Thank You and Merry Christmas from Mayor Mayberry
As a child in public school I remember my grandmother saying "time flies" and thinking, as I waited for Christmas (and summer holidays), how wrong she was. Now some 50 plus years later, I find myself feeling like time not only flies, but does soat super sonic speed. Where did 2017 go??
December marks the beginning of the last full year of our current term of Council, with municipal elections coming in October of 2018. As I reflect back on the past three years of this Council term, I find myself appreciative of the Council South-West Oxford has. While there are often differences in perspective and opinions, there has been a greater desire to treat each other with respect and a willingness to offer conciliatory suggestions in hopes of finding the best possible solutions for the community.
Council is constantly aware that the decisions they make (wise or not) affect the lives of everyone in the community for better or worse. While our meetings are comfortable in that everyone behaves with respect, they are also serious in attemping to find the best solutions. I am not only proud of South-West Oxford Council, but I am also thankful that so many people in SWOX voted for good representatives.
I also want to thank the many poeple who volunteer on the committees and boards that are responsible for many of our community acitivites. Your countless hours of serving your community are very much appreciated. Great communitiesare built with great volunteers - we are so fortunate!
Finally, I want to wish everyone in the Township a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2018.
Mayor Mayberry's July 2017 Blog
On the eve of Canada Day 2017, the 150 anniversary of our country, I have had several conversations about “what are you doing tomorrow to celebrate?” While I hope to enjoy at least a portion of each municipality’s events across our county, I have heard a number of alternative activities for Canada Day 150. From barbequing with family and friends to going to the cottage, from taking part in the local parade to attending the Highland Games and fireworks, people are looking forward to a time of celebration. And celebrate we should, for there is virtually no other country in the world that has experienced the safety and security, the peace and prosperity enjoyed by Canadians. We are indeed fortunate people!
But our good fortune comes not from the natural wealth of our nation, but rather our collective and communal vision for a community in which we all belong. Our enduring ability to recognize those from a variety of backgrounds and understandings as being partners and equal participants in our communities has been foundational in creating the peace (which is essential for our prosperity) we enjoy. It is the love, respect and appreciation we demonstrate for each other that will ultimately determine the quality of the life, and community, in which we live. Great communities are the outcome of our collective actions, so let’s keep up the good work.
Happy Canada Day!
Mayor Mayberry's May 2017 Blog
The incredible growth in the computerization of almost everything that touches our daily lives is astounding, from appliances to cell phones, from vehicles to home health care products, we are rushing head long into the internet of everything. Many of these devices depend on the transfer of data which has grown exponentially over the past few years. This magnitude of data movement will increase even faster over the next decades. The ability of copper and wireless technologies to meet the demand is already stretched, and will continue to be insufficient. The only currently available technology with the capacity to meet the need is fiber optics.
The County of Oxford has joined with other municipalities in western Ontario to create the South Western Integrated Fiber Technology (SWIFT) program with the goal of providing every home, farm, business and institution with fiber optics. This potentially $4 billion project will take years and the collaborative strengths of government, private sector providers and the public to make it a reality. The Provincial and Federal governments have each committed $90 million so far, but that is not near enough.
In urban areas there is often a business case for installing fiber, but in most of the rural areas, the cost of trenching in kilometers of lines is prohibitive without some type of incentive or support. SWOX council recognizes that in the very near future, fiber optic transmission will be an essential service for both residents and businesses. SWOX council is exploring options to expedite the installation across the municipality. We know that this could be an expensive process, but we are painfully aware that without this service, our economic development will diminish, and then fail.
We encourage our citizens to provide your thoughts on how we can best address this challenge. Please contact any of the council with your comments or concerns.
Mayor Mayberry's April 2017 Blog
During the March break, I travelled with the Woodstock Collegiate Institute students and teachers to Taiwan for their exchange with Tam Kang High School. As warden, it was an honour to represent Oxford County. The relationship between Oxford and Taiwan is the result of the missionary work of Dr George Leslie Mackay in the 1870 and 80s. Dr Mackay, originally from the Embro area, built schools, churches and medical clinics with support from the Presbyterian Church in Canada and the people of Oxford County. Today, the original “Oxford College” has developed into a junior, middle and high school and university. The Dr. Mackay medical clinic has been replaced by the very modern Dr. Mackay Memorial Hospital, equivalent to our University Hospital in London.
Taiwan is a small country (about the size of SW Ontario) of about 23 million people, with the second highest density per square kilometer in the world, about 625. (Canada’s density is about 3.5). Taiwan has very limited natural resources and imports most of its resources, energy and food. Because of their dependence on imports, they have learned to maximize their efficiency in the use of everything. They attempt to reduce their waste by designing many consumer products to be recycled. In fact, they are now creating “Industrial Parks” where any “waste” from one process can be utilized by another manufacturer within the park. Excess heat or scraps from one process can become the resources for the next.
This determined drive for efficiency is one of the reasons this tiny country can compete with the elephant next door, China. There is a lesson here for Canada (and Oxford), if you want to go head to head with the super powers, you better focus on being more efficient and productive. Any waste, is potentially wasted opportunity.
Mayor Mayberry's December 2016 Blog
December should be the season of celebration, and not just for Christmas. December marks the end of another year, another 12 months of life has passed by.
Compared to almost anywhere in the world, we have good reason to celebrate. We enjoy peace and prosperity unmatched almost anywhere on the planet. As a society, for the most part, we are the most fortunate. But our good fortune should be more than celebrated, it should be truly appreciated and shared. As we enjoy the Christmas season, may we all be truly thankful for our good fortune, and share generously with everyone.
Next month, Canada begins a yearlong celebration of 150 years as a nation. Several communities in SWOX are busy planning their celebration events. We will endeavour to keep all of our citizens informed of these events so you can join the celebration too.
From SWOX Council and Staff, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2017.
November 2016 Mayor's Update - Mayor David Mayberry
Despite the fact that no one wants it to be, climate change is real, and the overwhelming evidence shows that the human contribution through our use of fossil fuels is a significant factor. No one wants this to be true, but at some point, for the sake of future generations, we need to take responsibility. I realize that not everyone is prepared to acknowledge the reality of climate change and I understand that denial is most often rooted in the fear of change. But I also believe that we can master the transformational change required to evolve our society (and economy) to the next phase. Humans have a history of adapting to new realities, from transportation to cell phones, from computers to microwaves, people adapt to the changes in their lives. Each change has caused some angst for some people, but even at differing rates, we all learn to adapt.
With some of the identified impacts of climate change known, we need policies and programs (such as Oxford County's 100% renewable energy) that will encourage the mitigation of GHGs and help society to adapt to changing weather patterns. This is a time for clear direction and positive action - this is not a time to bury our heads in the sand by denying the reality, and in doing so, denying future generations of hope!
In facing the challenge of climate change, every person has a role and a responsibility. As individuals, we all need to be better informed about how we can do our part. Leadership needs to provide both vision and opportunities for public engagement. The moment we realize we are all in this together is the moment we will all move forward.
November 2016 Mayor's Update - Mayor David Mayberry
Despite the fact that no one wants it to be, climate change is real, and the overwhelming evidence shows that the human contribution through our use of fossil fuels is a significant factor. No one wants this to be true, but at some point, for the sake of future generations, we need to take responsibility. I realize that not everyone is prepared to acknowledge the reality of climate change and I understand that denial is most often rooted in the fear of change. But I also believe that we can master the transformational change required to evolve our society (and economy) to the next phase. Humans have a history of adapting to new realities, from transportation to cell phones, from computers to microwaves, people adapt to the changes in their lives. Each change has caused some angst for some people, but even at differing rates, we all learn to adapt.
With some of the identified impacts of climate change known, we need policies and programs (such as Oxford County's 100% renewable energy) that will encourage the mitigation of GHGs and help society to adapt to changing weather patterns. This is a time for clear direction and positive action - this is not a time to bury our heads in the sand by denying the reality, and in doing so, denying future generations of hope!
In facing the challenge of climate change, every person has a role and a responsibility. As individuals, we all need to be better informed about how we can do our part. Leadership needs to provide both vision and opportunities for public engagement. The moment we realize we are all in this together is the moment we will all move forward.
October 2016 Mayor's Update - Mayor David Mayberry
Over the past few weeks two of the things have captured public attention have been the winning of the Blue Jays and the American presidential election. Both items can be exciting and disappointing. For the Jays, perhaps we have seen the best they could be, and we should be grateful for that. But when it comes to the circus that is now the presidential election, I am much less grateful, in fact the only thing I'm grateful for is that its not happening here.
I find myself wondering what is really happening, how could the public be satisfied with their "choices" for president? How disenfranchised must people feel to realize these are the two "best" options for the presidency of what was once a great country. If someone claims they want to make America great again, I would hope that they would offer realistic solutions and then behave in a manner that encourages confidence and respect. I don't see that happening!
While I am very proud of SWOX council and staff, I find myself wondering how we are perceived by the community? Does the community feel like we are offering realistic solutions in a respectful manner? Over the past few years, as a result of downloading, SWOX Council has been forced to increase taxes beyond the rate of inflation. Council made those tough choices rather than debt finance or allow the conditions in the township to deteriorate. But increased taxes are increased taxes! As we begin the next budget cycle, lessons learned from a presidential election should help council remember that while people deserve the government they get, they should also get the government they deserve!
May 2016 Mayor's Update - Mayor David Mayberry
On Tuesday, SWOX council received a rather unusual gift from a former employee.
While we were all aware of her ability to be very creative in understanding and then solving problems in our office, I wasn't aware of her creative talents at home. She is a quilter, and like many quilters is occasionally left with scraps of material. In her desire to be both resource efficient and show compassion for others, she has utilized the material scraps and created plush toys shaped as animals to be given (by our emergency service staff) to children as they experience a crisis.
As council looked at the large box of stuffed animals, I was reminded again of the power to do good that is within each one of us. This employee had dedicated her working years by using her skills and gifts to serve our community in one capacity, she now has chosen to use her talents to serve the community in different way. In both cases, the desire is the same, to reach out and make our community a better place to live and love.
I am very proud of the staff at SWOX, and the kindness and generosity of this former staff member clearly demonstrates just one of the reasons why.
April 2016 - Mayor David Mayberry
As one looks outside these days, with trees coming into leaf, flowers beginning to bloom, farmers and gardeners beginning their annual homage to the soil, you realize that spring has sprung, once again. While it happens every year, I still find myself marveling at the rebirth of the earth, and the almost miraculous growth all around us. The continual abundance that surrounds us is such that we often take it for granted. Each year our farmers invest millions of their own dollars, in seeds and other crop inputs, into the ground trusting that they will be rewarded with favourable growing and harvesting conditions. And each year like clockwork, fewer farmers feed more people here and around the world.
The reason there are fewer farmers feeding more people is a result of the continuing urbanization of our society. This global movement is particularly pronounced in North America and Europe where less than 2% of the population is actively engaged in food production to sustain the needs of the rest. As the population of our cities continues to grow, their need for more space to house and employ these newest arrivals expands. This is why South-West Oxford is currently talking to both Ingersoll and Woodstock about readjusting our boundaries with them.
It strikes me as odd that the growth I appreciate, in fact celebrate, in nature I struggle with when it pertains to urbanization, even though I know they are both part of the natural world. Just like flowers grow and bloom, so will towns and cities if they are nurtured properly. Like our farmers growing their crops, our urban areas must also practice excellent stewardship as we grow our sustainable communities. But we also must recognize that when we convert cropland to communities, that we can’t easily go back again, so great care must be taken.
As this and future generations drift further from the rural roots and the direct knowledge or understanding of life sustaining food production, the role of the rural voices to inform and engage urbanites will become even more important when it comes to wise land use. Our sustainability as community, and as a planet, depends on our continued commitment to good stewardship.