Highlights from the March 5 Council Meeting

Council Highlights for the March 5, 2026 meeting 

Thursday’s Council meeting got underway at 1:30 p.m. and began with a community delegation. 

Council received correspondence from the Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club as they would like to place signage throughout the city to bring awareness to the team-building opportunities that the not-for-profit group has available to residents and businesses. Subject to staff input on logistics, such as best locations, Council agreed to allow lawn signs to be placed on city property for about two weeks to help the Lawn Bowling Club promote its services.  

2026 Budget Presentations

The Art Gallery Board, Library Board and Police Board each presented their 2026 Operating Budget to Council.

The overall draft City of Woodstock 2026 operating budget proposes a tax rate increase for the city’s base budget at 2.9 per cent, which represents an increase of $93.76 on the property tax bill for the average single family detached household. If Council approves all additional requests being put forward, the tax change would increase to 6.81 per cent or $220.40 for the average single family detached household.

The final budget will be presented for adoption at the March 19 Council meeting. 

Waiving Transit Fares during the 2026 Election

To increase accessibility and support voter participation, Council approved to waive transit fares on Voting Day (October 26, 2026) for the Municipal and School Board Elections.

 Woodstock Fire Department Annual Report – 2025

Council received the Woodstock Fire Department’s (WFD) Annual Report for 2025, which outlined that there was a marked increase in fire responses, however, call volume was slightly decreased. The WFD continues to focus on completing legislative requirements, public education and training for technical rescue certifications while continuing to provide reliable emergency response and fire protection services for the city.