COUNCIL LIFTS MASK REQUIREMENT

PARRY SOUND COUNCIL MET MAY 3

Parry Sound council members met virtually May 3 with an update to the COVID-19 Municipal Corporate Response Plan on the agenda as well as sidewalk replacements coming to the community. Here is some of what was before council.

— A Parry Sound couple raised concerns about Seguin's proposed minister's zoning order to rezone lands on the border of the town and township. A Seguin resident of 36 years also brought forward his concerns about the possible development.

— Mayor Jamie McGarvey informed council that the town was able to reduce our electricity consumption by 10 per cent compared to last Earth Day. The town's daily consumption compared to April 21 and 22 was also down 10 per cent.

— Council updated the

COVID-19 Municipal Corporate Response Plan, lifting the requirement of face coverings in work environments, and employers are no longer required to conduct active screening of staff prior to entering the workplace.

— June 19 was declared as "the Longest Day of SMILES" in Parry Sound to support Operation Smile Canada in their efforts to ensure everyone has access to safe and effective surgery where they need it.

— Council adopted a bylaw to set the municipal tax rates for 2022. The residential property owner can expect to pay 2.68 per cent more this year.

— McGarvey inquired about the progress of obtaining lifeguards. "They are having a challenge getting both lifeguards and swim instructors," said chief administrative officer Clayton Harris. Parks and Recreation manager April McNamara will provide a report at the next council meeting.

— Great North Road and Bowes Street are set to experience sidewalk replacements. The $48,000 tender will cover from 26 Great North Rd. to 3 Great North Rd. as well as the entrance of Circle K and 57 meters on Bowes Street.

— The Parry Sound Public Library was awarded Ontario Trillium funding to acquire mute rooms to facilitate private meetings or study spaces. "I think this will be a great addition to the community," said councillor Vanessa Backman.