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Community hall filled for local government week meet Last week was Local Government Week in On- tario. Port McNicoll started its own annual local government event, seven years ago. Last Wednes- day, village residents filled most of the chairs in the community centre for a two hour meeting. Mental Health Centre community service team members David Boyce and Tim Ingram talked about the half-day a week clinic they hold in the communi- ty. Liz Downer spoke about the recycling program. And OPP Constable Mur- ray Cooper introduced a Crime Watch program to Port McNicoll. Residents had the oppor- tunity to ask the members of the village council for answers and explanations. Reeve John Moreau responded to concerns about a road that might be moved, lighting along the beach and Silver Beach Crescent, and a hydro pole with a rotten base. Reeve Moreau illustrated the financial problem fac- ed by the village council because of inflation: the municipality's expenses in 1987 are $1,000 a week higher than in 1986, without an increase in service. "Tt's getting harder and harder to provide the ser- vices, and preserve the status quo and make some improvements," the reeve said. Reeve Moreau described the lighting problem as Anticipating change of status for village Last week, during the community meeting in Port McNicoll, when Reeve John Moreau spoke about the municipality, he said "town" instead of village. At one point, he said "city hall" when he was referring to the village office. The reeve perhaps was anticipating the change of status from village to town. The village has enough residents for consideration of application to the pro- vince for a change of title. When the reeve polled the audience in the com- munity centre, most of the hands went up to support a change to town status. When Port McNicoll becomes a town, it will have to change its nickname. Port McNicoll calls itself the 'friendliest little village in Simcoe County." A population of 2,000 is the dividing line between a village and a town. The most recent official count, in 1985, gave Port MeNicoll a population of 1,926. The estimated cur- rent population is 2030. The decision to apply for a change of status is a municipality's. Tottenham is one of the eight other villages in Simcoe County, although its population is closer to. 3,000. Stafi- atz, the" Port McNicoll municipal office say "Town hall," when answering the telephone. Callers don't understand when they hear "Village of- fice," the village clerk said. "grave." The lighting in that area of the village can't be improved until the main line in the area of Fourth Avenue is upgraded. The village advertised that work last summer, but no bids were received. The village has two bids in hand this year, a ques- tioner was informed. Representatives of com- munity groups sitting in the audience were recognized and given the opportunity to talk about their group. Sitting at the front of the auditorium with the coun- cil members and village staff were four members of the public school's junior council: student council reeve Sheila Stafford, clerk Toni Jackson, and coun- cillors Chris Burns and Sherry Juneau. When the = annual meeting originated, it was called Get Acquainted Night. Previous annual meetings included enter- tainment. Noting the lack of entertainment this year, the reeve said that the Oak Ridge Boys attended (two representatives of the Penetanguishene Mental Health Centre). Umpire's clinic next Monday North Simcoe Umpires Association are hosting a Rules Clinic (O.A.S.A,), April 26, 9 a.m., Regent School, Midland, corner of Russell St. and Ellen St. The Clinic is open to new umpires, players, coaches and is a must for veteran umpires. Contacts for more information: Ed Cramn - 526-5358 John Wadge - 534-3350 Doug Gradsby - 526-4686 HELP KEEP RED CROSS READY! LOOKING FOR COMFORTABLE RETIREMENT LIVING? Picture yourself living ina modern, newly designed Home on the edge of Little Lake Park. The meals, made by our chef, are sure to please. We're fully equipped with a fitness centre, a spa, a library Raffle Philomena Dupuis and Lea Tountant helped raise funds for the Georgian Manor during its craft and bake Shield month. May is the month during which the Salvation Army holds its annual Red Shield Appeal. In Midland, the Army's annual fund raising effort will be launched with a parade. The parade will: leave the Salvation Army parking lot for the parkette beside the town library, at 11 a.m. on May 2. The municipality has been asked to declare May as Salvation Army Month, and to fly the Red Shield flag from the library flagpole during May. The week of May 4 to 8 is Children's Aid Society Ely setae week in Ontario. The local Township of Tay CAS branch has planned a Box 100 y ( Ju 1 number of special events, Victoria Harbour, Ontario It's Z Community too! several of which will be LOK 2A0 held in Midland. sale. The two were selling tickets for a draw for a beautiful, hand-made quilt. NOTICE Restriction of Open Fires Fire permits are required from April 1st to October 31st subject to extensions within the Township of Tay. Fire permits for Sunnyside, Portage Park and Midland Point may be obtained from the Midland Fire Department. r Fire Permits for residents from Conc. 1 to Conc. 6 may be obtained from Fred Yule at the Old Fort Milk Maid Store Conc. 3. For residents from Conc. 7 to Conc. 13 per- mits may be obtained from Mike Gouett at Marsh's Marina in Waubaushene. Copies of By-Law 1409 pertaining to open fires may be picked up at the Township office. e Choose from a accommodation. semi-private, private or deluxe private suite and two entertainment lounges. "VILLA RETIREMENT LODGE 689 Yonge 526-4238 St , Midland GRCO"V NEWS GEORGIAN BAY 3m Armstrong ia and works in Georgian Bay are? 12B4-c Page 10, Tuesday, April 21, 1987