Mayor Birtch Not Attending County Council Meeting

Wednesday, 9 February 2022 09:58

Photo Credit: Screenshot from February 9th, 2022 Oxford County Council meeting. Live streamed on Oxford County YouTube page.

UPDATE: Woodstock Mayor Trevor Birtch did not attend the special meeting of council at the City of Woodstock this afternoon.

The meeting was called for the purpose of receiving advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege. Council did not put forward any motions after the closed session. Acting Mayor Connie Lauder did provide the following statement regarding the meeting.

"Woodstock City Council met in a special session of Council today to address matters related to the charges against Mayor Trevor Birtch for alleged serious personal actions. City Council received advice from the City Solicitor at this meeting. City Council reiterates that this is a matter for Mayor Birtch to respond to through the court proceedings. Under our system of justice an accused receives the benefit of doubt unless and until convicted. There is no requirement under the Municipal Act for an accused elected official to step down from service on Council. There is no authority for a City Council to require an elected member to step down or take a leave of absence from City Council."

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OXFORD COUNTY - Woodstock Mayor Trevor Birtch is not in attendance for today's Oxford County Council meeting.

Connie Lauder is attending the virtual meeting in his place. Lauder is a long-standing Woodstock City Councillor and she was appointed to the Acting Mayor position about a month ago. The Acting Mayor is responsible for attending events and filling in when the Mayor is unable to do so. City Council appoints a new Acting Mayor each year.

London Police recently charged Mayor Birtch with assault, sexual assault and sexual assault with choking. He has not issued any kind of statement since the charges against him were made public.

Oxford County Warden Larry Martin released a statement on the matter earlier this week.

"This is now a matter before the courts and we await the outcome along with the rest of the community. For now, our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this news."

Acting Mayor Lauder released the following statement on Monday.

"Woodstock City Council is aware of media reports indicating that Mayor Trevor Birtch has been charged for alleged serious personal actions. This is a matter for Mayor Birtch to respond to through the court proceedings. Under our system of justice an accused receives the benefit of doubt unless and until convicted. There is no requirement under the Municipal Act for an accused elected official to step down from service. City services will continue without impact throughout this process."

Woodstock City Council will be holding a special meeting at 3:30 p.m. today and you can read more about that online here.

It was also announced yesterday that Birtch will not be participating in Woodstock Police Services Board meetings for the time being. Birtch is currently the Vice-Chair of the WPSB.