By Stephen Vance, Editor
On Monday November 4, Meaford councillors met to discuss and debate the first draft of the 2014 budget which had been presented to council the week prior.
The fact that a special meeting was scheduled at the request of Deputy Mayor Harley Greenfield in order to allow councillors a dedicated time to fully discuss the proposed budget...
By Stephen Vance, Editor
At the Meaford Independent, we believe in holding governments accountable, we believe in giving the community a voice, but what we believe in first and foremost is ensuring the truth is communicated to Meaford residents. Yes, we are hard on Meaford's council when warranted, and we go to bat for Meaford residents on issues that we...
By Stephen Vance, Editor
Nobody likes tax increases, and Meaford ratepayers have certainly had more than their share of hefty tax hikes in recent years. While it may not have seemed fair, and while Meaford councillors have endured the wrath of residents angered at the increased drain on their pocketbooks, we're now seeing the benefits of Council remaining steadfast in...
By Stephen Vance, Editor
Meaford's council has had a rough year. A year in which at times it must have seemed to members of council that it is impossible to make anyone happy, let along any specific interest group.
When councillors aren't being scolded by residents for spending too much money, they hear complaints that they aren't providing services that people...
By Stephen Vance, Editor
While October is my favourite month of the year, it is also the time I begin fretting about the cold, snowy weather on the way.
When it comes to snow, there is almost nothing I enjoy about it. I don't like driving in it, I don't like shovelling it, and I don't like the fact that in...
By Stephen Vance, Editor
Another Thanksgiving weekend is upon us, and in spite of our problems - or sometimes more accurately, our perceived problems – in Meaford, we have much to be thankful for.
Thanksgiving is my favourite of all celebratory holidays, and while summer fun is slowly inching away from us, the Farmers' Market is wrapping up their season, and...
By Stephen Vance, Editor
October is National Library Month, and libraries are indeed worthy of celebration and appreciation.
Given the relatively small size of our municipality, those who live in Meaford are very fortunate to be served by not one, but three libraries. All residents of Meaford can access the Meaford Public Library on Trowbridge Street, and Meaford residents through a...
By Stephen Vance, Editor
There is no question that it can't be easy to be a member of a municipal council, but it is an important job, and one that the general public counts on in order to ensure they are represented at their local council.
Sometimes councillors have difficult decisions to make, and sometimes, even though a decision will prove...
By Stephen Vance, Editor
Before anyone gets their knickers in a knot after hearing that Meaford is heading for significant shortfalls in funding for municipal infrastructure repair and replacement in the not too distant future, it should first be noted that Meaford is far from alone in this predicament.
For many years municipal governments across North America have been warned that...
By Stephen Vance, Editor
Meaford's council has given the green-light to proceed to the next phase in establishing a Heritage Conservation District aimed at protecting historically significant buildings as well as the character of the downtown core.
While many have expressed concern about the potential implications of such a move, it doesn't need to be a burden for property owners within...
