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Hamilton Spectator
11 hours ago
- Climate
- Hamilton Spectator
Midland gets grant for delivering ‘key messages' during emergency
The best way to handle an emergency is to be prepared ahead of time, and lessons learned during this year's ice storm were taken to heart by the town of Midland. Handling communications for emergencies was a primary concern for the town, which utilized a portion of a $50,000 2024-25 Community Emergency Preparedness grant to purchase a mobile electronic information board to use in times of need throughout the community. Said CAO Rhonda Bunn: 'Depending on what the event is, we could communicate key messages, such as information on a website if connectivity was available. We don't have a lot of room on the board, but key messages (would show) for what we want people to know, and it would all be tailored towards the event that occurred.' Additional upgrades were given to the town's emergency operation centre, allowing for a central hub where key decision makers and top staff could gather for strategy and mobilization. A tour of the upgraded facility was given to Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North and Ontario's minister of emergency preparedness and response. Following the breakdown of the operation centre's equipment, Dunlop asked Midland fire chief Richard Renaud what would be anticipated to prepare for the next emergency. 'Ongoing training,' Renaud replied, while adding that building toward stronger support through electronic means as a transition from reliance on numerous papers as was done in past emergencies. 'Now it's deciding: what's the best tool that we can use that will help us to decide in the room that we have.' Dunlop also praised the implementation of the Ontario Corps during emergency periods, as an example where community and neighbours could band together through and assist during a crisis. When asked what the emergency upgrades would mean to the average Midland resident, Mayor Bill Gordon told MidlandToday that the town would have greater self-sufficiency, and be less reliant while waiting on external aid during times of crisis. 'I think people can rest a little easier knowing that a municipality of our size – 18,000 people – has the capacity to manage emergency events locally,' said Gordon. 'We still rely on help from the county and the province, but when disasters strike – as we just lived through with the ice storm – it's critical to know that people are trained, they're certified, and they know their role.' The Community Emergency Preparedness Grant has supported 114 recipients this year, according to the province. For information on how to prepare for emergencies, click here . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CTV News
27-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Midland opens door to new ideas to shape waterfront redevelopment
The Midland waterfront along the shores of Georgian Bay is pictured. The Town of Midland hopes to transform what was once a quiet industrial stretch along Georgian Bay into a vibrant and accessible waterfront destination, with the right developer. The Town officially launched a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI), inviting developers to pitch bold, creative ideas to turn the 40-acre Midland Bay Landing site into a mixed-use neighbourhood. 'We're hoping to see a fresh, innovative approach to planning this site—one that guarantees public access along the entire waterfront and includes outdoor park or recreation space,' stated Mayor Bill Gordon, adding developers would have the 'freedom to explore' design ideas. The Town said public input would continue to play a central role throughout the redevelopment process. Gordon emphasized that transparency and engagement would be priorities start to finish, allowing residents to help shape what the future waterfront will look like. 'We are looking for a development partner who shares our vision for a revitalized, inclusive, and vibrant waterfront community,' said Chief Administrative Officer Rhonda Bunn. Bunn added the municipality had already laid the groundwork for success by investing over $14 million into infrastructure upgrades along King Street, connecting the harbour to the downtown core. Midland Bay Landing has long been viewed as a key piece of the town's future. 'The Midland Bay Landing redevelopment is expected to significantly enhance the local economy, tourism industry, and quality of life for residents and visitors alike,' the Town stated. The RFEI submission deadline is August 8 at 2 p.m.
