advantages of choosing Meaford. “The thing about the ones in Collingwood and Owen Sound is that, to get to the water, you have to cross a highway. In Meaford you’ll be able to walk out your patio door and step into Georgian Bay, because it’s right on the shore.”This development also includes thoughtfully negotiated changes based on community feedback. “They will present a lot of greenery on the edge of the development to better suit the surrounding neighborhood. They’ve made a lot of concessions and have been great to work with,” he remarks. A VISION OF BEAUTY AND DISTINCTION Deputy-Mayor Shirley Keaveney notes that SkyDev has also partnered with Vintage Inns, known for landmark hotels like the Pillar and Post and the Prince of Wales in Niagara-on-the-Lake, to build a waterfront hotel-spa in Meaford. “My vision for Meaford is to be the Niagara-on-the-Lake of Georgian Bay,” she admits. Part of this vision includes a new master plan for the harbour, integrating it with the downtown core and focusing on unique gateways to the community. “Once you get to Downtown Meaford you see the heritage facades of all these Victorian buildings, and it’s lovely. But we want to let people know as they approach urban Meaford that we’re different.” Keaveney expands. “Meaford is the envy of every community around us when it comes to the success of our many signature events and the hundreds of volunteers who execute them.” The Deputy Mayor lists Meaford’s awardwinning annual Scarecrow Invasion and Apple Harvest Craft Show. This is the 168th year for the annual Fall Fair. “Over the last few years, the list has grown to include our Summerfest (inclusive of Poutinefest), the Meaford International Film Festival and our ‘Christmas on the Bay’ Europeanstyle Market,” she says, adding “Our Canada Day celebrations are huge with events in the hamlets of Annan and Bognor as well as at Meaford harbour.” Expanding on the importance of events, Keaveney relates that “2024 saw over 70 events honouring our The Ontario Pumped Storage Project is a made-in-Ontario solution that will create local jobs, boost the economy, and help meet the province’s growing electricity needs—while protecting Georgian Bay and the environment. Find out more at ontariopumpedstorage.com POWERING ONTARIO’S FUTURE 169 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 MEAFORD, ON
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