Stephen Vance, Editor
Some windy weather over the weekend offered us a reminder of how vulnerable our shoreline areas are as long as water levels remain high.
During a period of heavy rain the winds kicked up, bringing large waves crashing into Meaford's shoreline. The Bayfield Street area between the museum and Fred Raper Park was once again pummelled by rocks...
Stephen Vance, Editor
No matter your stance on the proposed hydroelectric pumped storage facility on Meaford's Tank Range, I think we in this community can all feel a sense of pride with how Meaford residents have responded to the massive proposal.With the commenting period for the Department of Defence's study into the feasibility of allowing the project to be constructed...
Stephen Vance, Editor
It is perhaps not surprising that Meaford, like similar small rural communities, struggles to embrace proposed ideas or developments given the steady erosion we've seen in recent years of many of the qualities and characteristics that small towns have historically enjoyed.Just a few decades ago many small towns were bustling with energy, with thriving downtown shopping areas...
Stephen Vance, Editor
Meaford residents have been frustrated with the state of two shoreline parks that have been largely inaccessible since last autumn, when strong winds combined with high water levels in the bay dumped yet more rocks and debris into the parks, jeopardizing infrastructure and posing a safety hazard.Here we are in the middle of July and rather than...
Stephen Vance, Editor
The message was clear from residents who were able to participate in Monday's virtual public planning meeting, focused on a proposal for a new long-term care centre mixed with retirement housing on the former Meaford Community School property on Cook Street – the proposed development is supported in principle, but the six-storey height of the building is...
Stephen Vance, Editor
Just because something can be done, it doesn't mean that it should be done. In a nutshell, that's how I feel about public planning meetings being held virtually.
It is one thing during a prolonged time of emergency to hold regular council meetings virtually in order to keep the business of the municipality moving along, it is quite...
Stephen Vance, Editor
Summer officially arrived last weekend, and in a few days our calendars will flip to July 1, Canada Day, a day when we Canadians gather in large numbers for a day of celebrating this fine country and our good fortune to call it home – but not this year, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.When the coronavirus first...
Stephen Vance, Editor
While I'm certainly no fan of 'Hallmark holidays', I confess that with the recent months of lock-down, social distancing, and stay at home orders, I am very much looking forward to seeing my sons this Father's Day weekend.The COVID-19 pandemic and its associated mitigation measures have caused many to be unable to see friends and family in...
Stephen Vance, Editor
During Monday's virtual meeting of Council, a motion was brought forward by Councillor Harley Greenfield seeking a report from staff focused on the implications of installing security cameras along the Bayfield Street waterfront in hopes of solving an ongoing issue of reported bad behaviour by some members of the fishing community. I understand the need to solve...
Stephen Vance, Editor
Monday's special meeting of Council to discuss the long-awaited municipal report focused on the proposed pumped storage facility at Meaford's Tank Range will hopefully help to dissolve the myth frequently touted on social media that our council is in support of this proposal. Council discussion during the three-hour virtual meeting made clear that Council's views largely align...
