Councillor Steve Bartley

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

There is a wealth of knowledge in the municipality. These people have to get involved or stay involved in the process.

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?

There was a time when volunteers for committees were not really welcomed in the municipality. That has changed but there is room for improvement. This needs to be extensively discussed in council. Again there is passion and these people need to get involved.

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

Planning and development is a real profession and should be respected but would like to meet with the people that want to get involved.

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

Council needs to take the lead in development in the entire municipality. They need to get out to projected proposals and learn everything they can about the proposal. Educate themselves about the proposal and how it fits within the official plan.

Q5. What role does Meaford’s “Official Plan” have in guiding development?

The official plan should be a guiding light for development but I find it is too easy to sway from the plan.

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

a. 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?

Absolutely the most urgent issue is the infrastructure deficit which is slated at 4.7 million annually. Affordable housing would be next and is a major issue in every municipality. All issues mentioned are being worked on at present but infrastructure and affordable housing needs help from higher governments. I have a really good repor with both our MP and MPP and continue to push these issues.

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)? 

I apologize, I do not know this but I should. I will try to get this information.