Interview with the Mayor - Nov 4th 2024

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Monday, 4 November 2024 11:09

This week's City Council agenda includes the North Woodstock Recreation Facility Needs Study and a proposal for Tour of Lights 2024.

WOODSTOCK - A new rec centre is on the horizon for the City of Woodstock.

A Recreation Facility Needs Study determined that one was needed back in 2021 because the Civic Centre Arena is at the end of its life. That's when the North Woodstock Recreation Facility Study began and the findings will be presented to City Council this Thursday.

Mayor Jerry Acchione says it looks at building a new community centre at Cowan Fields.

"So currently a gymnasium, two ice pads, and some common rooms is what has been picked out and the cost estimate is $67 million for that. 115,000 square feet is going to be the size of this facility."

Council will also consider potential add-ons which would increase the price and the square footage of this facility. This includes a pool, curling rinks, and child care spaces. Staff is recommending a public feedback campaign to hear from local residents.

City Council will also look over the proposal for this year's Tour of Lights during this Thursday's meeting.

The Tour of Lights allows people to buy tickets so they can go on City buses to check out all of the Christmas lights. You can also buy a map of the tour so you can drive your own vehicle, and all of the proceeds go to United Way.

The popular holiday event was hit hard during the pandemic, but Mayor Acchione says it was a huge hit last year.

"We brought it back last year and we sold out with 20 different trips. This year, staff is telling us that they can actually do more trips with 24 trips."

If approved by council, the bus tours would take place on Sunday December 8th and Sunday December 15th this year.

Thursday's City Council meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. and it will be livestreamed on the City of Woodstock YouTube page. You can also find the meeting agenda online here.

During his interview on the Heart FM morning show today, Mayor Acchione also briefly talked about a homeless encampment that had to be vacated over the weekend. It was located in the Henry Street area and three people were displaced as a result.

Mayor Acchione says it was a couple of tents in addition to a wooden structure, so there was a concern for safety.

"The fire department had been in there, previously the structure burnt right to the ground so there were some concerns. They (the firefighters) dropped off a smoke alarm, but it still wasn't enough. Ultimately they were asked to move."

Mayor Acchione has not heard much since the encampment was vacated, but he does know that Operation Sharing had people on standby to assist those who were impacted.

Acchione also talked about the following matters while chatting with Dan and Marcie this morning:

- How the recent time change has affected him.

- Being an ambassador for the Novemburger fundraising campaign for United Way Oxford.

- How members of the public can now access City Council agenda's on the Friday before a Council meeting.

You can listen to the full interview below: