Council this Week: Highlights from the May 8 County Council agenda - 20240508

05/03/2024

Council this Week

Development charges public meeting, asset management, Bill 185 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.

Development charges public meeting

A public meeting to update the community and receive input on the 2024 Development Charges Background Study takes place at the May 8 County Council meeting. Development charges are the fees paid by land developers to help finance infrastructure and services that support growth, including roads, water and wastewater, ambulance, long-term care, waste diversion and library. The background study provides direction on how and where our communities grow, the servicing infrastructure needed to support that growth, and the capital costs required to build and sustain it. The background study is open for public input until May 17, 2024. Learn more at www.speakup.oxfordcounty.ca/2024-dc-background-study.

Presentation: Oxford County Development Charge Background Study – Watson & Associates

Review of Bill 185 and Provincial Policy Statement

Community Planning staff return to Council next meeting with a further analysis of the proposed legislative changes and potential impacts of Bill 185, Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act, and the revised 2024 draft Provincial Planning Statement.

Some of the potential changes highlighted in the report include: how additional residential units (“ARUs”) are regulated; new “use it or lose it” tools that would give municipalities more power to encourage timely development; new policy direction for defined strategic growth areas and employment areas; eliminating third-party appeals of official plan and zoning by-law amendments; and more.

The staff report notes that while several changes are positive, others are of substantial concern or require more examination to understand impacts and prepare feedback for the provincial government. Oxford County is joining other municipalities in asking for the consultation period to be extended from 30 days to a minimum of 60 days.

CP 2024-147 - Bill 185 and Provincial Planning Statement

Council workshop for Asset Management Plan

The regular meeting of County Council will be followed by a workshop and update on the 2024 Asset Management Plan. Oxford County is responsible for operating, repairing and maintaining a wide range of assets, including water treatment systems, roads, bridges, buildings, vehicles and equipment. With the replacement value of Oxford County's assets estimated at $3.73 billion, and considering the widening gap between reserves (savings) and the projected future costs to maintain infrastructure, County Council will be asked to consider key investment decisions this year. Public consultation on the Asset Management Plan will take place later this fall.

Workshop presentation: Asset Management Plan Update | Workshop agenda

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