Town of Midland celebrates over 20 years of the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre by seeking partnership for naming rights
By Town of Midland, May 1, 2025
The Town of Midland is proud to celebrate over 20 years of operation of the beloved North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre and is thrilled to announce a fresh new chapter. As part of this milestone, the Town is inviting opportunities for a business, organization or individual partner with a passion for Midland to submit proposals to obtain the naming rights for this vital shared space.
“For over two decades the NSSRC has been more than just a building – it’s a hub for sports, fitness, leisure, and events – fostering incredible community spirit and lasting memories for families and organizations in the North Simcoe area and beyond,” said Midland Mayor Bill Gordon. “This call for interest for the naming rights is the first opportunity of its kind for the Town, and we look forward to creating a valuable and mutually beneficial branding partnership with an outstanding supporter.”
The 118,000 square foot multi-purpose facility serves over 300,000 visitors annually, acting as a welcoming place to host weddings, receptions, sporting events, fundraisers, craft shows, meetings, and more. It is home to two NHL-sized ice surfaces that host special events and floor sports in the summer, a double gymnasium, a large community room for gatherings of up to 560 people, five additional meeting rooms of varying sizes, and other public amenities such as a sports store, a concession area and a shooting pad facility.
This unique naming rights opportunity provides a chance for proponents to leave a legacy in Midland while gaining high visibility and association as part of this important public venue and offers a vital role in investing in the growth and success of the community.
Interested organizations or individuals are encouraged to visit midland.ca/NamingRights to learn more and to submit their official proposal. Opportunities are open until June 12, 2025.
Historic Top Hat Ceremony in Midland’s Harbour
By Town of Midland, April 22, 2025
On April 21, 2025, Mayor Bill Gordon and Harbour Master Rick congratulated Captain Captain Louri Makarenko of the Canadian Steamship M.V. Frontenac for being the first commercial vessel of the season to grace our shores!
The Top Hat Ceremony is a 100+ years old tradition started by James Playfair, which added some friendly competition amongst commercial vessels. The ceremony celebrates the first ship to arrive in the harbour each year, with the captain being “crowned” with Mr. Playfairs own silk top hat.
This tradition carries on as the arrival of the first commercial vessel is a moment that deserves recognition and celebration. The vintage silk top hat used in this annual ceremony is from Mr. Playfair’s personal collection.
Congratulations to the Captain, the ship’s crew, the shipping company, and all those who have made this moment possible.
Midland seniors to soon pay transit fares as neighbours keep riding free
By: Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: MidlandToday.ca, April 28, 2025
Seniors transit rates will remain free in Penetanguishene for 2025, despite Midland senior fares increasing to $1.75 as of May 1.
However, many transit rates will be increasing in both towns of the Midland-Penetanguishene transit service shortly.
Midland council made the decision to increase rates during discussion of its fees and charges bylaw in March, springing the increased senior rates without consultation to Penetanguishene beforehand.
At the recent regular meeting of Penetanguishene council, members spoke to the rash decision by Midland and its impact to Penetanguishene seniors.
Said Deputy Mayor Dan La Rose to staff: “When you sit on that (transit) committee, is there any chance that you could give them an idea to quit doing what they’re doing?
“They don’t bother to communicate that (fee change) to us in advance. It would just be nice for the communications to go out the same; when they’ve changed theirs, now they’re asking us to do it again. Could you ask them in the future that we collaborate that together before this comes to this point?”
Public works director Bryan Murray acknowledged that the Midland council decision had surprised the staff of both towns. CAO Jeff Lees noted that the two-town agreement didn’t specify a notice period for such individual changes.
Mayor Doug Rawson asked his fellow council that with the 2025 budget already finalized, the town should decline increasing Penetanguishene fares; his suggestion was defeated and the motion was approved.
Effective May 1, the Penetanguishene fare structure will be:
* Senior Citizens (65+, Penetanguishene residents only) – Free
* Adult Fare – $3.25 cash, or 20 tickets for $47.25
* Student Fare – $2.75 cash, or 20 tickets for $42.00
* Children Fare (6 years or younger) – Free
* Reloadable Smart Card (effective September 23, 2019) – $4.00
* Penetanguishene Seniors Card Replacement – $20.00
MidlandToday asked Gordon to comment on the Midland fare increase for seniors; his response noted the balance for council to find between operating costs and affordability.
“Our costs to run the system are significantly higher than Penetanguishene’s and result in over $600,000 of budgetary shortfall that must be borne by our ratepayers,” replied Gordon through email. “I wish we could afford to keep many of our services free but that is not the financial reality that we live in these days. Free only means that everyone else is paying, including the very seniors impacted by the $1.75, in that their taxes will increase to offset the losses incurred by offering a ‘free’ bus trip.”
Rawson also explained to MidlandToday: “Transit services are essential for strengthening and connecting our communities, and we are proud of the transit services we provide. This initiative was initially approved by Penetanguishene council and has since been built into our annual budget, (and) reflects our commitment to making transit accessible for all residents, including seniors.”
Recently, the annual Gas Tax Program funding from the Ontario government was received for the joint transit operation, with over $185,000 for Midland and approximately $93,000 for Penetanguishene.
Said Rawson: “The funding represents an important investment in local public transit and making a positive impact in our community. Though the funding is not relied on, the funding received annually through the Gas Tax Program helps offset overall transit operating costs in our community.”
Information on the proposed fare increase report can be located on the agenda page of the Town of Penetanguishene website.
Meetings of Penetanguishene council are held on the second Wednesday of each month, and can be watched live on Rogers TV cable 53, or on the Rogers TV website.
Archives of council meetings are located on the Town of Penetanguishene YouTube channel.
Midland volunteer firefighters fêted with 20-year service awards
By: Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: MidlandToday.ca, May 5, 2025
Two of Midland’s finest received awards from the Governor General at last night’s council meeting for their 20-year service as volunteer firefighters.
The Governor General of Canada’s Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal was presented to volunteer firefighters Bill Edwards and Drew Hutchings in a council chamber filled with friends, family, dignitaries, and many members of the town’s fire service.
According to emergency services manager and fire chief Richard Renaud, the awards recognize Canadian fire service members who have completed 20 years of service; 10 of which have been in the performance of duties involving potential risks.
“It was a little nerve-wracking,” Edwards told MidlandToday after receiving the award, “but I enjoyed it.”
Said Hutchings: “I was overwhelmed and very happy to see so many friends and family here.”
Renaud provided a brief background of the men prior to the ceremony, informing attendees that both Edwards and Hutchings had begun their volunteer services in the same group back in 2004. Both men entered the trades, with Hutchings employed at Elcan before retiring a short time ago, and Edwards continuing his career at TRW Automotive through today.
Representing Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop were her parents, Garfield and Jane. Mid-introduction from Renaud, four of the many firefighters in the room dashed out the chambers doors, sirens blaring shortly after.
The Dunlops remained quiet in attendance as Simcoe North MP Adam Chambers took to the podium to provide words of thanks from the federal government.
“We just went through a pretty difficult time with the power outage,” said Chambers, “and I think everyone saw the kind of work that our first responders and firefighters do for us.
“It’s these individuals who – while all of us were trying to figure out how we were going to manage our own lives – they were out helping other people; and I want to not just commend them for their service, but thank them and thank their family members for being without family when they often were needed.
“It’s an absolute honour for me to be here with you this evening, and I want to congratulate both Bill and Drew on behalf of the Governor General for their long service, and wish them all the best as they continue and find many things to fill their time,” Chambers added.
Mayor Bill Gordon also praised the recipients following the meeting. He told MidlandToday that he understood the sacrifices made by those in emergency service roles, as he too had spent six years as a volunteer firefighter for Tiny Township.
“You can’t overstate the importance of the fire service, but to make it through 20 years? Especially in a volunteer capacity? It’s a challenge; I really enjoyed it, but 20 years makes my six years look like a rookie,” said Gordon.
Gordon also thanked all volunteer firefighters for their contributions, and appreciated the recognition at the event by the higher tiers of government.
“It’s nice to see that our local provincial and federal reps came out to the community.
“It’s not just another award handed out,” said Gordon. “Hitting 20 years of service in the fire service – and receiving this particular award, much like the new King Charles III Coronation Medal that was just awarded to (Midland Fire fire prevention officer) Cale McLean – these are really big deals.”
MidlandToday asked the recipients: if given the chance, would they do another 20 years?
“One hundred per cent,” Edwards firmly stated.
“Definitely,” said Hutchings.
Council meetings are held every third Wednesday, and can be viewed on Rogers TV cable channel 53 when available, or through the livestream on the Rogers TV website. Archives of council meetings are available through Rogers TV and on the Town of Midland’s YouTube channel.
Quest Art School + Gallery Launches Petite Picassos Video Series and FREE In-Person Programming For Young Creators!
Quest Art School + Gallery is excited to announce the launch of its latest initiative—the Petite Picassos Video Series! This new program brings a creative, interactive experience directly into your home, allowing young artists to explore the world of art with the guidance of skilled instructors and the comfort of familiar surroundings.
Designed for children ages 3 to 5, the first installment of the Petite Picassos Video Series is a collection of short, engaging videos ranging from two to five minutes each. These videos offer simple, hands-on art activities that children can complete using household items that families already have on hand. Whether it’s the use of a salad spinner, shaving cream, food colouring or bubbles, this series encourages creativity and imagination in the most accessible way possible. This approach not only fosters artistic expression but also teaches young children to see the possibilities in the ordinary objects around them.
The first set of videos in this series is led by none other than Quest’s Executive Director, Lawrence Sagar. Known for his warmth and enthusiasm, Lawrence is a fan favourite at Quest, and the creative adventures he takes his viewers on promise to inspire a new generation of young artists while making learning fun and easy!
The Petite Picassos Video Series is now available for FREE on Quest’s YouTube channel, at https://www.youtube.com/@QuestPetitePicassos.
To complement the video series and build on its success, Quest is also offering FREE in-person tots programming. This hands-on extension brings young creatives into the Quest studio for interactive, joy-filled art activities that encourage exploration and artistic expression in a supportive environment.
These in-person sessions are the perfect opportunity for children to practice their newly acquired skills while connecting with peers and instructors in real time. It’s an exciting way to bring the magic of the Petite Picassos series into a live, dynamic setting!
Spring Term: May 13th – June 21st, 2025
Session Times:
- Tuesdays | 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
- Saturdays | 10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
- Saturdays | 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
Spaces are very limited (only 10 children per class, each with one caregiver), so don’t wait! Secure your spot at: petitepicassos.ca/classes
Quest Art School + Gallery is deeply grateful to the Ontario Trillium Fund for their generous support in helping to bring this video series to life. Their contribution has made it possible to create a resource that will inspire young children to engage with art, no matter where they are.
More information about Quest Art School + Gallery can be found online at https://www.questart.ca/, with details specific to Children’s Programming, including camps, classes and more at https://www.petitepicassos.ca/!