Saturday, February 21, 2026

Editorial

Coldest Night of the Year Event is Fast Approaching

Stephen Vance, Editor - 0
The annual Coldest Night of the Year fundraising event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 28, beginning at 4 p.m., with participants...
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With the 2026 Budget Adopted, Council Can Return Focus to the Many Issues Facing This Municipality

Stephen Vance, Editor - 0
Shaping and approving the annual operating and capital budgets is one of the most important tasks undertaken by a municipal council each year, and with the 2026 budgets now adopted, Meaford's council can now shift their focus to the many issues facing the municipality. The entire budget process went very smoothly this year, and given the transition to the Strong...

It’s Budget Week For Members of Council

Stephen Vance, Editor - 0
I spent most of Monday morning taking many notes, as I watched the first day of council discussions regarding the 2026 municipal budget. On Tuesday morning as I write this editorial, I am preparing myself for the second day of discussions. The process is completely new this year thanks to the imposition of 'Strong Mayor Powers' on this municipality by...

Municipal Bag Tag Program Set to Change This Summer

Stephen Vance, Editor - 0
With council's approval of the 2026 municipal fees and charges during their Monday meeting, one of the items will be of particular interest to many: a change to the municipal bag tag program. The municipal fees and charges, outlined in a 47-page report included in council's agenda package on Monday, cover a wide range of services, from rentals of space...

The Municipal Budget Process is a Little Different This Year

Stephen Vance, Editor - 0
Municipal budget season has arrived, and as previously reported, the process is different this year thanks to the imposition of Strong Mayor Powers onto this municipality by the province last year. On Wednesday of last week, Meaford Mayor Ross Kentner released his proposed budgets for 2026 in a 300-page document that is available to download on the municipal website (meaford.ca/budget). Unlike...

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Editorial

Planning Underway For 2026 Municipal Election

Stephen Vance, Editor - 0
During their January 12 meeting, council was provided with an update from municipal staff regarding the planning that is underway for the 2026 municipal election, which is scheduled for all Ontario municipalities on Monday, October 26. The current term of council will expire on November 14. Meaford voters will cast their ballots by phone or internet in this year's municipal...
Editorial

2026 Begins…

Stephen Vance, Editor - 0
Happy new year to our readers. I hope you all had a safe and happy holiday season filled with friends, family, and fun, and that this new year will provide a healthy mix of challenges and celebrations. Here at The Independent, we are back to work after taking a bit of a break over the past two weeks. Our first...
Editorial

Happy Holidays, We’ll See You in 2026

Stephen Vance, Editor - 0
It's that time of year again, the time of year for holiday season festivities as this year comes to an end, and a new year is about to begin. It has been another long year, and after this week's newspaper hits newsstands, the Meaford Independent team is taking its annual break, and our first newspaper of 2026 will be published...
Editorial

A Busy Year For Council is Drawing to a Close

Stephen Vance, Editor - 0
With just one regular meeting remaining before having a break over the holidays, Meaford's council is winding down what has been another busy year. Council's last meeting of 2025 will be held on Monday, December 15, and councillors will return to the council chamber for their first meeting of 2026 on January 12. 2025 has been a busy, and at times...
Editorial

Dear Santa, It’s Been a While Since I Have Written to You

Stephen Vance, Editor - 0
Dear Santa, It has been a while since I have written to you. For nearly a decade I managed to get a letter to you each year, but the past few years I haven't thought to write. But since you'll be stopping by on Saturday, December 6, as part of the Kinsmen Club's annual Santa Claus parade, I thought I...
Editorial

It’s About to Become Quite Festive in Meaford

Stephen Vance, Editor - 0
If you are in the downtown area of this municipality over the coming days, you will see the area being transformed into a festive wonderland as volunteers work to create a traditional European-style outdoor market as part of the Christmas on the Bay event. Sparkling lights and holiday wreaths will be hung from lamp standards, and downtown business owners...
Editorial

Municipality Planning to Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Amalgamated Municipality of Meaford

Stephen Vance, Editor - 0
Last year this municipality celebrated the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the former Town of Meaford, and next year marks the 25th anniversary of the amalgamation of the former Townships of Sydenham and St. Vincent with the former Town of Meaford, creating what is known today as the Municipality of Meaford. During Monday's council meeting, $56,000 was earmarked with...
Editorial

We’ve Had Our First Taste of Winter, Time to Get Prepared

Stephen Vance, Editor - 0
Winter is still more than a month away, but on Monday of this week we had a small taste of what is to come, and it serves as a reminder that it is time to get prepared for the season before cold and snowy weather arrives in full force. My Monday morning walk to the office was a chilly, windy,...
Editorial

On November 11 We Take a Moment to Remember

Stephen Vance, Editor - 0
As it is each year, across Canada Remembrance Day will be observed on Tuesday, November 11. The second World War ended in 1945, 80 years ago. Most of the folks who would be old enough to remember that war as it was taking place are no longer with us, and the few that remain are in ever smaller numbers as...
Editorial

Halloween is Here, Let’s Make it a Safe One

Stephen Vance, Editor - 0
The end of October is here, and for many that means it is time for Halloween. This year has seemed to move along quickly, for me at least, and it is hard to believe that Halloween is already upon us, leaving just two months before the calendar will flip to 2026. On Friday evening doorbells will ring and costumed children...
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