08 Tuesday Jan 2013
Posted in Events/Activities, Green Shoots, Parry Sound, Sights
In honour of the relocation of Festival of the Sound to the Station Gallery I thought it would be appropriate to post a photo of the Festival Tree taken this week at the Stockey Centre.
A great organization, in a great hall, in a nice little town that is picking up momentum.
10 Monday Dec 2012
Posted in Events/Activities, Parry Sound
Tags
Parry Sound Power will be holding their annual general meeting next Monday, December 17th at 6:00 in the council chambers of Parry Sound town hall. I’m not sure that 6:00 is very convenient for most members of the public, but it’s what it is. I wonder if the local press will be there to report on what is presented and discussed. so to be safe, plan to be there and hear it directly.
I’ll be there to listen to, and understand, what’s going on with their operations. There have been rumours for almost a year of a multimillion dollar investment in additional generating capacity. But nothing has been shared with their shareholders – that’s us the residents of Parry Sound. If there is going to be a major investment in generating capacity it will be the taxpayers of Parry Sound who will be obligated to cover any losses.
It’s interesting that the town’s water supply business as a part of Public Works is open to public scrutiny, while the power generating operation isn’t. I don’t think it’s a question that they can’t tell us what they are doing and why; it’s more a matter that they don’t want to. And by law they apparently are not obliged to.
28 Monday May 2012
I read in the Beacon Star on Friday about how McKellar Township is once again debt free. Again and again I hear criticism from the surrounding municipalities about how Parry Sound has ‘soooo’ much debt. I’m getting tired of it.
Debt by definition is not inherently bad. If we as individuals never took on debt we would never be able to buy a house, or a cottage, or even a car until well after we were able to make the best use of them. Imagine not being able to take a job a few miles away because you refused to take on the debt to purchase a car. Or imagine a nation of renters where the only person who cared about property improvement was the landlord. We’d be controlled by mega-corporations because a private landlord couldn’t or wouldn’t take on the debt to purchase and develop a property. Debt is not bad, poorly managed debt is bad.
So Parry Sound has more debt that the surrounding municipalities. So what? If we can afford it there shouldn’t be any criticism. But people like to suggest that the town’s debt has been taken on for frivolous purposes. I guess this would include the renovation of town hall and the Bobby Orr Community Centre and construction of the the Stockey Centre a decade ago. I suppose they think the town would be better off with a couple thousand septic tanks next to Georgian Bay and a couple thousand wells drawing water rather than a first class water treatment plant.
My sense is that people feel Parry Sound has been extravagant in its capital investments. If things were done properly there should be little or no debt. But as I have noted above debt is not only not a bad thing, it actually can be a good thing. The Great Depression was caused not so much by the stock market crash as it was by the precipitous drop in spending and the clamping down on the money supply. If no one was taking on a prudent amount of debt there would be a much higher level of unemployment.
So what have these ‘frivolous’ expenses contributed to Parry Sound and the surrounding communities? If you live in Parry Sound you surely have a sense of the value of the many investments the town has made in infrastructure and quality of life facilities. But let’s take a look at how the surrounding communities have benefited from the generosity of Parry Sound.
For starters McDougall would not have their municipal water supply if it were not for Parry Sound. There is no way they could afford to build and operate a similar first class water supply operation.
How popular would the West Parry Sound area be for permanent and seasonal residents if the closest retail centre was Bracebridge or Huntsville? For Carling, McDougall, McKellar and most Seguin residents it would mean an 80 km drive one-way to get more than the most basic of supplies or a restaurant meal and entertainment. That would really increase the cost of living here. And do you think these retailers would be willing to locate in areas where they had to depend on wells and sewers and there was not a core population to service and draw employees from?
And what would the local cottagers and residents do for entertainment on a wet weekday or weekend, or a fine spring, summer or fall weekend? You can take only so much of the outdoors in black fly and mosquito season. I wonder how many of the people attending the free events at the Stockey Centre (Bands on the Bay) and the town dock, or using Wabuno Beach, or free skating at the BOCC, or launching their boats at municipal ramps, are the people who pay Parry Sound taxes. At other towns they charge $5 to $10 to launch a runabout. And how about the ‘out of town’ seasonal residents who drop by to pick up a few gallons of drinking water from the Parry Sound municipal taps? The tourists who stay at the hotels, motels and campgrounds in the surrounding municipalities probably would not be staying there if it weren’t for the availability of Parry Sound’s investments.
So get over it McKellar, McDougall, Carling, Seguin and Archipelago. If you are able to deny reasonable services and facilities to your permanent residents in order to keep your seasonal residents from complaining about taxes, go ahead and do it. But please don’t shake your head in dismay about the debt that Parry Sound is carrying.
I have an idea, how about the bunch of you get together and build a regional swimming pool? We can’t afford it but we would be more than happy to use yours for free, or for a nominal charge, the same way you use many of our facilities. We’d be delighted to drive a few kilometers to use it. We promise not to chastise you for your debt. We will actually thank you for helping to stimulate the local economy, some of which might even trickle down to Parry Sound.
17 Thursday May 2012
Posted in Events/Activities, Parry Sound, Town Council
Tags
Airport, By-Law, economic development, parry sound, Salvation Army, Seguin, Town Council, train, Wabuno Beach
The team has scored a touchdown – the charitable waste program has been approved by council. This is probably not the ideal solution but it moves things along in a positive way. I’m glad it see it is finally approved, the Salvation Army does more than their limited resources would suggest is possible.
The body count for the meeting was 6 councilors and mayor. Councilor Williams was absent. Town staff numbered 6. Moose-FM, Cogeco and the North Star were present. The audience numbered about a dozen of which 8 left after the Timbits deputation.
The councilors reports at times sound a bit like a report on ‘what I did this summer’ with the requirement that it be no less than 10 pages. I’d like to see some of the councilors post their reports on a blog of some sort so those who are interested could read through the details and the rest of us could just skim through the highlights. Which raises the question of when are we going to see a draft social media policy? It was suggested a few months ago that something would be proposed.
One point of particular interest in the councilor’s report was a reminder that the St. Charles crossing, Isabella Street, would be closed to all traffic on May 23rd from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM for rail maintenance. This means all traffic or pedestrians will not be able to cross.
Notable Decisions and Actions
Item 9.1 relating to the charitable waste issue was approved by council. All’s well that that ends well. Based on several comments from council I expect they will revisit the issue at some point in the future to see if there is an even better solution.
Item 9.1.2 concerning the use of town property for the development of additional assisted living facilities as recommended by the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee was postponed to early September. Continue reading »
13 Sunday May 2012
Posted in Events/Activities, Parry Sound, Sounds, Town Council
This week’s council meeting includes a collection of ‘something old and something new’ items. Here’s hoping that council and staff can cross a couple of them off their to-do lists.
Parry Sound Power’s Power Gen project is back for discussion in a closed session prior to the open portion of the council meeting. I wonder when we will be told what is going on.
Interesting and Notable Agenda Items
Item 9.1 takes another run at the charitable waste issue. Okay team, the ball is on the one yard line; let’s see if we can this resolution across the goal line. No more punting on first down.
Item 9.1.2 concerns the use of town property for the development of additional assisted living facilities as recommended by the Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee. I’m interested in learning more about the proposal and it’s implication for the town. Parry Sound is little-by-little becoming the de facto services centre for the West Parry Sound District. This is a noble undertaking and responsibility so long as sufficient revenue is realized from these developments to ensure they are not being subsidized by other town residents and businesses. Reading the background/report it becomes more obvious that the proposal refers to a senior’s residence complex that would provide a range of services from independent to fully supported living.
Item 9.4.1 concerns the possible disposal of the former water pumping station, the house just off the shoreline trail and close to the water treatment plant. The property is currently rented out by the town and must be considered one of the more attractive rental properties in Parry Sound. Council will consider whether the property should be retained by the town or put up for sale. There are some environmental and logistical concerns that make the simple sale of the property a complex issue.
Item 9.4.2 suggests there will be another fight on Belvedere Hill to follow the parking lot dust up of last year. IKO Construction is contesting council’s rejection of a requested zoning by-law amendment for 9A Belvedere Street with an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board. The wording of the resolution and its implications are interesting and worth reading. The town will apparently need to hire a consultant to prepare and argue their case before the Board.
Item 9.6.2 is a direction to staff to prepare terms of reference for a committee to look at core services that can be privatized. This is a path that has been wandered down by many other governmental bodies with varying degrees of success. Oh boy, another committee. Are these committees intended to actually get anything done or are they simply a way to keep interested town residents busy?
Item 9.6.3 is a resolution in support of an Ontario Mayor’s Coalition to become involved in a provincial task force examining provincial policing costs. Apparently a salary cost increase of 8.5% for OPP services is one of the triggers for this resolution.
Item 10.1.1 promises to be the most ‘interesting’ item on the agenda this week. One needs to read the whole by-law to understand its import and implications. Basically it will allow for a weekly ‘movie/laser show/beach party/beer tent’ every Saturday night from June 30th to September 1st. The organizers would be required to provide insurance coverage, all staffing and the temporary projection structure (which is substantial). The by-law includes a request to relax the local noise restrictions. The event would start at 8:00 PM and end by 12:00, with a $5 admission charge. The town would be paid a rental charge of $504, that is $56 per night, and would be required to provide power and washroom facilities.
I like the idea of having events for visitors and town residents, and I have received a couple of favourable comments suggesting local interest. I do wonder if this will take disposable entertainment dollars from our local theater and restaurants/bars that are open year round and depend on summer visitors to be profitable. The organizers are sweetening the deal for the community by offering to support our local Harvest Share.
These are the key issues to be covered on Tuesday; the agenda lists a number of additional items that may be of some interest to you. Details are provided in the packages available for view at the library and town hall. See you Tuesday night.
29 Thursday Mar 2012
Posted in Boating/Recreation, Events/Activities
The Parry Sound Power and Sail Squadron will be sponsoring a VHF instruction course April 23rd and 30th. This two evening course starting at 7:00 PM at the Parry Sound High School will lead to a Restricted Operators Certificate (Marine), ROC(M) upon successful completion of the exam on the second evening. This will permit you to legally use a VHF radio when on the water.
There are lots of good reasons for having a VHF radio, it’s much more likely to get you a quick response with help from fellow boaters. A cell phone can only reach the Coast Guard and your local onshore emergency response teams. They can take quite a bit of time to come to your assistance.
I will be taking the course for all of these reasons. Stuff happens, and it’s good to know that there are people who will come to your aid if they know you need help. The water gets big on the Sound and in the Bay.
The course costs $75 with a reduced rate for active Canadian Power and Sail Squadron members. More information can be found at ParrySoundBoating.ca. Call John Mason at 705/342-1315 to register or for more information.
13 Sunday Nov 2011
Posted in Events/Activities, Parry Sound, Town Council
Tags
This is a short preview of the more interesting topics to be addressed at the upcoming Parry Sound Council meeting to be held November 15, 2011, 7:00 PM at the Town Hall, 52 Seguin Street. The full Tuesday agenda is available at the Town of Parry Sound’s (TOPS) website or through this link. More information on the meeting, along with background materials as provided to the Council members, is available at the Parry Sound Library and the Town Hall, Friday afternoons prior to the scheduled meeting. Note that the library is closed Sundays and Mondays.
Interesting and Notable Agenda Items
9.1.1 - Economic Development and Leisure Services is requesting that the matter of the online streaming of Council meetings be deferred.
9.1.2 – Economic Development and Leisure Services is requesting an approval in principle of $40,000 in consulting expenses for the “Big Event” in 2012. It seems “The Big Event”, if approved, will be a hot rod and custom bike show. This will replace the Sports Bike Rally which has been cancelled for 2012.
9.5.2 – Approval of the the Citizen’s Finance Committee public members; William Atwell, Cliff Beagan, Angelika Distler and Perry Harris
Execution of an agreement with CN for automatic gates at the Cascade St. crossing.
9.5.5 – A budget of $3.2 million for the Cascade Street reconstruction and $2.6 million for the reconstruction of Parry Sound Drive, Joseph Street and Mall Drive.
Suggestions for attending Council meetings and letting your voice be heard.
1. The meeting starts at 7:00 sharp. You don’t need to attend the full meeting. There are no breaks, but people regularly slip out of the meeting after their subject of interest is discussed.
2. If you want to present your point of view on any subject there is an opportunity to present a deputation at the start of the meeting. Mayor McGarvey asks the public if they wish to make a deputation at that time. This is the only opportunity at the meeting to express your opinion, even for a topic that is to be discussed later. There is no opportunity to express an opinion once the deputation portion of the meeting passes. There is also no intermission, or recess, where you can speak to a Council member. If you want to discuss something, or express your opinion, you need to do it at the beginning of the meeting.
3. You may also present your position on any town related issue even if it is not on the Council’s agenda. To do this you need to schedule your presentation at least a week before the next Council meeting so that it can be included in the agenda and Council members have an opportunity to review any materials you will be presenting. The person to contact about your presentation is Ms. Jackie Boggs, Deputy Clerk, EA to the CAO and Deputy Treasurer. She can be reach at the town office, 705/746-2101. Shorter, more informal presentations can usually be made as part of the Deputations portion of the meeting.
4. Town Council meetings are pleasant and informal, with the understanding that the audience can only provide their input prior to the meeting, or during the Deputations portion of the meeting.
5. Council meetings are a good opportunity to meet and speak with the Parry Sound local media. The North Star and Moose-FM are always present and happy to speak with those attending the meeting.
I hope this helps. See you at the next meeting.
28 Friday Oct 2011
Posted in Events/Activities, Parry Sound, Town Council
Tags
This is a short preview of the more interesting topics to be addressed at the upcoming Parry Sound Council meeting to be held November 1, 2011, 7:00 PM at the Town Hall, 52 Seguin Street. The full Tuesday agenda is available at the Town of Parry Sound’s (TOPS) website or through this link. More information on the meeting, along with background materials as provided to the Council members, is available at the Parry Sound Library and the Town Hall, Friday afternoons prior to the scheduled meeting. Note that the library is closed Sundays and Mondays.
Suggestions for those wishing to participate at the meeting are provided at the end of this post.
Key Agenda Items
9.2.1 and 9.2.2 – Quotation and tenders for road work and maintenance in TOPS.
10.2.1 – Execution of an agreement with CN for automatic gates at the Cascade St. crossing.
10.4.1 – a By-law to authorize the construction of the dog pound.
This is a relatively light agenda and there appears to be nothing controversial.
Suggestions for attending Council meetings and letting your voice be heard.
1. The meeting starts at 7:00 sharp. You don’t need to attend the full meeting. There are no breaks, but people regularly slip out of the meeting after their subject of interest is discussed.
2. If you want to present your point of view on any subject there is an opportunity to present a deputation at the start of the meeting. Mayor McGarvey asks the public if they wish to make a deputation at that time. This is the only opportunity at the meeting to express your opinion, even for a topic that is to be discussed later. There is no opportunity to express an opinion once the deputation portion of the meeting passes. There is also no intermission, or recess, where you can speak to a Council member. If you want to discuss something, or express your opinion, you need to do it at the beginning of the meeting.
3. You may also present your position on any town related issue even if it is not on the Council’s agenda. To do this you need to schedule your presentation at least a week before the next Council meeting so that it can be included in the agenda and Council members have an opportunity to review any materials you will be presenting. The person to contact about your presentation is Ms. Jackie Boggs, Deputy Clerk, EA to the CAO and Deputy Treasurer. She can be reach at the town office, 705/746-2101. Shorter, more informal presentations can usually be made as part of the Deputations portion of the meeting.
4. Town Council meetings are pleasant and informal, with the understanding that the audience can only provide their input prior to the meeting, or during the Deputations portion of the meeting.
5. Council meetings are a good opportunity to meet and speak with the Parry Sound local media. The North Star and Moose-FM are always present and happy to speak with those attending the meeting.
I hope this helps. See you at the next meeting.
