Oxford County seeking feedback to inform new Official Plan

Attend one of four workshops or complete the online survey to share feedback

Oxford County is hosting four in-person workshops and launching an online survey to gather feedback to help develop the community vision that guides Oxford’s new Official Plan.

Oxford County is forecasted to grow to a population of more than 200,000 over the next 20 to 30 years. The new Official Plan will help shape this future growth by guiding housing and employment planning in Oxford, supporting infrastructure and other services, protection of the environment, and overall community design. 

Residents can attend one of four in-person visioning workshops to have their say and are encouraged to register online in advance at www.oxfordcounty.ca/official-plan-engage.

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Innerkip Community Centre, 695566 17th Line, Innerkip

Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Mount Elgin Community Centre, 333204 Plank Line, Mount Elgin

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
South Gate Centre (Altadore Hall), 191 Old Wellington Street South, Woodstock

Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Embro Community Centre, 355644 35th Line, Embro

Residents can also provide input on the new Official Plan through the online survey at www.oxfordcounty.ca/official-plan-engage. The survey closes on August 31, 2026. 

To learn more, provide feedback through the online survey, or submit comments at any time throughout the Official Plan process, visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/official-plan-engage.

Comment

Paul Michiels, Director of Community Planning, Oxford County

“Visioning for a new Official Plan gives residents an opportunity to have a say in how future growth happens in their communities. Residents will be asked to consider what they would like their community to look like in two to three decades and what their main priorities are. How can we provide for more homes and places to shop, work and play, while also protecting what is important? How can and should land in our communities be used?”

Background

• The Official Plan is Oxford County’s primary land use planning document and sets out where growth should occur, how land is used, and how development is coordinated with infrastructure and public services. It accomplishes this through policies, plans and various land use tools.
• The current Official Plan was approved in 1995 and has effectively guided growth in the County for several decades. Over that time, there have been significant changes in population and employment growth, development patterns, and provincial planning policy.
• Developing a new Official Plan will establish an updated policy framework that reflects current provincial direction and local priorities, while at the same time supporting vibrant, livable communities; protecting agricultural land and the natural environment; and ensuring efficient use of infrastructure and public services.

Graphic

JPG: Official Plan flyer

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.