Councillor McCann Meeting Report (March 17, 2015)

On Thursday, March 5th, I attended the Park to Park Trail Association meeting, held this time in Sprucedale.  This committee is eager and ambitious as it looks to continue several initiatives to increase usage of the trail, maintain the trail, develop access points and put forth marketing plans which include a new trail map for 2015.  We want to work on increasing our trail presence and there is a rally in the plans for this year as well.

On Saturday, March 7th, I had the honour of attending the First Annual 2-4 Supporting Our Troops Bonspiel hosted by the Parry Sound Curling Club.  There was an opportunity during the opening ceremonies in which I brought greetings on behalf of the Mayor, Council, Staff and the Town of Parry Sound and offered a note of thanks to all the organizers and participants and wished them all the best.  This fundraiser was designed as a pilot project and a template for curling clubs across Canada to observe and hopefully endeavour to host raising national awareness of the plight of returning veterans from war and for their families.  This national event also has the potential to raise much needed funds for these veterans and their families.  By the way, this pilot project raised about $9,000 for the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services in Ottawa.  With more donations coming in Ray Pavlove reported that they expected a near total of $10,000 would be raised.  There were 48 teams of two competing.

Wednesday morning, March 11th, at the Stockey Centre, I attended the Employer Appreciation Breakfast sponsored by LINC (Leading Into New Careers) Employment Services, the YMCA Employment Ontario and the Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce.  LINC through Community Living, trains those with challenges to gain skills, to help them become marketable in the job market here in Parry Sound.  And it works very well.  The programs help individuals to grow in many ways, gain self esteem and assurance, and become a viable part of the community.  Businesses involved have found that through LINC, they have employees who are eager, have good work ethic and are committed.  It is a win-win for all.  Keynote speakers from the Ontario Disability Employement Network brought those in attendance much awareness.

A Community Round Table was held on Thursday, March 12th from 1:00 to 3:00PM at St.James Centennial United Church.  I attended, joining members representing various groups and service agencies.  This exercise was an effort to come together with ideas on how the United Church building, which has been a part of downtown Parry Sound for over 100 years, can continue to provide its resources and services to the community at large while attempting to remain feasible in light of a declining membership.  The question for the day was how could it go about doing that in a financially feasible way.  This was an exploration of potential ideas and possibilities in partnering with other groups and agencies.  In smaller groups we discussed ideas and presented findings to the group at large.  Officials of the church could then take some of these ideas and explore the potential further.  One of the main themes discussed was how the church could remain a church as such but also house a kind of hub in so far as serving as a community services and organizational venue.

Later on this same day, March 12th, I attended the Parry Sound Area Industrial Park Board Monthly Meeting held in McDougall.  The site certification plan was discussed regarding variances and the 2015 Budget was approved.


This past Friday, March 13th, the Town of Parry Sound received sad news as we learned of the passing of Mr. Jack Patterson, a local World War II veteran.  He was such an active member in the community and as well with the Parry Sound Legion.  Jack became a prisoner of war after Operation Totalize, during the Battle of Normandy.  Our thoughts and condolences are with his family.