In recent weeks, the topic of the time of day when council meetings are held has been raised by a handful of residents. Some have raised the topic in email messages, while others have bumped into me on the street and have suggested that the timing of council meetings does not allow everyone to attend.
My simple answer is typically...
I appreciate history and heritage as much as anyone, but I must admit I have had it with heritage preservation initiatives. Though I would suggest that the heritage preservation movement began with the best of intentions, there are unintended consequences and downright silliness at times when heritage considerations come before local councils.
During Council's meeting on Monday, far too much...
Halloween is on our doorstep. This weekend youngsters will carry on the tradition of knocking on doors and collecting candy. As with everything else during the far too many months of this pandemic, many will be doing things a little differently this year.
Throughout this pandemic, one of the issues that can never be given too much attention is the...
Meaford's Council received a general update regarding the next municipal election, scheduled to be held on Monday, October 24, 2022.
“The current term of Council is set to expire on November 14, 2022. While the Clerk is responsible to conduct municipal elections, Council is the approval authority where decisions are authorized by by-law. Legislative Services has begun preparation for the...
Over the Thanksgiving weekend I was involved in a discussion with friends about the many things for which we are thankful. Though my initial response was that I was thankful that this year was nearly over, the reality is, that no matter how wretched this year and the year before it have been, our daily lives here in Canada...
Development proposals continue to roll in to the Municipality of Meaford. During Council's public planning meeting held on Monday, October 4, the public and members of Council were presented with the latest development proposal that would see a small subdivision of some 86 residential units sandwiched between Union and Centre Streets, in similar fashion to the Gates of Kent...
During Monday's council meeting, members of Council received a report from Principles Integrity, Meaford's contracted Integrity Commissioner, regarding an investigation into complaints received after comments made by Councillor Tony Bell in open council on May 31.
In short, Bell's comments suggested that those employed by the municipality who feel they can't handle the pressure can find a job elsewhere.
“So I...
On Monday Canadians cast their ballots to elect our next government. Electors headed to the polls after a lacklustre 36-day campaign for an election that many felt was unnecessary, given the two years remaining in the term combined with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic that has exhausted many Canadians over the past 18 months.
During this election campaign I have found...
For the past nine months I have covered Meaford's council meetings through a computer screen,with each member of Council participating from their homes or businesses, and municipal staff standing by to answer questions or present reports virtually.
The many months of virtual council meetings have been both a crucial bandage solution that allowed Council to continue the business of the...
As parents proudly posted photos of their kids heading back to school on Tuesday, I recalled my own excitement heading back to school each year way back in the 1970s and '80s. While we all enjoy the summer break, typically with a week or two remaining, I would begin yearning to return to school.
For me, school was a safe...
