Committee working on ways to improve Parry Sound downtown

A committee tasked with improving the Parry Sound downtown is recommending the installation of security cameras, among other things.

At a meeting on Dec. 17, Dave Thompson, Director of Development and Protective Services, presented a list of recommendations to council, saying the committee’s initial focus was on improvements that could provide an immediate impact.

“There was a great deal of discussion about initiatives, both minor and major, that could be moved forward to assist with the quality of the experience in the downtown area,” said Thompson. Off the bat we were looking for things that could be implemented in a relatively immediate manner to start the process of a revolution of the character of the downtown.”

Six recommendations were presented to council, including:

1. Installation of cameras – including intersection based cameras and store front cameras
2. Maintenance activities – additional garbage cans, additional street lights, clearing of trail vegetation.
3. Registration of Security Cameras – register all downtown cameras with the OPP’s Cam Safe Program in order to ensure police have access to them.
4. Availability of Social Services Support – the District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board and Canadian Mental Health Association have identified opportunities
   and programs within their organization that can assist with homelessness. Opportunities exist to educate town staff and business owners of the resources available to address homelessness and other social/economic issues.
5. Policy Changes
6. Social Services Hub –  A one stop shop for government agency services and assistance rather than the current individual storefront utilization for some services. This initiative
   would need to be planned over the long term and would require the buy in of
   numerous groups.

In June, council approved the establishment of a Downtown Quality of Experience Team. Over the past five months the committee has engaged the public and developed a list of recommended improvements. The committee will be continuing to work on ways to improve the downtown.