Councillor McCann Meeting Report (May 5, 2015)
(Photo Credit: Moose FM News)
On Friday, May 1st, I had the honour of extending a welcome on behalf of the Mayor, Council, Staff and people of the Town of Parry Sound and Area to a special gathering at Sail Parry Sound for an important FedNor announcement in support of jobs, growth and tourism in our area. I had the pleasure of introducing the Honourable Tony Clement, MP for Parry Sound & Muskoka appearing on behalf of the Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources and the Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor). Minister Clement officially announced that FedNor would be providing an investment of $122,236 to Sail Parry Sound Inc. to complete infrastructure improvements, landscaping upgrades and for the construction of a public observation deck and sail loft. Once the project is complete, the sailing centre will also feature upgraded washroom and change room facilities. Sail Parry Sound is also planning to grow its operations and create new business opportunities such as its cafe kiosk, a cycling rental and training centre, and the establishment of an ecologically sound watercraft rental business. Following Mr. Clement's address to the attendees, I then welcomed and introduced the President of Sail Parry Sound Inc., Mr. Bob Griffiths who thanked Minister Clement and spoke a while on Sail Parry Sound and its plans. Mr. Griffiths acknowledged, as did Mr. Clement, that Sail Parry Sound was very successful today because of the commitment of volunteers and board members over the years.
On Wednesday, April 22nd, 2015, I attended the afternoon session of the Town of Parry Sound Strategic Plan Open House at the Charles W. Stockey Centre. I had the honour of opening the session on behalf of Mayor Jamie McGarvey, welcoming those in attendance and an opportunity to encourage input from everyone. This was a chance to be creative, to dream, to talk about wants and needs and help plan the future of Parry Sound. Roger Alexander facilitated the workshop. We sat in small groups and had an opportunity to address a number of planning topics including downtown, infrastructure, tourism and the waterfront. Each of the group's ideas and suggestions collected from the afternoon session and the evening session which followed has been compiled and this will then lead to a session in which focus groups can address the ideas. The focus groups are expected to meet on May 27th.
On Friday, April 24th, 2015, along with Mayor Jamie McGarvey and Councillor Jim Marshall, I attended the Spring 2015 Meeting of the District of Parry Sound Municipal Association (DPSMA) held at the Callander Community Centre in Callander. This was the 156th meeting.
It was a wonderful opportunity to meet staff and elected officials from other municipalities and to learn about the DPSMA! The guest speaker was Matthew Doherty, Economic Development and Operations Manager of Innovation Initiatives Ontario North (IION). He spoke on the theme, "Fresh Ideas Create Value".
Other speakers of the day included Leslie Price, Program Coordinator of the East Parry Sound Community Support Services and Linda Taylor, Program Manager, Belvedere Heights Community Support Services. They spoke on "Vital District Transportation Services" and "Meals on Wheels Program". Carole Mantha, Northern Development Officer with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines addressed the gathering speaking on "Community Economic Development 101 - Tools and Resources". Janice Bray, Manger, Housing and Community Services, District of Parry Sound DSSAB, talked about "Housing and Homelessness in the District of of Parry Sound". Tom Jackson, Forestry Superintendent, Central Zone - Hydro One, spoke on the topic, "Hydro One Forestry Practices and Vegetation Management".
April 29th, 2015 I attended the Training Session with Nigel Bellchamber and Fred Dean of Amberley Gavel Ltd. (LAS) hosted by the Town of Parry Sound, held at the Bobby Orr Community Centre. Once again, a great opportunity to learn about the roles and responsibilities of Mayor and Council, Staff, Boards, Committees and Residents. Individuals from neighbouring municipalities also attended. In addition to our roles and responsibilities we looked at the importance of transparency, avoiding conflict of interest, code of conduct and the Integrity Commissioner. This session ran from 3:00 to 6:30 and was followed by an evening session from 7:00 to 7:30 in which Rob Mens and Jackie Boggs spoke more on the roles of members of boards and committees.
