Council this Week: Highlights from the September 24 County Council agenda - 20250924

09/19/2025

Budget survey response, new multi-use trail, AAA credit rating 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.

2026 Budget Survey results

Overall, services provided by Oxford County should be maintained at current levels into 2026, according to the results of the 2026 Budget Survey. Areas most often selected for increased service levels were housing (35%), long-term care at Woodingford Lodge (32%), and child care and EarlyON services (27%).

When asked to rate priorities for their communities, paramedic services were ranked as the #1 priority (43%), with affordable housing at #2. Among Oxford County-delivered services, municipal infrastructure (roads, bridges and stormwater) was rated #4, long-term care #5, and waste management (curbside garbage and recycling collection) #7.

A total of 1,550 people responded to the budget survey this year– a 36% increase over last year– with more than 720 comments submitted. Of those who responded, 62% indicated the value they receive for County tax dollars is fair or good, while 32% said they receive poor value. Comments touched on a wide range of services, including housing, long-term care, child care, paramedic services, libraries, and roads.

Public engagement on the budget process is intended to offer community input to County Council and staff as the County prepares the 2026 business plans and budget. It also presents an opportunity for the County and area municipalities to work together to manage the survey process and outreach to residents more efficiently.

CS 2025-26 – 2026 Budget Engagement Survey | Attachment: Survey summary

Norwich to Tillsonburg multi-use trail

Oxford County is recommending a trail partnership between the County and the Oxford County Trails Council to develop a multi-use trail along the former railway corridor from Norwich to Tillsonburg. The multi-use trail is intended for non-motorized use, such as hiking and cycling, and would be developed over 2026 and 2027. If approved, a first phase of work in 2026 would be funded through $90,000 in secured donations and pledges raised by community volunteers, and final work in 2027 of approximately $300,000 would be funded through the County’s 2027 budget and additional fundraising contributions.

PW 2025-53: Norwich to Tillsonburg Multi-use Trail

Integrating child care spaces into affordable housing projects

Oxford County Council will be reviewing next steps at its upcoming meeting to establish a framework for creating child care spaces within County-owned facilities and affordable housing projects, including potential expansions and renovations. The new policy aims to address the growing demand for high-quality, affordable child care in Oxford County by leveraging opportunities for collaboration with both non-profit and private sector partners.

HS 2025-11 – Licensed Child Care Space Integration Policy

AAA credit rating for Oxford County

Oxford County maintained its AAA rating in 2025 based on strong financial management practices and exceptional liquidity as key credit strengths. The Standard & Poor's Rating affirms expectations that, over the next two years, the County will continue to demonstrate strong budgetary balances and maintain a healthy liquidity position.

CS 2025 - Credit Rating Review - 2025

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