"Art needs to be looked at as an investment." That's what Woodstock's Art Gallery Curator told City Council during Tuesday nights' budget meeting. The gallery is asking for another $110,000 to hire another staff member as well as add to education programs and exhibitions, totalling over $480,000. Woodstock Councillor Paul Plant says it's too much. "Not that I don't believe in the arts, but what is the appropriate amount to spend in a community like this. $580,000 is to me too high. I mean, we know what it costs some other cities and it is far, far, far less than that," said Plant. Acting Curator Patricia Deadman says they quadrupled in space and they need to do the same with staff. "Most public galleries the size of Woodstock have a staff of anywhere from 8 to 10. The issues that we're looking at such as marketing, audience and membership development, even a gift shop manager, even if these are part time position there's someone dedicated to that area of the gallery," said Deadman. Woodstock Councillor Deb Tait was also concerned that revenue is down. "Revenue is down 30 percent what they've budgeted. I mean, $1,000 for the gift store, $1,000 for donations. It's pretty scary," said Tait. However, Deadman is very optimistic that revenue will go up once their marketing and memberships start to develop.
Impaired Driver Caught in Tillsonburg
Norfolk OPP Investigating Break-and-Enter
PJHL Preview - Oct. 31st to Nov. 2nd
BBBS Volunteers Honoured in London
Poppy Campaign Begins Today
Daylight Saving Time Ends on Sunday
Local Police Offer Halloween Safety Tips
UPDATE: Missing Teen Located
Men's Health Talk Coming to Woodstock
WPS Search for Robbery Suspect
Navy Vets Change Coaching Staff
Great Pumpkin Rescue Returns to Oxford
UPDATE: Missing Boy Found Safe
WFD Investigating Forest Fire
Trevor Birtch Trial Daily Recap - Case 2
GM Canada President Addresses CAMI Situation
Pickup Truck Stolen in Delhi
Oxford OPP Looking for Input
Food for Friends Stopping in Ingersoll
Tip Tuesday with Oxford OPP - October 2025
