Council Candidate Amanda Greenfield

Q1: Meaford is experiencing dynamic growth. How do you see ratepayers’ involvement in that growth? What role do you see the community playing in establishing the common direction and longer-term priorities?

I would recommend Ratepayer (community) engagement / dialogue/ and ratepayer surveys regarding these projects; in addition, reviewing any previous and or similar projects. We need to ensure that the forums of participation are accessible to All! Gathering input and relaying the accurate information is key to establishing and committing to the priorities. 

Q2: Would you support the development of an active community-based Advisory Committee for planning and development?

We have a wealth of knowledge right here in our Municipality, a community based Advisory Committee for Planning and Development is key. Contributions of ideas are welcomed, but reminded that this would be an Advisory only and TOR would need to be reflective. An opportunity for our Official Plan to be revisited and ensure that it protects our Municipality’s uniqueness, heritage, and both meets the needs of the Urban and Rural living.

Q3: Currently, Meaford Council has just two Advisory Committees: Heritage and Accessibility. Prior to this current Council, there were seven advisory committees. Given that advisory committees facilitate public input into important matters, would you reinstate other advisory committees? And how would you ensure they are used effectively in the next term of Council?

Advisory Committees support Municipal Council by providing information, research, expertise, and thoughtful recommendations to help inform Council’s decisions-making. I would support additional Committees comprised of Residents and 1 Council Member and 1 Staff member to ensure fluidity and best practice measures are met. Final authority returning to the elected Council and presented for further discussions and decisions. My recommendations would be a Rural Affairs Committee, Economic Development Committee, Agricultural Committee, Special Events & Youth Interest Committee, Health & Wellbeing Committee, and Natural Resources & Water Committee. These initiatives will bridge trust and deeply align with keeping our public informed.

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

Development in both the Rural and Urban areas are linked yet exceptionally independent. Careful considerations such as ensuring essential services to both areas must be met. Providing a safe and well-maintained attractive atmosphere throughout our Municipality is necessary. Our Urban area requires attention to intensification, pedestrian connectivity, parking, sidewalks, drainage, utilities with a mix of residential, green spaces, commercial, and community uses. In our Rural development this often involves larger properties, agricultural considerations, and transportation needs. Our Municipality must balance these different priorities thoughtfully, recognizing that both Urban and Rural communities contribute to our Municipality’s overall economic, social, and environmental well-being. Development must promote the values of living, working, and staying here!

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

The Official Plan declares: What and Where various developments can occur. It allows for the zoning distinctions, and the Official Plan Amendments to be introduced to aid in Planning Development requests. The Official Plan is a long-term policy framework that guides how land is used and how the community grows; this includes residential, commercial, industrial, agriculture, and recreational development should occur.

Q6: If a development project does not appear to meet Official Plan requirements (like the SkyDev proposal), what should Council do to ensure the project is in the best interest of Meaford and its citizens?

When a proposed development does meet the Official Plan, there are discissions with Planning and Building Department Staff with the Applicant/Developer. Will/Can compromises be made and the proposal modified to better align with the existing policies. Often further consultation with additional agencies needed such as Grey County and our Natural Conservation Authority- all identifying the issues. If the proposal cannot conform to the Official Plan, the Applicant/Developer may submit an Official Plan Amendment: this process involves Staff review, Council considerations and most importantly Public input. This is a statutory process.

Q7: Should Council members or municipal staff meet with developers prior to a development application being submitted? What is your understanding of them role in such meetings? Can you give us an example of what you would do in that position?

Currently, Staff members meet with the Developers prior to their application being made. The Staff are well versed in Planning policies (more so than Council). This dialogue may identify planning, zoning, servicing, environmental, engineering, and other requirements before the applicant invests. It is preeminent that Staff should only inform and guide and NOT pre-approve any development, while the formal application and the appropriate approval authorities retain the decision making.

Q8: There are many issues that need to be addressed in the coming four-year term, including the TCE pumped energy project, affordable housing, job creation, 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. What, in your opinion, are the most urgent issues to address?

We have many urgent issues in our Municipality: Let's begin by providing Community safety and wellbeing for all Residents—Fire, Police, providing well maintained core services-water, wastewater, roads, bridges. Promoting and the Protection of Agriculture and incentives for Tourism (Harbour and Downtown revitalization) and promotions of our Annual Festivities and Special Events, Ensuring Residential development meets the needs of ALL residents (affordable, seniors, families, apartments) synergy within the community. Furthermore, our residents have indicated the lack of structured, transparent, and accessible communication. Clear administrative framework and direction is needed to properly serve our residents. Communication protocols must be put in place; this will mitigate operational gaps and improve relations within our communities. A continual connecting of our entire Municipality through supporting local governance allows us to thrive together!

Q9: The TCE Pumped Storage Proposal will be decided by the federal government. What is your position on the project, and what role do you think the Meaford Council has as the project moves through approvals?

If the TCEnergy PSP project is approved – the Council MUST ensure the safety of Georgian Bay (purest waters in the world) and seek All possible avenues of financial support from TCEnergy an approx. 88 Billion company, for the best advantages for the Municipality’s citizens. Currently the proposed 1 Million yearly is vastly inadequate when measured against the Municipal burdens, cooperate scale, and the value of our Drinking water and Recreational/Work Water! Because the current agreement is based on conditions- Meaford has the opportunity to demand a more substantial, long-term compensation depending on the findings of the IAAC process and the Environmental Assessment by DND. Ultimately, there is much concern regarding this project throughout our entire Municipality and the safety of our residents, wildlife, plant life species and environment are paramount.

Q10: 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 issues listed in Q8? Can you provide any examples?

This requires collaborative consultations and active eagerness to work with the County, Province, our local Social service agencies in addition to our local Service clubs and wonderful volunteers. Community betterment and projects, like affordable housing, sustainable tourism (incl. agritourism)- These projects address the critical gaps in our communities, while promoting and securing economic stability, and long-term sustainability. For success, we must establish open dialogue with a mixed representation (including our residents), this allows for transparent communication and forward navigation on projects, policies, and future developments.