Council Examines Two-Tier Possibilities

Friday, 22 February 2019 07:48

The City of Woodstock is all for a two-tier government and are looking at ways at addressing issues as a municipality.

WOODSTOCK - While the regional review is underway, the City of Woodstock is in favour of a tier-two government but they're looking at solving issues at a municipal level.

The city approved a report during last night's council meeting, highlighting services that can be addressed as a municipal government.

Mayor Trevor Birtch says this will benefit the Friendly City.

"The City of Woodstock has a proven track record when it comes to the growth that we've received over the last number of years. The growth both for economic development, for the jobs, the businesses and industry, as well as the residential growth and we do an excellent job in accommodating these new developments, and making sure our community develops in a healthy way. So having this type of dialogue and making sure that we have a Made In Oxford solution, it will mean that Woodstock will continue to be that economic driver and heart of the entire county."

Birtch says the report looks at certain items that can be addressed better at a municipal level.

"There are times where we experience some difficulties when comes to planning application and subdivision, etc. So those were some of the items where we said this is areas where we think you could give that authority directly to the city, so we can speed up the process and make those decisions as open and as transparent as possible."

Council will pass the report to other municipalities for support on coming up with a solution. The City of Woodstock prefers to come up with a "Made In Oxford" solution by looking at service rationalization and realignment.

They will also forward the report to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, the Oxford Member of Provincial Parliament and the Regional Reform Special Advisors.

The Ontario government is doing a regional review of 83 municipalities, which includes Oxford County.