Meaford Regular Council — Monday, October 5, 2026
Departing members recognized: CAO Everett announced that Councillor Harley Greenfield and Mayor Ross Kentner will not seek re-election. Greenfield, first elected in 1997, was recognized for more than 26 years of service — including a pivotal role in municipal amalgamation — and received a Certificate of Recognition from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Mayor Kentner, first elected in 2018 and mayor since 2022, was also acknowledged as the term draws to a close.
Memorial Park road contract awarded: Council unanimously approved a $232,657 contract to EC King Contracting for reconstruction of the Memorial Park entrance road. The project will widen the road from 3.5 metres to 5 metres to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians, connecting Grant Avenue and looping users back to the park entrance. Council also approved a $45,157 transfer from the Memorial Park Reserve Fund to partially fund the work. Councillor Greenfield flagged a gap in the sidewalk connection at Middle Avenue; staff confirmed a related project is deferred to the 2027 capital plan due to utility and water main conflicts.
Heritage permits approved: Council unanimously approved three heritage permits. Heritage 06-2026 permits Christchurch Anglican Church (34 Boucher Street) to add a sloped roof to its tower to resolve water infiltration, preserving the street-facing appearance. Heritage 07-2026 permits replacement of Ashford shingles with a steel roof at Fred Raper Park (207 Bayfield Street). A third application for 96 Sykes Street North (Royal LePage) was also moved forward; discussion was ongoing at transcript’s end.
Building permit dispute draws public questions: Two residents pressed council for specifics on an outstanding building permit linked to a property owner referred to in the notes as “Johnny.” CAO Everett declined to disclose permit details in a public forum, citing the confidential nature of building department-applicant dealings, and confirmed a public staff report on the matter will come forward November 9th.
Drinking water audit: Council received the 2026 DWQMS audit results. An external audit found zero non-conformities; an internal audit identified one administrative non-conformity and 28 operational findings, none representing regulatory compliance failures. Staff flagged operator retention and cybersecurity as areas requiring ongoing attention.
By-laws passed: By-law 2026-79, establishing a records management and retention framework, passed unanimously. Council also entered a brief closed session regarding an infrastructure project involving potential litigation and solicitor-client privileged advice; direction was provided to staff and legal counsel.