Editor,
The question that is and will be put forward at all the candidates’ meetings is: Do you support the TC Energy’s Pumped Storage project on DND lands on the Niagara escarpment in the Municipality of Meaford? YES or NO. Why is that?
It is because our current council and mayor “turn coated” in 2022 and decided against listening to residents, engineers and other experts: people that were experienced in such projects. Plus, this was contrary to their constituents wishes who elected them to notice their predicament and act using their powers. Ignorance is forgivable. Mistakes are how we learn. This past Municipal government have not learned from their mistake: just this one, but it is huge: note the question!
Turning to the last Council meeting: Attendees wanted to get access to the PDA agreement. This is now a signed agreement. To the best of my knowledge, it cannot be modified or challenged so what is the problem? It is time for our Meaford government to let your people know what you have done and sharing the document serves that purpose!
When confronted by a constituent regarding release of the PDA our CAO fumbled around and came up with “perhaps we can initiate a “Freedom of Information” which councillor Forder to his credit immediately advanced. However, that is not what we asked. Councillor Ennis made the point of people leaving the meeting as the session entered the PDA discussion. Since questions were now mute, why should attendees remain at the meeting when they will obviously achieve nothing? We want to have the entire PDA. Period. I can understand what you felt when people in opposition left but to criticize this is not recommended: why should they bother to remain?
Back to the question: It is unfortunate that this project still has life. It has been denounced by Hydro Electric engineers, Geology expertise, thousands of constituents and the IESO! It is promoted by political ignorance and corporate powers who we do not elect. Obviously, their powers must be considered! It is supported by our provincial government despite their ignoring systems that check every requirement they advertise: Cost, Efficiency and Available Alternatives. Ontarians will pay for this mistake!
So please vote! Use my opinion shown here or do your own research. The TCE project is simply unnecessary when there are other systems that cost less, are more efficient and require none of the problems TCE’s pumped storage will cause. We have choices with contestants that support TCE’s project. We also have contestants that are against this project but can also advance projects that protect and grow Meaford: infrastructure, roads, growth management, water, taxes, etc. The most important promises are they will promote transparency, communication and listening to their constituents. All hopefuls have these priorities front and center: some incumbents have not demonstrated commitment to communication and transparency so change seems necessary. Whatever your stance: Please Vote!
Pat Maloney, Meaford
