City Postpones Bench and Picnic Table Reinstallation Discussion Until February 2023

Friday, 16 December 2022 05:47

By Brad Kraemer

Woodstock City Council has decided to postpone discussion of the reinstallation of the downtown benches and picnic tables until February 2023, so officials can consult with the community as well as downtown stakeholders.

WOODSTOCK - Picnic tables and benches will not be returning to downtown Woodstock in 2022.

At last night’s City Council meeting, there was a discussion about Councillor Kate Leatherbarrow’s motion to reinstall the Museum Square benches immediately as well as benches for the rest of the downtown core by spring 2023.

During that discussion, Councillor Liz Wismer Van Meer brought forth a motion of her own, saying despite the fact her vote would be to bring the benches back, she’s spoken to too many people that have the perception that downtown is unsafe. She then requested that the reinstallation talks be postponed until February 2023.

Leatherbarrow brought forth the motion to fulfill the Streetscape Master Plan that was designed with outdoor seating in place, to have a conversation about the downtown’s long-term goals and to highlight improvements made

Before the discussion, delegations from downtown businessmen Fadel Zabian and Arnold Spina stressed the decision be made with the input of stakeholders such as themselves, which was in line with Wismer Van Meer’s motion.

City-County Councillor Deb Tait added to Wismer Van Meer’s motion that she believes it’s not the right time to bring the benches back. She was adamant that it detracts from the real focus, which should be on helping the homeless.

After further deliberation, Leatherbarrow agreed to postpone discussion on the reinstallation in hopes that Council properly engages with the community.

The next Woodstock City Council meeting is on January 12th at 7:00 p.m.

You can watch the final Council meeting of the year on the City of Woodstock’s YouTube channel.