The Meaford Independent has learned that the Municipality of Meaford is set to issue a formal apology to the Georgian Theatre Festival.
The GTF was the major tenant at Meaford Hall prior to the Hall being renovated, but that changed in 2007 after a dispute between the GTF and the municipality escalated and a $1.1 million lawsuit was filed against the GTF by the CAO of the day.
As a result of the legal action, Meaford council stood behind their CAO and advised the theatre group that they would not be able to use the Hall until after the lawsuit was settled.
The formal apology will be issued by Mayor Francis Richardson at the Monday March 8 meeting of council.
When reached for comment, Meaford CAO Frank Miele told The Independent that he hopes that the apology will begin a healing process and propel the municipality forward.
Miele said that it became clear to him during the process of establishing the new Community and Cultural Services Citizen Task Force that there was plenty of lingering frustration and resentment surrounding Meaford Hall and what had transpired between the municipality and the GTF.
“In order for us to go forward with the citizen task force, and to ensure that the community works collaboratively, I discussed this at length with council, and council has collectively agreed that an apology should be made,” informed Miele.
Miele noted that it is not every day that a municipal council or any government body issues an apology.
“We're prepared to step up to the plate and apologize for the real and perceived mistakes that were made,” said Miele, “This is a good step forward.”
Former GTF board member David Baker told The Independent that he is pleased that the long awaited apology is forthcoming.
“I think it is a good thing, and it's long over due,” said Baker adding that “This should lead to a closing of a chapter.”
