Highlights from the Oct. 16 Council Meeting

Woodstock – Thursday’s Council meeting began just after 7 p.m. following a closed session. In addition to two planning matters relating to a zone change and minor variance, the items of note include:

2026 Fees and Charges

Council approved the list of Fees and Charges for 2026. The fees are for programs and services including but not limited to recreational programming, permits, freedom of information requests, equipment rentals, advertising opportunities, facility rentals and corporate services. These typically come for approval in October as they inform the preparation of the following year’s operating budget. The updated fees will come into effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Industrial Land Sale

Council approved the sale of 8 acres of land off Alyea Street fronting highway 401 to The Handy Bros. to expand the company’s territory in southwestern Ontario. The proposed new building will be used for warehousing parts and supplies and administrative staff for the HVAC company as well as light fabrication to support operations. The expansion is expected to create about 25 jobs initially, with room for growth.

In 2016, the City purchased the former George Alyea farm and has since invested in the property to ready it for industrial development. Eighty-five acres were put on the market through a public tendering process in 2023. Proceeds from these sales will help fund the development of future business parks.

Fire Radio Infrastructure

Council authorized the replacement of the emergency backup power systems used for the City’s radio infrastructure. The backup power system ensure the City’s radios, used by the Fire Department, Woodstock Police, Transit, Parks and Public Works departments to conduct business across multiple sites throughout Woodstock, remain undamaged and operational during power disturbances.

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.