Councillor McCann Meeting Report (November 21, 2023)

Parry Sound Public Library Monthly Board Meeting
On Wednesday morning, November 8, 2023, the Parry Sound Public Library Board held its monthly meeting. I was not available for this meeting, however I am happy to report on the business from that meeting. Our 2023 Annual report was received and accepted.  Our 2024 budget has been set.  There was a total of 10 policies the board reviewed making some minor changes.  The Treasurer’s Report for the month of October was accepted.  The success of the Coat Drive was noted, with a suggestion that a portion of the coat drive be relocated to the main level for accessibility.  Our CEO reported the weekly library programs including Art Journalling, Yoga, French Group and Chess have been well attended.  In November the Library is offering a PD-Day Matinee Movie. There is the bi-weekly Children’s Chess Club, Kids’ Tech Club, and Family Game Night.


Condolences to Family of Wayne Cormier
For me personally and for the community at large, we lost a true friend last week, and most suddenly and unexpectedly. Wayne Cormier passed away following a massive heart attack in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, November 14, 2023. He was 78. He died while enjoying one of his favourite recreational activities, with his skates on in a game of hockey. Wayne and his wife Antje moved to Cheticamp in 2019, but spent 50 years here in Parry Sound. He was well respected in the insurance adjuster circles, but that did not really define him, for he was a man who served his family, community and was a real leader and motivator. He served on Parry Sound Town Council, and on countless boards and committees. He was a founding member of Big Brothers in Parry Sound as well as being a Big Brother, a member of the Kinsmen Club and also a member of the Knights of Columbus. His obituary read, “...To those who mourn his passing, remember he lived ‘to serve’ and he did so his entire life.” Among his many distinguished awards and accolades, he was honoured with The Order of Parry Sound in January of 2007. He was a true friend and a mentor. Our deepest sympathies go out to Wayne’s wife Antje and the entire family from Parry Sound to Nova Scotia.

Condolences to Family of Peter Obdam Sr.
Parry Sound also lost another prominent citizen and a veteran business man, Peter Obdam, Sr.  He passed away on Saturday, November 11th, 2023 at 86 years of age. Peter was born in 1937 in Holland and came to Canada in 1959. Peter and his wife moved to Parry Sound in 1975 and opened Obdam’s Flowers which is still going strong today. Our sincere condolences to his wife Mary and extended family.











Congratulations to all Regarding Market Square Park
Congratulations and thank you to staff and all who have created a wonderful Christmas scene at Market Square Park.  Plenty of lighting and creativity.  I hope everyone will take an opportunity this season to check out the lights display.  To Town Staff and volunteers, a big thank you!!

Special Town of Parry Sound Council Meeting
I attended a Special Town of Parry Sound Council Meeting last Tuesday, November 14, 2023 for the purpose of educating and training council members regarding financial management.






Congratulations to Bill Connor
We continue to see people and their achievements put Parry Sound on the national and international maps.  Congratulations to Bill Connor, President of Connor Industries and Stanley Boats, who was inducted into the National Marine Manufacturers Association Hall of Fame this year. If I could quote Mr. Connor from his acceptance speech, he said, “Building a prosperous rural business and competing against companies in much larger cities is tough. But, at Stanley, the sense of community translates into quality and local cooperation between government, suppliers and vendors is essential for future success”.  This is the kind of approach we continue to see with other commercial and industrial operations in our area.  Well done!  Photo Credit: Metal Craft Marine