One More Step Closer To Boundary Adjustments

Monday, 23 September 2019 07:19

A decision has been reached between Woodstock and South-West Oxford council on the Boundary Adjustment Agreement. The agreement was approved by council during their meeting last Thursday, which will look to extend the boundaries at Karn Road.

WOODSTOCK - Woodstock City council have approved the Boundary Adjustment Agreement with South-West Oxford council.

Staff made their decision, which received a unanimous vote, at last Thursday's meeting.

Mayor Trevor Birtch says they'll now get the application ready to send to Oxford County council for approval.

"This is long term. So you're not going to see houses going up right away, some of the land has already been acquired by local builders who have been working on plans and they're also aware that there's a lot of work to have that land ready to go. New water and sewer pipes need to go in the ground, there could be the potential for another water tower to make sure that pressure is maintained in that part of the Friendly City."

He adds all of the information will then be forwarded to the province so a decision can be made before the end of the year.

The agreement will look to extend the boundaries at Karn Road. After reaching a principle agreement with SWOX, staff held a public consultation last month to inform the members of the community and answer any of their questions or concerns on the proposal.

Mayor Birtch says this project will bring more people to the community.

"In the long run, we hope that all of the new people that are welcomed into the city from Beachville Road and Karn Road will be happy being a part of the Friendly City. And as they start to see the houses being built in the farm fields behind their homes, they can know that they're a part of the future of our entire community.

He adds this project will also offer opportunities for people to find jobs and a home to raise their family, instead of having to move to another city.

Council's report says a consultation was also held with several agencies including conservation authorities and school boards, the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario and Hydro One, all of who expressed no concerns with the proposal.

The report also states that in order to complete a formal Boundary Adjustment Agreement, a written land description, which would include metes and bounds description or reference to regional plans and PIN numbers, must be prepared by an Ontario Land Surveyor.

Mayor Birtch says it may be a few years before construction gets underway.