Council this Week: Highlights from the May 27 County Council agenda - 20260527
Buy Ontario Act, architectural design for homelessness support centre, and more
County Council meetings are broadcast live at www.oxfordcounty.ca/livestream. To download the full agenda or view past recordings of council meetings, visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/council.
Buy Ontario Act
County Council will receive an update on requirements under the new Buy Ontario Act next Council meeting. Effective April 13, 2026, municipalities and other public sector organizations must prioritize Ontario and Canadian goods and services when purchasing light-duty passenger fleet vehicles. Beginning on May 15, 2026, these requirements also applied to capital infrastructure projects, such as construction materials, fixtures, equipment and more. With these changes, the County will update its bid documents and procedures. The report notes that staff must also prepare for potential delays to allow for a more detailed review of bid submissions, and for potential cost increases due to domestic supply shortages.
FS 2026-10: Buy Ontario Act - Municipal Buy Ontario Procurement Directive
Contract award for renovation work on Homelessness Support Centre
County Council is being asked to approve a contract to JPM Architecture Inc. for up to $250,000 for architectural design work for the future Homelessness Support Centre in Woodstock. Located at 808 Dundas Street in the former YMCA building, the new centre will offer emergency shelter alongside other support services focused on transitioning people out of homelessness. This represents the next step in advancing the design of the project. Staff will be bringing forward a future Council report outlining the County’s approach to public consultation and community engagement on the Homelessness Support Centre, including details related to the operational aspects of the project.
Staff is recommending JPM Architecture Inc. because of the firm’s knowledge of the building gained through an initial building assessment. The firm also has experience with other Oxford County buildings, including the Courthouse, and with the design and construction oversight of other vulnerable sector/homelessness support facilities in Ontario.
PW 2026-19: Single Source Contract Award for 808 Dundas Street Design Services
Other reports and presentations
- Public meeting and Report 2026-135: Application for Draft Plan of Subdivision SB 23-04-1 - Van Wees Roses Inc.
- Public meeting and Report 2026-136: Application for Draft Plan of Subdivision SB 23-05-1 - Van Wees Roses Inc.
- PW 2026-20: Proposed Changes to Approval Requirements for Waste Disposal Site Service Area and Fill Rate, Environmental Registry of Ontario 026-0414
Questions or comments?
Council this Week previews the Oxford County Council meeting agenda for residents, community partners and employees. Please send your questions and comments to communications@oxfordcounty.ca