April 22, 2006

1.  Reviewed and accepted minutes of last meeting.

2.  Jury Naklowych - Donation drive total $4,061.00 in community support from the insert that went out in the tax bill.

3.  Emily Scott reported historical write up about the Mill Property and the Footbridge to come out in the spring/beginning of summer. Coordinator will consult the committee and Evelyn Moore for historical material.

4.  Jury Naklowych - Areas of funding through the Northern Heritage Fund (Ontario Heritage), FedNor and the Parry Sound Area Community Business and Development Centre (CB & DC).

5.  The Economic Development Committee is all in favour to support the CB & DC.

-  Coordinator to prepare a formal letter to council.

6.  Jury Naklowych is working with Camp Manitou for concerts at the park.

7.  Ted Stroud - For FedNor to be on board, the committee must demonstrate that the bridge/park is a financial asset which creates jobs and brings money into the community.

8.  This summer might see a chip truck at Northern Automotive.

-  Gord Kerr - Recommend to council, in writing, that the chip truck be located at the park.

-  Revenue stream for a chip truck on Township property.

-  Ted Stroud - Look into policy for vendors to do business at the park.

9.  Committee sees a need to put hydro at the park.

10.  The committee would like to adopt the slogan - "Making Memories in McKellar", created by David Moore. Committee all in favour.

11.  Committee in favour of creating a Community Booklet for the Township of McKellar. Incorporate information about the Township.

12.  Reminder of the Trysport Race Series for Diabetes - McKellar Triathlon is taking place on July 16^th, 2006.

-  Coordinator reported that there is a Trysport link on the Township of McKellar website.

-  Emily Scott - Recommend race information available for distribution at the office.

13.  Visitor - Myrna Fenton - The Community Centre is a focal point in the village and needs some improvements like a roof over the rink, walk in refrigeration in the hall kitchen, and furniture in the hall.

14.  Mary Ann Beck - Bingo License - through council.

-  Mary Ann Beck - One Saturday or weekend Bingo to raised money for the committee.

-  Mary Ann Beck - Donation for a quilt, need license.

15.  New Business

-  Gord Kerr - Map water based trails for canoes and kayaks. Kayaking or canoeing trails using lumber routes. Sally Maning is an Outdoor Wilderness Tour Leader with Black Feather and has the expertise to map these water based trails.

-  Along with the water based trails, land based mapping is needed to define Township owned property.

-  Gord Kerr - For anyone interested, the Town of Parry Sound is having a public meeting concerning a proposed community improvement plan on May 2, 2006, 7 pm at 25 Church Street.

-  Gord Kerr - Suggested a new name for the committee to Community and Economic Development Committee. All in favour - the new name was carried and passed by the committee. The name change will be passed through council.

-  Gord Kerr - Discussed focus and repositioning of the committee including community and facility improvements and gaining support in the here and now and the future.

-  Gord Kerr - Strategic thrusts for the here and now include: Merchandise McKellar, and encourage exploration by residents and visitors to discover McKellar.

-  Gord Kerr - It is important to build relationships with other Townships. Starting with the CB & DC will be a step in the right direction.

-  Ted Stroud - Discussed attracting Research and Development (R&D) industry to the area.

16.  Bridge discussion

-  The committee came to an agreement that the look of the bridge will resemble as close as possible the bridge that used to be there using modern technology.

-  Gord Kerr - The challenge for engineers is to design a structurally sound bridge that resembles the historical structure as closely as possible using modern technology.

-  The specs on the bridge are:

Length - 94'

Width - 5'

Height - clearance of 6' from the water surface to the bottom of the bridge (June water level).

The bridge will be a clear span bridge made to resemble the bridge that used to be there.

-  Ted Stroud - Heritage plaque at the bridge to include a picture of the old bridge.

-  Jury Naklowych - Use the decking or railings as a way to thank and acknowledge the donors for their support with their name on the bridge (stamp or small plate).

-  Jury Naklowych - Thermometer for donation drive.

-  Gord Kerr - Build community awareness and support by showcasing the drawings of the bridge at the McKellar Fall Fair.