Editor,
There is an interesting discrepancy in the Oct. 9 edition of the Meaford Independent. Council is reported to be amending the Community Improvement Plan which includes funds for preservation of the Heritage District. A letter to the editor in the same edition advises that the Heritage District will be despoiled by approval of a 5+ storey floodplain condominium to be located directly behind the Meaford Library. The proposed building is massive in both girth and height. Its modernistic stepped roof design is a glaring clash with the Heritage District. In its current form, the proposed overbearing structure will reflect on every house and building in the immediate area of Meaford.
The floodplain building featuring underground parking has again been facilitated by referral to the Land Tribunal due to the Municipality’s neglect to make a decision. The Land Tribunal serves the interests of developers and not the taxpaying public. The Heritage and Waterfront Districts are two of Meaford’s best features and their charm in this beautiful town will be severely diminished if the proposed development is not reduced to some more reasonable dimensions.
The Oct. 9th letter suggests that Council be asked to put elbows up by hiring a lawyer with heritage plan experience and to be accompanied by a capable heritage planner. The costs of doing so are minor compared to the enormous liability that will be loaded onto Meaford residents should the Land Tribunal again approve the floodplain development in its current form. Perhaps a recently retired Meaford Councillor showed good judgement in moving to Chatsworth?
It is noteworthy that the floodplain deal has twice been facilitated by Municipal neglect to make a decision with the resultant referral to the Toronto-based Tribunal. Municipal staff now suggest that the Heritage District will be promoted by funding a refreshed Community Improvement Plan that “can be enjoyed by many and for long-term benefit”. Unless there is some prompt and capable legal representation at the impending Land Tribunal, then a massive floodplain elephant will not be a “long-term benefit” but will be the long-term legacy of neglect to make decisions.
Jim Molineux, Meaford
