My Second Unit, tax policy, purchasing policy and more

County Council meetings are broadcast live at www.oxfordcounty.ca/livestream. To download the full agenda or view past recordings of council meetings, visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/council.

My Second Unit program updates

County Council will consider on April 12 a proposal to adjust maximum funding for the My Second Unit program along with other updates based on feedback from the community. Launched in 2022, the My Second Unit program helps homeowners plan and finance a secondary, self-contained rental unit in their home through an interest-free, forgivable loan. If the proposed changes are approved by Council, the maximum allowable funding would increase from $15,000 to $30,000. Also recommended is allowing units in accessory structures on the property (e.g., above a detached garage) and allowing family members as tenants. The report explains that with these changes, the program can offer greater flexibility to homeowners and support the County’s efforts to create more affordable housing options in the community.

HS 2023-05 – My Second Unit Program Update

Tax policy by-law

County Council will be asked next council meeting to approve the by-law to set the County’s tax policy for the 2023 taxation year. In 2023, the average residential property tax bill will increase by $38, while the typical farm-related property tax bill will increase by $71.

CAO 2023-12 – 2023 Tax Policy By-law

Purchasing policy by-law

An update to Oxford County’s purchasing policy is before Council next week. Revisions to the policy reflect changes in Canada’s trade agreements; further uphold the County’s sustainability commitments; and improve some administrative aspects of the policy, for instance for contract amendments, approvals, group buying, bid deposits, etc. Oxford County’s purchasing policy ensures there is an open, fair and transparent procurement process in place that offers all vendors equal access to County contracts. 

CAO 2023-11 – Purchasing Policy Amendments | Attachment

Other reports and presentations

• Delegation: Situation Table Oxford – 2022 Trends Community Report
• Delegation: Southwestern Public Health re: 2023 Budget
• Public meeting and Report CP 2023-112: Applications for Official Plan Amendment and Plan of Subdivision OP 22-11-7; SB 22-01-7 Victoria Wood (Tillsonburg-West) GP Inc.
• Public meeting and Report CP 2023-107: Applications for Official Plan Amendment (OP 21-18-8) and Plans of Subdivision (SB 21-13-8 & SB 21-14-8) Karn Road Land Development Corp. and Cachet Developments (Woodstock) Inc.
• Public meeting and Report CP 2023-113: Applications for Official Plan Amendment and Plan of Subdivision OP 22-27-7; SB 22-03-7 Performance Communities Realty Inc.
• Public meeting and Report CP 2023-114: Applications for Official Plan Amendment and Plan of Subdivision OP 22-19-7; SB 22-06-7 - Lindprop Corp.
• PW 2023-22: Contract Award – 2023 Road Resurfacing and Culvert Replacements
• PW 2023-23: Contract Award – Trans Canada Trail Pedestrian Bridge Replacement

Questions or comments?                                                                  

Council this Week highlights Council activities for the public, employees and community partners. Please send your questions and comments to communications@oxfordcounty.ca