communities. Mayor Kentner points out the advantages of choosing Meaford. “The thing about the ones in Collingwood and Owen Sound is to get to the water, you have to cross a highway,” he says. “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 moved the greenery to 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 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,” the mayor 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 and the facade of all these Victorian buildings, and it’s quite wonderful. But we want to let people know as they approach what they’re going to see,” Kentner expands. “Last year we upped the ante on buying flowers. We typically spend about $20,000 a year, and we spent $30,000.This year we’re doubling down on getting rid of the weeds.” If there’s one thing Meaford excels at, it’s throwing a great event. In 2024, the municipality marked its 150th anniversary with 70 different celebrations. “One of our councillors, a playwright, wrote a play using all local actors. We really do have a storied history. It was totally awesome,” says Kentner. Meaford’s annual International Film Festival, held every September is a community favorite. “Three days, three dinners, six films, three parties. Every year, it’s a bash,” he conveys.“We’re very, very fortunate, we just have so much going for us.” 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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