Zorra-Now-Winter 2025-Web

2 Zorra Now | Winter 2025 Zorra Now | Winter 2025 3 Message from the Mayor It’s hard to believe, but there is only one year left in this term of Council. It has been a challenging three years and four budgets to govern through but that is the job Council signed up for. Housing and homelessness, and uncertain economic times have been challenging and caused huge pressure on budgets, as I’m sure you know from your own household budget. The Zorra 2025 approved budget results in a $56 increase for the average residential property. A tax rate increase of 3.1%. A significant portion of this increase is due to increased OPP costs which we have no say in, but were “limited” by the Province to a maximum of 11%(!). This budget continues to increase service levels in recreation and transportation, and our firefighters continue to do their great work. The Oxford 2025 approved budget results in an $74 increase for the average residential property. A tax rate increase of 5.4%. Half of this increase is due to paramedic services, long term care, and public health. All of which are in my opinion provincial health care and should be funded by sales and income tax, not property tax. If you add in housing (which in every other province is NOT funded by property taxes) that jumps to 65% of the increase. Without those it would be a 2% increase. You may have recently noticed much more work going on at the former Cold Springs site in Thamesford. Earth moving has begun to get ready to begin servicing the site which will allow building construction to begin. Some of the first parts of the development to begin are things that all Zorra residents can use: the new school with extra large recreation facilities that can be booked through Zorra, and a connecting trail all along the property from Dundas to the Wildcat loop. This last budget of the term and the work on the new site in Thamesford is doing our part towards a vibrant, prosperous, engaged, and environmentally conscious community for the future. Marcus Ryan Mayor, Zorra Township (and Warden, Oxford County) email: mryan@zorra.ca Phone: 1.519.425.2338 Zorra Now Magazine is published electronically and paper copies are available at all Township Facilities. If you have any questions or comments or would like to advertise in the magazine, please contact: Karen Martin, Director of Corporate & Protective Services Township of Zorra 163 Brock Street, PO Box 189 Thamesford, ON N0M 2M0 Ph. 519-425-2305 Toll Free 1-888-699-3868 kmartin@zorra.ca www.zorra.ca COMMUNITY EVENTS & SERVICES MAGAZINE 4 Township Department Information 17 Local Government Week 18 Long Service Awards 19 Superior Tanker Shuttle Accreditation 24 Township & Community Contacts In this issue... 28 Township Community Information 29 Identifying Historic “Greats of Zorra” 31 Thamesford Lions Cool Stuff to Borrow Oxford County Library has a collection called Cool Stuff to Borrow , everything from ukuleles and day-use park passes to metal detectors, radon monitors, projectors and kitchen gadgets. Ask about it at your local branch or visit www.ocl.net/borrow-and- learn/cool-stuff-to-borrow to learn more! Local History Curious about Oxford County’s past? Visit our website to explore historic photos, community stories, newspaper indexes, local directories, and more. If you’re interested in researching your own heritage, you can also access Ancestry Library Edition for free at your local branch. Online Resource – UniversalClass Start off the new year with over 6 00 courses with online resource, UniversalClass . Pick up new skills and earn Continuing Education Units in everything from computer skills and candle making to finance and feng shui. Learners can audit courses for fun or complete courses to earn CEUs and certificates. Discover your Oxford County Library For up-to-date library information, hours and program details, call your local branch or visit www.ocl.net OPPAuxiliary 22 Zorra PublicWorks Replaces 23rd Line Culvert 34