Parry Sound, Ontario

January 30, 2025

Parry Sound, Ontario

A Town Built for Belonging

 

A beautiful area with a distinct community feeling embraces economic growth ahead

Parry Sound, the gateway to Georgian Bay’s celebrated 30,000 Islands, is a community where natural beauty meets forward-thinking progress. Its pristine waters and scenic landscapes attract visitors from around the world, but the town’s true strength is its ability to balance growth with its strong community values.

With strategic investments in housing, infrastructure, and business development, Parry Sound is embracing change while preserving its unique character. Guided by dedicated leadership, the town is tackling modern challenges and unlocking new opportunities for residents and businesses, setting a benchmark for sustainable growth.

Leadership and inclusivity

“Parry Sound has become a very multicultural community, especially over the last three to four years,” says Mayor Jamie McGarvey. This cultural diversity has enriched the town’s social fabric, bringing new ideas, talents, and perspectives to a community long known for inclusivity.

With just over 7,000 residents spread across 13 square kilometers, Parry Sound retains the intimacy and connection of a small town. Mayor McGarvey, who also manages a local hardware store, deeply engages with the community. “Every day, I meet people who share their concerns and ideas. It helps us address issues early and build solutions that reflect what the community needs,” he explains.

Parry Sound’s generosity and welcoming spirit have been especially evident in its response to global crises. Over the past few years, the town has welcomed more than 100 Ukrainian immigrants, providing housing, employment, and support to families seeking refuge. “These families have integrated beautifully into the community,” Mayor McGarvey says. “They’re pursuing Canadian citizenship and contributing to the workforce, which is a testament to their resilience and the welcoming nature of Parry Sound.”

Chief Administrative Officer Clayton Harris underscores the community’s collective spirit. “Parry Sound is a very giving community,” he says. “People here go out of their way to support each other, whether helping newcomers or stepping up for local initiatives. That’s what makes this town so special.”

Downtown revitalization: housing and commerce

At the heart of Parry Sound’s growth strategy is revitalizing its downtown core, a vibrant hub for business, culture, and community life. The town is updating its official plan and drafting a new waterfront master plan, setting the stage for decades of thoughtful development.

“We’re shaping the future of downtown Parry Sound to ensure it remains a place where people want to gather, shop, and enjoy,” Mayor McGarvey says. “This isn’t just about new buildings—it’s about creating a welcoming space that reflects our community’s character.”

One of the most exciting opportunities for downtown revitalization is the redevelopment of key properties along Bay Street. A prime waterfront property, recently declared surplus by the provincial government, is being reimagined as a multi-use space to enhance the downtown area. “This property has the potential to become a cornerstone of our downtown revitalization efforts,” Mayor McGarvey shares. “It could host restaurants, shops, or public gathering spaces that draw people to Parry Sound and create a sense of connection.”

Local businesses are also contributing to the downtown’s growth and appeal. Trestle Brewery and Legends Distillery are standout examples, offering unique experiences that attract locals and tourists. “Having a brewery and a distillery in a town our size is unique,” Mayor McGarvey says. “These businesses are putting Parry Sound on the map and helping us compete with larger urban centers.”

Another notable downtown initiative focuses on mixed-use developments that combine residential, retail, and commercial spaces. By encouraging higher-density housing in the downtown core, the town creates opportunities for businesses to thrive while addressing the demand for more housing. “When people live downtown, they’re more likely to shop locally and engage with the community, which energizes the entire area,” Harris explains.

 

Strategic hub for business success

Beyond the downtown core, Parry Sound is actively supporting business development across the community. The town has created a business-friendly environment by streamlining processes and reducing barriers for new and expanding businesses.

“We’ve worked hard to make Parry Sound a place where businesses can thrive,” Mayor McGarvey says. “From small startups to established companies, we’re creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to succeed.”

The north end of Parry Sound is emerging as a key area for economic growth. This region is home to several new developments, including a revitalized shopping area and spaces for commercial and industrial use. “The north end is becoming a hub for business activity, and we’re excited about the potential it offers,” Mayor McGarvey says.

One of the key factors driving business growth in Parry Sound is its strategic location. Situated on the shores of Georgian Bay and close to major transportation routes, the town offers easy access to regional and international markets. “Our location is a significant advantage for businesses looking to expand,” Harris notes.

Broadband investments

The town has been fortunate in its broadband infrastructure development, benefiting from multiple companies that have laid and upgraded fiber over the years. “We’re in a unique position,” Mayor McGarvey says. “Several companies, including Cogeco, Lakeland Energy, and Bell, have laid fiber in our community over the years. Cogeco initially inherited fiber through an acquisition, and Lakeland Energy has made significant investments in fiber expansion. Bell has also been actively laying new fiber throughout the town.”

He notes that these efforts have created a robust network. “Most companies have upgraded their equipment, so both businesses and the general public are well-served with strong, reliable networks,” Mayor McGarvey explains.

Innovative strategy for housing development

As Parry Sound continues to grow, addressing the demand for housing is a top priority. The town has embraced innovative solutions, from large-scale developments to smaller, community-focused projects.

One standout initiative involves transforming a local shopping mall into a mixed-use development. “They’ve turned the mall inside out, making all the stores accessible from the exterior while repurposing interior spaces for residential units,” Harris explains. The project has added 1700 housing units to the town’s inventory, providing much-needed options for residents.

The town is also increasing building height limits downtown to encourage mixed-use developments and higher-density housing. Over the past four years, Parry Sound has added 213 new housing units, with another 218 in various stages of approval.

“Infill development is our most efficient path forward,” Harris says. “It allows us to utilize existing infrastructure like water and sewer, which keeps costs down and meets housing demand sustainably.”

Parry Sound has also embraced smaller-scale solutions, such as accessory units and basement apartments, which provide affordable options for residents while increasing the overall housing stock. “These developments are quick, cost-effective, and adaptable to different needs,” Harris notes.

Supporting residential and economic expansion

Infrastructure is the backbone of Parry Sound’s growth strategy, and the town is making significant investments to support its expanding population and economy. A $20 million modernization of Pumping Station No. 2 is among the most impactful projects, enabling the creation of 1,700 new residential units and redeveloping brownfield lands along the harbor.

“This project is about more than just capacity—it’s about creating opportunities for sustainable growth,” Mayor McGarvey explains. “It allows us to support infill development while protecting the natural environment.”

The town also upgrades critical infrastructure like roads, sidewalks, and water systems. A $4.9 million project on Victoria and Glen Avenue is underway, improving services in a key area of town. “These upgrades improve connectivity and lay the groundwork for future development,” Mayor McGarvey notes.

 

Swing bridge at Perry Island. 30000 Islands, Ontario, Canada

 

Transforming the North-end

The north end of Parry Sound is emerging as a vibrant hub for recreation, education, and business activity. Two cornerstone projects—the $36.4 million recreation and cultural center and a new K-12 school—are set to redefine the area.

“These projects have been in the works for years, and it’s amazing to see them finally coming to life,” Mayor McGarvey says. “They’ll provide much-needed facilities for our residents and make Parry Sound an even more desirable place to live.”

The recreation center, a collaborative effort involving seven municipalities and two First Nations, will feature a pool, gymnasium, and multipurpose spaces. Harris highlights the significance of this project: “It’s a complex undertaking, but it shows what can be achieved when communities come together.”

The new K-12 school near the recreation center is equally transformative. “Having a modern school facility will strengthen our education system and support the growth of our community,” Mayor McGarvey explains. Together, these projects are expected to attract families, professionals, and businesses, creating a dynamic and interconnected community in the north end.

Sustainable growth in a dynamic community

As Parry Sound looks to the future, its leaders are focused on balancing growth with the values that make the town unique. “We’re creating a place where people want to be,” Mayor McGarvey says. “This is about planning for the long term and ensuring that growth aligns with our community’s needs and aspirations.”

AT A GLANCE

Parry Sound, Ontario

What: A charming waterfront town celebrated for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and role as the heart of the Georgian Bay region.

Where: In central Ontario, Canada, on the eastern shore of Georgian Bay, part of Lake Huron, approximately 225 kilometers north of Toronto.

Website: www.parrysound.ca

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