Interview with the Mayor - September 15th, 2025

Monday, 15 September 2025 at 10:27

Woodstock City Council will find out what needs to be done to keep the Civic Arena open for another decade.

WOODSTOCK - Woodstock City Council is about to get an update on the Civic Arena.

The aging facility first opened back in 1970 and the report details what work needs to be done to keep it open for the foreseeable future. Mayor Jerry Acchione says its a big price tag.

"So there is a report here to be considered for budget next year, for $1.4 million we could get five to 10 years worth of life assuming nothing else is catastrophic."

Mayor Acchione says the city needs three ice pads, so the goal is to keep the arena open until a new rec centre is built in the north end of the city. He adds that will be a big task for the next council term.

"They would be the next ones to take that over. We are doing all of the planning right now, the plans for a subdivision are being worked on and I've pitched it to the province a couple of times now with different ministries for grants, so we're well on the way to that."

During his interview on the Heart FM Morning Show, Mayor Acchione also talked about Woodstock Police Chief Rod Wilkinson's retirement announcement, and Deputy Chief Nick Novacich stepping into the Chief role on October 3rd.

He said Wilkinson accomplished a lot as Chief, but now it's time to pass the torch.

"He has done so much in such a little amount of time that is had caused some resistance, but now we're seeing rewards for him to feel comfortable enough to leave it in good hands. Him and Deputy Chief Novacich worked very well together, so I'm sure they're going to continue on."

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.

Mayor Acchione also discussed the following during his interview this morning:

- How he's hoping to have more information about the upcoming changes to recycling collection soon.

- A proposal that could help bring more food trucks to Woodstock's parks.

- Woodstock's upcoming 125th anniversary celebrations next summer.

- A delegation regarding inter-community transit with Middlesex County.

- His first concert experience.

You can listen to the full interview below: