Business View Civil & Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 11

74 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11 very critical as a municipality to protect our natural environment and resources, because those are some of the reasons that people both live and visit here. It’s very important for us to maintain the balance of the growth that we’re experiencing while positioning it in a place that doesn’t deter from that natural environment.” With a hospital, and a brand new school for students from kindergarten to grade 12, Meaford is attracting new residents who are looking for those amenities. Armstrong adds, “It’s allowing people and businesses to settle in our community. Being on the shore of Georgian Bay, and the harbor that we have, provides great recreational opportunity for those who want that as well.” Housing is in high demand in Meaford, causing an increase in development, including several projects which have been in the planning stages for years. “They want to get in the ground now because they know the market is now,” says Armstrong. “It’s quite diverse. We’re getting downtown intensification, apartments, condos, and rentals. We’re very excited about an attainable housing project that’s going on the edge of town with 203 residential homes, both in townhouses and singles that are not high-end housing.”