Councillor McCann Meeting Report (April 21, 2026)

Parry Sound Public Library Board Meeting
On Wednesday morning, April 8, 2026 I attended the Parry Sound Public Library Monthly Board Meeting in person.
We began the meeting with reflection and a moment of silence in recognition of the passing of Board Chair Tom Lundy.  We will greatly miss his leadership, dedication and enthusiasm.  The Board then was required to proceed with the election of a new Chair and Vice-Chair.  Joe Ryman has been elected Chair and I was elected Vice-Chair.  Treasurer's Reports were received and approved for the months of December, 2025, and January and February, 2026.  We are replacing the auditorium outdated fluorescent lights with new LED lighting.  The Parry Sound Public Library, being a member of the Library Services Centre (LSC) became entitled to a share in the distribution of surplus assets.  This is pursuant to the Not-For-Profit Corporations Act for the purpose of winding up the activities and affairs of the LSC.  As a result we received a cheque in the amount of $9,814.82.  The Board is now deciding on how to allocate these funds.

You'll recall a number of months ago that the protections for free literature for the blind and reduced postage rates for library materials in the Canada Post Corporations Act were to be removed.  Municipalities in our area and throughout the country spoke out against this move.  Each passed motions in support of protecting these benefits of a number of good reasons.  As of late March 2026, Bill C-15, the Budget Implementation Act, 2025, No. 1, has passed all stages in the House of Commons and received Royal Assent on March 26, 2026. The bill, which implements key elements of the 2025 budget, passed the House in late February 2026, noted by the Parliament of Canada.  The Parry Sound Public Library expresses its joy and gratitude for the preservation of these exceptions.

The library's March Break programs were a success.  They included the Pokemon Party and the Music and Painting class.  An e-mail from a grandparent expressed gratitude and described how they were well organized and enjoyed by the kids.  Thank you to our great staff for making it all happen!


New, Free Service Delivers a One-Stop Resource for Community Engagement with Local Sports, Activities and Clubs
I'd like to tell you about a new, free service for the people of this area being offered by Sound Software.  ParrySoundSports.ca is a free community portal that brings every local sports club, facility, league and event in the Parry Sound area into one searchable place. Residents and visitors can discover what's happening, find a club for their kids, locate a rink or court, and add events to their own calendars in a couple of clicks.  Adrian's inspiration and objectives behind this project were to give every local sports club, regardless of size, or how managed, by volunteer, municipal or private, a professional online presence at no cost.  This consolidates a single, reliable "where and when" for recreational sport in the region, so families aren't piecing it together from Facebook groups, flyers, and word of mouth. This lets clubs manage their own information and calendars directly, so listings stay current. This is a single, unique resource for a new resident, a parent, or a visitor could go to answer "what sports are available in Parry Sound, and when?".  Users can browse freely requiring no account.