Interview with the Mayor - July 7th, 2025

Monday, 7 July 2025 10:47

Woodstock City Council will consider an update for the Fee Assistance in Recreation Policy.

WOODSTOCK - Changes could be on the horizon for Woodstock's Fee Assistance in Recreation (FAIR) Policy.

The program helps families in need afford recreational programs and transit services in the Friendly City. It distributes $35,000 for culture and recreation programs each year and $60,000 for transit services, with all of the money coming from Gateway Casinos revenue funds.

However, Mayor Jerry Acchione says there is a bit of an issue with the current system.

"Historically just over 40 percent of the money has been spent, even though every year at the start of the year all of that money is allocated to families. But they don't use it, so we're leaving 60 percent of the money and way too many families on the waitlist."

He adds this is where the proposed change comes in.

"It will give staff the right to reach out to those families that still have money on their account and ask them if they plan on using it. If not, we'll put it back in the pot and offer it up to other families waiting on the waitlist so others can use it. We want to spend all $35,000 in the FAIR program and $60,000 in the transit program every single year."

If council signs off on this revision, the change would take effect as of August 1st, 2025.

Thursday's City Council meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. and it will be livestreamed on the City of Woodstock YouTube page. You can also find the meeting agenda online here.

During his interview on the Heart FM morning show today, Mayor Acchione also discussed the following:

- The successful Canada Day Celebration in Southside Park. Asking people for their thoughts on the new layout of the main stage.

- An update on the progress of turning the old golf north property into a new portion of Southside Park.

- The construction on Lansdowne Ave between Halifax Road and County Road 4.

- A notice of motion that will ask City staff to research to possibility of Woodstock becoming a living wage employer.

- His experience throwing the first pitch at the U18 Woodstock Wranglers game last night.

- His thoughts on today's Daily Debate: Is water wet?

You can listen to the full interview below: