Parry Sound

Climate Conditions

Parry Sound sits mainly in climate zone E, with its western fringe occupying zone D, and its most Eastern end brushing zone F.

Soils

Parry sound is made up almost entirely of Humo-ferric Podzol soils. Deep soil deposits exist around Bracebridge and intermittently along highway 11 to Trout Creek. Some of the lakes and river valleys in this district lie next to well-drained silt loams, which provide the best farmland in the area.

Parry Sound sits in plant hardiness zone 4b

Agriculture

Beef cattle farming is the most common type of animal agriculture in Parry Sound, though Parry Sound has more diversified plant agriculture than some other Northern districts. 6,939 hectares were used as pasture in 2011, with a total of 4,191 cattle and calves. Hay is the most common major field crop.

Notable Centres

Parry Sound

Located on the Eastern shore of its namesake sound, Parry Sound is the seat of the district and features the world’s deepest natural freshwater port. The surrounding area was a popular subject of iconic landscape art works by Tom Thompson and members of the Group of Seven. Population of the town was 6,191 in 2011.

In the period between May and October of 2014, Parry Sound experienced 1,097 growing degree days, 1,670 crop heat units, and 267mm of rain.

Parry Sound is roughly 3 hours and 45 minutes from London, 2 hours and 30 minutes from Toronto, and 4 hours and 26 minutes from Kingston.

Powassan

Powassan is situated on Highway 11 between the town of Parry Sound and the city of North Bay. Its population in 2011 was 3378.

In the period between May and October of 2014, Powassan experienced 1566 growing degree days, 2515 crop heat units, and 967mm of rain.

Temperatures in Powassan range from a mean of -12.3 in January and 18.7C in August. There are 106 frost-free days, with the average last spring frost occurring on May 29 and the first fall frost occurring on September 13. The area receives on average 735.9mm rain annually, falling over 118.6 days, with a peak mean monthly rainfall of 105.4mm in September.

Whitestone

Whitestone is a township in Parry Sound district, composed of the communities of Ardbeg, Boakview, Bolger, Burton, Dunchurch, Fairholme, Lorimer Lake, Maple Island, South Magnetawan, Sunny Slope, Wahwashkesh, and Whitestone. Its total population is 918. Weather data for the area is provided by a station in Dunchurch.

Temperatures in Dunchurch range from a mean of -11.1C in January and 18.9C in August. There are 106 frost-free days, with the average last spring frost occurring on May 30 and the first fall frost occurring on September 14. The area receives on average 807.1mm rain annually, falling over 119.5 days, with a peak mean monthly rainfall of 115.9mm in October.