Councillor McCann Meeting Report (March 4, 2025)

Waterfront Advisory Committee Meeting
On Monday afternoon, February 24, 2025, I attended the Waterfront Advisory Committee Meeting held here in Council Chambers.  The Downtown Business Association (DBA) delivered a deputation presenting plans and ideas for the waterfront from the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association Beautification Committee. They presented some wonderful, enhancing ideas.  Jeremy Rand, Manager of Planning gave us an update on the Waterfront Master Plan.  We discussed with Dave Thompson some ideas for signage at the waterfront.


West Parry Sound District Museum Monthly Board Meeting
On Thursday evening, February 27, 2025, I attended the West Parry Sound District Museum Monthly Board Meeting via Zoom. In addition to receiving financial reports, we continued to review the deaccession list of items identifying some artifacts and items that were acquired by the museum, some years ago, but really bare no significance and not worth preserving and storing.  You’ll recall these are the items that were stored in the old barn that has since been demolished.  We’re also considering a re-branding plan and continue to investigate the costs, funding availability and options and ideas as presented by various design firms.  We have identified a particular firm, very well known for its clients and good work.  This is all in its infancy stage.  Finally, we had some discussion on maintenance issues surrounding ice build up on the roof.  We’ve been advised that removing it could cause more damage and so for the time being we are keeping an eye on it and taking necessary precautions.


Congratulations to Parry Sound’s Sully Burrows
There are numerous hometown heroes putting Parry Sound on the national and international stages, whether it’s sports, music, Olympics, and now we have one more, a young man by the name of Sully Burrows, and his is a name to watch for in the country music field!  If you were not aware, I am happy to announce that he recently released a single, titled "Youth", which he co-wrote with Canadian country music singer and songwriter Owen Riegling.  The song is about growing up and making the most of it.  In a press release from Royal City Music Group, Burrows is quoted, “‘Youth’ is a testament to cherishing the present moment. It’s about enjoying the time you have because you can’t buy back your youth.”  However, even better news is that Sully has been chosen as one of eight semi-finalists in a Canadian competition to find the next big country star.  “The Top of the Country” competition is hosted by the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) and satellite radio company Sirius XM and it comes with a $25,000 grand prize.  Catch an interview with Sully Burrows on CTV Northern Ontario News: Young, rising country music artist from Parry Sound, Ont.  You can hear "Youth" on Sully's YouTube channel by clicking here.  He has since released a second song he co-wrote with Bradley Hale who, hales from Elmira, called ‘Think of Me’, in January and signed with Partners Record Label out of Toronto.  By the way Sully is the grandson of another hero, former NHL player, Dave Burrows.