Mayor McGarvey gives Parry Sound a Seat at the Table

Parry Sound Mayor Jamie McGarvey recently attended two municipal conferences that brought Parry Sound to the table. 

Mayor McGarvey, who also serves as Chair of the Ontario Small Urban Municipal Committee, recently attended the 2025 OSUM Conference. OSUM represents counties, small cities and towns that are vital links between rural and urban Ontario. These hub communities strive to deliver city-style services, preserve small-town appeal, and protect natural heritage. Through the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), OSUM draws attention to the shared challenges and opportunities faced in these varied communities, which have both urban and rural qualities.

This year, the Town of Collingwood welcomed over 230 delegates to the OSUM Annual Conference and Trade Show 2025: Rebuilding our Political Culture.

Mayor McGarvey also recently represented the Town of Parry Sound at the annual Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) conference, held in North Bay. FONOM advocates for the needs and interests of Northern Ontario communities, and the annual conference brings together municipal leaders, staff, and stakeholders to collaborate, learn, and discuss solutions to shared challenges.

These events provide a valuable platform for networking, policy discussions, and engagement with provincial representatives. Key topics often include infrastructure, housing, healthcare, economic development, and environmental issues—all areas that directly impact the residents of Parry Sound.

Mayor McGarvey remarked that, “our participation ensures that the voices of Parry Sounders are part of these important conversations and that we remain connected to broader regional strategies and support”.

Of special note, the Town of Parry Sound has been selected to host the OSUM conference in 2026 and the FONOM conference in 2027. Further information will be forthcoming.

Hosting these prestigious conferences will bring dozens of municipalities, agencies, and businesses to our community, offering a welcome boost to local tourism, restaurants, hospitality and other local businesses. They also provide an exciting opportunity to showcase all that Parry Sound has to offer and strengthen our voice and profile within Urban and Northern Ontario.

We're proud of the role our Town and Mayor continue to play in shaping and supporting regional cooperation—and we look forward to welcoming OSUM and FONOM delegates in 2026 and 2027!

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Photo at the OSUM Conference in Collingwood.
(L-R) Jamie McGarvey Mayor of Parry Sound, Robin Jones AMO President and Mayor of the Village of Westport, Christa Lowery Mayor of Mississippi Mills.  

Photo at the FONOM Conference in North Bay.
(L-R) Christa Lowery Chair of ROMA and Mayor of Mississippi Mills, Robin Jones President of AMO and Mayor of the Village of Westport, Mike Harris Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, Kevin Holland Associate Minister of Forestry and Forestry Products, Danny Whalen President of FONOM and Councillor for the City of Temiskaming Shores, Jamie McGarvey Mayor of Parry Sound