The Municipality of Meaford's Pumped Storage Advisory Committee held its second meeting on June 13th. This event marked a significant milestone in the organizational steps and essential discussions regarding the committee’s role and future.

The meeting began with Deputy Mayor Shirley Keaveney welcoming the attendees and emphasizing the importance of public participation. She clarified guidelines for public deputations, encouraging residents to share their comments, and questions with the committee. Deputy Mayor Keaveney reiterated that presentations must be pre-arranged with Kiersten Higginson, Project Administrator for the Pumped Storage Project. Presentations are limited to 10 minutes, while deputations are restricted to 5 minutes.

A key part of the meeting was a presentation by Jeff Abrams, Integrity Commissioner, Principles Integrity, who provided comprehensive training on the committee’s code of conduct. Abrams emphasized the importance of clear behavior guidelines, following ethical and legal rules, working as a team, and fairness in decision-making. These fundamentals are crucial for maintaining public trust and making sure the work is done effectively and responsibly.

The committee elected Doug Haslam as Chair and Howard Fletcher as Vice Chair. Haslam, an experienced negotiator with a history of working with large organizations, expressed his commitment to securing the best outcomes for Meaford. Fletcher, a resident of Annan for over a decade with a background in Engineering Technology, highlighted his dedication to ensuring the committee serves all Meaford citizens effectively.

“I'm honoured to be elected as Chair and look forward to working with this dedicated team to ensure that we consider all perspectives and make the best recommendations for our community.” Haslam said.

Looking ahead, the committee outlined their plans for upcoming meetings, which will be limited to a two-hour duration. The July meeting, scheduled for July 11th at 5 pm, will include discussions to identify and explore key learning areas on future topics that will guide the committee's work.

As the Pumped Storage Advisory Committee continues to meet and discuss, they encourage public engagement to ensure a broad range of perspectives are considered.

Next Meeting:

Date: July 11, 2024

Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Location: Council Chambers – 157859 7^th Line

The Pumped Storage Advisory Committee remains committed to transparent and inclusive discussions, ensuring that the community’s voice plays a crucial role in the project's development.

For Further Information, Contact:

Kiersten Higginson
Project Administrator, Pumped Storage Project
Municipality of Meaford
21 Trowbridge Street West, Meaford
519-538-1060 extension 1172 | khigginson@meaford.ca   

Attachment:

News Update - Pumped Storage Advisory Committee Meeting Summary - June 13, 2024 PDF