Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
As a member of the Meaford Heritage Committee I would like to thank you for your article (The 3Rs…Rants, Raves & Rumours, August 13, 2020) bringing attention to Meaford Heritage and its future.
It is timely, given that development in Meaford is on the rise and every decision made by council can set a precedent for it. The Downtown Meaford Heritage Conservation District Plan and Guidelines provides guidance in the management, care, and protection of the heritage character of the District and is a powerful tool for influencing development in Meaford.
Care must be taken, as you mentioned, in the permit process so that the guidelines of the Plan are followed. In order for there to be successful implementation of the Heritage Plan there needs to be a true commitment from the three municipal groups involved: the planning department, the Heritage Committee, and Council. Implementation decisions are ultimately made by council informed by a Staff Report.
The Meaford Heritage Committee can only offer comments and recommendations on that Heritage Permit Application. Heritage planning fails when one or more of these parties fail to appreciate that successful development can include the preservation of heritage as set out by the Meaford Heritage Conservation District Plan.
Sincerely,
Jim Sullivan, Annan
