Highlights from the Sept. 17 Council Meeting

Thursday’s Council meeting got underway at 7 p.m. and began with a presentation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oxford County, proclaiming September as Big Brothers Big Sisters Month in the City of Woodstock.

The following items were included on the agenda:

Forthcoming Official Plan and Zoning By-law Updates

Council received an update from Oxford County about upcoming changes to the Official Plan and Zoning By-law. Council directed City staff to begin updating the City’s planning documents to reflect these changes.

Consideration of Correspondence - Request to Review the Name of Indian Road

Council directed staff to prepare a report regarding possible new names for Indian Road in consultation with Indigenous communities, impacted property owners and occupants, and other applicable agencies.

Proposed Timelines for the 2027 Capital and Operating Budget

Council received the proposed timelines for the 2027 Capital and Operating Budget. The schedule has been adjusted due to the municipal election, legislative requirements, and the Strong Mayor Powers Framework.

Key dates in the 2027 Budget process include:

• January 11, 2027 Distribution of Mayor Proposed 2027 Capital & Operating Budget and Start of Council Review Period
• Thursday, January 14, 2027 (Regular Council meeting) Capital and Operating Budget Overview Presentation
• Tuesday, January 19, 2027 (Special meeting) Operating/Capital Budget Review
• Thursday, January 21, 2027 (Special meeting) Operating Budget Review
• Tuesday, January 25, 2027 (Special meeting) Operating Budget Review
• Thursday, January 28, 2027 (Special meeting) Police Board, Library Board and Art Gallery Advisory Board Budget Overview
• Thursday, February 4, 2027 (Regular Council meeting) Council Votes to Amend Operating and Capital Budget with Majority 
• Wednesday, February 10, 2027 End of Council 30-day Review Period 

10 days after budget is passed - Mayor can veto any amendments made by Council.

15 days after veto period ends Council can vote to override vetoes with a 2/3 vote. 

Budget is deemed adopted.

Request for Additional Funding for Winter Lights Market

Council approved $15,000 from interest earned on OLG Slot Funding be used to help prepare the vacant, city-owned building at 478-484 Dundas Street for a new Winter Lights Market. An additional $15,000 from the Economic Development department’s existing 2026 budget will also support the project.

The Winter Lights Market will be an indoor holiday market featuring local vendors, live entertainment and activities from the Museum, Art Gallery, and Downtown BIA. It will be open on the night of the Lighting of Museum Square and Santa Claus Parade, as well as from Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 17-19.

New Business – Electric Kick-Scooters and Other Micromobility Devices

Council discussed and approved Councillor Lauder’s motion to invite the Woodstock Police Service to provide a presentation on electric kick-scooters and micromobility devices including legal status, public safety risks, enforcements challenges and local trends or concerns.

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.