Establishing a new Homelessness Support Centre in Woodstock
Update from the Chief Administrative Officer
At the request of Oxford County Council, the County is sharing an update on the goal to achieve “Housing for all” in our community.
Oxford County, with funding assistance from the City of Woodstock through Ontario’s Building Faster Fund, is in the process of purchasing the property at 808 Dundas Street in Woodstock, the former YMCA building, to establish a new Homelessness Support Centre. The purchase is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, with the new facility opening in early 2028.
This is good news for our community and a fundamental step toward getting more people the support they need to get off the streets.
Working with our community partners, the building will offer emergency shelter services along with on-site supports that help people move safely inside, become stabilized, and connect to the right form of housing.
It will also be tied to the new HART Hub and Wellness Centre in Woodstock, a provincially funded facility that provides mental health and addictions support along with other services.
For several years now, homelessness has been at the top of the list when it comes to community concerns.
For this reason, finding a site for this facility has been a priority, with a number of private and publicly listed properties considered throughout this process. The purchase of the building is only a first step: there are many more decisions ahead of us. As we plan this new facility, we’ll be seeking community feedback and input into how the support centre is established and operated within the surrounding community.
We know this is a community that cares, and that wants to see unhoused people get the support they need to live healthy, vibrant lives.
We’ve been excited to share this news with you. While real estate negotiations are protected under the Municipal Act, it was Council’s direction to staff to continue to inform and engage our residents. We have been listening and we’ll continue to listen.
At this stage we also want to thank the many community partners who work every day within the homelessness services system. We look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen supports for those experiencing homelessness.
In addition to hosting public information meetings to take your questions and feedback, we’ll be posting updates to Speak Up, Oxford, on our websites, on social media, and through our local newspapers and radio.
Please stay tuned for more information.
Ben Addley
Chief Administrative Officer
Oxford County
About Oxford County
Located in southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 140,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” A partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is committed to 100% renewable energy, zero waste, zero poverty, and being 100% housed. Oxford County is situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, with a diversified local economy that is home to an innovative agricultural industry, leading automotive manufacturers, and the Oxford County Cheese Trail. Oxford also offers a thriving local arts and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The County’s Strategic Plan puts forward a vision of “Working together for a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable future.” The Oxford County Administration Building is in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca, follow us on social media, or download our Facts and Stats to learn more.