Councillor McCann Meeting Report (June 3, 2025)

West Parry Sound District Museum Monthly Board Meeting
On Thursday evening, May 22, 2025, the  West Parry Sound District Museum Monthly Board Meeting was held.  I was not able to attend due to a previous commitment.  I am happy, however, to report on the meeting held in person at the Museum.  There was a presentation of the Draft Financial Statements for 2024 by Brandy Harris of Gingrich Harris Copeland Chartered Professional Accountants, followed by a to motion approve the annual statements. Other monthly Financial Statements were received and accepted for the months of March and April.  Staff is working on a Research Library opening sometime this month.  The actual date may be dictated by word from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.  Staff is also working on a lighthouse exhibit in conjunction with Archipelago and the Canadian Coast Guard.  This is also expected to be open sometime this month.  There are other projects on the go, plus the planning of a grand opening of the Model Railroad Installation.  The date will be set when it can be arranged for the model's creator, Mr. Graham to be in town.


Cindy Jacklin, Minuteman Press Retires
I would also very much like to take this opportunity to wish Cindy Jacklin, owner, or I should specify, former owner of Minuteman Press in Parry Sound a very happy retirement.  She took over the franchise in May of 1999 and has been at it for 26 years.  She has sold the business which will be relocating downtown on James Street.  She will be assisting the new owner for a while before she is on her way to enjoy retirement which includes her family, gardening, downtime and travelling. Cindy is a people person and she has enjoyed working with countless customers over the years.  I can attest to this as I worked very closely with her during the production of the Victory School Commemorative Project in compiling and printing the book.  And, she was also extremely helpful to me when I was in the midst of printing and publishing my own book relating to the history of broadcasting in Sudbury.  I don't know how either one of these projects could have been completed in the fashion in which they were designed and printed without Cindy's knowledge, expertise and experience.  Thank you Cindy for your service to the people of this area and while we are happy for you, we will indeed miss you!  Best wishes to you and your family.

A Fond Farewell to G. Brunatti & Sons Ltd.
(Photo Credit: Google Street View) I would like to extend a fond farewell to a local, iconic, family business here in Parry Sound, founded in 1939 - that's 86 years!!  G. Brunatti & Sons Ltd. is closing its doors in just a few short months.  Their website extends a warm thank you to all their customers over the years for their support and confidence in the family business, and a special thank you was also expressed to their staff.

The founder, Giacianto (George) Brunatti, immigrated to Canada and opened its doors on Seguin Street as a shoe repair service.  The company continued to prosper through out the early 1940s during the Second World War. After the war, the abundant availability of plastics, imports and other materials made the purchase of new shoes much more convenient and affordable and so the business adjusted to the changing times to the retailing of new shoes.

It was then that George's son, Joseph Brunatti had taken a great interest in orthopedic shoes and appliances which were added to their sales. Then there came a time when the market experienced an increased desire and willingness to spend disposable income on recreation. The growth of the cottage and boating industry meant that there was an increase in the demand for the repair and design of boat covers.  You'll recall Joe Brunatti also served as Councillor for the Town of Parry Sound.

The company eventually relocated to larger quarters in 1984, moving to Pine Drive at the south end of Parry Sound. With development and construction plans for the south end, Brunatti's seized the opportunity to sell their Pine Drive building and move to their third location and present location in 2000, settling in on River Street.  They started with 1,000 square feet in 1939 and are retiring from a modern, 6,000 square foot facility.

In 2006, the Brunatti company purchased the self storage business next door and eventually expanded it.

Wrapping up the business' affairs is the third generation, sons, David, Paul and John.  The complete property including their industrial building and self storage units have been sold.  The Brunatti's will still be on site for a few months to wrap up and remove the equipment.

While we're happy for their well deserved break and retirement, we are also sad to see such a long lasting, iconic family business in which three generations have served residents, visitors and cottagers for 86 years.