Highlights from the June 5 Council Meeting

Woodstock – Thursday’s Council Meeting got underway at 1:30 p.m. following a closed session. Mayor Acchione began with a proclamation recognizing June as Seniors Month. The following items were also on the agenda:

Road Reconstruction Tenders Awarded

Council awarded tenders for two road reconstruction projects to improve infrastructure and support the city’s future growth. The work includes sanitary sewer upsizing on Pattullo Avenue from Ridgeway Road to Jack Ross Avenue and watermain replacement on Dundas Street from Lansdowne Avenue to Woodall Way. Construction on both projects is expected to begin this summer.

Additional Funding for Transit F.A.I.R Program

Council approved an additional $30,000 for the transit portion of the Fee Assistance in Recreation (F.A.I.R) program. The program helps residents living in low-income purchase transit passes at a 50 per cent discount. Based on the number of applications that have been received this year, all of the funding for 2025 has been earmarked and there is now a waiting list. The additional funding will allow more transit users to access financial support through the program.

Woodstock Art Gallery 4^th Floor Renovation

The Woodstock Art Gallery is finalizing funding and plans for the renovation of the fourth floor. The project will support more arts education programming and facility rentals, with the goal of generating revenue and creating an inclusive community space. In 2022, the Gallery received an investment of up to $904,740 from the federal government through the Green and Inclusive Community Building (GICB) grant program. Funding for the project also includes $235,185 from the City and a $100,000 contribution from the Leonard Reeves Foundation. Due to increased construction costs caused by supply chain disruptions and the recent tariffs, the Gallery is continuing to explore additional funding sources through grants and private sector donors. Designs for the space have been developed, and staff will finalize the scope of the project based on the total available funding.

Free Transit on June 14 for Pride Family Day

Council supported a motion from Councillor Martin to offer free transit on Saturday, June 14 in connection with Oxford County Pride Family Day, which takes place from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. in Museum Square. Transit and para-transit service will be free on all routes from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. This gives residents a convenient and accessible way to travel downtown to attend the event, as well as shop or dine at local businesses and restaurants. It will also help to reduce traffic and parking congestion due to the construction downtown.

Details about all the agenda items and topics discussed during the council meeting can be found at www.cityofwoodstock.ca/agendasandminutes. Council meetings are live streamed on the City’s YouTube channel and recordings of the meetings are posted online following the meetings.

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