Highlights from the Aug. 14 Council Meeting

Woodstock – Thursday’s Council meeting began at 7 p.m. following a closed session. Mayor Acchione opened the meeting by declaring September Terry Fox Month in honour of the 45th anniversary of the Terry Fox Run on Sept. 14, 2025. In addition to several planning matters, the following items were also on the agenda:

Program registration for non-residents

Council approved a new policy that will give Woodstock residents seven days to sign up for City-run camps and recreation programs before registration opens for non-residents. Demand for recreation programs is continuing to increase as the community grows, and camps and swimming lessons in particular are at capacity. Staff reviewed participation rates from July 2024 to July 2025 and found 17 per cent of camp and recreation program registrations and 23 per cent of aquatics registrations were non-residents. The policy ensures residents who pay taxes towards recreation amenities have the opportunity to access these programs first. Aquatics leadership courses such as High Five training and first aid, which are not currently at capacity, are not included in the policy. Staff will continue to monitor registration numbers for non-residents over the next year and will consider implementing additional fees for non-residents in the future.

Update on waste collection changes

Council also received an update on upcoming changes to curbside waste collection for Oxford County and the City of Woodstock.

• Green Bin Program: The City will begin collecting organic waste in January 2026 as part of the County’s new green bin program. Containers and information packages will be distributed to residents this fall.
• Collection Schedule: Oxford County is also moving to a six-day rotating collection schedule for both curbside garbage and organics collection. The new schedule will begin in Woodstock in January 2026.
• Recycling: Curbside recycling collection will no longer be a municipal responsibility with the Province rolling out changes to transfer responsibility to producers of recyclable materials. Starting in 2026, curbside recycling service in Woodstock will be provided by a third-party contractor. While discussions are ongoing, the intent is to align the new program with the current collection approach.

City and County staff are collaborating on a communications plan to keep residents informed throughout the transition. The County recently introduced a new Wasteline newsletter to raise awareness about the changes. More information is also available on their Speak Up, Oxford! website at www.oxfordcounty.ca/new-waste-collection. Information and updates from the City will be shared at www.cityofwoodstock.ca/waste, in What’s On Woodstock magazine and on social media.

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.