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. The people that have been chosen over the years have been absolutely fantastic. The order ranks right up there in terms of achievements in Parry Sound,” he says.
According to the town, all residents of and contributors to the Town of Parry Sound are eligible for the Order and while the Mayor approves the final appointments, it all starts with the public taking the time to nominate someone who deserves this special recognition.
McGarvey says there are some criteria for nominations which you can find on the Town’s website.
“Then there is a selection committee that has nothing to do with council whatsoever. It’s a group of private citizens and they are the ones that choose the person that will receive the order. Council has no involvement in that. Then we have an appreciation ceremony at the New Year’s levee.” he says.
Some of the criteria include the ineligibility of serving federal, provincial and municipal politicians or judges as well as posthumous appointments.
Suppose you know someone who has made a difference in the Parry Sound community. In that case, you can complete and submit a nomination by hard copy, e-mail the nomination form and supporting documentation by Monday, December 18 at 4:00 PM to [email protected] or drop it off at the Town Office reception desk.
The 2023 Order will be awarded on January 7 at the Mayor’s annual New Year’s Levee.
“This is an appreciation event and award to somebody that has gone above and beyond to try and help the community and like I said, make it a better place. It’s our way of saying thank you to somebody that’s really gone out there and helped,” McGarvey says.