Councillor McCann Meeting Report (February 20, 2024)

Town of Parry Sound 2024 Draft Capital Budget Council Meeting
On Tuesday evening, February 13, 2024, I attend the Town of Parry Sound 2024 Draft Capital Budget Council Meeting.  This is an annual exercise which is a vital part of developing a final budget for the Town and its taxpayers.  It's a great opportunity to learn more about the tools, fixtures and equipment required by the various departments.  In particular Public Works is one of the departments most in need of big ticket items in the way of heavy equipment to handle everything from construction, excavating, road maintenance, infrastructure, plowing, sanding, in ground infrastructure, pump stations and so much more.  Capital budgeting also includes ensuring there is money for Information Technology, telecommunications, office machines, playground equipment, fire fighting, traffic control and much, much more.  $16.8 million in capital budget projects are being carried forward for completion in 2024 and $7.3 million in new capital projects are proposed in this Draft Budget.  $5.6 million of the $24.0 million in capital projects is funded by Federal and Provincial grants, $7.2 million from debenture, $10.5 million from reserve/reserve funds.  $756,970 is funded from property taxation. The majority of the Town's infrastructure levy increase is going directly towards capital in 2024.


West Parry Sound District Museum Featuring Curling in Parry Sound, Celebrating 125 Years
The public is invited and encouraged to visit the West Parry Sound District Museum and enjoy the history of curling in West Parry Sound District.  The exhibit, "Curling in Parry Sound: Celebrating 125 Years" is now open.  In coordination with Parry Sound Snowfest, the exhibit was informally opened this past Saturday, February 17, 2024.  Museum Members and Curling Club Members were invited for this occasion.  Steve Holmes was featured as throwing the first rock. Then on this Thursday, February 22, 2024, the Museum is hosting an opening for the "Reconnecting to the Forgotten" exhibition. Special guests will include Mayor McGarvey, Mayor MacDiarmid, Mayor Murphy, Mayor Robinson, James King representing MPP Graydon Smith.  This event begins at 5:30 p.m. 

And, as a "For Your Information", people of the West Parry Sound Area will be interested to know that The McMichael has created an exhibition of indigenous photographs that will be displayed at the McMichael until November 2024 before touring Ontario.  The photographs were taken by John Macfie while working in the north for the Ministry of Natural Resources. The McMichael has agreed to loan the West Parry Sound District Museum a quarter of the exhibit for a period of four months.  The exhibition is so huge that the Museum can only manage a portion of the display.  At this time the board will be deliberating on a budge and fundraising to cover the costs of bringing it to the Parry Sound area.