Councillor McCann Meeting Report (October 2, 2018)

District of Parry Sound Municipal Association
On Friday, September 21st, I joined Councillor Borneman and Mayor McGarvey in attending the District of Parry Sound Municipal Association Meeting at the Orrville Community Centre.  Seguin Mayor Bruce Gibbon opened the meeting and welcomed everyone.  Our own Dave Thompson, Director of Emergency and Protective Services and Fire Chief provided EMS updates and talked about the Parry Sound 33 Fire.  We heard from Jeff Beaudoin, Business Advisor, The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound, who provided updates on statistics regarding clients and success stories.  Susan Church and Jeff Buell of Blue Sky Economic Growth Corporation talked about advocating for broadband across the north.  Guest speaker was Pat Vanini, Executive Director of AMO speaking on Cannabis Legislation.  The St. Thomas Anglican Church catered a wonderful lunch.  There was also a session with Stefan Szczerbak, Senior Planner, Planscape and Al Shaw, Senior Ecologist, RiverStone Environmental Solutions, speaking about the Challenges of Development and Planning around Endangered Species.


Belvedere Heights Board of Management Monthly Meeting
On Wednesday, September 26th, I attended the Belvedere Heights monthly Board of Management meeting.  We have set October 18th as the date for our AGM.  Everyone is invited.  We had a report from Bunny Davis, Chair of Family Council.  We have been informed that the home will be receiving new base funding $32,000 per year for a 0.5 FTE BSO Therapeutic Recreationist.  Funding is retroactive to September 1st of this year.  We are also receiving a 2% increase to CSS Base funding.  NELHin has provided notification that the new base funding in the amount of $6,250 for the fiscal year of 2018/2019 to sustain existing CSS services.  This represents a 2% increase.


Farewell to Rob Mens
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Mr. Rob Mens all the best in his retirement.  Four years ago when Councillor Marshall and myself were the new kids here, Rob and Town Staff went out of their way to show us the ropes.  I have enjoyed working with Rob.  He has always been accessible and I know we will all miss him.  I know that this is just a turning point for Mr. Mens and that he has some exciting plans ahead of this.  I gather that Rob will not be letting any grass grow under his feet!  Best wishes Rob for health, happiness and on your new journey!