Editorial

When a neighbourhood or business is impacted by major infrastructure projects, it is often frustrating, if not infuriating. When a business has struggled to endure more than 18 months of a global pandemic forcing closures, reopenings, capacity restrictions, followed by more closures and partial reopenings, a major infrastructure project blocking access to your restaurant can be a crushing blow...

Few were surprised, but many were saddened upon hearing the news that TC Energy, the proponent of a hydroelectric pumped storage facility to be located on the Meaford military base, has reached an agreement with the Department of National Defence which allows TC Energy to move forward to the next steps in their quest to make the facility a...

When the pandemic is over will we be kind to each other once again, or will the nastiness that we have become accustomed to over the past 20 months become part of our new normal? A question being asked by many, particularly those who deal with the public as part of their job, and who have become targets of rage-filled...

In recent weeks it seems that most everyone I bump into wants to talk about development. More specifically they seem to want to talk about taller buildings, and by taller buildings I mean structures taller than the three stories permitted in this municipality. Though some that I have talked to are supportive of moving to higher density development that would...

Much frustration and suspicion could have been avoided earlier this month, if only the municipality had thought to communicate with residents. When residents began hearing of a July 2 SkyDev meeting, many were furious that an unannounced meeting, focused on arguably the most contentious development proposal the municipality has seen in years, was being held on the Friday of the...

There has been significant interest and concern among Meaford residents over a proposed, high density development on the former Stanley Knight flooring factory property located at 226 Boucher St. E. The development would see the lands be rezoned to the Residential Multiple zone to facilitate the construction of a five-storey hotel and spa, three two-storey townhouse buildings, three five-storey waterfront...

With recent news reports of residential school atrocities, Canadian pride has been replaced by a national shame, making this year's Canada Day difficult for many to celebrate. That we as a nation have taken a pause to reflect on our past and to express sadness and shame is a very Canadian reaction to such horrific news, because by and large...

Next week's regular Canada Day festivities, in all corners of the municipality, from Bognor to Leith and Annan to Meaford's urban area, are cancelled once again due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In place of the traditional festivities, a virtual celebration is planned, and hats off to the organizers, but I suspect that many, like me, will be happy to see...

Another Father's Day has crept up on us, and this Sunday fathers everywhere will be celebrated by those who love them, those they have cared for and inspired. I typically shy away from dedicating my editorial space to 'Hallmark' holidays; it is not my forte, and others do a much better job writing about these sorts of things. Not to...

We in Ontario will regain some freedom and fun on Friday as the province enters Step One of the three-step Roadmap to Reopening. The move comes a few days earlier than had been anticipated, and it will mean that non-essential retailers will once again be permitted to allow customers in their stores, restaurants will be able to operate outdoor...