LOCAL POLITICS

Deputy Mayor Municipality of Grey Highlands deputymayordesai@greyhighlands.ca

DISCLAIMER: This article is not meant to act as a majority or dissenting opinion on matters discussed and decided at Council of the Municipality of Grey Highlands or the Council of the County of Grey. It is an honest effort to present facts, thoughts, rationales, and debates surrounding those items. And in some cases, it is just good news and celebrations.

The theme for this month’s magazine is mental health. Since I don’t feel like I would be particularly good, or qualified, to speak on that I decided I would do a column bringing updates from Council.

The biggest issue in front of Council right now is the future of Beaver Valley. More precisely, the parcels of land that are now known in the community as the Talisman Lands. In March, the Municipality entered into a one-year Joint Venture Agreement with the owners of the Talisman Springs Inn property to promote and market the opportunities for these collective lands.

The possibilities on what can happen on the lands have piqued the interest of several members of the community. On Friday May 21, a group called Friends of the Beaver Valley delegated to Council asking for three months to allow them to formulate a vision for the properties. The importance of making the right decision here can not be overstated. Council is certainly in an unenviable position. In a recent email on the subject, it was called “one of the most important decisions made during this term of council.”

Council will have to balance the wants of the community and good fiscal policy. Even in terms of what the community wants, there are various opinions on the best use of the parcels.

In other news, the new Markdale hospital construction is well underway. At the May 18th Council Meeting representatives from the Centre Grey Health Services Foundation provided an update to Council during their delegation. They have also asked to collect on Council’s pledge of $1.2 million. In addition, they have also asked Council to consider an increase of $181,500 to that. This represents an annual 1% increase (15% total) to the original pledge. This is a “small representative of the interest earned over the years”.

If you want to write to Council on these, or any other matters, you can send an email to council@greyhighlands.ca. This will send an email to all members of Council simultaneously.

AAKASH P. DESAI Deputy Mayor Municipality of Grey Highlands deputymayordesai@greyhighlands.ca

You live on a country property. With that, comes the responsibility of property maintenance. I might be a little biased, but what better way to do that than with a John Deere compact tractor?

With sizes from 23 horsepower up to 66 horsepower, John Deere has a tractor for any task. Plus, I can’t think of a better stress reliever than spending some time on the tractor.

I call it my “ME” time.

With everything going on in the world today, it’s very important to take some time to unwind, which is easy for me when I’m doing work with my tractor. I also feel a sense of accomplishment when I’m done.

Having a compact tractor can make the toughest jobs look easy and with just about every attachment you can think of, a John Deere compact tractor can handle any task on your property. There’s never been a better time to buy a John Deere compact tractor. With the current deals on right now at Huron Tractor, they’re more affordable than ever.

Our machines will keep your property looking its best.

Salesman Huron Tractor - Chatsworth 226.668.8757

*Offer available 02 February 2021 through 03 August 2021. 0% purchase financing for 60 months on new John Deere Compact Tractors. Down payment may be required. Representative Amount Financed (“RAF”): $30,000, at 0% APR/ACR, monthly payment is $500 for 60 months, total obligation is $30,000, credit charges/cost of borrowing based on RAF is $28. Monthly payments/cost of borrowing/credit charges will vary depending on amount borrowed/down payment. MSRP cash price based on highest priced product in the series as of January 1, 2020: $51,398 (includes estimated delivery, freight, set-up and a $50 documentation fee), plus taxes. Minimum finance amount may be required; representative amount does not guarantee offer applies. The charge for amounts past due is 24% per annum. Dealers free to set individual prices. Additional dealer fees may apply. Financing on approved John Deere Financial credit only and dealer participation. Contact your dealer for details. May not be combined with other offers. Discounts or other incentives may be available for cash purchases. By selecting the purchase financing offer, consumers may be foregoing such discounts and incentives which may result in a higher effective interest rate.

“Self Portrait No. 4” by Brodey Barwick,

Markdale

“Cohesive chaos” is how artist Brodey Barwick of Markdale describes his work. Zigzags, squiggles, patterns and fractals come together to make a whole.

As it relates to mental health, this artist’s stream of consciousness illustrations seem to say that it’s alright to be a mess of tangled thoughts -keep going and you’ll be fine.

Robert “Museum Rob” Iantorno

Community and Heritag Curator Economic & Community Development Municipality of Grey Highlands (519) 924-2843

They’re OPEN! Swing away at your local golf course and enjoy some outdoor fun and camaraderie (finally!). We’re all looking forward to sitting on their new patio with new furniture once the provincial COVID restrictions are lifted. Check in for details or to book your tee time:

www.markdalegolfandcurlingclub.ca 85 Edith Ave, Markdale (519) 986-2690

In case you missed it, Markdale resident Klaus Holm was featured on the cover of our May edition. Not only will he transport his mobile saw mill to your property to transform trees into lumber or decorative cuts and slabs, Klaus also makes custom furniture and pre-made pieces. He’s a cool dude and he does great work. But don’t take our word for it :)

Klaus Holm; Custom Sawmilling (519) 216-1614