Highlights from the Aug. 13 Council Meeting

Thursday’s Council meeting began at 7 p.m. with two community delegations in which Council heard from an individual conveying appreciation for the development of pickleball courts and a second about short-term rentals within the city following which Council to direct staff to bring a report back.

Consideration of Correspondence

Council approved a request from the Woodstock Curling Centre to place temporary lawn signs for a two-week advertising campaign to draw attention to the Centre and its Learn 2 Curl programs.

The Downtown Woodstock BIA shared its support for specific strategies in the Illegal Dumping Motion – Follow Up Report that focused on improving downtown waste management.

Council received a request to consider the implementation of tornado warning sirens. Council asked staff to bring a report back regarding emergency warning systems.

Karn Road Renaming

Council approved a street name change from Karn Road to Bower Hill Road and directed staff to circulate notices to stakeholders and impacted property owners. 

Navy Vet Club Pond Investigation Results

Recommendations from the consultant’s investigation into how to best rectify reduced water levels in the manmade pond that occurred following the construction of the addition at 944 James Street were received. Council authorized the signing of an agreement with the Oxford County Naval Veterans Association to finance the repair of the Navy Vet Club pond with the Club having the work completed. 

Request for Extension for Time to Build

Chugh Global Enterprises was permitted a 6-month extension to build its main building at 653 Alyea Street.

Joint Compliance Audit Committee Appointments 2026-2030

The formation of a Joint Compliance Audit Committee with other Oxford County municipalities was approved by Council and six members were appointed to the committee for the four-year term of 2026-2030.

Illegal Dumping Motion – Follow Up Report

Staff presented six potential strategies to improve waste system compliance, public cleanliness and service coordination for council’s consideration including:

• Ask Oxford County to bring back the higher level of downtown waste service we used to receive.
• Work with Oxford County to improve waste‑related by‑law enforcement and update our by‑law to hold people accountable for improper disposal.
• Meet with the Downtown Woodstock BIA to explore a joint rapid‑cleanup program and report on what it would take to run it.
• Look into options and costs for improving public garbage cans and private waste bins, including better placement, design, and compliance.
• Partner with Oxford County to deliver clear education and outreach so people understand and follow downtown waste rules.
• Continue discussions with Oxford County to clarify responsibilities, align service levels, and secure proper funding for waste management costs.

Council directed staff to report back on all six strategies and to include any associated cost implications. 

Climate Action Plan

Council supported the Woodstock Environmental Advisory Committee’s recommendation to develop and implement a local Climate Action Plan and referred the request to the 2027 Budget discussions.

Bylaws

Council passed an amendment to Traffic By-law #8021-04 that will make downtown parking across the city more convenient. Changes include making parking in downtown municipal parking lots all 3-hours free or pay by permit, app or $2 to a participating business. On-street parking in the downtown is now limited to 3 hours rather than 2. Overnight parking varies by lot. 

For more information about the items above, or any of the other topics discussed during the council meeting, visit www.cityofwoodstock.ca/agendasandminutes. Council meetings are live streamed on the City’s YouTube channel and recordings of the meetings are also posted online following the meetings.

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