Saturday, October 18, 2025

Editorial

Meaford Taking a Smart Approach to Vehicle Idling

Stephen Vance, Editor With their initial approval of a vehicle idling bylaw, Meaford's council has adopted a smart approach to the issue. Rather than beating residents over the head with an all-encompassing (and difficult to enforce) bylaw that would prevent the idling of vehicles everywhere, including private driveways and fast-food drive-thrus, council has instead taken a softer approach that will see...

Future Councils Could Have Very Different Parking Issues to Deal With

Stephen Vance, Editor Meaford's council had a lengthy and lively debate this week about whether to implement a pay for overnight parking system for the relatively few downtown apartment dwellers who own cars, but don't have a parking spot included with their apartments. All members of council offered their opinions, and asked excellent questions, and there were some valid points raised...

Meaford’s Blossoming Music Scene Could Help Spur Some Economic Development

Stephen Vance, Editor Meaford has a long history in agriculture, so growing things comes as second nature to many in these parts. That growing spirit is clearly contagious as has been seen with recent efforts by members of our community to grow a local music scene and by extension establish some nightlife in this previously quiet little town. One of the...

Best of Luck to Canada’s Olympic Team – But I Won’t be Watching

Stephen Vance, Editor The latest round of the Summer Olympic Games will soon be upon us, and whenever the Olympics roll around I am reminded how fortunate I am to not have cable television. I axed cable from my life about 20 years ago and I have never regretted it – though I occasionally find myself out of the loop, or...

Skateboard Bylaw Should be Repealed

Stephen Vance, Editor Many in this community might not be aware that the use of skateboards on Meaford roads is prohibited. Surprised? So was I when I first became aware of a 30 year old bylaw that says just that. Bylaw 24-87, which was approved by the Town of Meaford council in June of 1987, is one of those legacy bylaws...

Form 3? I Wouldn’t Sign it

Stephen Vance, Editor With respect to the municipal code of conduct acknowledgement form known as 'Form 3', I wouldn't sign it either given provision 'E' in section 5.3.1 of the Advisory Committee and Volunteer Code of Conduct - I simply would not sign it if I were asked to. Not the way it is currently written at least.In saying that,...

Transit Plan Timely and Necessary

Stephen Vance, Editor The plan approved by Meaford's council on July 4 to run an in-town public transit pilot project, and to explore the possibility of establishing transit service to the neighbouring communities of Owen Sound and the Blue Mountains is a step in the right direction for this municipality.While the plan may have been the result of the municipal...

Meaford Set to Celebrate Canada Day, And Where Better to do it?

Stephen Vance, Editor School has let out for summer, sandals and shorts have replaced the winter woolies (finally), the outdoor food vendors are into full swing, it must be time to celebrate another Canada Day. I can't think of a better place to celebrate our fine nation than right here in Meaford. Sure, I'm biased, but with the festivities that have...

Have We Forgotten How to Read, or Have We Simply Become Lazy Readers?

Stephen Vance, Editor It's always frustrating to hear people communicating less than accurate information, and for a reporter, it can be downright irritating to hear people passing along inaccurate information while holding up your own article as their “proof”. I've written about this in the past, but given what I've been hearing in the last few days, it's time for another...

Foodland Closure is Sad News For Many

Stephen Vance, Editor Many Meaford residents were both shocked and saddened upon hearing the news this week that Meaford's only downtown grocery store, Foodland, will be closing in August. When I first saw the new Foodland location being constructed in Thornbury, my first concern was how that would impact the Meaford location and the residents who rely on it, and sadly...