Councillor McCann Meeting Report (October 3, 2023)

West Parry Sound District Museum Annual General Meeting & Monthly Board Meeting
The West Parry Sound District Museum Annual General Meeting (AGM), followed by the Monthly Board Meeting were held Thursday evening, September 28, 2023 at the Museum. Due to a personal conflict I was not able to attend, but I can report on the meetings. The AGM provided a summary of the past fiscal year’s finances, and updates on various projects and displays throughout the year, appointment of Directors and an appointment of an auditor.

During the regular meeting to follow, Finance Reports for the year 2023 - up to date, and for July and August of this year were received and other Committee Reports were heard. There was more Policy Review, this month on  Health and Safety in the Workplace. Some minor changes were made to the layout of the policy. Cruise Ship visits between May and August of this year resulted in moderate sales, interestingly enough, 50% of those sales were made on September 21st. The Museum is beginning to construct a Curling Exhibition that will be up and running for 12 to 14 months. There was a motion to approve expenses related to the creation of the Curling Exhibition up to $10,000. It is believed community stake holders will help with the financing and sponsoring of this undertaking. There was more and ongoing work with reviewing our by-laws. Our manager will be attending a workshop on the Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) requirements for by-laws next week.

The Museum is so very proud and happy to announce we now have fibre optic Internet connection through Vianet and with special aid from Archipelago. Since the installation there have been no issues with connectivity. Emergency lighting repairs were done, HVAC Maintenance was rendered, and a Communications Intern will be hired. The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) Internship was advertised and a candidate selected. Currently we are just waiting for approval from NOHFC to hire the selected candidate.

The Museum partnered with Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) and the Parry Sound Friendship Centre to bring three days of workshops to Parry Sound. The Museum’s role in the partnership is the provision of a facility. The workshops are aimed at employers. The partnership was part of the Indigenous Exhibit from Science North. The Museum returned to winter hours after Labour Day.


Cambrian Boat Parry Sound Georgian Bay Shoreline Tour
On Tuesday evening, September 26, 2023, along with Councillor Keith, staff members Clayton Harris and Jeremy Rand, and fellow Waterfront Advisory Committee members, I took part in a Georgian Bay Shoreline Tour along the shores within the municipality of Parry Sound. Bob Corrigan, Cambrian Boat owner and Jack Kennedy, our pilot, took us up and down the shoreline while Bob and our staff members described various points of interest including areas that can or are being developed, landmarks, town-owned vs. privately owned lands and other interesting facts and information. Each member of the Waterfront Advisory Committee could appreciate the nature and dynamic of the shoreline, learning some history and being provided with the opportunity to better understand each aspect of the shoreline and be in a position to better advise on its care and development. The staff of the Town of Parry Sound and the Waterfront Advisory Committee extend thanks to Bob Corrigan and Jack Kennedy for their time, expertise and hospitality.


Sharing Our Bounty
I’d like to take a moment to recognize the efforts of organizations in the West Parry Sound District who work so hard for those less fortunate. What better time than just before Thanksgiving than to acknowledge with appreciation and gratitude those who want to make sure that no one would go without. The list of these wonderful groups and organizations includes Harvest Share Community Food Programs, The Salvation Army - Parry Sound Rainbow Country Church, Turkey for Tummies, The Parry Sound Food Relief Network formerly The Parry Sound Food Share program, Mary Street Centre Hot Community Lunches, numerous churches, organizations and individuals who give so    generously. I realize that there are many more out there!

We have often remarked here at the Council table, how generous our community is.  The people of the area never fail to support such community causes as food and toy drives.  Margaret Mead must have been thinking of Parry Sound when she said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”  Coretta Scott King would add,  “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” That says it for the West Parry Sound Area.


Condolences to Susan Murphy and Her Family
I would like to extend condolences to Susan Murphy and her family on the passing of her husband Richard James "Ric" Murphy. He passed away on September 25, 2023 following a brief battle with cancer. He was just eight days from turning 75. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 28, 2023 at the Carling Community Centre, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.