Not all heroes wear capes; some wear hard hats
Oxford County acknowledges Public Works professionals during National Public Works Week: May 15-21
Every day, public work staff play an essential role in supporting the quality of life for all Oxford County residents. Morning, noon and night, these dedicated professionals are working behind the scenes whenever someone turns on a faucet, flushes a toilet, uses a public facility, recycles a tin can or drives to work. They make our communities great places to live, work and play.
Oxford County Public Works builds infrastructure and provides safe and clean drinking water, effective and responsible wastewater treatment, innovative waste management programs and maintains the County’s transportation network. Public works staff also manage and maintain County-operated buildings across Oxford County, from new builds to historical landmarks.
Since 1960, municipalities across Canada have recognized National Public Works Week and used the occasion to offer insight into essential public works services. This year’s theme is “Ready and Resilient,” highlighting how public works professionals are always ready to serve their communities and be resilient in the face of unique challenges.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Oxford County Public Works continued to serve the community by maintaining the reliable operation of critical infrastructure to ensure the health and safety of Oxford County residents.
From May 15-21, Oxford County celebrates National Public Works Week and the essential services our public works professionals provide daily. Learn more at www.oxfordcounty.ca, or visit our social media channels throughout the week for service highlights.
Quick facts
- The Oxford County Waste Management Facility annually manages approximately 86,000 tonnes of material, of which 43% was diverted from its landfill in 2021.
- Public Works is responsible for 11 wastewater systems and 17 municipal drinking water systems.All public works managers and employees involved in the drinking water supply are responsible for understanding, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving the municipal drinking water Quality Management System.
- Oxford’s Engineering Services oversees annual capital delivery of approximately $60 M of infrastructure annually and maintains 310 County-owned facilities.Eighteen different solar power systems have been installed over the past decade, which currently generate over 1,836,000 kWh of renewable energy each year(equivalent power to provide over 2,000 single-family homes with electricity for lighting and cooling).
- Public works crews maintain 57 different arterial roads in the County, spanning about 1,185 lane kilometres. This is almost the equivalent of driving from Woodstock to Saguenay, Quebec.
Social media and online content
Twitter: Oxford County
Facebook: Oxford County
Instagram: OxfordCoutyCA
About Oxford County
Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 125,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” As a partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is emerging as a leader in sustainable growth through the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan and County Council’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy, becoming a zero-waste community and working towards zero poverty. Situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, agriculture is a key industry that is driving innovation in sustainable industries and diversifying the local economy. Oxford County offers a thriving local arts, culture and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The Oxford County Administration Building is located in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca or follow our social media sites at www.oxfordcounty.ca/social. Oxford County’s Strategic Plan is at oxfordcounty.ca/strategicplan.