Interview with the Mayor - November 2nd, 2026

Monday, 2 November 2026 at 10:34

Mayor Acchione talked about the final meeting for the current Woodstock City Council and the swearing in ceremony for the next council.

WOODSTOCK - Fresh off the 2026 municipal election campaign, Woodstock Mayor Jerry Acchione was back in the Heart FM studio.

He thanked everyone for their support over the past few months and those who voted in the election. He's looking forward to working with the next Woodstock City Council, which will be sworn in on Monday, November 16th.

In the meantime, the current Woodstock City Council will meet for one last time this Thursday. Acchione says it will be an emotional night in council chambers, but they do have a few things they need to get done before parting ways.

Council is set to sign off on three forgivable loans of $30,000 to three local family doctors; Dr. Tianzheng Lin, Dr. Nafeesa Khan, and Dr. Sarah Davies. Acchione says its an incentive to attract more doctors to the Friendly City.

"We wanted a way that we could get more doctors here in the City of Woodstock. So we came up with a forgivable loan of up to $30,000 that could be given to doctors to set up their practices."

If the doctors stay in Woodstock for five years, they don't have to pay the loan back.

Council is also set to approve free transit after 4:00 p.m. on Saturday November 21st, the same night as the Woodstock Santa Claus Parade and the CPKC Holiday Train. Mayor Acchione says it will be a busy night of festive cheer, and they want to make things easier for those taking part.

"Please take a bus! The parking and traffic will be chaotic and we recognize that, so help us help you get there. Get on a bus to go watch the train right after the parade, free of charge."

The CPKC Holiday Train is scheduled to stop at 199 Winniett Street at 6:50 p.m. to 7:10 p.m. the evening. The Woodstock Santa Claus Parade was supposed to begin at 7:00 p.m., but the city has pushed the start time to 5:00 p.m. so residents can enjoy both events.

This 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.

Mayor Acchione also discussed the following during his interview this morning:

- His thoughts on the new council, the mix of new and returning councillors, and the voter turnout.

- A report from the Mayor's Task Force summarizing the work done over the past four years.

- The behind the scene process of changing the start time for the Woodstock Santa Claus Parade.

You can listen to the full interview below: