Councillor McCann Meeting Report (May 7, 2024)

Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry on the Move
On Friday morning, April 19, 2024 I attended the announcement by Parry Sound Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith who is also the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry confirming that the MNR is moving from its location on Bay Street.  It was reassuring to hear that the new offices would remain in Parry Sound downtown and the assurance that services and jobs remain local.


West Parry Sound District Museum Monthly Board Meeting
On Thursday evening, April 25, 2024, I attended the West Parry Sound District Museum Monthly Board Meeting via ZOOM.  The board discussed the Town of Lincoln’s passing of a resolution for the need of increased funding from the province for libraries and museums.  Certainly our board would welcome such funding.  It was acknowledged that some of the West Parry Sound District Municipalities have passed resolutions in support. We have it on our Agenda later this evening to discuss and vote.  February and March Financial Statements were received and approved along with the West Parry Sound District Museum 2023 Draft Financial Statements.  Our Business Manager’s Report was received and just within these past few days the board has voted, electronically, to hire a part-time employee for the summer to cover increased attendance to the museum and cover staff holiday time.


Celebration of Life in Honour of Wayne & Antji Cormier
On Sunday afternoon, April 28, 2024, my wife and I attended the Celebration of Life for Wayne and Antje Cormier held in Carling.  Both Wayne and Antje lived in Parry Sound for 50 years and were each involved in countless endeavours and projects for the benefit of the people in the West District.  Wayne Cormier passed away on November 14, 2023 and Antje on February 3, 2024 each in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia where they relocated there in 2019.  The event brought out many, many people and some who travelled distances to be there.  People speaking included Master of Ceremonies, Kevin Barks, a welcome by Mike Konoval, Fr.’s Jerry and Vic, speaking on behalf of the Parry Sound Area Industrial Training in Association with Canadore College, was Jocelyn Shipman, Town of Parry Sound Mayor Jamie McGarvey spoke.  John Christie and Barb Packer spoke on behalf of the Kinsmen and Kinettes, respectively, Joe Ryman representing the Knights of Columbus Parry Sound, and Wayne’s very first Little Brother from Toronto, John Kirk.  Jim Dewer also talked about Cormier Adjusting Limited with honourable mentions of staff members.  Wayne’s brother Al Cormier spoke inviting people to provide information, stories and details they might have so that Al can continue with a book Wayne began writing some time ago documenting his family life and careers.  Finally, on behalf of the Cormier family, son Stephen Cormier spoke of his parents, some memorable moments and expressed great gratitude to all who came to this special event.  He also extended a gracious thank you to the organizers.  The love in the room, the attendance, the sharing and reminiscing of good times and memories are testament to a quote by Maya Angelou.  M.C. Kevin Barks read that quote.  “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”



First Annual Maple Fest May 4, 2024
A huge note of thanks and congratulations to the Downtown Business Association and all those behind the First Annual Maple Fest held on Saturday, May 4, 2024!  Organizers, volunteers, sponsors and all who attended any part of the festival turned it into a most successful event.  This is indeed a great addition to what the town and area can add to its annual calendar of events and celebrations in which to look forward.  Well done!