Now that we have had a glimpse of summer with some unseasonably warm weather in April and spring has soundly arrived, our thoughts turn to summer in the West Parry Sound area in anticipation of enjoying the natural beauty of the Bay and reconnecting with friends and neighbours.
Your West Carling Association’s (WCA) Board has been very busy over the winter keeping in touch with the activities and decisions of the Township of Carling (Carling) Council. Co-presidents Daryle Moffat and I met with Mayor Susan Murphy and Kevin McLlwain (Carling’s Chief Administrative Officer) to gain further insight into the Morlock Island decision. Information on this meeting is posted at: https://westcarling.com/morlock-island-meeting-with-carling-council-january-23-2023/ on the WCA’s website. Further, several Board members have attended Carling Council meetings, provided input into Carling’s 2023 budget and its process and are monitoring the progress of the West Parry Sound area pool project.
The WCA is pleased to announce that Craig Johnston, whose family are long-time residents on Huckleberry Island, has joined the Board. Craig’s background is in business law. He is particularly interested in water quality and access for Carling residents on water access properties. There are two vacant Board positions that the WCA hopes to fill at our annual meeting in July. If you would like to join us and contribute your ideas and knowledge and hone your governance skills, please get in touch with Daryle or Donna to indicate your interest.
On a personal note, the Board is small and needs the engagement of its members to continue to fulfil its mandate. We encourage all our members to step up, volunteer and get involved because the WCA will only be stronger. As the saying goes “Many hands make light work” and the Board cannot do it alone!
The WCA’s Social Committee has planned some great events to generate some fun and bring us together. Mark your calendars for our annual meeting on Saturday July 29th and watch for announcements of a cruise on the Chippewa in mid-August, a fishing derby, an art event for kids and a self-guided tour of the shipwrecks of Carling. Also, we urge you to join the White Squall Franklin Challenge on Sunday June 25th. The proceeds go to the Outer Islands Project.
Many thanks to those of you who completed our on-line members’ survey last year. We received 108 responses – an excellent return rate. Your answers have provided valuable information that affirms the WCA is headed in the right direction as an organization that values being responsive to its members. There is a full report on the results of the survey in this newsletter.
The WCA is greatly saddened by the loss of Don Clement, our friend and valued Board member who passed away in December. Don was a dedicated volunteer who worked tirelessly not only for the WCA but contributed greatly to the Carling community at large. Don was a true nature lover and delighted in telling his stories not only of the colourful characters of Carling Township but also of his wildlife sightings. In Don’s honor, the WCA is commencing a project this summer to refurbish some osprey platforms in the area that have fallen into disrepair.
We hope to see you at the WCA events and around the community and encourage you to recruit your Carling friends and neighbours to become members of the WCA. We value your ideas and feedback. You can reach us at: info@westcarling.com or as below.
Daryle Moffatt, Co-president (416) 500-3451
Donna Tucker, Co-president (416) 414-8833