Highlights from the March 19 Council Meeting

Council Highlights for the March 19 meeting

Thursday’s Council meeting got underway at 7 p.m. and began with two community delegations related to matters for consideration on the agenda.

Council heard a local business owner who shared their support for a review of parking in the downtown.

Council also heard from a deputant regarding a zoning bylaw amendment application for lands at 30 Ridgeway Circle to be rezoned to facilitate the development of an animal crematorium.

Consideration of Planning Reports

Council approved a zone change application for lands at Vansittart and Devonshire avenues to facilitate a medical clinic on the lands.

Council approved, in principle, a zone change application for lands at 30 Ridgeway Circle to be rezoned to facilitate the development of an animal crematorium and that the Zoning Amendment Bylaw be prepared to provide a definition of an animal crematorium that excludes livestock and other animals.  

Consideration of Correspondence

Council received a request for correspondence consideration from the Downtown Woodstock BIA requesting that a downtown parking review be completed of which Council referred the request to staff for a report.  

A request from the Woodstock Recreation Advisory Committee to run a lawn sign campaign for the Recreation and Leisure Fair was approved.

2026 Budget Presentation

Council received a presentation from Downtown Woodstock BIA representatives for its 2026 Budget presentation.

2026 Reserve Fund (Operating) Budget Approval

Council approved the 2026 Reserve Fund Budget, as amended, at $88,140,039 which is a 6.99 per cent increase over 2025. This results in a residential property tax rate increase of 4.11 per cent of which 1.08 per cent represents Woodstock Police Services, 2.86 percent for City costs and 0.17 per cent for Library costs. The overall 4.11 per cent tax increase means the average single family detached household (assessed value $271,125) will see an increase of $132.86 for this portion of their property taxes.  

Award of Tender

The tender for reconstruction of Wellington Street North, Canterbury Street and Grace Street was awarded.

Donation for Southside Scoreboards & Minor Ball Improvements

With Council’s approval, a ball diamond capital project will be created, and up to $100,000 from a donation will be placed in the Ball Diamond Reserve Fund. The donation will fund two scoreboards for the Southside east and west diamonds, with any remaining funds used for improving minor ball fields.

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.