A County that works together

• + Future Oxford

  In January 2016, "Future Oxford" was introduced as the independent community partnership that would guide progress on the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan. Originally the name of the community engagement campaign that helped shape the Plan, Future Oxford is working to improve quality of life for current and future generations by balancing our collective economic, community, and environmental interests.

  Community. In April, Future Oxford launched the Oxford County Community Wellbeing Survey to help set targets for the Plan's "Community" goals. The final survey report released in the fall of 2016 gave insight on key themes such as community engagement, accessibility, quality of work, health behaviors and perceptions, and wellbeing perceptions by geographic location. More

  Environment. As part of the Plan's "Environment" goals, Future Oxford, through Reforest Oxford, is facilitating community partnerships that protect and enhance naturalized areas. At present, 260 acres of County-owned floodplain is undergoing a transformation into a wetland that will be home to a new generation of plants, trees and wildlife. More

  Economy. To promote the Plan's "Economy" goals, the Future Oxford Legacy Fund was announced in 2016 to give seed funding to entrepreneurs, businesses and partnerships that are developing new and sustainably economic opportunities that align with the Future Oxford vision. The Legacy Fund is administered by Community Futures Oxford. More

A County that is well connected

• + Transportation Strategy

  In April, Oxford County released "New Directions: Advancing Southwestern Ontario's Public Transportation Opportunities," a tool kit to support southwestern Ontario in advocating for stronger transportation links that contribute to the region's competitiveness and long-term sustainability. Oxford County's Strategic Plan sets out a commitment to being well connected through transportation networks, community access and connectivity.

• + Short line rail strategy

  In the fall of 2016, Oxford County worked with key partners to advocate for the inclusion of short line railways in the federal Transportation 2030 policy, which was released November 2016. Short lines, which carry one-fifth of all rail tonnage in the province, lower costs for industry and provide a more community-based service. A summary of the County's position was released in January 2017 in Empowering Ontario's Short Line Railways.

• + Trans Canada Trail extension

  Construction began in the spring of 2016 on a new recreational trail connecting Tillsonburg with Norfolk County, completing a "missing link" in the Trans Canada Trail system between Tillsonburg through Norwich Township to the Delhi Rail Trail. The project was funded in part by Tillsonburg, Oxford County, and Trans Canada Trail. More

• + Electric Vehicle Accessibility Plan

  In June 2016, Oxford County received funding from the provincial Electric Vehicle Chargers Ontario (EVCO) program to install three electric vehicle chargers at locations in Woodstock and Ingersoll. More

• + SWIFT Funding

  In July 2016, federal and provincial governments announced $180 million dollars in joint funding for the SouthWestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) project to advance ultra-high speed internet connectivity in rural areas of southwestern Ontario. Oxford has been a key supporter of SWIFT, contributing approximately $700,000 over five years to the project. County Warden David Mayberry serves as a member of the Board of Directors and CAO Peter Cockett supports as Secretary to the SWIFT Board of Directors More

A County that thinks ahead and wisely shapes the future

• + 100% Renewable energy plan

  One year after a unanimous decision by County Council to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050, Oxford County released its Draft 100% Renewable Energy Plan in June 2016. The Plan is a guideline for how community, business, government, academic, national and international partners can work together to support Oxford in becoming a "100% RE" community. The plan is modelled on the international Kassel criteria to help local governments move to a 100% RE goal.

• + Zero Waste Plan

  Released in September 2016, the Draft Zero Waste Plan set in motion the planning needed to reduce the amount of waste being produced in, and exported out of, Oxford County. This includes greater recovery from our waste stream and extending the lifespan of the Oxford County Waste Management site to 2100, from the current expected lifespan of 2043. The County's Zero Waste aligns to the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan and to the provincial Ontario Climate Change Action Plan, the Waste Free Ontario Act, 2016 and the Waste Free Ontario Strategy.

• + Healthy food options piloted at arenas

  Oxford County Public Health teamed up with recreation facilities in Blandford-Blenheim and Zorra Townships to offer healthier options at arena concession stands. Fresh smoothies, granola bars, hummus with pretzels and yogurt are some of the foods that were offered in promoting healthy fuel for athletes and spectators alike. More

• + Passive House Building standards

  In 2016, County Council approved funding for the first multi-residential affordable housing project in the County to be built to Passive House performance.

A County that informs and engages

• + 2017 Budget consultation

  Oxford County engaged residents in the budget planning process in 2016 through a new online survey to help gauge the public's service priorities. The survey outlined how property taxes were spent in 2016, and then asked respondents to indicate whether the same services should be enhanced, maintained or reduced. It also asked residents to rate their overall perception of the value received for County tax dollars and how they would like to provide input on future budget consultations. More

• + Woodlands Conservation By-law

  In the fall of 2016, Oxford County began a review of its current Woodlands Conservation By-law adopted in 2004. They by-law supports responsible forestry management practices and environmental stewardship of woodland areas within the County. Public input was key to successfully updating the bylaw, with opportunities for feedback including three public meetings and an online comment form through Speak Up, Oxford! More

• + Building awareness about home visiting

  In November 2016, Oxford County Public Health launched a campaign to increase awareness of its Healthy Babies, Healthy Children home visiting program. The program revitalized its "Instructions not included" campaign to encourage parents and parents-to-be to book a home visit to get help in the comfort of their own home. The program saw a strong increase in call volumes for the program throughout the campaign period. More

• + Septic Smart! launch

  In response to feedback and questions about the Princeton Wastewater Servicing Study and maintaining a septic system, Public Health launched its first workshop under the Septic Smart! Oxford banner in Princeton in September 2016. The education program aims to equip residents with information to help them operate and maintain an environmentally responsible septic system. The Princeton workshop was the first of many that will be held across Oxford County More

A County that performs and delivers results

• + Woodingford Lodge in best practice spotlight

  Woodingford Lodge was selected in 2016 by the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) to work towards becoming a Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO). BPSOs are globally recognized health care organizations selected by the RNAO to implement the highest quality, evidence-based care to residents. More

• + Beachville area air quality assessment final report

  Final results of air sampling in the Beachville area by Oxford County Public Health and Public Health Ontario were released to the public in April 2016. County Council first approved work on the Beachville air quality assessment in 2014 in response to community concerns about air quality. Further air monitoring, the 2017 Oxford Health Matters survey, and ongoing communication with the public are a part of the County's continuing efforts to provide better information about "dust events" occurring in the Beachville area. More

• + Water services program highlights

  Oxford County's new low-flow fixture rebate program conserved an estimated 3,000 m3 of water over the course of a year, equivalent to the annual water use of 17-20 homes. The 2016 program provided cash rebates to water customers who replaced old, inefficient toilets or washing machines with new water efficient models. More

  With the sale of Woodstock Hydro to Hydro One, water and wastewater billing for Woodstock residents was transitioned to ERTH Solutions last spring. Residents were able to enroll in electronic billing and a pre-authorized payment plan as part of the transition. More

  Oxford County's water meter program saw 11,810 installations of new or upgraded water meters and meter reading equipment across the County in 2016. The new equipment allows water meters to be read via radio signal, creating a more efficient system of data collection. New water meters for the smaller water systems will now see the users billed for their water usage, rather than a flat fee, which will reward water conservation. More

• + Tourism Oxford's Cheese Trail tastes victory

  Oxford County's Cheese Trail is a slice above the rest after capturing the Ontario Culinary Tourism Leadership Award of Excellence. The award recognizes the significant contribution of the Cheese Trail to the province's culinary tourism industry. More

• + Kitchen lending library

  Oxford County Library unveiled a new lending program in 2016 that gives home cooks access to kitchen tools, gadgets, and small appliances. The program is geared towards people with limited kitchen space or those who would like to try an appliance before buying. Oxford County Library's latest unique collection is helping to foster a love of home cooking through healthy, affordable meals. More

A County that employs people who make a positive difference

• + Music and Memories

  Music can play a powerful role in people's lives. In 2016, Woodingford Lodge looked at the impact of its Music & MemorySM program, which uses music to help improve responsive behaviours and quality of life while reducing medication use. The program, which depends on a high rate of staff participation to be successful, is showing how personalized music can make a difference for those living with Alzheimer's disease, other types of dementia, physical limitations, or depression and anxiety. In November 2016, Woodingford Lodge shared its program results and new program video with peers at a research forum in Toronto. More

• + Oxford Grows

  Human Resources launched its first ever corporate learning and development program in 2016. "Oxford Grows" offers a wide range of courses and workshops to support personal and professional development, while also contributing to the creation of a workforce that is involved, proud and committed to Oxford County. More

• + Flexible work arrangements

  A new Flexible Work Arrangements program for Oxford County employees was announced in October 2016. The program gives employees an opportunity to apply for various arrangements that include compressed schedule, banking hours and flex time, among others. The program supports the County's ability to retain and attract staff as it continues to grow as an organization that employs people who make a positive difference.

• + 360 assessments for management team

  Human Resources began "360 assessments" for directors, managers and supervisors last year as a method to guide personal leadership development. Unlike traditional performance reviews, which typically rely on feedback from a single source, 360 assessments gather information from a variety of individuals, providing a more fulsome, rounded pictures of a leader's competencies.