Interview with the Warden - October 15th, 2026

Thursday, 15 October 2026 10:49

He talked about snow removal, development charges, the Homelessness Support Centre, and more.

OXFORD - Snow removal was one of the topics discussed during the most recent Oxford County Council meeting.

A report from staff showed that while we have experienced staff members with established equipment and local knowledge, they still run into some challenges during the winter months. This is due to population growth, traffic demands, and changing weather patterns.

Warden Marcus Ryan says Public Works will be developing a new level of service framework as a result.

"This proposal from staff was to examine all of the things to make sure we're doing it in the right way and in the right places. We're looking for the things that residents always say they want us to look for. We're looking for efficencies, a way we can offer the same or better standard for less money."

He adds this new framework could take a while, so it won't be in place for the upcoming winter driving season.

During his interview this morning, Warden Ryan was also asked to comment on a recent development charges dilemma in Norwich. A new business owner has made headlines recently, sharing the hefty development charges she's facing to open a new salon in the old Carnegie library building.

Warden Ryan confirmed that he has been in contact with this business owner, but was not able to provide specific details on the air. However, he did try to explain what development charges are and their purpose.

"The idea fundamentally is that growth should pay for growth. Existing residents should pay to maintain the services that we have now and new residents, businesses, coporations, and industries should pay for the new services they need for their additional load on services."

Those services include water, wastewater, ambulance, roads, and more.

Warden Ryan also discussed the following topics during his appearance on Heart FM Mornings today:

- His thoughts heading into his final council meetings with the municipal election underway. He also encouraged everyone to vote in the election on October 26th.

- A previous motion that was brought forward to pause the Homelessness Support Centre.

- Business commercial recycling programs across the province and why municipalities are implementing them.

You can listen to the full interview below: