Attendees dinged for parking on municipal grass during Tall Ships fest
By: Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: MidlandToday.ca, Aug 22, 2025
A successful festival can be counted by the number of attendees, but what does the number of parking tickets mean?
Tiny Township resident Marietta Lacroix and her disabled husband received a $50 ticket for parking on municipal grass during last weekend’s Tall Ships event when accessible parking was unavailable.
With a desire to attend the dual event in the harbourfront area, the couple attempted to locate an available parking spot between the Midland Legion and the town harbour. There are three municipal locations which provide accessible parking spots in the harbour area, notes the town parking website.
“Because my husband walks with a cane, that’s why we were looking for a handicap spot,” said Lacroix, “and then he can only walk so far and then he has to turn around and go back home.”
Unable to secure a location for either accessible or regular parking during the busy festival, Lacroix found an alternative. “We noticed a number of vehicles parked on the grassy area adjacent to the parking lot.”
According to Lacroix, there were no signs visible indicating that parking on municipal grass was against the town bylaws.
“When we returned to our car we had a nice surprise parking ticket; $50 if you paid within seven days and $70 within 15 days.”
When Lacroix went to pay at the town office the following Monday, town staff informed her that she could have asked for an early resolution with a request to have it reduced further.
“I said: ‘I don’t know what that is’. I’ve never had a parking ticket in the 60 years I’ve been driving,” said Lacroix.
As she was paying the ticket, Lacroix shared her thoughts to town staff that for future events, perhaps roping the area off or placement of pylons would be a visible indication to not park on the grass.
MidlandToday contacted the town for further information, and was told by municipal law enforcement manager Rob Kennedy that between Aug. 15 through 17, a total of 64 parking tickets were issued in the harbour area.
According to Kennedy, “no vehicles were observed misusing the designated handicap spaces; therefore no tickets were issued for that purpose,” but two tickets were issued for illegal parking in EV charging stalls.
“Municipal law enforcement were actively engaged throughout the weekend to support and observed several instances of vehicles parked illegally outside of designated stalls, including some driving over curbs to park on parkland,” said Kennedy. “The town’s parking bylaw 2025-7 outlines that vehicles are prohibited from parking outside of legally marked parking stalls and on parkland at all times.
“During the festival weekend, municipal law enforcement focused on public safety and reported seeing several close calls between vehicles and pedestrians due to the congestion,” Kennedy added.
However, Kennedy provided an additional component which could have contributed to the increased enforcement.
“The town of Midland was under an active fire ban during the festival weekend, making safety precautions especially critical. Dry grass areas were highly susceptible to ignition, and the heat or a spark from a vehicle’s undercarriage could have easily triggered a fire,” said Kennedy, who noted the town remained vigilant to prevent major fire incidents from occurring.
Kennedy also explained the town webpage provided access for festival attendees to utilize the 10 municipal parking lots in the downtown, with a free shuttle service on Saturday and Sunday available as an alternative to harbour parking.
Midland Mayor Bill Gordon also provided comments on the festival, praising staff and event organizers for a successful weekend while thanking residents and visitors for their participation.
“It was great to see so many people enjoying the celebration,” said Gordon. “A lot of work goes into making events like this safe and accessible, and our event teams did a fantastic job, from setting up designated parking lots to coordinating the free shuttle service.”
When asking if Lacroix and her husband were able to enjoy the festivities, she said a small amount of luck did flow their way despite the $50 ticket.
“We didn’t even go into the tall ships because it’s a lot of walking, and I couldn’t believe how much they were charging just to go in to look at them,” admitted Lacroix. “I said: ‘never mind, my husband can’t walk that far so forget it’.
“We walked into where the (Northern Heat Rib Series and Beer Fest) and the band music and all that vendor stuff was going on. We didn’t know we had to pay $2 to get into there – we just kind of walked in and nobody said a word,” said Lacroix with a laugh. “So I guess we saved $4.”
Town Grant Helps Small Set Nursery School Grow Into a Bright Future
By Laurene Hilderley, Chair , Aug. 6, 2025
Small Set Marketing and Fundraising Committee
Small Set Nursery School thanks Town of Midland for $8,000 grant, looks to a bright future
Having supported hundreds of local children already, Midland Small Set Co-operative Nursery School’s future is set to help many more. The board is proud to announce it has received an $8,000 Community Grant from the Town of Midland. The funds will support the continued provision of excellent programming by three highly experienced staff, ensuring a vibrant and accessible early childhood education experience for local families.
The grant comes at a meaningful time for the school, which has been a part of the North Simcoe community for 43 years. Having weathered significant challenges in recent years—including a closure during the COVID-19 pandemic—Small Set is now embracing a new chapter of renewal and growth, made possible in large part by continued community support and government funding.
“We are deeply grateful to the Town of Midland for this grant,” said Alexandra Long, Chair of the Small Set Nursery School Board. “The future was uncertain after COVID-19, but thanks to the hard work of a group of willing parents, family members, staff and volunteers and now with grants, fundraising, and renewed engagement, we see a promising and strong future.”
September registration is filling fast for children 2.5 to 6 years for Small Set that operates Monday to Thursday from 9 am to noon in downtown Midland. Spots are limited so anyone interested should register soon through the website at midlandsmallsetnurseryschool.ca.
In addition to thanking the Town of Midland, the school is also encouraging residents to take part in the upcoming Town of Midland Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament, taking place on Friday, September 12, 2025. The event is a key fundraiser enabling the Town to support local organizations like Small Set and a fun way to be part of community development while enjoying a day on the green.
“Our team of educators, board members, and volunteers have poured their hearts into rebuilding and improving Small Set to continue its rich history,” said Long. “We’re not just looking to get back to where we were—we’re looking to secure another 40 years.”
Small Set offers two or four half-days per week that emphasize play-based learning, social development, and school readiness. The licensed program is operated by qualified staff and supported by a dedicated group of parents and community volunteers. Over four decades, the school has become a foundational part of early childhood education in the Midland area.
“We’ve been part of this community for 43 years,” added Long. “Thanks to continued support from the Town and events like the Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament, we look forward to many more years of helping children grow, learn, and thrive.”
For more information about Small Set Nursery School, to inquire about registration, or to learn how you can support their programs, email midlandsmallset@gmail.com.
OPP Seeking Assistance In Pedestrian Fail Remain Crash In Penetanguishene
BY SGB OPP, Aug 22, 2025
(PENETANGUISHENE,ON) – Officers from the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report to the OPP Communication Centre of a fail to remain crash involving a pedestrian near the convenience store located at the corner of Main and Brock Streets, Penetanguishene at approximately 4:32 p.m. August 20, 2025.
Officers attended the scene and learned through investigation that the 30 yr old male was clipped by the drivers side rear view mirror of a white car that failed to stop at the scene. The pedestrian was transported to an area hospital and released after treatment of minor injuries.
Anyone who may have dashcam video or an area resident with surveillance video or has or made observations of the actions vehicles around this time near the Main and Brock Streets area is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, opp.southern.georgian.bay@opp.ca or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).You can submit your information online at https://www.crimestopperssdm.com/ Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous. Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.
Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament supports 15 local organizations through Community Grant Program
By Town of Midland, Aug 13. 2025
(August 13, 2025, Midland, ON) The Town of Midland has awarded financial and in-kind support for fifteen local organizations with funding raised from the inaugural Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament which took place in September 2024. This annual charitable event reinvests in our community, with proceeds directly supporting Midland’s Community Grant Program.
The Community Grant Program empowers local organizations and nonprofits to deliver services in areas such as community development, arts and culture, and social support. This year’s recipients include:
Angels with Backpacks
Askennonia Senior Centre
CLH Foundation
Gateway Centre for Learning
Georgian Bay Musical Services
Georgian Shores Concert Band
Girl Guides 1st Midland Sparks Unit
Huronia Transition Homes / Operation Grow
Midland Lawn Bowling Club
Midland Pride
Midland Small Set Co-op Nursery School
Navaratri & Diwali Festival
Quest Art School + Gallery
Sistema Huronia
We Are The Villagers
Join Mayor Bill Gordon on September 12, 2025, for this year’s Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament. Registration is open to golfers of all skill levels. The cost to play is $200 per player, with a $50 tax receipt provided. The 18-hole tournament includes a BBQ lunch before the 12:30 p.m. shotgun start, chances to win prizes, a silent auction, a prime rib dinner, and more.
“This tournament is more than just a day on the course; it’s a meaningful investment in the long-term well-being of our community,” said Mayor Bill Gordon. “The opportunity to empower local organizations is made possible by the incredible support of our sponsors, donors, and participants. Thank you for supporting Midland. We’re building on the strong foundation we set last year to provide sustainable funding for vital local not-for-profit programs.”
The Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament is proudly supported by our generous sponsors and donors. Top sponsors include:
Kaitlin Corporation
The Sarjeant Co. LTD
Delbrook Group
For Sale on Georgian Bay
Bourgeois Automotive Group
Greenland Consulting Engineers
Newmarket-Tay Power Distribution
Compu-SOLVE
Additionally, Bourgeois Automotive Group is sponsoring the Hole-in-One contest. Any player who scores a hole-in-one will have the choice of either a three-year lease of an F-150 (valued at $30,000) or $25,000 in cash.
Whether you’re teeing off, sponsoring the event, making a donation, or joining us for dinner, your support helps strengthen our community. The Town is currently accepting sponsorships, silent auction item donations and offering a limited number of dinner-only tickets for $85. To contribute or reserve your seat, please contact Town staff at tourism@midland.ca.
More information about the tournament including how to register, sponsor, or donate, can be found on the Town’s website at midland.ca/Golf.
Boston Pizza Midland supports Wendat Community Programs
By Andrea Abbott-Kokosin
August 14, 202Since 2005, Boston Pizza Midland has raised $648,900 to support Wendat Community Programs through their annual Charity Golf Tournament. The 19th annual tournament was held on Monday June 23, 2025, at Brooklea Golf Course and raised $62,063.
We are all very excited for Marc Dupuis who got a hole in one and won a Chevrolet Colorado from Tom Smith Chevrolet. Tom Smith Chevrolet has sponsored the hole in one since 2015. This was the first time in the history of the tournament that there was a hole in one.
All proceeds raised by Boston Pizza at the golf tournaments are used to purchase vehicles to transport clients to and from a range of programs provided by Wendat Community Programs. Currently, there are five vehicles on the road.
“Thanks to Boston Pizza Midland, we can ensure that transportation is available to bring adults with mental illness to our social club and frail seniors to our Day Program. We appreciate this ongoing support”, said Andrea Abbott-Kokosin, Executive Director at Wendat. “We thank Andy Staffen and the staff of Boston Pizza Midland for their hard work and support of Wendat. We also thank all the sponsors, prize donors and participants for making this tournament a success.”
Wendat Community Programs provides high quality care and support services to adults experiencing mental illness or age-related challenges in the Simcoe-Muskoka area. Wendat has been in operation since 1987.
Fans Help 93 North Give Back — $413 Donated to Midland Salvation Army
By Neil Lefaive, Aug 19, 2025 – In July, 93 North performed a Sunday Evening Concert in Little Lake Park. Thanks to the generosity of the fans who were present, the band raised $413.15 which it donated to the Midland branch of the Salvation Army. The band members and the Salvation Army which to thank all who attended and those who donated for their generosity. The band once again thanks the Town of Midland for having them perform.
Step Into Fun: Grand Parade Hits Midland Streets
By Jen Taylor, Director of National P2P Events
[MIDLAND, August 20, 2025] – Askennonia Senior Centre is encouraging Midland residents to register to walk + fundraise in The Grand Parade (TGP).
The Grand Parade is a fundraising walk that celebrates and supports aging Canadians and their families in Midland and locations across Canada, this fun, family-friendly event takes place in the morning of September 20, 2025.
The Grand Parade is a moment when Canadians step out to publicly honour aging friends and family, and to fundraise on behalf of the charities who support them.
In our society, growing older can often rob people of status, a sense of being valued, and even self-respect.
Yet tens of thousands of Canadians want something better for their aging family member, neighbour, or friend. And hundreds of organizations pursue a different, richer vision of what it means to grow into senior status and beyond as a Canadian.
That’s why there is The Grand Parade.
The Midland Walk in support of Askennonia Senior Centre begins and ends at the North Simcoe Recreation and Sports Centre, located at 527 Len Self Blvd. Participants will walk a 2.5km route, enjoy a treat at a rest stop along the way, and return for a delicious celebration meal. All those who raise over $150 (or $75 for youth) will also don iconic TGP shirts as they take to the streets.
This is Askennonia’s first year taking part in The Grand Parade, with a fundraising goal of $20,000. Up to 75 walkers and 15 teams, including staff and friends of Askennonia are expected to attend.
Askennonia Senior Centre has been serving Midland for 35 years, and the funds raised in The Grand Parade will benefit their members and our community.
For more information about the event and how to get involved: https://thegrandparade.org