Councillor McCann Meeting Report (March 19, 2024)

Waterfront Advisory Committee Meeting
On Monday, March 18, 2024 I attended a meeting of the Waterfront Advisory Committee here in Council Chambers.  We reviewed this season’s Cruise Ship Schedule, had a deputation from Sail Parry Sound represented by Larry  Woolner, Wade Perkins, and Carol Wilson.  They provided an informative update on Sail Parry Sound’s history, growth and development over the years, its contribution to the waterfront, the numerous benefits student sailors gain as a result of instruction.  They learn teamwork, leadership, navigation, weather elements, and some advance to becoming instructors and others to racing.  Sail Parry Sound is asking for the Waterfront Advisory Committee’s support next year when the organization’s lease with the town comes due.  SPS is anxious to renew and continue their good work.  Since the pandemic, Sail Parry Sound has become very busy.  We are told that Sail Parry Sound is the envy of other sailing clubs and schools in the province due to the beautiful location, steady winds and clean crystal waters of Georgian Bay.  We have a new addition to our regular agenda and that is “Council and Committee Member Updates” which will enhance communication between Town Council, the Waterfront Committee Members and ultimately all those who have a stake in the waterfront enhancement and improvement.  As one of our committee members commented, she feels like the Waterfront Advisory Committee is like a bridge between the Town and the waterfront stakeholders.  We are embarking on the recruitment of a young person to join the committee and who would represent the youth of the area.  A schedule of committee meetings for 2024 was accepted.  And finally we also began an examination of the results of our own survey in which committee members were asked to list what they believed were the most important and significant components making up the waterfront from the McDougall and Seguin Township boundaries.  This discussion will be ongoing over the next few meetings.