Letter to the Editor
To the Editor,
I am writing this in regard to the proposed six storey building on the old MCS property between Thompson and Cook St. I live on Cook St. across the road from this proposed building. I have lived here for six years and in Meaford for 30+years. I consider Meaford home, and this is my ‘forever’ home.
For the last six years I have worked very hard, investing considerable time, energy and money into creating an entire backyard garden including two fish ponds. My front yard is entirely garden as well. Plant material has been strategically placed based on hours of available light. It is dependent upon this light.
The plan was to spend my now approaching retirement in this lively, natural space, replete with baby fish and nesting birds! My Eden! Would that I could have known what might be to come before I bought my home!
I have estimated that the light loss impact of such a tall structure will cost me perhaps 3-5 hours of light per day, perhaps more, will affect the warmth gained from late day sun on the front of the house in winter, and I would never see the sunset from my front window again!! It would greatly impact my space and forever alter a vibrant little eco-system!
I am devastated by the thought to say the least, as my hopes and dreams seem slated to be eclipsed (literally), leaving me forever in the shadow of this development. I am feeling disposable here, because, of course, money and profits matter….. and many times people don’t! What does it take to matter here, and let’s be clear, because these are important life lessons!
In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic being experienced worldwide, I am left wondering why we have not heard more about assurances of the ability and preparedness to deal with such situations in the future. For instance, the number of beds in the nursing home facility does not indicate the ratio of private rooms to ward rooms. Ward rooms, after all, proved instrumental in the ability of the virus to spread rapidly in these facilities, and a number of privately owned senior care businesses required the intervention of the army who reported far less than optimal conditions! I think we all saw the news! Freezer trucks will never look the same to me again!
Can we be informed as to how this facility plans to deal with the kind of issues that arose in this pandemic? I actually thought ‘People Care’ would have led with this, all things considered, and not just a ‘footprint’ of buildings! Just saying!
I am hopeful that we can all remember that our response in the face of this pandemic was, “We are ALL in this together”, and that every forward thinking person will respond in step with this as truth. Time will tell!
Regardless of how this all plays out, I will enjoy every day of light I am given, with deepest gratitude, and, ever after stand in my OWN light, which no one can build a wall high enough to block out!!
Light and Love to us ALL,
Jane Mather, Meaford
P.S. Anyone can give a “thumbs up” to anything that does not affect them, that’s easy! What would YOU do in my shoes?……The next time they may be yours! Food for thought!
