A County that works together

• + Building solutions to the housing crisis

  On February 7, Oxford County hosted an information session for municipalities and their community and business partners to explore solutions to the housing crisis. Housing: Let’s Get Into It was a full-day information session and workshop featuring speakers Jennifer Keesmaat, Graham Cubitt, Ryan Berlin and Lana Sim. With a focus on small urban and rural communities, participants explored how education and planning can help find the ideal range and mix of housing supply. Their ideas were captured in a toolkit published in March. Read more

• + Lifting people out of poverty

  In September 2019 Oxford County began its search for local partners for Circles, an intensive 18-24-month project designed to help lift County residents out of poverty. Aligned with the County’s Draft Zero Poverty Plan, it breaks down barriers and connects those needing assistance with middle-class support allies. Information about Circles is online at www.oxfordcountycircles.ca. Read more

• + New laneway signage supports Oxford farmers

  A new laneway signage for farmers supports them in selling locally-grown produce directly to customers. Launched in March 2019 under the Oxford Fresh banner, the innovative program helps advertise businesses and makes them easier to locate, with the aim of further strengthening Oxford’s local economy. The initiative is a partnership between Tourism Oxford and the Oxford County Federation of Agriculture. Read more

A County that is well connected

• + Progress on expanded high-speed Internet in Oxford

  In March 2019, to continue the goal of better Internet connectivity for underserved rural homes and businesses, County Council reinvested in SouthWestern Integrated Fibre Technology’s (SWIFT), setting the stage for the $8.2-million investment in Oxford announced March 2020. The County has been a key supporter of SWIFT over the past five years, investing $704,239 in that time with a return of nearly 12 to 1. Read more

• + Transportation Master Plan to 2038 and beyond

  After two years of extensive community consultation, Oxford County Council received the Master Transportation Plan for review and comment on April 24, 2019. Designed to guide the County’s strategy for safe, efficient and sustainable transportation infrastructure to 2038, the multi-modal plan focuses on all modes of transportation, including walking, cycling, public transportation, automobiles and motorcycles. The plan also supports provisions for freight/goods movement, agricultural mobility, corridor access management and low carbon transportation. Read more

• + Grand opening for Ingersoll’s Douglas Carr Trail

  May 11, 2019 marked the opening of the new Douglas Carr Trail in Ingersoll. Providing a safe cycling route between the CAMI Assembly Plant and other nearby employers to neighbouring residential areas, the project was supported by the Oxford County Cycling Advisory Committee and Ingersoll Safe Cycling Committee. It aligns with the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan and the County’s transportation strategy. Read more

A County that thinks ahead and wisely shapes the future

• + Comprehensive Review Study reveals continued growth

  The Phase 1 Comprehensive Review Study, adopted by County Council in April 2020, forecasts continued strong growth in population, households and employment in Oxford over the next 30 years. The study forecasts population growth from approximately 114,000 in 2016 to 161,000 by 2046, with most of the increase expected to occur in Woodstock, Tillsonburg, Ingersoll and the County’s serviced rural villages. Read more

• + Managed Forest Plan updated

  In June 2019 County Council was updated on Oxford’s comprehensive 20-year Managed Forest Plan. The plan deals with three primary objectives: generating a sustainable supply of forest products and revenue from those products; managing forests to guard against flooding and erosion while protecting source water; and providing opportunities opportunities for recreation partnerships and wildlife habitat. Read more

• + Partnering on the Province’s environmental plan

  Drawing on its demonstrated environmental leadership and action-- including commitments to zero waste, 100% renewable energy and low carbon transportation-- Oxford County submitted a response to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks environmental plan as a public report: Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan: Partnership Opportunities. In the January report, Oxford outlined opportunities for municipalities to pursue environmental projects in innovative ways that connect with Ontarians. Read the report

A County that informs and engages

• + Third annual gathering to celebrate Indigenous culture

  As part of Doors Open, Oxford County’s Indigenous Advisory Committee hosted its third annual free drop-in event in October to celebrate Indigenous culture in the region. With children’s activities, performances and exhibits, the function provided opportunities to learn about N’Amerind Friendship Centre, Native Women’s Centre and local Metis Councils. It offered perspectives and networking opportunities to explore Indigenous culture and traditions. Read more

• + “Ox on the Run” brings Oxford County Library programming to communities

  In June, Oxford County Library announced its new mobile outreach unit, Ox on the Run, and mascot Ollie. Visiting fairs, festivals, parks, pools, seniors’ residences and more in the summer and early autumn, the unit offers Internet access, free online resources, workshops and demonstrations like robotics and e-learning and books. The pilot project tested the feasibility and interest in bringing Oxford County Library’s resources to those not always able to access the local library because of lack of transportation options or ability to visit during regular operating hours. Read more

• + Giving the community a say on the proposed draft water bylaw

  In committing to “inform and engage” its citizens, Oxford County is committing to listening openly and with receptiveness to new or different ideas. Community consultation for the proposed draft water by-law from September to December 2019 drew the largest public response of the year, soliciting hundreds of comments, letters and survey submissions. The original consultation period was extended to allow for continued dialogue, with the County maintaining robust “questions and answers,” providing background materials to help the public understand key changes, and publicly posting the concerns expressed. The comprehensive feedback collected for this initiative ultimately informed Council’s decision not to adapt the draft water by-law, demonstrating that the engagement process was underpinned by openness, transparency, and an effort to ensure Oxford’s citizens were heard. Read more

A County that performs and delivers results

• + Opening of Blossom Park multi-residential complex

  August 2019 marked the opening of Indwell’s Blossom Park, a 61-unit supportive housing complex in Woodstock that has been five years in the making. The development offers a mix of both low-support housing, for adults who live independently and can manage their daily living needs, and high-support housing for people who live independently but also require mental health and other supports. Oxford County supported the project through $1,026,475 in total funding in 2018 and 2019, with another $1,573,461 provided through federal and provincial funding. Construction of a 24-unit senior housing project on the Woodingford Lodge-Woodstock site also commenced in 2019, with an expected opening in 2021

• + Woodingford’s Family Transition Program first of its kind in Canada

  In spring 2019, to help alleviate stress, depression and other behaviours related to moving into long-term care, a team at Oxford County’s Woodingford Lodge launched an innovative new transition program to support future residents and their families. The first of its kind in Canada, the Family Transition Program helps adults waiting for permanent placement into long-term care adjust to the experience before their first day of admission. Read more

• + Best Practice Spotlight Organization designation to Woodingford Lodge

  In May 2019 Oxford County’s Woodingford Lodge became one of only 22 long-term care Ontario organizations to be designated a Best Practice Spotlight Organization (BPSO) by the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario’s (RNAO). To achieve this, Woodingford Lodge implemented best practice guidelines in person and family-centred care; pain management; and preventing and addressing abuse and neglect of older adults. Read more

A County that employs people who make a positive difference

• + Oxford County paramedic recognized with provincial award for bravery

  In October, Oxford County Paramedic Joseph Vandermeer received the Ontario Award for Paramedic Bravery. The prestigious honour recognizes paramedics displaying exceptional acts of courage either on-the-job or off-duty in the face of grave, personal danger. Joseph and his partner pulled a woman to safety along Highway 401 in Woodstock in June. Read more

• + Tourism Oxford a crowd-pleasing winner at Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence

  October 30 was a night to remember for Tourism Oxford, with prestigious honours at the 2019 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence for Culinary Tourism Event of the Year for Big Cheese Days and the Sustainable Tourism Award for a large organization. The first award recognizes Ontario-based festivals or events demonstrating commitment to showcasing local food and drink, while the second recognized Tourism Oxford’s efforts to educate consumers about green travel in the county and develop green tourism products like trail and outdoor maps, cycling routes and local food promotion. Read more

• + Take Our Kids to Work Day

  Oxford County’s centralized activities for national Take Our Kids to Work Day allow grade nine students to tour and observe many different County careers, encompassing paramedics, long-term care, waste management, water treatment, library and more. Human Resources moved to a centralized model for this popular day to provide meaningful workplace exposure for students and to inspire future generations of County employees. Read more