Earth Day

Well today is Earth Day and I think you would agree that the picture is worth a thousand words so I will be short.

The work on the international space station continues. I have heard the view from space puts into perspective that all of us share one home called planet earth.

Today is the day to reflect and to commit to take action everyday to ensure our home can sustain all of us. Happy Earth Day everyone!

Great news today from the Federal Government.

Georgian College has received a 4 million dollar grant. What makes this great news for Collingwood is that Georgian College has long wanted a permanent site in Collingwood. The future location and site plans will be revealed later this month but we do know that Georgian College has been in discussions with Mr. John DiPoce of Dipoce Management about a possible partnership in their 150 acre employment park in Collingwood. Georgian College locating here would be a catalyst for significant private sector investment within the park and huge employment opportunites for Collingwood and neighbouring communities. Collingwood is eagerly awaiting more details to be revealed by Georgian College President Brian Tamblyn, Mr. John Dipoce and his team of Mr. Tony Miele of DiPoce Management and Ms. Kris Menzies of MHBC planning. The Town of Collingwood received 1.57 million dollars in funding from the Community Adjustment Fund and used those monies to bring municipal infrastructure to the 150 acre employment site boundaries. Mr. Ed Houghton, Ms. Catharine Durrant and CAO Ms. Kimberly Wingrove were integral to Team Collingwood's successful grant application. Collingwood Council has made the development of a permanent Post Secondary Institution a priority for Collingwood. I must say that much work is yet to be done before any Students are in any buildings and details are yet to be revealed but I remain confident that the Partners remain dedicated to the objective of a permanent home for Georgian College and a huge economic boost for Collingwood, Clearview Township, Wasaga Beach and the Blue Mountains. This announcement is one of the most exciting opportunites realized in a very long time.

County Council Elects New Warden

County Council elects new Warden in December 2009. Mayor of Wasaga Beach (and good friend) Cal Patterson received unanimous support from County Council. I had predicted earlier that morning to the media, some County Colleagues and former Warden and Collingwood Mayor Terry Geddes, that Warden Guergis would not accept the nomination for a possible fourth term; that Site 41 - amongst other issues - had been agonizing for many; and that a new Warden should be acclaimed - providing a unifiying moment, instead of a bitter defeat by the incumbent. County Politics is an interesting experience at times. Cal is seen here receiving the Chain of Office from his partner in life, Deb. It was an emotional day for many.