Ward Councillors

Wow! Where to start? It’s hard to believe it’s already been 10 months since the current council was sworn into office. It has been a steep but enjoyable learning curve for the newbies on council. I am continually impressed with the caliber of our fellow council members and staff. While there might not always be unanimous agreement on the issues discussed, the tone is always respectful and courteous. I would like to thank all those around the council table for their patience in answering what must seem to be a million questions from me as I try to get a handle on the goings-on in SWOX.

I’d also like to give a shout out to the members of the various committees of Council, and specifically the Mount Elgin Community Centre Board, the Dereham Centre Community Hall Board and the Mount Elgin Parks and Recreation Committee. With their ever-ready willingness to serve, and their “can-do” attitude, these people really are the glue that holds our communities together. If you meet one of these people in passing, please take the time to thank them for the great service they provide to your village. And as time and funds permit, please also support the work they do with your attendance at the various events and fundraisers they organize.

As I write this, the pundits and commentators are putting the final touches on the federal election held last week. Whether you are happy with the results or not, I hope you took the time to educate yourself on the issues and cast your ballot. As we approach Remembrance Day, let’s remember the incredible sacrifice and cost that was paid to ensure that we can continue to enjoy the freedoms we have.

While it might be a tad later than usual, harvest time is upon us. And despite the late start to the growing season this spring, it looks like we’ve been blessed in Southwest Oxford with another bountiful harvest.

First, a word to our farmers: Thank you for all your hard work. And please be careful. With increasingly wet weather and shorter days, a sense of urgency sets in to bring the harvest in as quickly as possible. This often means long work days and occasionally cutting a corner here or there. I urge you to not make safety a corner that you cut. Remember that 9 out of every 10 cars you meet on the road have no connection to the farm and don’t understand what you’re doing. Nor do they understand the nature of the equipment you are driving. Be sure to have adequate lighting on all power units and implements. Properly operating hazard lights on the outside edges of your machinery is a bare minimum. Working signal lights would be much better. Pull over to the side of the road when safe to do so to allow traffic to pass. And as field conditions deteriorate and you start leaving more mud on the roads, please be a good neighbour and scrape it off in a timely manner.

Next, to our neighbours and the motoring public: please be patient with our farmers as they labour to bring in their crops. While it might seem like you’ve been stuck behind that tractor for an hour, it’s probably been less than 5 minutes. And by this time next week, you won’t even remember it. Farm machinery is large, slow and heavy, and it might be turning soon,  so please be cautious when approaching or passing it.

Wishing you all a safe fall season, we’ll chat again soon.

Pete Ypma

It’s the changing of the season, warm days and cool nights, the smell of the falling leaves, the vibrant colours of trees, and this year, the Municipal Election on October 22, 2018.

That is not all that has changed.

The way you vote will be different. You can actually vote from home. How easy is that? Effortless I would say, compared to going out, lining up, and waiting to cast your vote.All you need to do is make a phone call or go online!

Coming soon to all residents in the mail you will find your Voter Infromation Letter with all the information you need to make the connection to vote. Your Voter Information Letter will include a PIN and all the instructions you need to use that PIN.

There is also a Voter Help Centre at the Township Municipal Office and a Voter Help Line519 485 0477. Don’t hesitate to call.

Autumn 2018 is truly a time of change!

Autumn has always been my favorite season, a time for reflection of summer events, and a time for the expectation, of things to come. Autumn is a time when everything bursts with its last blast of beauty. Truly, nature was saving the best for last. With summer slowly passing, one cannot help but reflect on the activities of summer.

Reflecting on the summer in Ward 3, one would realize it was filled with working the land, construction, fun activities, and community events. The ground work for the installation of the NRG’s natural gas main lines were laid on part of Salford road and Culloden road to connect part of South West Oxford to NRG Natural Gas. Progress in this area can be seen as a success and an asset to those wishing to have choice ofenergy providers.

With regards to summer activity, do you remember playing scrub baseball at school?

     What is old is now new because Salford Community Hall and Park located at the old Salford school, hosted a summer Friday night scrub baseball game for community children and children at heart. Community involvement was seen as very positive, so positive that plans have been made to host this summer activity next year.

     Community members rallied this summer and hosted the first Salford School Reunion. The gathering was an incredible event. Past students attended from far and wide. The joy of being re-connected was evidenced by the laughter and good conversations had by all. Rumour has it this past event will not be the last! Our community is strong!

My sincere appreciation goes out to all who made these summer moments so memorable. 

Community organizations and the people that volunteer their time are valuable members of the community. According to Wikipedia, community organizations cover a series of activities at the community level aimed at bringing about desired improvement in the social well-being of individuals. The action that usually comes from these organizations is power, power to address the issues that affect individuals and the place they live.

People that run and attend community based organizations are an important resource. They have the ability to work willingly together for the betterment of their community. Volunteers for these organizations come from all walks of life: they may be a teenager learning to manage responsibility, an executive sharing management skills with a community group or a retiree enjoying a new friendship as a volunteer or mentor. Ideally, volunteers who run or participate in community organizations find the donation of their time and energy a meaningful experience for themselves as well as for the organization. Attending and taking part in community based organizations is a true win/win situation.

Organizations running out of the Salford Hall, Ward 3, of South-West Oxford are and include the Salford Community Hall and Park Board, the Seniors Club, Scouts, 4H Club and the Early Years Program. Hats off to those organizations who strive to build our community.

Share your ideas with Councillor Durston

Phone:(519)-485-2698
E-mail: ward3@swox.org

When people hear the word “community”, many think of a neighbourhood, village or town. When I think of a community, I think of Ward 3 of South West Oxford with its amenities being the Mount Elgin Church, the Salford Old Reformed Church, the Village Cheese Mill and the Salford Community Hall and Park. A community can be a group of people who have something in common, a common history, or common interests. When people work together they build positive relationships. This interaction strengthens the community as a whole.

The Board Members of the Salford Community Hall and Park have worked extra hard this year building the strength of the community. Their goal is to increase community involvement and to give back to the community giving thanks to all community members who have worked so hard to keep the community vision alive. In the spring there will be a Grand Opening of the new park at the Salford Hall. All community members are invited to attend. Other Community events have been planned starting off with a Ham Supper on April 9, 2016 with other events happening throughout the spring, summer and fall ending with yet another Christmas sale you will not want to miss.

I would like to recognize the efforts of the outgoing board members of the Salford Community Hall and Park. Your hard work and dedication has been recognized and certainly appreciated. My personal hope is that you return for another successful year at the Salford Hall and Park.

What is it about Community Halls that bring people together? Is it a desire to be with other people or is it just as simple as liking the place and liking the place you live? Liking the place and liking the place you live have something in common.

According to Dr. Katherine Loflin, a leader in place making and who was significant in rebuilding New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina said, “Building communities of all sizes gives identity, elects pride of ownership and ensures communities strive collectively to make themselves better socially and through local economic growth.” People in our community are doing just that. People are proud of where they live, proud of where they go for fellowship and equally proud of where they go for camaraderie. Gathering in places of choice provides identity and elects pride in ownership of place. Dr. Loflin calls this the POWER OF PLACE.

Power of Place will be seen at the Fall Turkey Supper hosted by the Salford Community Hall October 3, 2015. For tickets please call 519-425-2657.

Share your ideas with Councillor Durston
Phone:(519)-485-2698
E-mail: ward3@swox.org

Fall has arrived and so has the 2018 Municipal Elections. I myself, as well as four other members of Council were acclaimed. Two new Councillors were elected. Peter Ypma in Ward 2 and Craig Gillis in Ward 6. I look forward to working with you over the next four years. 

This fall we have had more rain than normal, therefore delaying some fo the corn and soybeans being harvested, but I am sure crops will be eventually harvested and fall tillage compelted. The wet weather has made most of our gravel roads somewhat a challenge to maintain. Once the wet weather stops I am sure the roads department will do their best to bring our roads back to where they should be. 

Council will soon be starting to prepare the 2019 Budget. The budget is to me, the most challenging item that Council does every year. I have learned that trying to maintain services and keep the tax increase to a minimum is not as easy as it seems. It has been brought to my attention numerous times by South-West Oxford residents that they would like services maintained or increased and their taxes maintained or decreased. This adventure is hard to do, but I believe Council does a pretty good job of trying to achieve this. 

As Christmas nears, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Enjoy the season with family and friends. 

- Councillor George Way

It's been quite some time since I last wrote, and a lot of things have occurred in Ward 4. The new playground equipment was installed in Folden’s, and since the installation there has been a great amount of use. Families within the Township and from outside the Township have been using the facilities, and the comments from users are very positive. Congratulations to the “Park and Rec” Committee on a very successful project!

The Beachville District Museum is in the process of hiring a new curator. The position was posted and 122 applications were received. The hiring committee has narrowed the number of applications down to 11, and the interviews are to begin in late February.

At the upcoming Council Meeting on February 20^th, Council will interview 9 applicants who have submitted their names to fill the vacancy in Ward 1, after the sudden and unexpected passing of Councillor D. Anne VanHoucke. Anne was a veteran Councillor, not afraid to voice her opinion. She will be missed very much, RIP Anne!

In September of 2017, SWOX hired Julie Forth to be our new Clerk, and in January of 2018 Nicole Chambers was hired as our new Office Administrative Assistant. Both Julie and Nicole are settling in well, and I encourage everyone to stop in and welcome them to the Township.

That’s all for now, enjoy the rest of our winter and I will talk to you in the spring.

George Way

Here we are in the middle of December and three things come to my mind.

First, the winter season has begun.  Second, Christmas is fast approaching.  Third, the year 2016 is coming to an end.

The snow and colder weather are definitely here.  Due to the deep snow in the fields, the daily walks with the dog are a lot more difficult.  We now get in the truch and drive into town and walk the sidewalks of Ingersoll.

Christmas will be here very quickly, but I can safely say that I am ready.  The shopping is complete, and the extra food has been purchased.  The candy dishes have been put out and filled, Christmas cards have been mailed, and the gathering of friends and family has started.

As the year 2016 is winding down, it's time to reflect back and think of many different things.  I think of the accomplishments that we have achieved.  Painting the garage, the yard work that has been completed and BBQs with friends and family.  Road trips in the old car and holidays with family and friends; all good memories.

It is also time to remmber the family members, friends and neighbours that we lost in 2016, gone but not forgotten.

Enjoy the winter season, drive safe and see you in the spring.

If you were to look at the Calendar, Fall won't officially arrive for three more days.  But if you were to take a drive throughout the Township, you will see things that us summer is over.

     First, school buses are once again travelling up and down the roads, meaning the summer is over and the kids are back in school.  Secondly, farmers are bust in the fields taking off corn silage. To me, taking off corn silage is a farm task which is done in early fall.

There is one more event that happens this time of year, telling me that suimmer is over and that is closing the swimming pool.  I closed my pool today, and in 21 years of closing the pool, this is the first time closing it when the humidex temperature was in the low 30 degrees celsius range.  It just didn't seem right, but anyway, the pool is once again closed.

The road construction projects in the Township are almost complete.  Dodge Line north has been repaved as well as Duffy Line between Union Road and Salford Road.  The third paving project, Karn Road, west of Church Line to the Township limits is almost complete and should be completed by the end of September.

It has been one full year since SWOX has transitioned to a 6 day garbage pickup/recycling collection.  In the beginning there were a few problems, but overall, I think the process has been well received.  I personally think the 6 day cycle is awesome and maybe if we all work at it, then the rest of the municipalities will eventually switch to a 6 day cycle as well.

Enjoy the Fall Season, and Take Care
George Way

With winter behind us, I think it is safe to say, Spring is here. Farmers are busy in the fields preparing for another crop to be planted. It’s the end of April and I have already cut my lawn once, and opened the pool…just waiting for the warm weather to arrive.

At the Beachville District Museum, the Beachville Parks and Recreation Committee had another successful Easter egg hunt, with approximately 200 people attending. The weather was good, and the property committee had done a wonderful job picking up sticks and preparing the grounds.

The new Playground Equipment Committee in Folden’s had a very successful “Mom to Mom” sale at the Columbo Club in Beachville. Just over $1,000.00 was raised to help cover the committee’s 25% share of the cost of the new playground equipment to be installed in the park. Their next fundraising event will be a Family Fun Day on June 4th, 2016. This event will be from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m. for the planned activities, and a BBQ from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. If you haven’t any plans for that Saturday in June, please stop by and enjoy a BBQ’d hot dog or hamburger and take part in some of the activities that will be going on.

T-Ball will be offered again this year in the Ball Park in Folden’s. If you have children between the ages of 4 years to 8 years and would like to let them involved you can contact Mitch Kirby at 519-423-6072 and he will be happy to provide you with the details.

That’s all for now. Take care and have a safe summer.
Talk to you later!

Share your ideas with Councillor Way
Phone: (519)-485-0140
E-mail: ward4@swox.org

2016 has arrived and having said that, I hope that everyone had a good Christmas and a Happy New Year!

With December in the past, to me, winter is half done. Not only is December gone, it was the warm temperatures and no snow that made it hard to believe that it was actually December. I'm sure January and February will be different weather wise and we will be back to reality; shoveling snow, cold weather and days when driving conditions will not be good.

As for events in the Township, well in Ward 4, the West Oxford Hall Board and Parks and Recreation Board, plans are in the works of having playground equipment installed in the Park in Foldens. A Committee has been formed, prices have been received, and a delegation will be making a presentation to Council in January, hoping to get support from SWOX Council and applying to Trillium for a Grant as well. A bottle drive, bake sale, BBQ, and car wash are fundraising events that will take place in 2016. Support from the community and surrounding area is very strong, with lots of new volunteers willing to help, which is good to have when a project of this nature takes place.

At the Beachville District Museum the winter season is our slow season when it comes to visitors. The number of visitors is always less this time of year, which is okay, because that enables staff to do small maintenance projects. If you have not been to the museum lately, then I ask that you put it on your "bucket list" of places to visit in 2016.

The months of January and February are the "Annual General Meeting" months for all Hall, Park, Recreation, and Cemetery Committees and Boards in the Township. All of these boards could use some new members. So, if you want to become part of your local board, please feel free to attend the Annual General Meeting and volunteer to sit on the executive or just become a volunteer to help with the social events and fundraising events for these boards. New people bring new ideas!

Have a great winter and will talk to you again in the Spring.

Share your ideas with Councillor Way
Phone: (519)-485-0140
E-mail: ward4@swox.org

Farmers are in the fields harvesting the crops. Both Township and County roads have an increased use of farm equipment. Farm equipment seems to be getting bigger with every new season. When driving on roads and approaching farm equipment, slow down, share the road, and have patience.

Taking the crops off also means an increase in wildlife sightings. Deer will be more visible and statistics tell us that deer and motor vehicle collisions are higher during this time of year. Drive with extra caution.

New this fall was the change to our garbage and recycling program. A new 6 day cycle was introduced. One truck will pick up garbage and recycling at the same time. We no longer have to separate our recyclable material. It may seem confusing at first, but I'm positive that the residents of SWOX will adjust. That's all for now, Have a great fall!

Share your ideas with Councillor Way
Phone: (519)-485-0140
E-mail: ward4@swox.org

I would like to share a great experience I had on the weekend.

I took two of my grandchildren to Budhaven Farms (Leaping Deer). For those of you that may not know this is an agritourism  business located on Clarke road east of Ingersoll. We had been to the store many times but never to any events.

The kids and I had a great time. Events included the corn maze, wagon ride, nature trail, go carts, target practise, train ride, animal farm with feeding, playground and a pig race.

The kids loved it as did I. In fact I couldn’t get them to leave as they were having such a great time. On top of all that the food was pretty special as well.

If you are looking for something to do with your family any weekend in October I highly recommend this experience

May 2, 2016. Statistics Canada today officially begins mailing out access codes so Canadians can prepare to complete the 2016 census online — either the regular or the newly restored long-form version. Census Day is May 10, but Statistics Canada is encouraging Canadians to complete their census forms as soon as they receive them.

The letters will provide a 16-digit access code to allow households to complete the census online, but also gives Canadians the option of having a paper version mailed to their homes.

The census collects demographic information on every person living in Canada. That information is then used by governments, businesses, associations, community organizations and others to make important decisions at the municipal, provincial and the federal levels. Results from the census are also used to help inform payment allocation at all levels of government.

One in four randomly selected households in Canada will receive the 36-page long-form questionnaire known as the National Household Survey, while the remainder of Canadians will receive the 10-question short version. Both are mandatory.

Under Section 31 of the Statistics Act, the consequence for failing to provide information to a mandatory census or falsely answering is liable to a summary conviction carrying a fine of up to $500, imprisonment of up to three months, or both.

The goal of the 2016 Census program is to restore the quality of data for special populations and at all levels of geography, including the coverage of small municipalities, to the levels of the 2006 census.

The data will provide communities with the necessary information to make decisions on services such as schools, roads, health care, policing, transit and social services.

Please co-operate with the census folks went they deliver the census letter and code to your home and complete the census in a timely manner. The information is important to us all.

Share your ideas with Councillor Pickard
Phone:(519)-456-3425
E-mail: ward5@swox.org

I have just competed my sixth year as a director on the Oxford Community Foundation. This has been great experience I would like to share with you.

When I joined the OCF I must admit I didn’t know much about the organization except it raised endowment funds and donated the income from the endowments back to the community. Over my six year tenure I have learned a great deal and made many key contacts in the process. The OCF is one of 178 community foundations across Canada established to be:

• The steward of funds which are pooled in a permanent endowment to serve the Oxford County community in perpetuity;
• Grants funds to a wide range of interests through registered charities committed to making a difference in the quality of life in the County;
• Identifies needs, works with other County organizations acting as a catalyst to connect people and causes to make a difference in Oxford County.

The OCF promotes philanthropy for donors who themselves create their own legacy which will last forever. Donors can name their own fund and designate where the income from the fund goes each year. OCF also has a Community Fund. This fund accepts donations, large or small, which are pooled and each year the Board selects needy causes to be supported. Many donations have been made as a memorial or to acknowledge a significant event in the donor’s life.

I am writing this not only for awareness but because we are looking for a few new directors in 2016. To learn more about The Oxford Community Foundation please visit the website at: www.oxfordcommunityfoundation.org

Share your ideas with Councillor Pickard
Phone:(519)-456-3425
E-mail: ward5@swox.org

I was fortunate to attend the “Night of Heroes” Fashion Show September 24th, 2015 at Cowan Park Woodstock. The Oxford Community Foundation (OCF) and the Woodstock and District Developmental Services (WDDS) hosted the first ever Night of Heroes Fashion Show In support of the WDDS expansion campaign..... Opening Doors, Community is Key. When I purchased my ticket I understood local EMS staff and other dignitaries would be on display wearing the latest in fashion from Eden Bella and Roberts Ladies Wear. I’m talking about our “buff” EMS folk here. These guys and gals are our County heroes. Additionally the entire Navy Vets Hockey Team was on hand to help out.

The event was a sell out at $35.00 a ticket. The hall was decorated to the “nines” with a bar, food catered by “Taste of Woodstock”, silent auction table and local vendors on display. It was gala!

Master of Ceremony Jason Paquette opened the event with a few remarks and the fashion show began. Each local dignitary/EMS was “paired” with a WWDS patron. They took the stage and runway together with the patron being the fashion model. This was a “WOW” experience for everyone. I got to tell you folks the audience was overwhelmed....cheering like you would hear at a Blue Jays game. At times there were tears running down our faces. These young fashion models were so happy and proud to not only be involved but to be “decked out” in the latest in fashion. I too was so moved with shivers running down my back. So, now I knew who the real “local heroes” were. What a cultural change this was for us!

We had paramedics, Fire Chiefs, Police Chiefs, Nurse Carrie, Constable Marci, Woodstock Mayor and Martha from the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce working the runway escorting our heroes. I offer a big thank you to you all for your willingness and time to help out.

This was truly a rewarding and very special event which I hope, is repeated every year. I was for a great cause and supported some of the Counties very special local heroes.

Share your ideas with Councillor Pickard
Phone:(519)-456-3425
E-mail: ward5@swox.org