Oxford County

06/01/2026

Oxford County’s goal of “Housing for all” is taking a major step forward with a new Homelessness Support Centre in Woodstock that will offer emergency shelter alongside other services that help transition people out of homelessness and into stable housing.

Oxford County’s purchase of the property at 808 Dundas Street in Woodstock, the former YMCA building, officially closed on May 29, 2026. The County now begins the process of consulting with residents and businesses in the area; working with the City of Woodstock and other community partners to plan how the new facility will operate; and tendering for renovations and building system upgrades at the site.

The support centre, expected to open in spring 2028, will work in partnership with Woodstock’s new Homelessness and Addictions Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub/Wellness Centre to serve residents from across Oxford County who are unhoused or at the risk of becoming homeless. It will offer a single-location 24/7 emergency shelter model offering 55 beds, meal areas, safe storage for personal belongings, on-site laundry, day programs, and on-site security.

It will also offer on-site professional staff to help unhoused people find employment, mental health and addictions support, permanent housing, and other types of support. Office space will also be made available to other community agencies.

Read the full announcement here: https://www.oxfordcounty.ca/news/posts/new-homelessness-support-centre-in-woodstock-marks-next-step-toward-housing-for-all/

Watch the video statement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp8L6hcne3Q

Opening in 2028, the new centre will offer emergency shelter alongs...

06/01/2026

This morning, Oxford County Pride, Warden Marcus Ryan, members of County Council and local residents gathered at the Oxford County Administration Building to raise the Pride flag and mark the beginning of Pride Month.

Thank you to everyone who attended today’s ceremony and to all those helping make Oxford County a more welcoming and inclusive place for all.

Learn more about how Oxford County is celebrating Pride Month at https://www.oxfordcounty.ca/news/posts/oxford-county-celebrates-2026-pride-month/

05/30/2026

May 30 is marked as the International Day of Potato. The Archives is sharing a couple related photos from their collections.

Established in 2008 by the United Nations, this day celebrates everything potato. A staple in diets around the world, potatoes, especially varieties like Russet potato, also play an important role in the global economy.

Today, there are roughly 4,000 different varieties of potatoes grown worldwide.

Image Credits:
“Men, women and children beside conveyor belt of potatoes in field,” [COA123 9-159
“Bill Miles in field near Sweaburg holding potatoes” [COA123 9-122]

05/28/2026

Oxford County is proud to recognize Pride Month and celebrate the diversity, strength and resilience of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and the many allies who stand in solidarity.

To mark the occasion, Oxford County Pride and Warden Marcus Ryan invite members of the community to join them for a Pride flag-raising ceremony at the Oxford County Administration Building on Monday, June 1, at 8:00 a.m.

Throughout June, Oxford County will celebrate Pride with a variety of events, activities and resources. Learn more at https://www.oxfordcounty.ca/news/posts/oxford-county-celebrates-2026-pride-month/

For information about additional Pride Month activities taking place across Oxford County, please visit www.oxfordpride.ca.

05/28/2026

📢 All Oxford County Library branches will be closed on Monday, June 1 for Staff Development.

👉 Want to read Heated Rivalry without waiting for your hold? Try Freading for FREE with your OCL card. You get 3 credits per week! Get started here: https://ocl.net/borrow-and-learn/ebooks-and-eaudio/

05/27/2026

Today, County Council heard from several residents on the purchase of 808 Dundas Street, the former YMCA building, to establish a Homelessness Support Centre in Woodstock. Watch the video from today’s council meeting to hear the discussion.

More details, including next steps, will be shared in the coming days after the purchase of the building is completed. In June, a report to council will explain how the community will be consulted on the new Homeless Support Centre, including what should be considered for fencing, property access and maintenance, security measures, and more.

Information about an upcoming public meeting and other ways to give feedback will be shared through our website, social media channels, local news, and advertising. For updates or to submit a comment now, visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/speakup.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/Im_U1pUKgK0?si=J_TChE2jaSOryzcs

On May 27, 2026, County Council heard from several residents on the purchase of 808 Dundas Street, the former YMCA building, to establish a Homelessness Supp...

05/26/2026

ATTENTION: Township of South-West Oxford

Large Item Collection begins in your area on Monday, June 1. Please have your items to the curb by 7 a.m. on the Monday of your collection week.

For more information, visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/services-for-you/garbage-and-recycling/large-item-collection/

05/26/2026

FREE vented blue box lid giveaway from Oxford County!

Residents who bought an 83L blue box from Oxford County (2019–2025) may be eligible for a free vented lid.

Pick up your lid at the Oxford County Waste Management Facility during regular operating hours (office or scale house). The lids fit the Oxford County 83-litre blue boxes (19” x 15.5”) and are available while supplies last.

Please note: Eligible blue boxes must have been purchased through Oxford County locations, including the Waste Management Facility, Administration Building, or Area Municipal Offices (excluding the City of Woodstock).

Find more information at www.wasteline.ca.

05/25/2026

County Council meets Wednesday, May 27 at 9:30 a.m. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/council to learn more.

05/25/2026

Oxford County is hosting a second public meeting to discuss design improvements on Oxford Road 2 (Dundas Street) in Thamesford in the Township of Zorra.

Members of the public who would like to learn more can visit the Public Information Centre on Monday, June 8, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. A formal presentation will be delivered at 5:15 p.m. followed by a question and answer period. The meeting will be held at the Thamesford Recreation Centre (large hall). Public Works Engineering staff and the consultant design team will be available to discuss the project and answer questions.

Learn more at www.oxfordcounty.ca/speakup