Over the past two weeks I have had the opportunity to visit four separate communities in Ontario. Of the four I visited, I had the joy of spending time in three vibrant towns; Meaford, Port Perry and Tobermory.
The clean and upbeat downtown cores of these towns lent an inviting atmosphere.
Sadly, the fourth town was the town in which I was born and raised, Parry Sound.  I grew up on Spruce Street and had a wonderful childhood. I remember when the store fronts on the main street were actually stores and not real estate offices. I remember going to Tower Hill as a child and thinking it was the most beautiful place in the world. What happened there? The over grown grass and sludge in the fish pond certainly don't live up to my memories. I think it's time to show the people who visit Parry Sound that you are actually interested in having them come back and not go away with the same disappointment that I went back to Toronto with.
I will always consider Parry Sound to be my home but hopefully one day when I bring my friends to visit I will feel proud again.