2 Zorra Now | Spring 2026 Zorra Now | Spring 2026 3 Message from the Mayor As I wrote in the Winter Zorra Now, you may have recently noticed much more work going on at the former Cold Springs site in Thamesford. As I write this, concrete pipes have arrived on site to begin underground (water and wastewater and storm sewer) servicing. 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 St. Patrick Street to the Wildcat loop. This development will eventually bring new services and tax base to benefit the entire Township. There is a municipal election this fall. Are you on the voters list? Make sure at: https:/www. registertovoteon.ca/ As we head into the 2026 municipal election, think about what you want for Zorra and Oxford. Our community has achieved great things: • Pedestrian safety and traffic calming in villages • Stopping high speed rail • Stopping a dump • Thamesford and Embro splash pads • Managing through COVID • Reduced farm tax ratio • Unprecedented Oxford planning policy to protect farmland and green spaces through intensification targets • 100% renewable Zorra Maintenance Facility • New Zorra Municipal Centre with a childcare • The Maple Leaf / Kingwood redevelopment in Thamesford - 1000 units mixed, trail, sprawl reduction, economic development, no tax impact • New Thamesford public school And over that same time there were three years (2019, 20, 21) where Council(s) delivered a reduction in tax rate, and two more where the increase was less than inflation. None of this can be accomplished without residents engaging with Council on what they want for the future of Zorra and Oxford. For the remainder of the term, Council will continue to do our part towards a vibrant, prosperous, engaged, and environmentally conscious community for the future. #doingourpart #growingstrongertogether As always, feel free to contact me on any issue. 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: Alycia Wettlaufer, Deputy Clerk/Legislative Coordinator Township of Zorra 163 Brock Street, PO Box 189 Thamesford, ON N0M 2M0 Ph. 519-425-2305 Toll Free 1-888-699-3868 awettlaufer@zorra.ca www.zorra.ca COMMUNITY EVENTS & SERVICES MAGAZINE 4 Township Department Information 14 2026 Municipal Election 18 Staff Updates 22 Township & Community Contacts In this issue... 26 Township Community Information 26 Thamesford Lions Celebrate 65 Years 30 The "Greats of Zorra" Project Oxford Reads Get ready to vote! The 2026 Oxford Reads Shortlist is available at www.oxfordreads.ca. Explore the nominated titles and help choose Oxford County’s next great read. Ox on the Run Did you know that Ox on the Run stops in Kintore every other Friday? Pick up your holds, browse our collection, or ask us for tech help. May 1, 10:00-11:30 May 15, 10:00-11:30 May 29, 10:00-11:30 June 12, 10:00-11:30 Harrington Branch Wednesday, June 3 – 7:00 p.m. in Harrington Hall Seniors in Food Crisis organizer Jayna Hendren will be coming to speak at the Harrington branch about her organization and how the community can partner with to assist seniors in need. Thamesford Branch STEAM Club for ages 7+ Visit the library to play with robots, build with Lego and complete STEAM-based crafts and activities. Superhero Science - Tuesday, May 5, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Crafty Codebreaking - Tuesday, May 19, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Don’t forget our Summer Reading Club starts in June. All OCL branches will feature special performers, crafts, and other activities all summer long. For up-to-date library information and hours call your local branch or visit DISCOVER YOUR OXFORD COUNTY LIBRARY July 10, 10:00-11:30 July 24, 10:00-11:30 August 7, 10:00-11:30 August 21, 10:00-11:30 For up-to-date library information and hours call your local branch or visit ocl.net. Feature Story What's In A Name? 20
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