Everyone who lives in Collingwood has likely seen a familiar flash of orange from their windows at some point over the past 28 years.
For this week’s edition of People of Collingwood we sat down with Grant McInnis -- also known as Grant the Meter Man -- who has worked for the past 28 years reading COLLUS meters throughout the community.
Q: What made you start in the meter-reading business?
A: At one point in time I was in between jobs. My friend was, at the time, the CFO of COLLUS. He said, they’re looking for a guy to (read meters). So I took it.
I’m a single dad, and I have five children. They’re 24, 22, 19, 17 and 17... four girls and a boy. (This job) has allowed me to do what I had to do with them, because I could leave my job (at any point) if I had to. That’s probably why I’ve stayed with this for so long. People know that about my situation, so we build a nice relationship. I like to pass my experiences on (what I have and what I do) to other people. Out of all of it, that’s probably the most gratifying thing. People appreciate you. I don’t judge people.
(When my kids were little) there were times I’d have to take them along with me to read meters. They loved every minute of it. (laughs) There were a few times when I would pick them up from school, and I’d say, “Look, I’ve gotta get this certain area done,” and they’d say, “Yeah, no problem!”
When I’m out there, I can process things too (in my mind).
Q: Describe your average work day.
A: I see lots of people. I see lots of things. Every day is different. Every hour is different. I can start whenever. Generally, I start at 8 a.m. and I finish around 4:30. I do the entire town.
Sometimes, there are things you see coming into backyards (unannounced). Sometimes they’re dressed not appropriately. (laughs)
There have been some times where I’ve come around the corner into someone’s yard and people will (be surprised) and say, “Oh, my God!”
And I’ll say, “Nope, it’s just me... the next best thing to Him.”
And they laugh, and it makes their day.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Meeting and inspiring people. Saying ‘good morning’ and ‘good afternoon’. People, sometimes, they don’t see other people (often). They see me once a month and we build a relationship over the years. I see a lot of people... and dogs. (laughs)
I get plenty of exercise, and they pay me for it. How many people can say that?
Q: What do you like the least about your job?
A: I’ve been bitten by dogs 16 times... nothing major or serious, though. People say, ‘You must get used to it.’
No, you never get used to it.
I was chased by a pig once.
Working outside of town, I had to read a meter on a pole and a pig came running at me from across a field. They’ll get you! I had to jump in my car... I got in just in time.
I do collections work too. That’s probably my least favourite part, where I have to collect money or disconnect. I don’t go in with a chip on my shoulder... I don’t escalate the situation. I try to keep the situation calm. I see a lot of stuff.
Q: Have you ever read any meters outside of town? Is there a difference in the people you meet outside of Collingwood versus the people you meet here? What keeps you wanting to read meters here?
A: You build that relationship with people. People look forward to seeing me, and I look forward to seeing them. I just saw a lady a half hour ago, she said, “It’s just so nice to see you!” She lost her husband about four months ago... she’s in her 80s. She was so nice to see today.
Those things (are what keeps me going). You can make a difference in people’s lives.
I like making someone’s day. I see kids, they say, “Hey, it’s the meter man!”
There are great people in Collingwood.
Q: You read meters once a month. Do you have specific people you look forward to seeing every month?
A: I probably have a girlfriend on every block. (laughs) The more elderly ladies. They don’t see people too much, and they look forward to it. I knock on doors to check in. I get paid by the meter, not by the hour. So, I can take as long as I want. I like being able to make someone’s day just by saying hello.
I like to say I have a love-hate relationship with people in Collingwood. They love me but they also hate to see me come if they know what’s following... the bill. (laughs)
Q: Has there ever been a situation you’ve come across where you’ve been able to really help someone?
A: One time, a guy fell off his bike on Hurontario Street. Someone across the street called the ambulance and I stayed with him until the ambulance got there and we helped him. I just helped and then carried on my way.
Q: Do you have plans to retire anytime soon?
A: I just turned 60 this year. I plan to do this as long as I can, because it allows me to keep fit and I enjoy doing it.
I don’t plan on retiring... but maybe doing something different (down the road).
People have said to me, “You should be using your abilities to do something else, like consulting.”
They say, “You know everyone in Collingwood, you could be doing so many other things.”
That’s very, very flattering, but it’s hard taking that step. You find that little comfort zone in your life.
But sometimes, if you don’t go, you don’t know.
My kids are getting a little older now, so that may allow me to do something different... not that I regret doing what I do.
I also used to play a lot of baseball and hockey. Those were mainly my interests, (but they dropped off) with my kids and work and stuff.
Q: Is there anything else you want people to know about you?
A: I think they know enough! (laughing)
For our feature People of Collingwood, we’ll be speaking with interesting people who are either from or are contributing to the Collingwood community in some way. This feature will run on CollingwoodToday every Saturday. If you’d like to nominate or suggest someone to be featured in People of Collingwood, email [email protected].
