Stephen Vance, Editor
For the past decade I have sat in Meaford's council chamber for what would amount to hundreds of council meetings, and in that time I've seen it all; from temper tantrums to mind-numbing, far from productive debates, but what I saw in the council chamber on Monday was perhaps the best budget discussion I've seen yet.From my...
Stephen Vance, Editor
Given that there was a council meeting scheduled on Monday, I had planned to write about council's final review of the draft budget that was to have taken place, however Mother Nature had other plans, and the council meeting, like most of what was to have taken place in Meaford on Monday, was cancelled.Cancelling a council meeting...
Stephen Vance, Editor
I am typically not one to observe, celebrate, or care about holidays of any type or description, and a little over a decade ago, I can recall rolling my eyes when there was talk of introducing a new holiday in February. The last thing I figured we needed was another dang holiday, but I confess, I have...
Stephen Vance, Editor
Newly elected Meaford Councillor Paul Vickers has certainly stoked some discussions in the municipality after announcing last week that he already has his eyes on another job, and would seek the federal Conservative nomination for the Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound riding after long-time MP Larry Miller announced recently that he would not seek re-election.The reactions that I have seen...
Stephen Vance, Editor
Over the past week, we've been reminded about the realities of winter around these parts as well as the huge team of folks who are charged with the responsibility of keeping us safe in the face of the worst that Mother Nature can toss our way.When we think of those who help keep the wheels of our...
Stephen Vance, Editor
Over the past week I have fielded some questions from readers about council's recent approval to purchase the former Smith's Tire property on Nelson Street at a cost of $350,000. After explaining that it was simply council and municipal staff planning ahead and anticipating future downtown parking needs, and taking an opportunity in the rare instance that...
Stephen Vance, Editor
After two decades of helping to develop what has become one of Meaford's most anticipated events each year, Head Scarecrow Marilyn Morris has stepped aside, or in her words, she has 'retired' from the Scarecrow Invasion & Family Festival, and I think an expression of gratitude is in order.But first, a confession. When I first met Marilyn...
Stephen Vance, Editor
Meaford's newly elected council features two rookies who in the early going appear to be settling in quite nicely to their new positions.
After any municipal election I'm always curious as to how those elected to council for the first time wade into the sometimes crazy world of municipal governance. For me, new faces on council always offer...
Stephen Vance, Editor
Meaford's council held its first meeting of 2019 on Monday, and it was everything one might expect, and also some of what people might hope for.
As for what one might expect, the meeting was lengthy, and at times frustrating, but if you're looking for some hope, this council appears to be laser-focused on infrastructure and continuing the...
Stephen Vance, Editor
As one busy year draws to a close, we look toward a busy year to come.
Before looking toward the coming year however, I think we all deserve a bit of a break, and thankfully some days off are on the way.The end of December is always a good time to take advantage of some statutory holidays, and...
