Statement: Oxford County Council shifts policy direction on how growth is managed

Statement by Warden Marcus Ryan

Who pays for growth?

Every year the province provides updated growth forecasts for Oxford County that we must consider and accommodate through our own community and infrastructure planning. Oxford’s most recent forecasts will see us grow to almost a quarter million people over the next 40 years.

To some extent growth pays for growth, but this is not always the case. If it were, every student would have a classroom instead of portable, every patient would have a primary healthcare provider, and we wouldn’t have people sleeping under tarps in our parks.

This year, Oxford County Council adopted an historical shift in its policy direction on growth. This is unfolding in three steps.

First, we asked for a staff report examining the costs of growth in Oxford to more fully understand growth impacts. Next, we are seeking a conversation with the Province about how it can support municipalities with these costs. And, third, we are setting higher targets for ourselves for containing growth within our built-up areas to help ensure more efficient use of existing land and infrastructure within our urban and rural communities.

Together, these actions will help ensure growth happens in a financially responsible way that is both sustainable for our infrastructure and respectful of our green spaces and agricultural lands.

We believe this new direction by County Council is an important step that will impact our communities for years to come. We will continue to update you as we move through this process.

Watch Warden Marcus Ryan’s video statement