Strategic Plan, emergency shelter, Oxford Road 59 bridge reconstruction, economic development 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.

Beginning September 2023, all County Council meetings will be held at a start time of 9:30 a.m. More

2023-2026 Oxford County Strategic Plan

Following three County Council workshops and input from more than 450 stakeholders, the final draft of Oxford County’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan is before Council on September 13. The plan’s vision of “Working together for a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable future” is mapped out across three priority areas, or “pillars”: 1) Promoting community vitality; 2) Enhancing environmental sustainability; and, 3) Fostering progressive government. The Draft Strategic Plan is accompanied by a set of indicators that will measure progress on the goals within the plan.

CAO 2023-03: 2023 – 2026 Strategic Plan

Options for emergency shelter and addressing homelessness

An update on shelter options to support Oxford’s homeless population is before Council on September 13. County staff have been exploring a number of options over the past year, including purchasing a property or facility to accommodate up to 50 beds in a permanent shelter with space for daytime use.

At the same time, the County is funding an additional 25 overnight beds at The Inn shelter in Woodstock beginning November, and partnering with a local church in Tillsonburg to provide a similar service between November and April. The County also continues to work with the Salvation Army to place people and families in need of emergency shelter in hotel rooms. Through the Mobile Health Outreach Bus, a number of community partners have begun visiting known homeless encampments to offer health care, food and supplies, and other resources.

The report to Council asks for approval to work with a consultant to develop a strategy to permanently moving people out of homelessness while continuing to meet Oxford’s growing emergency shelter needs.

HS 2023-15: 24/7 Shelter Model Update and Strategy for Pathways Out of Homelessness

Economic development update

County Council learns more about the recommendations of Oxford’s economic development partners next council meeting, including plans for an annual forum to collaborate on a strategy for attracting new businesses, industry, investment and workers.

The Economic Development Group is made up of representatives from the economic development offices of the local area municipalities, SCOR (South Central Ontario Region) Economic Development Corporation, The Small Business Centre, and Community Futures Oxford.

CS 2023-29: Economic Development Group Recommendations

Other reports and presentations

• Delegation: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County re: September is Big Brothers Big Sisters Month - Kristen Ralph, Executive Director
• CP 2023-259: Application for Draft Plan of Condominium and Exemption from Draft Plan Approval CD 22-02-6 – Reeves Land Corporation
• PW 2023-37: Construction Staging and Traffic Control Options for Rehabilitation of Bridge on Oxford Road 59/Vansittart Avenue, Woodstock
• PW 2023-36: Request for Project Approval and Transfer of Funds – Lansdowne Avenue Trunk Sanitary Sewer Design, Woodstock
• CS 2023-27: Fees and Charges By-law Update
• CS 2023-28: Lansdowne Ave Watermain Extension Project – Internal Long-term Debt Issue

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