Large numbers turn up for Midland Bay Landing open houses
By: Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: MidlandToday.ca, Apr 16, 2025
Nothing quite draws out a crowd of Midland residents like Midland Bay Landing, and the first of two open houses was indication that there remained great interest in the waterfront project.
The first two-hour session was held Tuesday starting at 2 p.m. in the Bill Thompson Room of the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre, and immediately attracted more than 50 people.
“I’m pleasantly surprised that, just walking in, there’s this much community support – as (consultants KPMG LLP) have said – especially for a community this size to have this many people,” said town CAO Rhonda Bunn. “It’s not far past 2 p.m.; this is incredible.”
Available for residents were many stations around the room. A large television greeted entrants to aerial shots showing the scope of the landscape across all seasons, while examples of other developments across the globe were provided on boards.
Familiar faces lined the room, full of council members, town staff members, developers and concerned residents.
Former Midland Mayor Stewart Strathearn was in attendance, found near the example boards.
“It’s a reaffirmation of a process that went on in 2013,” said Strathearn on community turnout for the Midland Bay Landing project. “A lot of strong interest, a lot of people with differing views that, once you go through the process, you should see it coalesce into something that I think would be spectacular.”
A few residents were caught off guard, however. Expecting a more formal presentation instead of the looser open-house style, Midland residents Jim and Jan Anderson were interested in the information provided as they satiated their curiosity.
“It’s been a long time and there hasn’t been a whole lot happening,” said Jim.
Added Jan: “We hope it will maintain access for the whole town, in maybe a wide sidewalk that you can walk around – and not be putting condos up that cuts it off from everybody enjoying the waterfront.”
A table was set up with large aerial photographs, where residents were encouraged to place large icon representations of items they’d like to see on the property in the places they envisioned. Community and growth executive director Steve Farquharson was stationed at the table, logging each resident entry by photographing their contribution.
“We had a good response to the survey when we first launched it,” said Farquharson. “This was the intent of the process, to try and engage the public, and we’re really excited and happy with the turn-out that we got.”
Residents Spencer Brown and Judy Payne also expressed interest in the development, having filled out the survey. Brown shared he was hoping something would happen soon.
“I also think we want to see a beautiful space, but we also recognize we need some economic development,” offered Payne. “So it has to be two-prong: it has to be for the residents to enjoy, and we have to start building up our economy.”
Not only could residents share comments on the project, but there were many activity boards stationed which KPMG attendees handed red and green sticker sets to residents, encouraging those to be placed accordingly on what residents did and didn’t want for the development.
Said resident Lorna Murray: “We want to keep that one section on the east end open to the public – as a matter of fact it has to remain to the public. No meters, no nothing.”
The sentiment was echoed by Coun. Bill Meridis, just one of several town councillors in attendance. Meridis was continually mixing with various residents, discussing the matter at length with each.
“The perception is that everybody I’m talking to, so far, is concerned about the east end – the biggest factor or issue from the previous plan,” said Meridis. “They want that east end left alone and green-spaced… and it’s what I campaigned on.” He stated he had assured residents their voices were heard, adding he was anxious to see the results of the open house.
Information on the Midland Bay Landing project, including timelines and survey, can be found on the town website.
Disturbance Leads to Arrest of Midland Resident
(MIDLAND, ON) -Officers from the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a report of a disturbance in the area of Nelson and Robert Streets, Midland at approximately 6:46 p.m. April 9, 2025.
Upon arrival an individual was located in possession of a sharp edged weapon who was also making verbal threats towards persons in the area. The suspect was arrested without injury and transported to Detachment. Awhile in custody, the accused also destroyed property belonging to the Province of Ontario in the cell area.
Charged in connection to these investigations is 35 year old Douglas KING of Midland with the following offences contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada.
- Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
- Uttering Threats – Cause death or Bodily Harm
- Mischief Under $ 5,000
And Further With
- Being intoxicated in public place contrary to the Liquor Licence and Control Act
The accused was held for bail court and will appear before the Ontario Court of Justice Court at a future date. By OPP, April 10, 2025
Midland Celebrates Historic Top Hat Ceremony at the Harbour
By Town of Midland
(April 16, 2025, Midland ON) On Monday, April 21, Midland’s Mayor and Harbour Master will present the ceremonial Top Hat to the Captain of Canadian Steamship M.V. Frontenac at the front gate of the ADM Milling Company in Midland Harbour.
Presenting his top hat to the captain of the first ship in the Harbour every spring was started by Midland businessman James Playfair over 100 years ago. This time-honoured tradition made for friendly competition amongst commercial vessels coming to Midland Harbour following the ice breaking up each year.
The silk top hat used in this annual ceremony is a vintage hat from Mr. Playfair’s personal collection. In 2024, the Town had the silk top hat professionally restored to bring it back to its original glory.
2025 Top Hat Ceremony
Date: Monday, April 21, 2025
Time: 3:00 p.m.**
Location: Midland Harbour, ADM Milling gate
**As the Frontenac’s schedule is subject to change, an update will be issued if required on Monday morning.
Sunday Restoration Celebrates Three Years as Part of the Midland Community and Expands Services to Estate Sales and Appraisals
By Sunday Restoration
As Sunday Restoration celebrates its third anniversary in Midland, owner Jacqueline Sunday is unveiling an exciting new chapter for the beloved boutique. The store, known for its curated vintage home décor and expert lighting repair, is expanding its offerings to include whole-home contents appraisals and in-home and online estate sales—services designed to help individuals understand the value of their belongings as they navigate significant life transitions such as downsizing, estate management, and relocation.
Since its inception in 2022, Sunday Restoration has quickly become a trusted destination for vintage enthusiasts and sustainability advocates alike. The expansion into estate services is a natural extension of Jacqueline’s commitment to helping the community value their belongings and reduce waste through thoughtful rehoming and resale.
“Managing a loved one’s belongings or downsizing can be overwhelming. Our goal is to make the process easier,” Jacqueline says. “We specialize in uncovering hidden value and keeping items in circulation, rather than sending them to waste.”
Through personalized consultations, Sunday Restoration offers professional appraisals and guides clients through the process of selling or donating belongings. Whether it’s a nostalgic relic from the ‘90s or a cherished family heirloom, Jacqueline’s expertise ensures that each item is evaluated for both financial and sentimental value.
With spring on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to explore Sunday Restoration’s expanded services. Clients will receive a complimentary consultation, during which Jacqueline assesses their needs and creates a plan tailored to their unique circumstances.
For more information, visit www.sundayrestoration.com or stop by the store at 427 King St, Midland. To connect with Jacqueline directly, call (226) 208-2122.
Sunday Restoration’s dedication to sustainability and community impact makes it a standout business.
Fred Fox in Midland and His Message, “FINISH IT.”
By Janis Foley, Canadian Martyrs School, April 10. 2025
On Wednesday afternoon Canadian Martyrs School had a special visitor. Fred Fox, Terry’s brother came and gave a presentation to our students as part of his gratitude tour. The students were in awe the moment he entered the gym. We greeted Fred with a drumming ceremony and concluded the assembly with the students singing the Terry Fox song.
Every year for the past 22 years, Canadian Martyrs school has participated in the Terry Fox Run in September. This year we raised $2649 and in the 22 years we have raised $25 604. Which is why Fred Fox’s visit was so important to the students and Staff at Canadian Martyrs.
It was 45 years ago that Terry began his marathon of hope. Fred’s inspiring stories helped the students understand how and why the marathon of hope came to be.
Fred Fox Responses to North Simcoe Springwater News
The Ontario Terry Fox Foundation office picked Canadian Martyrs and other schools to visit in The Midland and Penetanguishene area for the 2 days that I was there. It was an opportunity to say thank you, and to acknowledge the amazing difference schools like Canadian Martyrs make in continuing what Terry started, 45 years ago on April 12, 1980 in St John’s, NL. The money that schools raise is impacting cancer research and the lives of those with a cancer diagnosis.
My best memories of Terry are when Terry & I were the same age as the students in the schools I visited. The things we did as kids together will always be with me. But of course, I will always remember running with Terry down University Ave, towards Toronto City Hall and a month later in August 1980, spending 4 days with Terry in a very different setting of that in Toronto, near Wawa, ON.
The Terry Fox Run across Canada is Sunday September 14th. The TF Run held in your area is at Perkinsfield Park. This is the link to their Runsite page: https://run.terryfox.ca/96498 You can search for other info about The Terry Fox Foundation & Terry Fox Run from the home page of the TFF website.
Over 4000 schools in Ontario (9300 in Canada) have their own TF Runs during the months of September & October.
In 2025, our 45th anniversary, our fundraising campaign is titled “Finish It”. This is not referencing to finish running those miles/kilometers from Thunder Bay to Vancouver Island in BC (no one will ever do this) but finishing Terry’s goal of eradicating the suffering that cancer causes, to end cancer.
Usually, every year we have a new/different TF Run t-shirt, this year we have an expanded collection of “Finish It” merchandise that supporters can purchase with proceeds going to cancer research.