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Articles by Mo Fahim
Community rallies to help sick moose near Otter Lake
A sick moose led to over 35 Parry Sound residents rallying together to get it the help it needs. James Lapointe, longtime area resident, says it all started about a week ago when he spotted a moose near Otter Lake that was circling around one spot and moving poorly. “All our neighbours were concerned and then eventually last Wednesday (Jan. 24) the moose came up onto our private road.
West Parry Sound Ontario Health Team approved
The province has greenlit the West Parry Sound Ontario Health Team. Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Health Minister made the announcement in Parry Sound on Friday alongside the region’s MPP Graydon Smith and local Health Officials. Jones says this approval will not only bring coordinated care to our district but also marks a milestone for the province by achieving full provincial care with a total of 58 Ontario Health Teams.
Parry Sound’s Significant Weather Event declared over
The Town of Parry Sound declared its “Significant Weather Event” over as of 9:30 AM Friday. Mayor Jamie McGarvey thanked the town’s talented crew for the work that they’ve done to try and keep the streets clear. “We’ve had a significant snow event and on Tuesday we had to declare it as such to give our crews the time and opportunity to be able to clear the snow. We have a little bit of a reprieve today. The sun is shining, but it is colder.
With plummeting temperatures expected, here’s what you need to know about the risk of frostbite
Parry Sound is set to see temperatures drop to –28 overnight and the public is being warned of the risk of frostbite. Hayley Redman with the Parry Sound District Paramedic Services says with the plummeting temperatures, people need to be aware of how it occurs, what can happen and how serious it could be. “Frostbite firstly is an injury caused by freezing skin, which I think most people know. What they may not know is how it occurs and how rapidly it can occur.
Parry Sound declares Significant Weather Event
The Town of Parry Sound declared a “Significant Weather Event” on Tuesday. Dave Thompson, Parry Sound Fire Chief, says that means normal levels of service standards the town usually sees may not be met. “For instance, the plows are out operating on the roads full-time right now. However, that does not mean that they’ll be able to maintain the same standards as what the residents usually expect.
Warmth for Winter Tree enters third season in action
The Warmth for Winter tree, located on James Street in Parry Sound, is stocked and ready for its third season. The initiative, run by Parry Sound’s own Stephanie Jay, started in 2020 when COVID-19 forced local shelters to stop accepting donations. Jay says she still wanted to do something around Christmas time, so she started posting some winter clothing and pinning them to the tree closest to her home.
West Parry Sound OPP rolls out CAMsafe program
West Parry Sound OPP has joined a growing number of Ontario police services implementing a CAMsafe program. Constable Brandon Charlebois, the detachment’s Community Safety and Media Officer, says the program was originally developed by Belleville Police Service. The program aims at creating a database of residential and commercial security cameras within a community that may act as a resource for police when investigating offences or crime.
COVID-19 Outbreaks declared at Lakeland and Belvedere Heights Long Term Care
Over 60 residents have tested positive at Parry Sound’s two long term care facilities since late Dec. That from Jess Fargher Lee, Communications and Public Relations Officer with the West Parry Sound Health Centre. She says as of Jan. 9, 40 confirmed cases are at Belvedere Heights and 23 are at Lakeland. Fargher Lee says the Belvedere outbreak, declared on Dec. 29, has six residents who tested positive at the Oak Home area, 14 in the Pine Home area, and 20 in the Willow Home area.
2023 Order of Parry Sound awarded to Glenda Clayton
Glenda Clayton is the recipient of the 2023 Order of Parry Sound. A dedicated Harvest Share volunteer and one of the founders of Parry Sound Community Gardens, Clayton was given the award over the weekend by Mayor Jamie McGarvey at the Town’s Levee. In recommending the recipient for the 2023 Order of Parry Sound, McGarvey says something that came through about Clayton from the Awards Advisory Council was “multifaceted and well-rounded”.
Jay Aspin appointed to the Order of Ontario
A local resident is among the 25 new appointments to the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest honour. Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont announced Jay Aspin is among the people who have made exceptional contributions to help build a stronger province, nation and world. The province says Aspin has dedicated more than four-and-a-half decades to enhancing the growth and all aspects of life in Northern Ontario.
West Parry Sound OPP wraps Festive RIDE campaign
The OPP’s West Parry Sound Detachment conducted 61 checks during the Festive RIDE campaign. The initiative aimed at reducing impaired driving ran from November 16 until January 1. Police report 11 people across our region were charged with impaired driving offences. On top of the charges, one person was issued a driver’s license suspension as a result of registering an “Alert” on an approved screening device.
Murals, vinyl and posters part of PSHS and Doc Rob Foundation’s new Suicide Prevention Campaign
Parry Sound High School (PHSH) students are spreading positive messages through posters, vinyl and murals throughout the school. It’s all part of a campaign kicked off by the Doc Rob Foundation’s Terry Lynn Stevens and Maria Rutledge, who began a friendship as shared survivors of suicide loss.
Parry Sound, McDougall and Seguin Fire Departments respond to Turtle Jack’s Wednesday fire
No injuries were reported after firefighters and emergency crews responded to a fire at the Turtle Jack’s on 22 Bay St. Dave Thompson, Parry Sound’s Fire Chief, says the fire department was called to the location at about 11:45 AM. “They had a fire in the kitchen. It was witnessed and was due to the deep fryer and they were unable to extinguish it on the inside. They evacuated the building, [the] fire department attended, and by that point it had spread to the upstairs apartments,” he says.
Council calling for the expansion of the Rural Northern Immigration Pilot
Parry Sound is calling for the Rural Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) program to stick around. Council carried a motion this week supporting the RNIP program becoming a permanent program. Officials say the community driven program began as a federal initiative designed to spread the benefits of economic immigration to smaller communities by creating a path to permanent residence for skilled foreign workers who want to work and live in one of the participating communities.
PSHS’s first ever Tech and Trades Showcase in the books
Industry partners and students came together recently for Parry Sound High School’s Tech and Trades Showcase. School officials say the event saw industry representatives visit the school for a tour of the school’s construction, automotive and culinary arts classrooms. Officials say they had discussions with teachers about skilled trades education and career pathways. The tour was followed by an opportunity for industry partners to showcase their businesses directly to students.
McKellar Public Library’s “Creating our Future Together” project gets LEAF funding
McKellar Public Library’s revitalization project is getting this year’s Learning and Engagement Accelerator Fund (LEAF). Ontario-based company Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group’s initiative announced its recipients for this year’s grant, given to local community-led and focused projects.
PS Public Library recognizing NOHFC grant for new HVAC systems on Tuesday
The local library is holding a grant recognition event on Tuesday Dec. 19. Selena Martens, Parry Sound Public Library CEO, says the event kicks off at 3 PM. “We will be acknowledging and celebrating a grant that was received this year from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation through their rural enhancement stream. The grants contributed towards allowing us to replace the libraries’ three rooftop mounted heating and cooling units,” she says.
Salvation Army’s Children Wish Radiothon raises over $33,000
The 2023 Moose FM Radiothon in support of the Salvation Army is officially in the books. This year’s grand total exceeded last year’s, coming in at over $33,000. Major Debbie Allen, Church Pastor, says the radiothon raises awareness of how the nonprofit helps people and doubles as a major component of the Salvation Army’s fundraising. “What we raise at Christmas is basically what funds our year-round programming in addition to supporting the Christmas hampers and toy program,” she says.
3rd Parry Sound Scouts’ Lloyd George recognized by Ontario for volunteer work
A McKellar local is being honoured by the province for his exceptional volunteer work. Lloyd George is one of 14 people who were awarded the 2023 June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Voluntarism. The award is in memory of late author and journalist, June Callwood, and recognizes the leadership, innovation and contributions of individual volunteers, volunteer administrators and volunteer organizations who have stepped up to help others, support communities and build a stronger Ontario.
2023 Founders Choice Awards’ finalists chosen
The Parry Sound Area Founders Circle has chosen its five finalists for this year’s Founders Choice Awards. The finalists are A Bushel & A Peck, Georgian Medical Aesthetics, Northern Swine and Steer, Rewind Design Studio and Sound Youth Counselling. Officials with the Founders Circle say the next step for the finalists is to create an “elevator pitch” video, describing their business in its entirety.
Salvation Army’s Children Wish Radiothon hits the air Thursday and Friday
Thursday and Friday (Dec. 7-8) marks Moose FM’s annual Radiothon in support of the Salvation Army. Each year Moose FM sets aside two days to allow residents and businesses to donate what they can to ensure local families and children have a great Christmas and the Salvation Army can continue its year-round community work. Major Debbie Allen, Church Pastor, says the radiothon raises awareness of how the nonprofit helps people and doubles as a major component of the Salvation Army’s fundraising.
HWY 69 speeding stop leads to charges for London man
A London man is facing drug charges after being stopped for speeding on Highway 69. West Parry Sound OPP says while conducting radar enforcement on Highway 69 near Britt, officers stopped a vehicle for speeding shortly after 8 PM on Saturday (Dec 2).
Parry Sound man facing drug charges following suspected drug deal
A 79-year-old Parry Sound man is facing multiple drug charges after police responded to a call last week. West Parry Sound OPP says officers were alerted to a possible drug transaction on James Street shortly after 11 AM on Thursday. Police say after arriving, officers found and seized approximately $1500 of suspected Hydromorphone, Clonazepam, and Oxycodone and over $3500 in cash.
Town now accepting nominations for the 2023 Order of Parry Sound
Nominations for the 23rd Order of Parry Sound are officially open. The motto for the 2023 award, considered the community’s highest honour for achievement, is, “They Desire a Better Community”. That from Parry Sound Mayor Jamie McGarvey. McGarvey says the order goes to people who are working in the community to make it better. “That’s what it’s all about and we appreciate the fact that people are doing that and helping move Parry Sound forward.
OPP investigating fatal HWY 69 crash, roads have reopened
One person has died after a single-vehicle collision on HWY 69 last night (Tuesday, Nov 28). West Parry Sound OPP says officers, paramedics and the fire department responded to the crash on the highway north of the Magnetawan River bridge shortly before midnight. Police say the 65-year-old driver from Sudbury was pronounced dead at the scene.
Registration for Salvation Army’s Christmas Hamper program open until Dec 1st
You can still sign up for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Hamper program until the end of this week. Major Debbie Allen, the Church’s pastor, you can still register until Friday, Dec. 1 by calling the church at 705-746-5391 to book an appointment. “Once they have their appointment, they’ll come in and go through the registration process. They need to bring identification for every member of the family and have an idea about what their income and expenses are just so we can do a ballpark there.
Parry Sound joins in call for safer way to store railway ties citing fire-risk
Parry Sound has joined The Archipelago in calling on the feds to mandate that CP Rail stops the practice of piling up railway ties by the tracks. The ties are one of the cross braces that support the rails on a railway track and are often piled off of the railway as the company goes about replacing old ones. Gord Harrison, West Parry Sound Fire Coordinator, says the ties are made of wood and are treated with a chemical preservative so they will last as long as possible.
Be a Santa for Senior campaign back for 13th year
Community Support Services’ (CSS) Be a Santa for a Senior campaign is back for a 13th year. Linda Taylor, CSS Program Director, says the campaign supports seniors’ special projects all year long. “For example, over Christmas, the holiday project will bring happiness and connection and holiday spirit to seniors. Volunteers will help with holiday tasks. These tasks are meaningful to the senior because they are identified by the senior or older adult,” she says.
Council joins school board in calling on Ontario to safeguard rural elementary schools
Parry Sound has joined a local school board in calling on the province to ensure rural elementary schools stay open. In October, the Near North District School Board (NNDSB) called on the Ministry of Education not to exercise the authority granted by Bill 98 for the closure of rural elementary schools.
Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettles program underway
Tis the time to give. The Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettles are out in full swing. Major Debbie Allen, Salvation Army Church’s pastor, says the kettles are the organization’s main fundraising effort for their Christmas Hamper Program as well as all the things that Salvation Army Food Bank does throughout the year. Allen says this year marks her fifth Christmas in Parry Sound, adding over that time the Salvation Army was able to raise between $30,000 to $40,000 a year with the kettles program.
Council throws its support behind Hockey Day in Parry Sound
Parry Sound council has penned a letter of support backing the creation of “Hockey Day” in town. The event, planned for the end of march, is a joint effort put together by the Rotary Club of Parry Sound and the Downtown Parry Sound Business Association (DBA). The Mayor and councillors carried the motion for support on Tuesday, adding the town will be pleased to assist the Hockey Day in Parry Sound Committee with all aspects of event planning.
OPP says no threat to public after investigating PSHS bomb threat
Police say there is no threat to public safety after investigating a report of a bomb threat made to a local highschool. West Parry Sound OPP says officers responded to a report of a threat made on a group chat on Wednesday, Nov. 22, shortly before 4:00 p.m., that a bomb would be brought to Parry Sound Highschool. OPP says the threat was shared by numerous students at the school and police made administrative staff aware of the incident, who then advised parents and school staff.
Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund issues scam alert
The Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund is alerting members of fraudulent letters being sent out to beneficiaries about settlement payments. Officials say the letters are branded with government or litigation fund logos and ask for personal and banking information to confirm their eligibility for distribution – with a promise of direct deposit or a cheque.
Council recognizes Bill Connor’s induction into National Marine Manufacturers’ Hall of Fame
Local businessman, Bill Connor, has been inducted into Canada’s National Marine Manufacturers Association’s (NMMA) Hall of Fame. Parry Sound Council congratulated Connors on the achievement during their meeting on Tuesday. Mayor Jamie McGarvey says at his acceptance speech, Connor, who is the President of Connor Industries and Stanley Boats, said he was humbled and honored to be welcomed into the NMMA’s Hall of Fame with a group of outstanding inductees.
One person arrested and charged in historic sexual assault investigation
A 53-year-old from Kilworthy is facing charges in relation to a historical sexual assault Almaguin Highlands OPP says on Nov. 6 officers began investigating the historical sexual assault that took place in Magnetawan. As a result the accused was charged with sexual interference and sexual assault on a person under 16 years of age. Police say the accused has a court appearance scheduled for December in Sundridge.
OPP concludes missing persons case from 1986
OPP has officially closed a missing person case 37 years in the making thanks to the advancement of DNA analysis technology. Police opened the case in 1986 after receiving a report that Agnes May Appleyard, 71 years old at the time, was missing from a property on Highway 520 near Emsdale. According to police, human remains were found near the property nearly a year later.
Police seize nearly 300g of suspected Fentanyl during HWY400 traffic stop
Four men are facing a variety of weapons and drug charges after OPP conducted a traffic stop near Seguin earlier this month. Constable Brandon Charlebois, West Parry Sound OPP Media Relations Officer says on Nov. 8 officers stopped two vehicles travelling together on Highway 400 for stunt driving. Charlebois says a subsequent search of the vehicle led to officers finding two firearms and approximately 290 grams of suspected fentanyl with an estimated value of over $65,000.
One person arrested and charged in historic sexual assault investigation
A 53-year-old from Kilworthy is facing charges in relation to a historical sexual assault Almaguin Highlands OPP says on Nov. 6 officers began investigating the historical sexual assault that took place in Magnetawan. As a result the accused was charged with sexual interference and sexual assault on a person under 16 years of age. Police say the accused has a court appearance scheduled for December in Sundridge.
2023 Santa Claus Parade kicks off 4:30 on Saturday
Rocking around the Christmas Tree is the theme for this year’s Santa Claus Parade. Jayme Young, Community Recreation Coordinator, says there are just under 50 floats in the parade this year taking place on Saturday, Nov 25. “We are really looking forward to seeing what everybody has come up with. We’ve got the fire departments from quite a few of our surrounding communities including the Town of Parry Sound, Seguin, McDougall, and Wasauksing First Nation.
Road rage on Highway 11 leads to assault charge
One man is facing an assault charge following a road rage incident on Highway 11. Almaguin Highlands OPP says officers responded to a road rage event shortly after 3 pm on Wednesday in the Township of Machar. According to police, both drivers exited their vehicles, and one driver brandished an edged weapon towards the other with no injuries sustained on either side. Police say as a result a 48 year-old man from Gilmour Tudor-Cashel Township was arrested and charged with assault with a weapon.
Shop the Bridge, Bracebridge's new gift card program
Bracebridge and its downtown business improvement area are partnering for a new gift card program. Officials say Shop the Bridge is a community-wide digital gift card program that helps support local businesses, just in time for the holiday season. They’ll be redeemable at over 35 local shops, services and restaurants with more being added. Rick Maloney, Bracebridge Mayor, says the program will help raise awareness of the “amazing” businesses in town.
WPS Recreation and Cultural Center moving to 44 Joseph St
44 Joseph Street will house the new West Parry Sound Recreation and Cultural Centre. That from Parry Sound Town Councilor Chris McDonald. McDonald says the new location was deemed the most suitable and cost effective after the cost of the YMCA site on Cargill St. started to escalate. “This [location] was deemed to be the most logical fit for the current design and budget by the board. This is all decided by the pool committee that overseas those decisions,” he says.
Clean up of debris from Muskoka Bay Park food truck explosion begins
It’s clean-up time at Muskoka Bay Park. It’s been closed since a food truck exploded in October, with officials saying they have been working on a plan to ensure proper remediation, due to all the debris from the blast. Officials say the food truck operator’s insurance is paying for the clean up. Town officials say while all dates are approximate and subject to weather conditions, it’s anticipated the work will proceed as follows: Nov.
WPSHC receives recognition for efforts in organ and tissue donation
Our hospital has been recognized by Ontario Health’s Trillium Gift of Life Network for its efforts to integrate organ and tissue donation into quality end-of-life care. The West Parry Sound Health Centre received the Outstanding Achievement Award for Provincial Routine Notification for demonstrating leading practices in routine notification.
Remembrance Day ceremonies planned in Parry Sound area
Parry Sound is preparing to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Kelsey Quesnelle, Local Legion Branch 117 President, says the plan is to form up at the Legion at 10:45 AM on Saturday. “Vern Kennedy will give the call for the Sergeant at Arms to march on the colours. The colour party will march into the square, which will be followed by O Canada and The Last Post. And the two minutes of silence should land pretty square on 11,” she says.
Parry Sound EMS’ 18th Annual Toy Drive now accepting donations
Parry Sound Emergency Services’ 18th annual toy drive is officially underway. Jason Predie, local Paramedic, says the service usually kicks off the campaign after Thanksgiving by going to local businesses and collecting monetary donations. “With those donations, we buy toys for the infants and the teenagers. In the 17 years we’ve collected so far, it was like $285,000 raised.
Annual Soup for the Soul event back for a tenth year
Hospice West Parry Sound’s 10th annual Soup for the Soul event is set for Nov 25. Melissa Crossman, the hospice’s Executive Director, says the event has only gotten bigger and bigger over the past decade. “It will be showcasing local restaurants. The public will have a each chance to try all the different soups and at the end of the night there will be a vote to see who won for the favorite soup and who will go home with the Tasters’ choice award,” she says.
New childcare spaces available at Glen Orchard Public School thanks to provincial investment
Muskoka Lakes Preschool is officially open. It will provide 36 new childcare spaces for toddlers to preschool-aged children. Lori Benton, Principal at Glen Orchard Public School, which is where the new preschool is located, explained it allows them to, potentially, care for children as young as 15 months to students entering grade eight. The project was funded through the Ministry of Education.
Four new planes joining Ornge Air Ambulance’s fleet
Four new planes are coming to Ornge Air Ambulance’s fleet. The province says the over one-hundred-and-eight-million-dollar investment will ensure the service can continue to provide Ontarians, especially those living in the north, with consistent access to high-quality care. It brings the Ornge’s air ambulance fleet to twelve.
Georgian Bay Biosphere holding Lands and Water Gathering November 29-30
The Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere (GBB) is hosting a gathering in late November to showcase research and caretaking work being done throughout the region. Officials with the biosphere say the event is meant to celebrate the most recent State of the Bay ecosystem health report. The event, called the State of the Bay: Lands and Waters Gathering, will be held Nov. 29-30 at the Charles W. Stockey Centre in Parry Sound.
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