Councillor McCann Meeting Report (March 3, 2015)

Took part in Budget Deliberations on Wednesday, February 18th.
Attended the Planning 101 workshop on February 26th, at Hidden Valley Resort with Councillor Jim Marshall and Planner, Taylor Elgie.  We discussed the planning legislation and policy on the provincial level and its correlation with local planning taking into consideration what a town’s official plan decrees, down to our own zoning by-laws, site plans, and so on.

The importance of the Committee of Adjustment was discussed and we touched on conflict of interest, legal non-conforming situations, planning reports and Council Decisions.  We touched on the Ontario Municipal Board in so far as hearings and costs, and use of exports.  And we talked about Minor Provisioning.  The Committee of Adjustment is independent, reviews information given and makes a report/recommendation(s) to Council, but it does not answer to Council.  The importance of managing for social, environmental and economic matters, managing growth, managing resources and looking at the difference between settlement and rural settings.  There was discussion about Development Charges and how these funds can be spent by the town.   The funds from this revenue stream can be used for what is essentially anything that would help manage for capacity - being prepared to meet heavier usage of something like a recreation centre, library, fire protection, development of park lands being all examples.

It was a great presentation and we walked away with lots of information including a top ten list on how to stay out of trouble.

On Friday, February 27th, I met with Ray Pavlove to discuss a few matters regarding The 2-4 Support our Troops Bonspiel.  As we heard from his deputation a few weeks back, this is a pilot initiative, hosted by the Parry Sound Curling Club, in support of veterans and their families.  This is intended to generate support for those veterans surviving with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.  Monies raised will go towards these veterans and their families.  I am looking forward to stepping in for Jamie to welcome and bring greetings from the Town of Parry Sound this Saturday.  I understand there is still room for more curlers if anyone would like to take part.

On Saturday evening, February 28th, my wife and I attended the Second Annual Knights of Columbus Wild Game Night.  It was a very successful event in which many, many volunteers, young and young at heart pitched in to make this a success.  It was sold out.  Like many organizations in town the Knights of Columbus raise money in town which stays in town to benefit local initiatives and needs.

On this note I would also like to suggest that Parry Sound and area can take a great deal of pride in the way in which various organizations pitch in to help and support not only their own, but people around the province and the world.  Churches, youth groups, and again, back to the service groups and organizations, all setting an example on how we in Parry Sound are helping our own here in the Parry Sound area, as well as the province and world.  In a very modest way, people everyday are putting Parry Sound on the world map!