WWW.MEAFORD.CA MEAFORD, ON A GROWING HUB OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
MEAFORD, ON AT A GLANCE MEAFORD, ONTARIO WHAT: A thriving community blending rapid growth, heritage preservation, and sustainable development. WHERE: S ituated along the southern shores of Georgian Bay. WEBSITE: www.meaford.ca A GROWING HUB OF COMMUNITY SPIRI AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
F IT Situated along the southwestern shores of Georgian Bay, Meaford, Ontario, offers a unique lifestyle, blending natural beauty and vibrant community spirit. An amalgamation of the Townships of Sydenham and St. Vincent with the Town of Meaford, the municipality is now a thriving hub known for its stunning waterfront, rich farmland and charming downtown. Meaford Harbor’s long pier, invites visitors to its picturesque Balancing rapid growth, heritage preservation, and community-driven initiatives to create a thriving, sustainable future. 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
marina. An array of amenities are tailored for a comfortable stay, whether for a day or the entire summer season. As Meaford celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2024, it radiates a spirit of enthusiasm and community pride that Mayor Ross Kentner captures with evident affection.“Our slogan is,‘We love it here.’And honestly, we do,” he reflects. He recalls moving to Meaford as a teenager in 1956 and has appreciated its vibrant community ever since.“This community exemplifies togetherness and generosity in its truest form,” he proudly notes, referencing the 28th iteration of Meaford’s 5Km Harbor Run/Walk. Achieving its $75,000 goal would push proceeds for the Meaford Hospital Foundation to over $1-million. Meaford’s sheer geographic size and natural features are just as impressive as its communal spirit. Mayor Kentner enthusiastically describes the town’s setting: “Nestled in the Bighead River Valley, we have miles of shoreline on both Nottawasaga and Owen Sound Bays. There’s water everywhere.” He outlines the extensive infrastructure, including “more than 400 kilometers of roads and roughly 80 bridges,” which he views both as challenges and assets. This blend of urban and rural elements provides a unique backdrop to the town’s lifestyle, and its many parks, such as the beloved Memorial Park and Beautiful Joe Park, that enhance its recreational landscape. Newly appointed Chief Administrative Officer, Kymm Buckham, echoes the mayor’s sentiments about the community’s engagement and applauds the proactive stance of the local council.“We’re incredibly fortunate to have a council deeply invested in community development and safety,” she emphasizes. A few years ago, the council adopted a comprehensive wellbeing plan focusing on social determinants such as health, poverty, and crime, demonstrating their unwavering dedication to enhancing residents’ lives. Buckham also details the abundant recreational opportunities in Meaford.“We have a lot of beautiful parks and shoreline space,” she says, pointing out the active use of these areas for a wide array of programming. The town boasts a full-time recreation programmer who organizes sports, arts, and cultural events for all ages.“We offer amenities you’d typically 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 MEAFORD, ON
find in much larger communities,” Buckham adds. “Our new Library is a community hub in its own right. Meaford Hall features art galleries and a busy opera house which is home to the Meaford International Film Festival each September. Our waterfront Museum is popular with visitors and residents alike.” ECONOMIC VIBRANCY AND LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORT As Meaford celebrates a significant milestone, Deputy Mayor Shirley Keaveney shares insights into the town’s thriving economic landscape, and the supportive environment fostered for local businesses. “We’re unbelievably fortunate for the people who choose to live in Meaford and how they want to give back,” she states.This culture of involvement extends into the economic sphere, particularly through the 27th annual Scarecrow Invasion and Family Festival as well as the long-standing Apple Harvest Craft Show. She expresses excitement about the ongoing sesquicentennial celebrations, highlighting the community’s cohesion and pride. Focusing on economic initiatives, Keaveney outlines the mechanisms in place to bolster local businesses, especially the family-owned and operated stores that form the backbone of Meaford’s economy. “We offer a Community Improvement Program that includes grants for updating facades, a zero-interest loan program, and a tax increment program which provides a ten-year incentive,” she explains. Moreover, Keaveney notes the success of the Meaford Dragons Den, a local initiative supporting entrepreneurial ventures, much like its namesake television show. “This will be the 15th year for our Dragons Den, which has launched dozens of new businesses over the years. Tracy Marsh, from House ‘n Order was this year’s winner, securing $8000 in cash and in-kind contributions. Lisa Almond from Lisa’s Pet Grooming received $4550 in cash and prizes. Diana Simmons-Smith from Solo-Fit, Stefanie Peel from Le Pooch Boutique, and Christina Sheardown from Sheardown’s Wine Bar and Cuisine also made strong showings and shared in the prizes,” she adds, highlighting the program’s impact. 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
The Deputy Mayor also shares the influx of new businesses which has seen a rise in female-led enterprises along the main street.“It’s phenomenal, the number of new businesses that have opened,” she remarks, pointing out the collaborative spirit among these entrepreneurs who promote and support one another, creating a “groundswell of new entrepreneurship.” REVITALIZING MEAFORD: INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC EXPANSION As Meaford grows, significant infrastructure and economic developments are underway to redefine its landscape and enhance its appeal as a destination. A pivotal development is the Billy Bishop Airport, located on the municipality’s western extremity. “It’s a regional airport that serves all of Northern Grey County,” notes Mayor Kentner, emphasizing its importance in regional connectivity. Unlike the traditional Business Improvement Area, the Municipality has launched a citizen-led nonprofit “Main Street Meaford” organization to support downtown revitalization. [https://www.meaford.ca/ en/living-here/main-street-meaford.aspx], which Mayor Kentner believes “will make a significant difference in revitalizing downtown.” A cornerstone of the downtown revitalization is repurposing historic buildings, such as the original fire hall which, along with Meaford Hall, anchors the market square. It is set to re-open this summer as a restaurant. A glass elevator will access one of the two outdoor patios. This is also part of a broader vision to “regreen” what has become a parking lot.“We want to take that space back and green it, turning it into downtown park space for the community to enjoy,” Mayor Kentner asserts, describing the initiative as part of a broader effort to transform Meaford into a vibrant destination. The celebration of Meaford’s 150th anniversary extends beyond the urban center, reaching into the rural hamlets like Bognor, Woodford, Leith, and Annan, each with their unique contributions to the municipality’s cultural tapestry. Mayor Kentner highlights the diverse uses of these spaces, from Sweetwater Music Festival concerts in Leith Church to community theatre productions in Woodford Hall and social events at Bognor Hall and Riverside, all underscoring the community’s vibrant local culture. Discussing the economic milestones, Mayor Kentner proudly mentions,“We had an amazing $100 million in building in 2022, setting a new record for us.” He ties this growth to the region’s emergence as a 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 MEAFORD, ON
Further expanding on Meaford’s economic prospects, Mayor Kentner reveals plans for a resort hotel on the waterfront and several residential developments, including Bay Bound’s net-zero houses. “They’re breaking ground this year, and I think it’s going to be a fascinating project,” he anticipates. However, he notes the need for upgrades to the infrastructure to support these developments, particularly the hub for clean energy. “We live in the shadow of the Bruce Nuclear Power Development which supplies 30% of Ontario’s energy and is a global supplier of medical isotopes. There is a hydrogen company in nearby Owen Sound. Our surrounding region is very focused on clean energy, and that’s where many of our future jobs will come from,” he explains. 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
wastewater treatment capacity. “We have a water treatment plant with excess capacity, but we don’t have a lot of headroom on our wastewater,” he concludes, indicating ongoing challenges and opportunities in Meaford’s growth trajectory. EXPANDING INFRASTRUCTURE AND EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY As Meaford gears up for significant residential growth and infrastructure expansion, CAO Buckham provides a comprehensive overview of the town’s strategic plans. She details the exceptional pace of residential development in Meaford. With planning applications for around 1500 housing units, Meaford’s growth trajectory far surpasses provincial targets for comparably sized centers. “Our growth is significantly greater than other communities with greater investment. This growth is a significant milestone for us, creating opportunities for innovation and enhancing the quality of life for our residents. It also builds our resiliency against existing and future challenges,” she remarks, highlighting an ambitious future for the humble community. Infrastructure, particularly wastewater treatment, is a crucial area of focus. Buckham confirms, “We are looking at an investment which will enable this and future development.” This proactive approach ensures that Meaford can handle the influx of new residents and businesses while maintaining service quality. On the financial front, Buckham explains the strategic financial management that has bolstered the town’s infrastructure over the past decade. “This municipality has been increasing taxes by 2% to support continuous investment in municipal infrastructure for the last eight years now,” she states. This increment has dramatically expanded Meaford’s capital budgets, allowing for extensive improvements across a vast network of roads and bridges, ensuring they meet the demands of the ARA Real Estate Brokerage Ltd is offering 51 single family golf view homes on Meaford Golf Course. Built By: Manorwood Homes, Applevale Properties, Urban Oak and Wright Way Construction Ivan Alderdice—Broker of Record Cell: (519) 270-2356 E-mail: ivan@arealagent.com Mike Juby—Broker Cell: (519) 270-JUBY E-Mail: mike@arealagent.com https://www.arealagent.com/hilton-lane-subdivision/ Elevated Golf Course Living 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 MEAFORD, ON
municipality’s growth. Nevertheless, sustainability remains a key pillar for Meaford on a path of significant growth and development. While balancing costs with environmental impact can be challenging, Buckham assures that the town aims to “ensure effectiveness with sustainability top of mind.” The town’s capital budget, which has increased fivefold over ten years, underscores a deep investment in sustainable infrastructure capable of supporting long-term community needs. Buckham also emphasizes collaboration with local economic groups, including the Meaford Chamber of Commerce and an economic development advisory committee, which help steer the community’s development strategies. “We have such a vibrant agribusiness sector,” she notes, pointing to the growing number of cideries and wineries as examples of Meaford’s dynamic economic environment. This cooperative framework ensures that Meaford remains a forward-thinking community and a destination for tourism along Southern Georgian Bay. ENVISIONING MEAFORD’S FUTURE: STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES FOR 2024 AND BEYOND As Meaford stands on the brink of transformative changes for the community, Mayor Kentner and CAO Buckham outline their primary objectives and strategic visions for 2024, providing a glimpse into the proactive measures the town is taking to harness growth opportunities while ensuring financial stability and community welfare. Mayor Kentner notes that the Ontario Pumped Storage project, is a multi-year and a multi-billiondollar initiative proposed on the Canadian Fourth Division Training Center property near urban Meaford. “If it happens, it will have a tremendous impact on the community,” he explains, acknowledging both the potential for dynamic growth and the challenges of managing such expansion. He emphasizes the town’s 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
readiness for this possibility, noting,“We are working diligently so we are ready if it does go forward.” Buckham further elaborates on the municipality’s prudent management and involvement with the project, particularly in community engagement and mitigation of potential negative impacts. “We’re very engaged with both the community and the proponent, TC Energy, to ensure that the project has a limited negative impact on the community and focuses on the long-term benefits that it provides,” she states. A key element of this project includes negotiating a community benefits agreement that aligns with the needs and desires of Meaford, to ensure it is enhancing the community for the future. In addition to addressing transformative infrastructure investments, Mayor Kentner highlights Meaford’s robust financial health, which allows for significant capital projects without substantial tax increases. “Even though we have over 17 million in capital projects in our 2024 budget, we are bringing 9 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 MEAFORD, ON
in a tax increase of less than 3%,” he states. This fiscal strategy is credited to the foresight of previous councils and a disciplined approach to budgeting, which has positioned Meaford advantageously compared to other rural municipalities facing steeper tax hikes. Buckham closes with a nod to the town’s robust financial reserves, emphasizing Meaford’s prudent management and long-term planning. “We have sound reserves as a municipality,” she confirms, accentuating the town’s guarantee of sustainable financial and community development, enabling Meaford’s strategic growth and enhancement in the years to come. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Meaford Golf Course www.arealagent.com/hilton-lane-subdivision n Ainley Group www.ainleygroup.com 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07
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