This is how you, dear residents, can make a significant and historic difference in your community.
The Town of Parry Sound is calling upon volunteers to sit on a committee that will focus on plans to develop the waterfront.
Our waterfront has a distinct advantage over the beautiful waterfronts that attract visitors in communities throughout Ontario – location, location, location.
Sitting at the bottom of downtown’s main drag, framed by our 100-year-old train trestle, on the shores of the “sixth” Great Lake, in the jewel of the 30,000 Islands, nestled in the UNESCO Georgian Bay Biosphere reserve, it’s a one-of-a-kind natural attraction.
What it lacks is access and infrastructure.
For decades, municipal officials have recognized our waterfront is an untapped tourism opportunity.
For decades, various elected officials have worked with developers, and negotiated with the province and property owners to purchase or trade for a former industrial site and the government building housing the OPP.
Elected officials come and go, the economy dives and surges, and aside from some small improvements and commercial businesses, no significant waterfront development has taken off.
What this project needs is a group of dedicated young citizens, future leaders who decide to focus their civic determination, time and energy towards this ambitious goal.
This group of volunteers will have to have countless conversations as they lobby, campaign and problem-solve. This is a project that, done right, will demand commitment, but could transform a community.
Picture parks, walkways, fuelling stations for larger Georgian Bay vessels, on-the-water restaurant decks, condos, shops … the potential is immeasurable.
The challenge is large, but surmountable and rewarding.
It will take years, but a group of dedicated citizens, working with public officials and private sector investors, can make a difference where elected representatives haven’t been able to, leaving a historic mark and legacy here in Parry Sound.
You just might be that person. Join this committee with vigour, enthusiasm and energy, and transform your community.