Remembrance Day at Woodstock Cenotaph

November / December issue of What's On Woodstock magazine includes Nov. 11 agenda

By Mark Schadenberg

Both of my parents were children during the Second World War and both immigrated to Canada after that conflict ended.

I don’t often talk about it, but my Dad was an orphan after the war so he decided to start his adult life in southern Ontario – moving from Germany. My Mom grew up in The Netherlands, but has lived here for more than 60 years.

It’s thoughts about World War II, including watching movies such as Saving Private Ryan, that instill in me the feelings of heroes – both wartime survivors and those dying for their country.

Above picture from Legion Branch 55's Facebook page

Attending the Remembrance Day Ceremony annually at the Cenotaph in Victoria Park in Woodstock is just one way to recall the days of yesteryear – to see a parade of wreaths, listen to the benedictions and poems, admire those gathering wearing a poppy as more than just a symbol, standing quietly as the Harvards fly over, listening to the bugle, and looking at the names etched on the memorial to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Oxford County had many war heroes – young adults who lost the opportunity to raise a family and grow old.

As organized by the City Of Woodstock special events department and the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 55 and Oxford County Naval Veterans Association, the Remembrance Day ceremony begins on Nov. 11 at 10:30 a.m. with a solemn wreaths laying and a Colour Party parade. Following the national anthem just before 11 a.m., the event’s official itinerary begins with a moment of silence.

The What’s On Woodstock magazine (November edition) feature on this annual service, notes the presence of veteran Al Badger at the ceremony and the fact the amazing Mr. Badger celebrated his 100^th birthday on Oct. 4.

Be sure to attend the Remembrance Day ceremony of 2022 at the corner of Buller and Graham streets to remember our heroes, including Oxford County’s Tyler Todd who was killed in Afghanistan on April 11, 2010 at the age of 26. Todd, who was killed by a land mine, was a member of the Princess Patricia’s Light Infantry unit, grew up in Bright and graduated from Woodstock’s Huron Park Secondary School.

This year in Victoria Park, I will be keeping personal extra thought for another Woodstock story -- also a veteran of Afghanistan (Serving there in 2009) -- who died in March of 2022 at the age of 36. (Yes, in this current calendar year.) He courageously served our country in the Canadian Armed Forces for a dozen years, had trained earlier at Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Gagetown, N.B., had earned the ranking of Master Corporal, and was a father of 3 children. RIP Andrew. 

If you are unable to attend, watch the blessings, the reciting of ‘In Flanders Fields’, and the parade of veterans and dignitaries – to be broadcast on Rogers TV.

Additional items in the What’s On Woodstock magazine November edition include:

Who is Kerry Jarvi and what is her role in Downtown Woodstock?

Quick look at details on the Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 4 and the CP Holiday Train on Nov. 30.

Lighting of Musuem Square for Christmas is set for Nov. 18.

Information on a special promotion for a 2-month South Gate Centre membership.

Safety tips for your household Christmas tree and for carbon monoxide.

Local history looks back at a fire on Christmas Day in 1942.

Dates and times for free public skating in November and December.

What is the High Five program in children’s recreation and leisure

Winter programs at the Woodstock library, art gallery and museum.

A synopsis of Woodstock Transit schedules and the para-transit program.

LINKS:

www/cityofwoodstock.ca

https://www.heartfm.ca/news/local-news/poppy-campaign-underway-in-woodstock/

https://legion.ca/remembrance/the-poppy-campaign

TVDSB to build in Havelock Corners

A new Woodstock school !

Finally, a new Woodstock school !

The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB.on.ca) issued a press release in December of 2021 announcing some basic parameters for a brand new JK - 8 public school in Woodstock. The brand new construction would be designed for 660 students with a small component for an in-house daycare (Pre-school).

The school would be appearing in the Havelock Corners subdivision. The TVDSB has been placing many children on a bus to Hickson Public School for many years and after conducting a thorough accommodation review of existing schools in the Friendly City, the board is finally prepared to move forward. 

In the world of waiting for bread crumbs, the even bigger announcement had to wait until last week (Oct. 27) when the school board hosted a virtual public meeting to reveal the exact location (It truly was not a secret when you look at the subdivision maps) and architects 'basic concept drawings' as prepared by JP Thomson Architects based in Windsor.  

The land parcel is about 8 acres and the final construction costs will be in the range of $17.5 million.

As we realize, Woodstock is growing quickly and by the time this school opens its doors, we could have a population above 50,000.  Dividing 660 by 10 grades results in a quick math of 66 students per grade or 3 classrooms for each age. I would hope that the land set aside in the Havelock Corners subdivision (see map) will be large enough as the city moves eastward through the former Woodstock Meadows golf course and then farther east to County Road 4.

The Design Stage for the yet-to-be-named school was approved through a process committee. I would expect an exact ingredient list will be modified before backhoes arrive as technology, a gymnasium, library, accessibility concerns, and other amenities will be analyzed and shuffled, rectified, re-drawn and re-considered before the blueprints are finalized.

In London, meanwhile, the TVDSB has witnessed a controversy at 5-year-old school Sir Arthur Currie in the northwest of the Forest City as it was built for 530 pupils but as the area grew quickly enrollment is now 950, so the newish elementary learning building on Buroak Drive has a dozen portables already.

As the weeks transpire and new press releases reveal more details, I'm hoping there will be a name-the-school contest open to everyone in Woodstock to participate in. Do you have any ideas? I certainly do, but I will keep my wish name quiet for now. 

TVDSB Original Announcement For Woodstock

Posted: Tuesday, December 7, 2021

New school in Woodstock announced

The Ministry of Education has announced funding for a new elementary school and child care centre in north Woodstock. 

“This is great news for students, families and community members in Oxford County,” said Thames Valley Education Director Mark Fisher. “This is a major milestone for the community, and we are very excited to support Woodstock with a much-needed elementary school and licensed child care facility.”

The $17.5-million project includes a new school for 660 pupils, and a five-room child care centre for 88 infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

“The recent Attendance Area Review that was approved by Trustees helped to balance enrolment at existing schools in Woodstock, paving the way for approval of this new school,” said TVDSB Board Chair Lori-Ann Pizzolato, who praised Oxford Trustees Barb Yeoman and Graham Hart for their leadership and community engagement during the review. 

“We are so pleased with Ministry of Education’s support for our students and their families,” added Chair Pizzolato.

The project is part of a provincewide investment of more than $600 million to support new school and child care spaces that were recently announced by Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. 

“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made safer schools a priority, which is why we continue to invest in modern and accessible learning spaces with improved ventilation,” said Minister Lecce. “This investment is part of our multi-year plan to build, expand, and update schools and child care spaces across our province. It will leave a lasting legacy that benefits working families for years to come.”

“The new north Woodstock elementary school is great news for our community,” said Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford. “This investment will provide choice and flexibility for families and new opportunities for the children of north Woodstock.”  

LINKS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WaXt-qvsnw   

https://www.tvdsb.ca/en/our-board/new-woodstock-school.aspx

https://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/news/new-public-school-announced-for-north-woodstock

https://www.tvdsb.ca/en/woodstock-attendance-area-review.aspx

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/arthur-currie-school-portables-1.6040904

Note: The pictures here were originally posted on Facebook last week by 

Susannah Wopereis of Woodstock by snipping shots from the virtual meeting.  

Woodstock Meadows subdivision as proposed

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Thanks again for re-electing Mark Schadenberg

to Woodstock City Council

Contact me at (519) 532-2068 or 537-1553

Email: mschadenberg@cityofwoodstock.ca

 

Oct. 24 was election day

I'm proud to be 1 of 7 members of City Council for the next 4 years with Jerry Acchione to be the next Mayor

The 2022 municipal elections have been completed and with 23 people running for 7 positions on Woodstock City Council, the electorate has decided who will serve in The Friendly City for the next 4 years.

I want to take this moment to thank everyone who assisted in my campaign as a 4th place finish among 13 City-only prospects has resulted in yours truly getting re-elected. Kate Leatherbarrow had the most votes, while Liz Wismer-VanMeer and Connie Lauder are also set to sit on City Council. Lauder, who has been acting mayor since February without additional renumeration, is the star in my books as she has been required to make dozens of public appearances with a speech in hand and has also participated in Oxford County Council.

Not to take the thunder away from the new mayor, but it was 2-term council member Jerry Acchione prevailing in a race of 6 as David Hilderley was 2nd in tabulation and Anthony Scalisi was 3rd. The remaining members in the competition were now-former-mayor Trevor Birtch, plus Peter Croves and Henry Biro.

The top two vote collectors in the City / County ballots were newcomer Bernia Wheaton and veteran council member Deb Tait.

After more than 30 years of service, Sandra Talbot was unable to hold her seat at the dual City / County forums. Talbot played in an integral role in many decisions over the past 4 decades (90s, 00s, 10s, 20s), and to note her impressive resume, I will print here her personal description as submitted to The Sentinel-Review  . . . 

SANDRA TALBOT

Three years as a city councillor, 29.5 years as a city-county councillor and stints as deputy mayor and Oxford County’s deputy warden. I have also been a past board member for Woodstock Hospital; Southwestern public health, police services, the library, the art gallery, the Woodstock Museum, the Woodstock Downtown BIA, the committee of adjustment, the planning committee, the fire services committee, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority; the Local Architectural Conservation advisory committee; the sister city committee, the agricultural society and the Woodstock District Chamber of Commerce.

Sandra Talbot has had a stellar career of contributions, dedication and love for her hometown. She deserves to be recognized at the last council meeting of this term on Nov. 4 with a standing ovation.

CEREMONY

The newly elected group of 7 will have its inauguration on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

The official first meeting will be Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.

However, the work begins well before then with Oxford County orientation at noon on Nov. 8. I saved my book from 2018 and look forward to chatting with the 4 other new mayors from around the county. I have talked many times already with new Ingersoll mayor Brian Petrie as we are both on the UTRCA board of directors.

A full-day of learning for all on Woodstock City Council is Nov. 9. It could also be called an orientation as background details will be explored on all topics currently on the council's agenda / horizon, including how budget timetables evolve.  The first capital budget session for the 2023 balance sheet is on Nov. 22. As I have stated previously, Woodstock implements a 5-year rolling budget on capital projects (new buildings, renovations and additions, streets, fleet vehicles, technology, etc, etc.), but only the 2023 plan is approved and the remaining 4 years are a guideline.

I look forward to the next 4 years, and once again thank everyone for showing support in me at the ballot box. I will add that election day was nervous times -- calm numbness for sure for me -- as I and all candidates stare at the clock patiently waiting for polls to close and thumb drives with numbers entered for the official count.

 

   

Debate was an opportunity to display my knowledge

My speech at UNIFOR Hall back on Oct. 12

My intention at the recorded debate was to impress all the voters in the audience with my acquired understanding on city council procedures, responsibilities, issues and facts. 

Other candidates seemingly talked in the form of cliches, idioms, sell lines, slogans and over-used resume contexts hinting at terms such as team work, dedication and transparency. In other words, lots of words but very little actual content to reflect any accumulated knowledge on the workings of municipal governance.  

The stop watch included a 3-minute introduction and later the identical 3 questions were offered to all 17 candidates present.  

Since the election debate at UNIFOR Hall has aired a couple times on Rogers TV, I thought it was a good idea to post my entire introduction speech as it was never really truly finished when the buzzer sounded. 

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I firstly want to thank the residents of Woodstock for having trust in myself to elect me to City Council in 2018.

I’m Mark Schadenberg and I now seek re-election to a city-only seat at Woodstock City Council.

I’ve resided in Woodstock for 50 years and my background includes a long list of leadership in volunteer opportunities – 7 years as chair of the recreation advisory committee (and 21 years as a member in total), 3 years co-chair of the cancer society’s Relay For Life, and 3 years chairing the Woodstock Sports Celebrity Dinner including 6 years as master of ceremonies. I don’t sit in a chair with a gavel in hand – I’m hands-on -- I work. I’m also a dedicated member of the Lions Club of Woodstock, and was a long-time volunteer in community-access Rogers television.

Yes, I’m running for a City-only seat? Does this mean I have no thoughts or visions on how we can assist the homeless in our community, and those with mental health issues or addictions. Absolutely Not. I have toured The Inn, Huron House, Operation Sharing, Salvation Army resources, and I’ve sat around a big table with staff at Oxford County Community Health Centre, but most important? I have volunteered with groups like Cycles Of Life and the Community Free Table.

My roles on current council include recreation advisory, accessibility, environment, UTRCA, and two years chairing the planning meetings.  

One of my goals after the 2018 election was to analyze the City’s list of suggested street names for future roads – to thereby create new themes as the city had already utilized birds, trees, golf courses, poets, renowned Canadian politicians, and even streets to recognize former ORC buildings. After many discussions with museum curator Karen Houston a new list was created with some fresh themes and local historical names to move into the future.

City council and senior staff have work diligently through the pandemic on concerns ranging from Downtown revitalization, and a Woodstock recreation needs assessment study which encourages the expansion of the current Southgate Centre and the replacement of the 52-year-old Civic Centre Arena.

The City completed a development charges study which could see a key modification in how the economic development office negotiates land sales and building permits with possible new industry.

With a population rather quickly approaching 50,000, residential quantity is a very important issue as the Ontario government stresses intensification through its Provincial Policy Statement 2020 and the Bill 108 More Homes More Choices Act. The trend is to see more apartment buildings and row townhouses, but council must stress that some apartments should be condominium ownership so residents are not paying rent and watching retirement savings gradually disappear.

Some people like the idea of permitting ARUs (additional residential units) in all zoning areas.  Some day this could be a reality. Certainly Woodstock is surrounded by precious farmland, but at the same time people bought homes with a R1 zoning to live in uncrowded neighbourhoods without basement living quarters for unrelated tenants.

Budgets are important – extremely important, but departments in Woodstock annually ‘ask’ for very modest additions to base budget, so beyond the list of roads to be replaced, buildings to be added, and fleet requests like perhaps a fire truck, there is insignificant upward movement. By the way, 42% of the budget is allocated to police and fire departments.

The capital budget for road replacing, updated facilities and even buying fire trucks is strict, well-planned and based on a 5-year rolling financial commitment with the current year approved and the next four calendars as projections.

When you factor in terminology such as the Asset Management plan and depreciation, Woodstock is a very strong community in its ownership groupings and lack of collected debt, . . . now and into the future. Brand new parks and added amenities can often be paid for by development charges as submitted by home builders. 

The accumulated values of facilities such as city hall, the library, art gallery and its collection, the museum and its artifacts, market theatre, aquatics centre, arenas and the engineering offices is astounding. The City is in excellent shape.

Be sure to study the knowledge each candidate actually possesses as we are not here to listen to clichés, catch phrases and slogans, but rather a true understanding of procedure and budgeting, and overall municipal governance.

And if you want to discover more of my thoughts please see: www.marklivesinwoodstock.blogspot.com  

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WOW Magazine and a couple history tidbits

A look at Flying Squirrel, Francis Hincks and a voting strategy 

By Mark Schadenberg

According to my Oxford Paperback Dictionary, the word ‘Wow’ is noted to mean ‘and exclamation of astonishment or admiration.’

In the Woodstock marketing and communications office, WOW is the acronym for What’s On Woodstock – a magazine published by the City Of Woodstock for several years.

Hopefully in the near future WOW will return to its previous format of arriving in your mailbox at least 10 times per calendar as I would think July and August can be combined and so could January and February. Wow!

With the retirement of Brad Janssen a few months ago, the communications department is now headed by Colleen Collins (ccollins@cityofwoodstock.ca). She has about 20 years experience and knowledge in similar roles, is an exceptional writer, very good personal communicator, and understands that in her job description she can set the tone for educating citizens on events and all matters (council agendas, etc) within our Friendly City.

WOW team members for writing and production include the Flying Squirrel’s Andrew Norris, and former Sentinel-Review writer Geoff Dale. Obviously, just about every department contributes content to the publication, and staffers like Spencer Holman depict their skills in graphics and poster creation.  

Meanwhile, the special events role is a hat now worn by Kristen Brodhagen for happenings ranging from two parades, Victoria Day weekend, Art In The Park, Canada Day, Cowapolooza, Remembrance Day, the Easter Egg hunt, and many appreciation dinners / promotions such as City Beautiful Awards, sports wall of fame inductions, and recognizing committee volunteers.

The October edition of WOW includes a thorough breakdown on the municipal elections of Oct. 24 as there is explanations on positions to be voted on, who is eligible to vote, what type of identification is required at a polling station, and maybe the most important part are the pages separating and differentiating the divisions between City and County responsibilities. Woodstock is obviously unique in that the mayor sits on both city and county council, but so does two representatives (Councillors) seeking the dual role.

Council also includes 4 City-only candidates, and that’s where you will discover my name when you colour in a circle on your ballot.

Since you can vote for up to 4 candidates in the City-only race from a list of 13, the best strategy is to select / choose only the names you really want elected, so that could be 1, 2, 3 or 4 people. My advice, is that if you are unsure on a 4^th name, do not simply add a 4^th name because that vote will be equally weighted against your top choice. 

In the city-county list there are 4 names and you can vote for 1 or 2. No advice here as all 4 candidates are quite different, but I firmly believe anyone with this double duty should vote in Woodstock’s direction first as the City has just 3 of 10 votes, but more than 40% of the population.

A quick Canadian history lesson would indicate that Woodstock / Oxford MP Francis Hincks (There is a plaque dedicated in courthouse square on Hunter Street, and he has a street named after him) was prominent in the ‘rep by pop’ debates in the mid-1800s (before Confederation of 1867) as Canada West (Ontario) had a higher population than Canada East (Quebec), but – however -- should the representation be equal to assist in nation building or should it be ‘rep by pop’. It’s a good history course on its own.  

WOW

Back to the What’s On Woodstock magazine, the October issue also includes a terrific biography on the late Bernadette Smith, who was the first female elected mayor of a city in Canada in 1952. In that era, city elections were actually held annually. The only other women to be mayors in Woodstock are Wendy Calder and Margaret Munnoch.

More WOW

If you seek tips on environment issues, the Woodstock Environment Advisory Committee (WEAC) has a full-page layout of information.

Naturally, the current issue has details about programs at the library, art gallery and museum.   Did you know that renowned writer Gwynne Dyer will be in Woodstock for a lecture on Nov. 1 as sponsored by the public library? Also, the Haunted Manor Escape Room concept runs Fridays and Saturdays in October at the Woodstock National Historic Site Museum.

Finally, WOW has details on para-transit, bus fares, a local events calendar, fire safety ideas, swimming lessons, public skating times, and a Renew Downtown Woodstock update.

Advertising rates are also noted under the community events listing. WOW Magazine could be a great way to reach your target audience -- the great people of Woodstock. 

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Transit was not on debate agenda

Many issues ignored at candidates debate, but overall it was an integral event

Audience heard from 17 people on agenda, so not enough time to cover all bases

All the candidates for either City-only (4 seats with 13 running) or City-County (2 seats with 4 competing) appeared on Oct. 12 at the UNIFOR 636 hall in Woodstock for a debate.

The format permitted a 3-minute introduction speech, followed by 3 rounds of questions by moderator Brent Thompson, and then a 2-minute summary by each person. It was going to be a daunting task as the event began, but with 17 people answering the same 3 questions it became quite difficult to meander through your personal thoughts to answer the question directly and offering new material.

The topic I didn't like of the 3 was 'leadership' as all 17 people feel they have the leadership qualities to represent the 46,000 population with determination, understanding and hopefully the ability 'to make a decision'. Yes, when it's time to vote on an agenda item you are required 'to make a decision'. At the same time each candidate would certainly have traits of team work and collaboration. 

Also at the same time, many candidates simply sew together a group of cliches, sell lines, and fancy resume verbiage and make you think they could be or might be leaders.

I've been chair of so many committees, I must do a recount someday, but 21 years on the recreation advisory committee, including 7 as chair, could begin that list.  

I am not convinced, however, that all names on the ballot understand the hierarchy of City Hall departments and the necessity to fully comprehend that each department has its tasks at hand and operates each respective budget as approved by council. In other words, it is not the role of a city council member to walk around a job site with a white hard hat. City council does not hire staff as the very capable human resources group is exceptionally qualified.  

Since many topics were simply not discussed last night, I present a list of items I have concerns and interest in, which were not on the itinerary. Feel free to scroll through previous logged items in my blog, for more information on topics like the 5-year rolling budget which was only pondered by yours truly in the debate, and the issue about intensification versus boundary adjustments.

Bus transit, the library, the museum and art gallery, South Gate seniors centre, sports facilities, community events, trails and parks, snow removal, garbage tags, maintenance of our historic buildings, boundary adjustments, and attracting industry were all concerns in my mind that may have been eluded to momentarily, but didn't seem to be of importance to the overall scope of the evening.

Bus transit is integral in a city quickly approaching 50,000. The City expanded to 7 routes and recently (Sept. 6) increased modestly single-fare rates to $2.75 per ride. 

The buses do have the dilemma of returning to the Dundas / York depot every 30 minutes -- a time crunch in an expanding community.

The bus system is ESSENTIAL for a city our size, and could maybe see additional improvements which all cost more money. Could the future include -- starting earlier than 6 a.m. as some shift workers have to be at their employment by 6?  Could the service extend to midnight on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays? Could their be buses running on Sunday? Could there be an 8th route to incorporate TMMC? Could their be 10 buses which would permit the implementation of more cross-over transfers at dozens of locations? 

Many many people rely on the bus transit system as a one-way taxi ride from Cowan Sportsplex in the north end to Canadian Tire in the south end is now $16 by debit.

Now, when we discover the numbers and costs, transit operates at a significant deficit and it could be worse if you consider the City always receives gas-tax dollars annually for transportation services. Since it's a deficit service, it's a subsidy to the users.   

Inserting numbers relayed to me by transit supervisor Jeff Springsted, it can be said that it costs $3.5 million each year to operate the 7 bus routes and that encompasses wages, buses, bus repairs, maps, maintaining the depot, and hiring and training staff.

Transit revenues in 2022 are budgeted to be $1,232,800. Springsted is confident that number can be reached because customer usage is 85% of the totals attained pre-Covid. 

Quick math will say that the difference or net expenditure are $2.3 million or approximately . . . $7,700 per day (300 days on the road per calendar), $481 per hour, or $68 per hour for each route. \

If the rates were increased to $6 per fare to partially offset this subsidy, would those who need the service still be able to afford it, and that includes a large group of high school students.

At City Council on Oct. 6, council's agenda approved a new rates fee list for all city services -- bronze star swimming classes, bus shelter advertising, sponsoring rink boards, riding a bus, death certificates, building permits, sewer-line camera inspections, cost to purchase a rain barrel, arena ice rates, cricket pitch rentals, art gallery memberships . . . 

It's called Municipal Code Chapter 330 Fees & Charges. All the notations and numbers are effective Jan. 1, 2023. Department heads can utilize these abacus figures to assist in creating an operating budget for the next calendar. Be sure to ask that (non-incumbent) candidate on your door step about it as I'm sure they will have a blank grin.

The transit rates are noted as Schedule B-4.

A bus rider can save dollars -- beyond the already noted subsidy - by obtaining a 12-ride pass for $27.50 (resulting in 2 free rides). A monthly adult pass is $66.00 and it's also exempt from HST.  This past summer, my daughter bought the Stride Pass which covered July and August -- terrific to get her to a part-time job or visit the library (No late fees at the library, but that's a story for another day) -- and it was just $27.50 for 60+ days.

While citizens complain about nearly-empty buses on the streets, you must realize it's a necessary service, and obviously a service folks in Innerkip or Sweaburg do not have to pay.

Other possibilities could be mulled over such as smaller buses (Wouldn't work when kids are getting to school in the morning), or electric buses, but the current fleet is maintained to its utmost to the point where the City has extra buses for parts or to be used for events like a parade of lights at Christmas, and to save on overall wear-and-tear.

In conclusion, re-elect me as I know how City Hall operates on a daily basis and I know we have exceptional department heads, and I know about the 5-year rolling capital budget and I also know the tulip bulb sale at the end of their garden season is always a great deal. 

Another residential project for Oxford's Human Services department

'Request For Proposals' sought for a Springbank Avenue North property

Deadline is Oct. 19

By Mark Schadenberg

Like all municipalities, the County of Oxford or the county's upper tier of government, must publicly announce all the tenders it is seeking applications. Currently, Oxford has deadlines posted for the acquisition of four pick-up trucks, four cargo vans and a 'request for proposals' for the building of a subsidized not-for-profit apartment building at 175 Springbank Ave North.

The Springbank address is noteworthy as the former site of a Lutheran church, so it includes neighbourhood residential properties on streets such as Springbank, Warwick, Braeside and Edgewood very near.

The County purchased the 175 Springbank parcel with intentions of changing the zoning from institutional to multi-residential. The County, however, has no intentions on owning this new construction for geared-to-income units, but rather seeks a third party to both construct the apartments and manage them. It is possible for a developer to re-sell the finished product.

Woodstock (Actually its Oxford County human services department, of course) has had good success with associations such as Indwell -- 18 Vansittart and Blossom Park.  Other residential spaces include 34 Riddell, 25 Winniett, 45 Delatre, 62 Mill and several other locations. All of these buildings are not owned by the county, but prospect renters could apply to the County for assistance (in conjunction with the landlord manager), and obviously scenarios such as a case-by-case basis apply. 

Current acting mayor Connie Lauder is part of a committee which operates apartments specifically for seniors, including 85 Kent and 675 Canterbury, and the brand new structure at the east end of Nellis. 

Keeping mind that a link to the human services department is below, you must recall that allocating funds to apartments geared to seniors, shelters for homeless, community assisted living for those with physical limitations, food services, children's services such as daycare, physical and mental health, low income energy assistance program (Helps to pay utilities) and employment training are just a few of the department's mandates.

The County's plan for the 1.5 acres on Springbank will supply additional much-needed accommodations in an area with public transit and shopping at its doorstep. The non-profit housing builder / landlord (and its tenants) would then receive on-going financial support from the County. The deadline to submit a proposal is Wednesday, Oct. 19.

While I am not running for City and County seats, I do believe the County office should make stronger attempts to own and manage more properties to create safer and cleaner homes for people who require financial assistance. In an era when real estate values are high, the County's portfolio would be worth much more. 

Also included here is a chart on the basics of Oxford county taxation and where their money goes. 

LINKS:

https://www.oxfordcounty.ca/en/your-government/property-taxes.aspx

https://www.oxfordcounty.ca/en/services-for-you/human-services.aspx

https://oxfordcounty.bidsandtenders.ca/Module/Tenders/en/Tender/Detail/628ad4c0-8caf-43c3-94e2-e9be9e5ebe14

https://oxfordcounty.bidsandtenders.ca/Module/Tenders/en

Mark Schadenberg

On Oct. 24, vote for Mark Schadenberg. 

Your member of City Council must understand all the processes - how budgets and taxes and funding work. 

To contact me anytime, call 519 532-2068

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

 

 

 

   

Streetscape Master Plan & Re-Visioning of Museum Square

City Council on Oct. 6 includes presentation by consultants

By Mark Schadenberg

The Woodstock City Council agenda for Oct. 6 is a mere 146 pages, but the ‘highlight of the show’ will certainly be pages 45-82.

In writing circles this would be described as a matter-of-fact lead to a story, but in reality with the Woodstock municipal elections slated for Oct. 24, the MHBC Planning consultants' prepared document noted in that range of pages is clearly important and a very interesting read indeed.

This professional writer can elude the critics about a boring prose because the ‘Streetscape Master Plan & Re-Visioning of Museum Square’ of Woodstock could set the tone for the next 4 years in the BIA’s Downtown core. As is often noted at the beginning of a seminar by any well-respected consultant or instructor, pay attention as there will be a quiz.

The streetscape plan as presented at Thursday’s City Council is a compilation of many public meetings, online surveys, QR code created questionnaires, discussions with the current council and this community’s economic development office, plus one-on-one talks with merchants, consumers and downtown residents. By the way, there are many city folks with direct relationships with this Downtown focus and revitalization including the art gallery, museum and small business centre.   

The 38 pages of pictures, graphs, overviews, suggestions and visionary drawings is the culmination of many ideas and has now evolved into a working document or a game plan to move forward on.

The MHBC Overview (From the power point):

Downtown Woodstock is the dynamic heart of Oxford County. This area is intended to be the most intensive and functionally diverse area of Woodstock, serving as the primary business, cultural and administrative centre in the County. 

Museum Square acts as central focus point within the downtown and is host to many of the City’s events and festivals. This Streetscape Master Plan is intended to serve as a tool to guide design and expenditures of future streetscape and related infrastructure in the City’s core. Creating a central focal point that is accessible to the public and an attractive urban space with a wide variety of programming opportunities is a critical component to the overall project. Special attention has been given to Museum Square and the opportunities to create a space that better serves the needs of the community and provide users with a space that allows for relaxation, discovery, and active and passive engagement. The redesign of Museum Square has considered design elements that complement the streetscape to ensure a cohesive high quality urban design and aesthetic public realm.

The Downtown BIA core area is one specific area to analyze versus the entire Entrepreneurial zoned space, but the core of the core must be Museum Square.  A skating rink in the winter and a place to gather in warmer months are specific ideas to be nurtured here, but so are the selection of trees and garden spaces. How will the Pattullo fountain anchor this ‘park’? How will the connectivity of trails for walking or bicycles be integrated? Has the overall plan included aspects of accessibility? Are plans for small concerts, friendship gatherings, and art displays under consideration? 

Yes, there are benches in the drawings.

What else will attract shoppers and others to Museum Square? What are your thoughts? Don’t comment until you have read the report.

The comprehensive study has not been approved by council, but will be discussed on Oct. 6. Also, any dollar amounts attached to improvements are items to be approved by the next council in the 2023 capital budget.

A ‘pdf’ of this report should be of keen interest to everyone. In Brantford, they have Harmony Square.  I Googled Stratford to read about their focus and oddly the first downtown strategy to appear was a 2020 project in Stratford, PEI. All communities have a desire to make their downtown better – to attract merchants which will attract consumers – or to attract restaurants which bolster foot traffic and car traffic and store sales. 

If more dentists, consultants and lawyers wanted an office on Dundas that would be terrific traffic.    

You can email your compliments or critiques to me, and they will be considered.

In the meantime, support your Downtown.

Links:

https://calendar.cityofwoodstock.ca/council/Detail/2022-10-06-1330-Woodstock-City-Council-Meeting/dbfe9baa-6754-426a-aa29-af2001502571

www.downtownwoodstock.caa

www.mhbcplan.com

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It's in your mail !

City Of Woodstock post cards . . . 

City Of Woodstock post cards with information on the Municipal Elections are either in your mailbox already or will be very soon.

If you have not received one yet, this is what they look like.

Details on Oct. 24 voting locations, advance polls, who is eligible to vote, who is not eligible to vote, how many votes you can 'X' into your ballot, do you need this voter card on election day, and website and phone number contact information. 

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Oxford County issues have implications in Woodstock

Mt. Elgin plans to add 200+ homes over the next few years

By Mark Schadenberg

Oxford County has some of the best farmland in the province and proof is seen in soil testing results, crop yields and real estate prices. I’m not going to discuss loam types and percentages of sand versus silt, or Class 1 through 7, and then compare it to the Holland Marsh near Bradford as I’m not a horticultural / agricultural specialist.

This entry deals with where municipalities ‘might’ be given permission to expand their ‘settlement boundary’ into current farmland.

I watched last night’s Oxford County Council meeting with great interest (I viewed the video so I could rewind when needed.) as a proposal for a large subdivision was discussed with maps and lots and streets, and lots of numbers. It was a public meeting section of the county agenda, so there was permission granted to delegations to speak against the plan as well. In this particular case, this new residential area was not on the horizon for Woodstock, Ingersoll or Tillsonburg. The GSP Group was in attendance to describe a 230-unit subdivision and zoning change for the community of . . . Mt. Elgin in Southwest Oxford township with a forecast of 166 single detached homes and then several townhouses.

You can watch the County Council video of the meeting where Cath Kindree and Heather Thomas of Mt Elgin speak against the idea based on several reasons – utilizing great farmland, creating more homes in a village which lacks dentists and shopping (etc), and over-taxing what they describe as a large septic system in place for municipal servicing. I can add that as a former Realtor I have seen these buried buckets in the front yard in Mt. Elgin which collect waste (brown water), so at best this is a modified or certainly unconventional waste water system. The proposal on the desk at the county did include an expansion of this unorthodox sewer system.

As is mentioned in the delegation speeches, the area’s Reynolds Creek is part of the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority watershed. I’m on the UTRCA board and know about aquifers, water quality and existing habitat.

Included with this writing is a series of 4 Twitter entries by Zorra Township mayor Marcus Ryan. However, at the county council meeting he voted in favour of the zoning change.

Woodstock councilor Deb Tait was against the elimination of farmland adjoining this rural village setting and voted against the motion. Woodstock councilor Connie Lauder pointed out that Mt. Elgin may require an actual sewer waste-water system in the future which would cost thousands for each household to attach to.

Ingersoll mayor Ted Comiskey suggested that the ministry of environment should analyze how well the current septic program is working as it was approved in 2006, and determine if it will still be effective if system capacity is expanded when adding more homes.

Keep in mind, that pre-existing livestock farms do maintain a ‘minimum distance requirement’ rule with respect to building homes close to barns and active pastures.

The motion for a zone change to permit the subdivision passed with 3 voting against – Tait, Lauder and Comiskey.

I’m running to be re-elected to Woodstock City Council as a city-only member, but earlier this year I most certainly deliberated the thought of running for the more expanded City – County role for many reasons and allowing more residential living in smaller serviced villages is among my issues of concerns (Others include the multi-dimensional multi-faceted county human services department operations, the county amassing vast reserves for concepts such as a new landfill not required until at least 2050, county roads inside municipalities, snow removal, and other areas where the county somehow wants to expand its reach for offering services such as bus transit).

Woodstock, Ingersoll and Tillsonburg are the residential bases in Oxford County, but other communities do have defined ‘settlement boundaries’ which can be expanded because they have municipal services such as water and waste-water. Therefore, I can understand if Norwich, Thamesford and Tavistock (and even Beachville, Otterville and Drumbo) seek additional residential areas because they have (limited) lifestyle amenities such as employment, groceries, restaurants, medical offices, etc. In my mind, centres such as Mt. Elgin, Innerkip, Embro, Princeton, Bright and Plattsville should be discouraged to expand like a flow of lava into farmland with homes because residents of those hamlets must commute for work and shopping – thus creating emissions.

I do often refer to the Provincial Policy Statement 2020 as it elaborates on all land uses around the province, including farming, commercial and aggregates, and also the fact Oxford County is NOT in the so-called Golden Horseshoe.

I submit these personal thoughts only to prove again how over-lapping every issue can be if it is simply under the human eye – and dissected under a microscope.

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