Councillor McCann Meeting Report (November 7, 2017)
Belvedere Heights Annual General Meeting
On Thursday, October 19th, along with Councillor Borneman, I attended the Belvedere Annual General Meeting. Our CEO, Marsha Rivers, nearly completing her first year in this position introduced herself and the board and staff and talked about some of Belvedere's initiatives. Others spoke as well. Elaine Melse, head of the "Friends of Belvedere", spoke about their fund raising initiatives. This group has been most successful in raising funds for discretionary spending, directly benefiting the residents. Valerie Stanley talked about their objectives for involving seniors at the home, and in the area at large in regards to Christmas celebrations. More than we know, this area has many seniors who would otherwise spend Christmas alone. She talked about the "Adopt a Senior" program.
Our Financial Report and Statements for the year ending March 31st this year, were circulated. Also in attendance were members of - and Heads of Councils from each of the municipalities in support of Belvedere.
Belvedere Heights Monthly Board of Management Meeting
On Wednesday, October 25th, along with Councillor Borneman, I attended the Belvedere Heights Monthly Board of Management Meeting. Belvedere was notified that we would be offered funding for a Therapeutic Recreationist. We continue to move forward on acquiring a Medical Director. Belvedere is partnering with Canadore College, Lakeland LTC, The Gardens of Parry Sound and The Friends to create a promotional video and marketing material to increase enrollment of the PSW (Personal Support Worker) program at Canadore College. We are also working on a plan to acquire a Finance Director.
West Parry Sound Health Centre Municipal Meeting
On Monday, October 30th, with Mayor McGarvey, I was in attendance at the West Parry Sound Health Centre Municipal Meeting for an update on the province's "Patients First" initiative following up on the "Expert Panel" report. The guest speaker was Ron Farrell, Board Chair of the NE LHIN (North East Local Health Integrated Network). Jim Hanna also addressed the "Expert Panel" report. The conversation was about integration and alignment of services, and also regarding collaboration. There was discussion about public health unit and LHIN boundary alignment, and sub LHIN's. There is still uncertainty as to how everything is going to work out.
Park to Park Trail Association Quarterly Board Meeting
On Thursday, November 3rd, I attended the Park to Park Trail Association Quarterly Board Meeting in Sprucedale. The association is moving forward with the hopes of acquiring property to establish parking and an office location, forming a user-friendly, multipurpose hub off Hwy 400 in Seguin Township. The association has a Trail Ambassador program with a host of 14 volunteers who patrol the trail system, enforce the rules of the trails and offer information and assistance to riders when needed.
We talked about moving forward with another strategic plan. Trail permit sales continue to rise every year. We are anxious about working with CFMOTO Canada in 2018. An agreement with them will prove to be very mutually beneficial. We will be provided with machinery for our use. Exposure for the Trail Association and for CFMOTO Canada will help to build our brands.
We are entering into a Rose Point Trail Maintenance Plan with Seguin Township. We talked about events for 2018 and finally we will have representation at an expose in Montreal, Quebec this winter, putting our region on the national map. Our trail system is quite unique given our geography and riders look forward to availing themselves of our trail system. We continue to hear favourable feedback from riders who are pleased to have access to roads throughout the Town of Parry Sound.
