Statement

November 20, 2024

In January 2023, Oxford County Council endorsed an application by Oxford County/ Woodingford Lodge to build a 160 net new-bed long-term care home in Ingersoll, for a total of 194 County-operated beds inclusive of the existing 34 beds in Ingersoll now. Our plan drew on the strength of our partnerships with Alexandra Hospital Ingersoll and the Town of Ingersoll, and was dependent on funding support from the provincial government to build the home.

Now, nearly twenty months later and not having yet received additional funding support requested from the Ministry of Long-Term Care, we have made the difficult decision to move on from this proposal.

At the November 13, 2024, council meeting, Oxford County Council endorsed the proposal to notify the Ministry of Long-Term Care that Oxford County would no longer pursue the Ingersoll long-term care bed application. This decision by Council considered the significant municipal tax impact this development would have on our residents without additional funding support.

We know this update is disappointing to many, both inside and outside of Woodingford Lodge. However, this decision now clears a path for us to explore other opportunities for continuing to provide excellent care to residents and support the long-term care needs of our community now and into the future.

Long-term care is healthcare, and we will continue to advocate to our provincial government to increase funding to deliver this essential service. Municipal taxes alone cannot fund the complex needs of this type of care, which continues to grow in demand and that requires greater financial and human resources to operate. We are a willing partner to explore this with our provincial leaders.

Our thanks to the community for its ongoing support.

Ben Addley                                        
CAO, Oxford County                           

Mark Dager
Director, Woodingford Lodge

About Oxford County

Located in southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 135,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” A partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is committed to 100% renewable energy, zero waste, zero poverty, and being 100% housed. Oxford County is situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, with a diversified local economy that is home to an innovative agricultural industry, leading automotive manufacturers, and the Oxford County Cheese Trail. Oxford also offers a thriving local arts and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The County’s Strategic Plan puts forward a vision of “Working together for a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable future.” The Oxford County Administration Building is in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca, follow us on social media, or download our Facts and Stats to learn more.