Highlights from the May 15 Council Meeting

Woodstock – Acting Mayor Liz Wismer-Van Meer chaired this Thursday’s Council meeting, which got underway at 7 p.m. Some of the key decisions and highlights from the meeting include:

Road Construction

In addition to the reconstruction tender for Powell Street, the tender for the annual asphalt program was awarded at Thursday’s meeting. Every year the City completes asphalt resurfacing to preserve roads where the underground infrastructure is in good condition and places surface asphalt for the previous year’s road reconstruction projects. These projects typically take one to two weeks to complete. You can find the list of streets included in the program and the anticipated construction dates at www.cityofwoodstock.ca/roadmaintenance

Transportation Master Plan

Council approved the City’s transportation master plan, a strategic planning document that outlines recommendations and investments to meet the City’s transportation needs as it grows. The master plan examined the City’s current road network, services and policies, sought input from technical agencies like the Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks as well as Oxford County. The proposed recommendations will address operational processes, gaps and safety concerns and proposes policies and investments needed to accommodate the community’s expected growth. The report and appendices can be found on the meeting agenda.

New Special Events Policy

Council approved a new policy for external special events, that introduces comprehensive guidelines for event organizers. Building off processes introduced in 2024, outside organizations looking to host events on City property must complete a special event request form at least 60 days in advance of the event, outlining their needs with respect to garbage, traffic, security and other event logistics. Internal processes have been streamlined, offering event organizers one point of contact that will help them navigate any financial, insurance or regulatory requirements. Details can be found at www.cityofwoodstock.ca/specialeventpermits

Student Civic Awards of Excellence

Council approved the 2025 recipients of the Student Civic Awards of Excellence. These awards are presented each year to students graduating from each of the five Woodstock high schools. The students are nominated by the schools based on their excellence in academics, volunteerism, leadership and for overcoming adversity or serving as a role model to others. This year’s recipients are:

• Maria Eduarda De Nez Nalevaiko – St. Mary’s High School
• Sage Hehar – Huron Park Secondary School
• Chloe Knoll – Woodstock Collegiate Institute
• Eliane Mbombo-Pembe – École Secondaire Catholique Notre-Dame
• Maryam Siddiqui – College Avenue Secondary School

The winners will be invited to a future Council meeting to receive their certificate and $1,000 award.

Sports Wall of Fame Inductions

Council also approved the induction of 16 local athletes, including one curling team, into the Woodstock Sports Wall of Fame. The Sports Wall of Fame was introduced during the opening of the Reeves Community Complex in 1996.

The program highlights outstanding accomplishments by local athletes and coaches. This year’s inductees are:

• Female Athlete: Janet Thompson
• Male Athlete: Kevin Bruder
• Team: 1963 Silver Tankard Ontario Champions
• Builder of Sport: Bill Arthurs
• Historic: Bob McMillan & Bun Brewster
• Lifetime Achievement: Jim Stevens
• Special Recognition: Kyla Rodrigue

The Sports Wall of Fame program is led by the Recreation Advisory Committee. The induction ceremony will take place in September.

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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