Councillor McCann Meeting Report (September 17, 2024)

Parry Sound Public Library Monthly Board Meeting
On Wednesday morning, September 4, 2024 I attended the Parry Sound Public Library monthly board meeting.  Mostly housekeeping matters, such as Consent Agenda, reviewing and approving Treasurer’s Reports for May, June and July, but there was a great deal of discussion on the matter of having a lift or elevator installed in the future.  The board approved money for an architect’s study and review of what, if anything, can be done to accommodate such an installation.  The report would open the door to potential grant money for the work.  Our Chair, Tom Lundy, brought forth a motion to shorten the length of the term of the Chair from two to one year intervals.  This would give future boards an opportunity to deal with sitting Chairs not working up to standard.  We voted to reduce the length, but I do want to clarify that we as a board are more than pleased with Mr. Lundy’s work, dedication and commitment.  I jokingly remarked to Tom that he wasn’t getting out “that easy”!!  Foundational policies including our vision and mission statements were reviewed for modification to fit today’s library.  Library summer programming has been a huge success!  This has been described as a summer of partnerships, expanding the library’s reach.  The Summer Programming line-up included TD Summer Reading
Club, weekly Lego Club, Babysitting Course, Home Alone Course, Kids’ Yoga, Science North and weekly Tech Days.  The Library has also partnered with the Festival of the Sound, Parry Sound, the Downtown Business Association, Carling Township and the Municipality of McDougall for a variety of programs while Ontario Parks provided 3 day-use permits and from the Museum on Tower Hill, 2 museum passes all of which were in constant circulation this summer.


Waterfront Advisory Committee Meeting
On Monday, September 16, 2024, I attended the Waterfront Advisory Committee Meeting, here in Council Chambers.  A great deal of the conversation centred on a special event planned for October 7, 2024 at the Charles W. Stockey Centre.  The event has been titled, “A Wave of Possibilities: An Evening of Waterfront Conversations”.  This is about kicking off the Waterfront Master Plan.  The public is invited.  It is free to attend and runs from 6:00 to 9:00 in the evening.  We had an update on the Cruise Ship season and status of the Town Dock. As I reported at our last Council Meeting, we are so very pleased to know that the Pearl Mist has Parry Sound on its schedule next year.  Lines of communication with Public Works and Parks and Recreation regarding maintenance were discussed.  Thank you to Public Works Director Mike Kearns and April McNamara, Manager of Parks and Recreation, for speaking on behalf of their respective departments.