Councillor McCann Meeting Report (September 2, 2025)

Condolences to the Family of Len Yauk
I would like to extend sincere condolences to the Yauk family on the passing of Len, August 12, 2025. We have lost another great pillar in our community and you would be hard pressed to find someone who didn't know or hear of Len.  Len and wife Pearl and family moved to Parry Sound in 1982.  Coming from Sudbury, he played a pivotal role in merging Sudbury High School and Sheridan Technical School, becoming the founding Principal of Sudbury Secondary School. His signature is on my grade 13 diploma. Here in Parry Sound he served as Superintendent and later Director of the West Parry Sound Board of Education.  Innovative and forward-thinking, Len was honoured with the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for his significant contributions to education in Ontario.  Len was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  He met Pearl, while beginning his teaching career in Red Rock/Nipigon, Ontario. The two married and relocated to Sudbury where they raised their family and both taught.  Pearl was my home room teacher in grade 13.  Beyond education, Len’s entrepreneurial spirit was uniquely creative and fun.  He was part-owner of the Sudbury Wolves OHL team and of Roller Country, a very modern, local and popular roller-skating rink.  I had the privilege of working as a disk jockey there for a few years.  

Retirement did not slow Len down. A dedicated volunteer, he served as Chairman of the Hospital Board in the early 2000s, helping to establish the West Parry Sound Health Centre and the adjoining Lakeland Long-Term Care Facility - the first nursing home in Ontario built as part of a hospital. Len’s commitment to education also remained a priority, highlighted by his role as a Chair of the Board of Governors of Georgian College in the late 1990s.

Len remained active on numerous boards and committees throughout his life. In recognition of their extensive community service, both Len and Pearl received the Rotary Paul Harris Award in 2014. Len’s time in service to his community extended right into his final days.  A devout Catholic, Len was deeply involved with St. Peter’s Parish in Parry Sound and the Knights of Columbus.

Len leaves behind a legacy of love, leadership, and service.  A Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, September 15, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, Parry Sound.


A Busy Labour Day Weekend
Parry Sound experienced a great and busy Labour Day Weekend!  Many folks out taking advantage of the time off, beautiful weather, enjoying their backyards, beaches, cottages and the water.  Water traffic in the Sound was particularly busy on Sunday!  Again, just so wonderful to see so many enjoying what we like to call the Lakeland Playland of Ontario.  And, as I like to remind everyone at this time of year, back in my CKLP FM days we always referred to this time between Labour Day Weekend and Thanksgiving Day Weekend as "Summer Part II".  All the best to students heading back to school, whether it's JK, elementary, high school or post secondary.