Councillor McCann Meeting Report (July 7, 2015)

On Thursday, July 2nd, Josey and I took our annual cruise outing on the 30,000 Island Queen for the afternoon cruise.  The weather was perfect!  We became engaged in conversation with a senior citizen who was making her way across Canada to British Columbia from her home in Niagara Falls to visit a relative.  As she traveled north on Highway 400/69 she had no intention of stopping into Parry Sound.  She was however, taking her time to get there.  She made an unplanned stop simply because she noticed a sign on the highway about cruising the 30,000 islands!  She knew she was early for the afternoon run but decided to explore the Fitness Trail and pick up an ice-cream somewhere along the way.  She enjoyed her visit to our town and made herself right at home!  This - all because she noticed a sign along the 400!  I thought this was an interesting story to pass along to the people and tourist operators of our area!  Maybe we should erect signage that reads, "Thank You for coming!"?!

Here is an example of the successful outcome when initiative, partnership and eagerness come together.  This beautiful gazebo is the result of a great partnership in which everyone wins!

Sponsored by YMCA Muskoka Parry Sound, Canadore College and the Town of Parry sound, this construction project by students at Canadore has resulted in the completion of this beautiful Gazebo and its placement at the parkette at the corner of Seguin and Great North Road.  In addition to the grass, trees and decorative boardering this parkette is now complete and ready to welcome everyone.

The actual pre-construction was completed at the college campus by students.  Then with the generous help of Kropf Industrial Inc., the gazebo was relocated to its permanent home on the corner of Seguin/Bowes and Great North Road.  This is a wonderful addition to this parkette, a green space with grass, trees, fencing and now the gazebo.  Town staff also constructed an accessible ramp to the gazebo.  The Town of Parry Sound paid for the building materials and the students provided their newly acquired training and time.  Public Works Director Peter Brown and Canadore College Manager Dr. Peter Istvan are hopeful more projects and partnerships benefiting everyone will be forthcoming. In this photo along with Peter Brown, yours truly and Dr. Peter Istvan is VP of Academics, Dr. Margarrette Donohue from North Bay, other members of Town Staff and members of the public.

I was pleased to take part in the Farewell Breakfast for the School Crossing Guards at Victory and William Beatty Schools on June 24th, 2015 at The Brunswick Sports Bar and Grill in Parry Sound.  In addition to Town Staff including Tammy Purdy, Peter Brown and Rob Mens, I too was able to add a note of thanks and appreciation on behalf of Mayor and Council and the Town of Parry Sound.  Miles Loach, OPP Constable also spoke.  We had an opportunity to tell each of the Crossing Guards how important their job has been each and every morning and afternoon.  Everything from peace of mind for the parents and guardians, special friendships between the guards and the children, and the overall safety of our children results from their efforts and like the mail man, come rain, snow, shine, cold or hot, the Crossing Guards have been there.  Thank you and congratulations to everyone involved with this program.



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