Saturday, January 17, 2026

Letters

More Evaluation of Energy Storage Solutions for Ontario

Editor, Our ongoing debate surrounding energy storage solutions in Ontario has brought forward a number of critical points, particularly considering inaccurate representations in other letters regarding battery and pumped storage technology. It is essential our municipal council consider why other, less expensive and less complex energy storage systems are not being explored as viable alternatives. A key question arises: are...

Water Rates a Growing Concern

Dear Editor, In the last few weeks I have read numerous letters by citizens of Meaford, concerned about the never ending increase in the price of water and sewage rates. Perhaps Meaford could impose a separate development charge on new construction to help pay for the cost of infrastructure. This is regularly done in large cities like Toronto and Mississauga....

Reader Responds to Disappointment Expressed After Land Acknowledgement Booed at Meaford Hall

Editor, It is indeed a shame when the only public input allowed on the selection of the SON in the Meaford land acknowledgement is to display your feelings by booing. Perhaps if the town had allowed public input on the subject rather than censoring my comments I would be more sympathetic. The fact is that SON have no background or...

Concerns Regarding Deputy Mayor’s Water Testing Resolution

Editor, Why should we be concerned about water contamination? Being brief, it is of prime concern! Construction of the Pumped Storage project on our DND lands in Meaford will disturb approximately 70 million tons of soil and aggregate that has been exposed to more than 25 million rounds of military ammo fired into the area for the past 75 years....

A Letter from the Publisher

We survived another couple of postal strikes! Thanks to everyone who came in to the office to pick up their papers, and being so understanding. Paper+, the gift and paper shop at the front of our space, is getting busier and busier, with more people discovering our unique and quirky collections of gift items. We also carry good quality essential...

Not Happy With Meaford’s Water Rates

Dear Editor. Further to David Blackburn’s letter regards above, I would gladly exchange water bills with him. I moved to Meaford in 2020 and my first water bill was $110.52 for total consumption of 7cm3, and a 30 day period. This was at the time a shock to me, never ever having to pay so much for water. The sewer...

Popular this week

Homeowners Disappointed in Local Development Approval

Editor, Recently, an addition was approved to an existing home on a quiet residential Court in Meaford, one that is the only two-storey structure in a community of bungalows. The home has been an upper/lower two-unit rental since it was built in 2016, and even then, it clearly did not fit in the neighbourhood. There have already been issues with...

Concern About the High Cost of Water in Meaford

Editor, I am glad you brought up the issue of how expensive water is in Meaford. I have been considering writing to you for some time and now is my opportunity. When I arrived in Meaford in 2003, my water/sewage bill was $25 for 2 months. Today, it is in the vicinity of $88 for one month. That is a 704%...

Reader Disappointed With Land Acknowledgement Response at Meaford Hall Performance

Dear Editor, I was thrilled last month to attend a concert at Meaford Hall. I love live music and Canadian talent, so it was with great excitement that I sat and waited for Ashley MacIsaac to take the stage. Before the performance began, the Hall issued a Land Acknowledgement, which is now a standard practice in the arts and entertainment industry...

Concern About Water Security

Dear Editor, I am writing with deepening concern regarding the intersection of two developments that, taken together, pose a serious long-term threat to Ontario’s water security, the Great Lakes environmental protection, and public oversight. The most recent is the Ontario government’s passage of Bill 60, which enables provincially designated corporations to operate water and wastewater services. Although the government describes this...

Is Energy Storage Needed at All?

Editor, BATTERIES! PUMPED STORAGE! BATTERIES! PUMPED STORAGE! Ladies and Gentlemen, please. May I suggest that the issue here, which involves Canada's energy future, is not what kind of storage is the best idea, but whether storage itself is the best idea. If we want a future of inexpensive, plentiful 24-7-365 power, is it better to increase storage or to increase supply? Storage adds cost. It...

Reader Questions Use of Batteries For Large Scale Energy Storage

Editor, I am sure, by now, your readers are getting bored with me Jousting with SGB folk. Pat Maloney’s arguments have been rehashed and rebutted by me and others many times. But I will try once more to provide the other point of view in hopes that those who may still be fence sitting about OPS will have a more complete...

Democracy and Single-Issue Politics in Meaford

Editor, Readers please note that supporting an advocacy group or voicing a strong opinion on a specific topic does not necessarily make a politician a single-issue candidate. Politicians typically address a wide range of concerns and priorities within their communities. For instance, if a politician in Meaford supports the SGB group, it is likely they also advocate for other important...

In Defence of Municipality Acquiring Industrial/Commercial Land

Editor, I read this week's TMI Letters to the Editor 'Thoughts on Industrial/Commercial Land Acquired by Municipality' from Sandra Hibovski and just have to provide a few comments. I believe there may be a misconception of what a modern day Industrial park is, and the types of businesses attracted to such an area. Gone (are) the days of many 'Smoke Stack' industries...

The Best Way To Ensure You Get a Bad Government is to Stock it With Single Issue Candidates

Dear Editor, It’s starting to look like Save Georgian Bay (SGB) will run candidates for Meaford Council in 2026 with hopes of taking control of Council. Some members on Council may look at running for re-election as Save Georgian Bay “approved” candidates too. Mr. Pat Maloney raised the grim choice facing Meaford Council members who dare to run for re-election without...

Thoughts on Inner Harbour Silt Accumulation

Mr. Editor, Sir, I know you get upset about the silted-up harbour (The 3Rs...Rants, Raves & Rumours, November 20, 2025 print paper) and want to shake a stick at what appears to be a lazy town council but a little understanding might make you cool down. Constant dredging of the harbour (for what?) is a no-win game. But looking at contributing...