradespeople during the event. It’s free to participate as an exhibitor and you can get on board by contacting our economic development office at edo@simcoe.ca.
Upcoming Initiatives
Hospital Funding Announcement
On March 27th, our Council will gather with our partners from the Simcoe County Hospital Alliance to confirm our new 15 year, 45 million dollar, funding commitment to support capital projects at our area hospitals. We encourage media and residents to join us as we launch this important investment for our communities.
Local Immigration Partnership – #ItStarts Campaign
I’m excited to announce that our Local Immigration Partnership will be working with regional partners to launch their second annual awareness campaign called #ItStarts, which will focus on raising awareness about diversity and multiculturalism in our communities. The program will run from April 23 to May 4 this year, and we will be rolling out the program over the next few weeks.
Community Connections Events
Through funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, we will be hosting three community connection fairs in Barrie, New Tecumseth, and Bradford-West Gwillimbury for immigrant residents living in nearby communities. These Community Connections for Immigrants has a special focus on connecting immigrants with Employment Ontario agencies which are eager to assist immigrants finding work in local communities. Community Connections will also provide connections to other free relevant community services. The three events are at the following locations: The Lakeshore Community Centre in Barrie on April 11, The Gibson Centre in Allison on April 17 and the Bradford Leisure Centre on May 1 – all events run from 4-8pm.
Completed Meetings and Events:
The following is a few highlights from my County meetings over the last month. A formal list of meetings are presented to Council as part of the Warden’s Communications - available at http://www.simcoe.ca/dpt/clk/amr.
I attended our Family Day Event at the Simcoe County Museum where we introduced our “I Have Hope” Youth Mental Health Anti-Stigma Campaign with Waypoint
I was joined by CAO Mark Aitken and staff members for a meeting with BILD regarding the proposed greenbelt study
On behalf of the WOWC I joined representatives from the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture for a the OFA’s Producing Prosperity Media Event
I had a meeting with staff regarding the Tollendale Village Development in Innisfil.
I attended the Orillia Kiwanis Club meeting and provided an update on County initiatives
I joined staff from our planning department for a presentation to Beausoleil Island First Nation about our Archeological Management Plan
I attended a funding announcement in Midland with Economic Development Minister, Steven Del Duca , joined the Minister for a Women Entrepreneurs roundtable and introduced the Minister at Georgian College (Orillia Campus).
Media Interviews:
I completed a few media interviews over the past month including a monthly chat with the Peak FM, I chatted with CTV about CCW’s recommended support of a new organics marketing campaign and I spoke with CTV about the County’s position on the proposed greenbelt study.
Things to take note of
The 27th Annual Sweetwater Harvest Festival is still on today at the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre at 10:00 a.m. Come out and celebrate a uniquely Canadian tradition in a distinctively Canadian landscape. Escape to a time when maple syrup was made over an open fire, experience our history and explore nature at its best.
I hope to see you out for our 3rd Annual March Mudness in support of the GBGH Foundation that takes place on Saturday March 24th at the Rotary Champlain Wendat. Park. You can walk, run, climb or crawl through 17 challenging obstacles. To register visit www.marchmudness.ca.
Everyone is welcome to attend Terry Skate 2018 at the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre Saturday March 24th from 1:20-2:50 p.m. This hour and half of free skating is in appreciation of your continued support of the annual Terry Fox Run. In 2017, together we raised over $75,000 for cancer research. There will be free hot chocolate and voluntary cash donations to the Terry Fox Foundation will be gratefully accepted at the rink. For more information contact Don Chapman at donchapman-44@rogers.com
The We are the Villagers popular Pancake Breakfast takes place at Phil’s Pub and Eatery in Midland on Sunday March 25th from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 each for adults and $5.00 for children (under five years old). The breakfast includes bacon or sausage and beverage. 100% of the proceeds go to We are the Villagers.
The popular Our Health series continues on Tuesday April 3rd at 7:30 p.m. at the Midland Cultural Centre. The topic is Eye Care and features Dr. Daniel Laurin, an Optometrist, Dr. Daniel Scanlan, an Ophthalmologist and Fran Moreau, who is partially sighted. Dr. Keith Rose will once again be the moderator. Admission is free for those who register in advance at www.midlandculturalcentre.ticketfly.com
The Quest Art Gallery is looking to raise $5,000 by April 14th and need some help to do so, please see the attached “we need your help now to make it happen” email for details.
The Sistema Huronia Music Academy is putting on a variety show on April 14th, please see the attached for details.
My week to be
Monday – I connect with CAO Jeff and Anita for an update session, CAO Jeff and I have a conference call with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development regarding the French Language University.
Tuesday – sees me attend a team meeting with County staff and participate in a food insecurity forum.
Wednesday – I pop to share a few words on our Towns behalf at a special Rotary Club meeting. Our Rotary Club members are as hard working as they come, they say integrity is what you do when no one is watching, this club spends countless of hours, out of sight, behind the scenes, making good things happen for our area, they are integrity personified with a passion to serve, a big shout out of thanks to all the members for all you do !
Thursday – I attend an emergency planning meeting and follow that with a lunch with the Mayors from Orillia, Severn, Oro-Medonte, Ramara as well as the Chief Rama.
Friday – I speak at a Leaders Forum in Toronto
Saturday – it is time to get muddy at March Mudness !!
See you soon,
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 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.