Mayor Ross Kentner

Q1: Meaford is experiencing dynamic growth. How do you see ratepayers’ involvement in that growth?

My biggest disillusionment as a first time councillor was to see both council and ratepayer frustration with our planning system which, on the surface, appears to be a democratic model of communication, transparency and public participation. I believe that the public meetings on the Skydev project left many members of our municipality feeling that, although they were heard, they were not heeded. The questions brought forward at the SkyDev meeting and other written questions eventually were all addressed in the ZBLA report to Council that unfortunately was never voted on. Meaford had two public meetings and the comments, written and oral, are all recorded and answered in the Report to Council. Staff would otherwise be repeating the same answer time and time again. The positive news is that the Meaford ratepayers are involved and asked the questions that influenced the Report. Ratepayers in Meaford know what they want to see in Development and make their voices heard at these meetings and that is what will continue to make Meaford the place where we want to live and work and play. 

Q2: Currently there is a debate on the effectiveness of the Municipality of Meaford`s Advisory Committees as they are currently structured. How would you ensure community committees are used more effectively by council and the Municipality in the next term of Council?

In my view our most important achievement as a council was to establish and make appointments to our latest Advisory Committees. Our Municipality has attracted people with exceptional skills, contacts and passion as well as a generous spirit of volunteerism. But we are testing them sorely. Take the Economic Development Committee, arguably the most critical. It meets 8 times a year and has no budget. How much development do you think we’re going to get? We need to work on our policy to give these committees more latitude and resources to make use of the skills they offer. Communities thrive when volunteerism is encouraged. 

Q3: Would you support the creation of a community-based Advisory Committee for Planning and Development?

Absolutely. But, it would be a waste of time and talent to establish such a committee on the same basis as our existing advisory committees. A policy change to give our advisory committees a greater degree of autonomy would be necessary, particularly an Advisory Committee for Planning and Development. I believe a community-based Planning and Development Committee has a place and would offer Council balance in their decision-making process. 

Q4: What is the role of council and the Municipality in supporting the development of downtown Meaford? In rural areas? Please provide examples.

It is an important role in my view and I am excited about our new Community Improvement Plan which I hope will be a “game changer!” The purpose of the CIP is to create financial incentive programs to support private property owners, tenants, agencies and organizations to invest in buildings and land within the entire municipality with the intent of generating positive outcomes. We will be able to offer an Affordable Housing Loan Program and a Tourism Destination Loan Program. Plan objectives align with my views on your question...we can provide incentives for agri-tourism, on-farm diversification and value-added agricultural uses, adaptive re-use of buildings which is particularly important with heritage building and store fronts. There is also a Development Charges and Municipal Fee-Equivalent Grant to encourage smaller business but even a large business that wanted to develop a few acres for industrial use and Secured Affordable Rental Housing Units.

Q5: What role does Meaford’s Official Plan have in guiding development?

My short answer is “It should have more”.

Through the four years of my term on council it was increasingly evident to me that we are constantly amending our Official Plan. I have come to understand that isn’t all bad...that exceptions are necessary or development could grind to a halt. But it has been discouraging to find that some developers think that even the pillars of our Official Plan are bargaining chips. Meaford is in a strong position to be able to negotiate with developers as our municipality is a desirable and affordable alternative to Blue Mountain and Collingwood. The first sentence in the Official Plan Vision is “The primary purpose of the Official Plan is to provide the basis for managing growth that will support and emphasize the Municipality’s unique character, diversity, civic identity, rural lifestyle and heritage features and to do so in a way that has the greatest positive impact on the quality of life and overall health, welfare & general well-being of residents in Meaford.”

The “plan” is only a plan; it is up to Council to ensure it is followed. 

Q6: There are many issues that need to be addressed in the coming four-year term, including affordable housing, staffing shortages, the downtown heritage district, business development, climate change, tourism, and a host of infrastructure needs supporting agriculture, bridges, roads, water and sewer and urban green spaces.

a) What, in your opinion, are the most urgent issues to address?

b) As a member of Council, how will you work with local and county/regional partners and Meaford’s CAO and staff to move the municipality forward on the above issues? Can you provide any examples.

Every one of these issues is important. I will prioritize them with a brief comment and then answer 6a. 

• Affordable Housing: We need a local approach to a global problem.

• Business Development: We need to support our EDAC. 

• Infrastructure: Stick to our 1% annual increase for roads & 1% for bridges. 

• Urban Green Spaces: We are in danger of losing some of the green spaces we rely on now! 

• Climate Change: Meaford needs to develop a comprehensive program to address climate change. 

• Downtown Heritage District: As chair of our Heritage Advisory Committee. I am passionate about our heritage conservation area. 

• Tourism: Our success in tourism requires that we manage urban green spaces, climate change and the Downtown Heritage District files well. 

• Staff Shortages: This could easily be our top priority, however, I believe quality staff gravitate to a winning team. 

Affordable Housing:

One of the first things I would do as mayor is meet with our CAO and then the County Warden to formulate a plan to direct the PILT (payment in lieu of taxes) funds allocated by the County for an Affordable Housing project in Meaford.

Business Development:

I would start by meeting with the CAO to create a more meaningful mandate for the Economic Development Committee that would include a budget. The committee has a work plan that should be presented to Council as soon as possible. 

Infrastructure: 

It is incumbent on Council to provide a high level of maintenance to our drinking water systems in urban Meaford and Leith. (We have an ample supply of quality drinking water.) Urban Meaford is undergoing an Inflow and Infiltration Study on our sanitary sewer system to better understand our sewage treatment capacity for future growth. Decisions on the recommendations from this study will be made by the Council you elect now.

Meaford has a plan for updating our bridges and culverts—we are lucky to have the abundance of rivers but unfortunately the expenses as well. Finding cost-effective solutions for their construction is critical. A Transportation Master Plan was adopted last year establishing the vision for transportation services and transportation needs within rural and urban Meaford. Recommended short, medium, and long-term funding to aid in developing budget priorities was included. It is vital to maintain and update infrastructure in the agricultural communities and it will be a priority. 

Urban Green Spaces: 

Presently at risk are the track and field facilities on Aitken St. owned by the Bluewater District School Board, the Fair Grounds and the Market Square, the former two for housing, the latter for parking. This should be among the subjects of a community visioning exercise. I believe these special spaces should remain green to play an important part in the quality of life we all appreciate. Without a vision there is no plan and without a plan they could slip through our fingers! 

Climate Change: 

This is where we have to make our two-tier local government system work to our benefit. Fortunately, Grey County is taking the lead and we should find some suitable 1st tier templates because many smaller municipalities across Canada are taking climate change initiatives. 

Downtown Heritage District: 

Development and Heritage are not contradictory. Adaptive re-use of heritage buildings will extend their viability and is a long-known cure for demolition by neglect. I am excited by some of the development projects announced for the Heritage District recently but worried about others. $1M+ condos in the harbour area can block views of and pedestrian access to the waterfront. The Collingwood St. development as well as the Steadman’s Boutique Hotel are projects that we hope will set the bar for development in the Downtown Heritage Conservation District. I would be working with fellow council members, the Heritage Committee, the Director of Development Services and CAO to have a concerted effort to maintain the Conservation Principles and goals of the Downtown Heritage District (HDC). Preserving the HCD, along with our waterfront, are two of the most common comments in the Official Plan Review. 

Tourism: 

Meaford is perfectly positioned to offer an option for agri-tourism. We have wineries, apple orchards and beautiful well-kept farms graced with century old stone farmhouses. We can’t have a 4-season tourist industry without being known for our hospitality. I believe the municipality can lead the way and should set the bar high. Our parks and trails should be well-maintained and open year round. That means winterized and clean washrooms. 

Staff Shortages: 

Post COVID, staff shortages are plaguing every sector of our economy. I believe the Municipality of Meaford is regarded as both a good employer and a highly desirable community in which to live and work. If we focus on our priorities we will attract the right people to achieve our goals. Keeping staff at levels that ensure Meaford continues to be a leader in municipal governance will be a priority.  

Q7: What is the Municipality of Meaford’s share of tax dollars collected by Grey County? How will you ensure that Meaford’s needs are met through county initiatives (via these tax dollars).

In recent years, 25 to 27 cents of every tax dollar raised by the Municipality of Meaford goes to Grey County for a wide range of critical services including: providing/maintaining county highways and bridges; economic development and planning; social and children’s services (including housing); long-term care; and paramedic services. This vital work goes on largely under the radar of taxpayers. I doubt everyone is aware that when serving on County Council, each mayor and deputy mayor is to be acting in the best interests of the county, not their own municipality. That’s why it is so important for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to be like-minded. When they are in consensus on what best serves the County we have a strong voice at the table. On the other hand, should the mayor and deputy split our vote, Meaford loses its voice at the table.