Councillor McCann Meeting Report (November 7, 2023)

West Parry Sound District Museum Monthly Board Meeting
On Thursday evening, October 26, 2023 I attended the West Parry Sound District Museum Monthly Board Meeting held via ZOOM.  We thank Rob Wood and Marianne Bourgeois for their work and service. They are stepping down as Chair and Vice Chair respectively. Kathy Hamer now sits as Chair and Pam Wing holds the Vice Chair position. April Denman of the Downtown Business Association (DBA) made a presentation to the Museum Board on plans for the first Maple Syrup Festival, scheduled for March 4, 2024.  The objective is to bring in as many organizations and municipalities to work together. This will be an opportunity to highlight locally produced agricultural, products including honey of course, and there are plans to include entertainment and a beer garden.  Additionally, there will be a butter tart competition.  The Museum has been asked to help with the promotion and in collaborating with local maple syrup makers and potential vendors.  Also during the Board Meeting we received and approved financial reports and the Manager's Report.  A grant application for the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities was submitted requesting $36,800 to re-purpose office space into a functional local history library.  A Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation subsidy has enabled the Museum to hire a candidate to fill the title, Communications Intern.  The individual started October 25, 2023.  This month's policy review covered the "Interpretation and Education Policy".  At the request of the Board, our Manager will create a new procedure for Board Member applications and nominations.  The Board is currently at capacity as specified in the by-laws.  The Draft 2024 Budget and Operational Plan were presented.  There was discussion about the formula for municipal contributions and their benefit when making the official requests.  There was also discussion surround the future financial needs and staffing.  This is the last Board Meeting of 2023.


Condolences to Family of Madeleine Stanley
I would take this opportunity to extended sincere condolences to the family of Madeleine Stanley who passed on Sunday morning, November 5th, at, as her obituary reads, the “grand age of 110 years”.  Born in Harlington, Middlesex, England in 1913 she certainly led a very full and eventful life.  Among the many ways in which she would be known and recognized, she was in the last few decades well known for her English gardens she created out of a hill of rock at her last home on Louisa Street.  This became a popular venue for wedding and portrait photography.  A private family graveside service will take place in the spring.