Parry Sound will be hosting the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) annual conference in May.
Mayor Jamie McGarvey says he appreciates FONOM looking at our community and accepting the Stockey Centre as a venue for their conference.
“FONOM is a great municipal organization that represents Northeastern Ontario. They provide a gathering for municipalities to get together, to share interests, to learn. They have vendors that come in so that municipalities that attend can talk to the vendors or other politicians, a lot of networking,” he says.
McGarvey says the conference, running from May 8 to May 10, also serves as a learning experience for municipal organizations. “We’re excited because [the conference] brings a lot of people into our community as well. And it creates extra business for hotels, restaurants, taxis, barbers, hair stylists, and other service providers in town,” McGarvey says.
He says the town is hoping attendees get out into the community and do some shopping or exploring. McGarvey says the importance of being a part of FONOM lies in the organization’s ability to speak with a collective voice.
“FONOM has a seat in AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) and it also provides that opportunity through the MOU process with the provincial government. So, they have a voice there and it’s really important that municipalities attend and are able to gather information. But also share their information and circumstances with people on the FONOM board and allow that voice to be then taken to Queens Park or whatever other organization that may need to be aware of it,” he says.
According to a release by FONOM, anyone wishing to attend the conference will have to fill out a registration form. Officials say in light of high interest, the number of registrations remaining is limited with the Banquet and Conference Exhibitor area having already sold out.
In addition, as a part of the Conference, officials say the Georgian Bay Biosphere arranged a walking tour for Monday morning (May 8th). There is no charge for those registered for the Conference and it costs 25 plus tax for non-delegates.
McGarvey says he and the whole town always look forward to the FONOM conference, adding he hopes people will be able to attend and make it all worthwhile.