Council Highlights - June 3, 2025

This meeting took place the Township of South-West Oxford’s Municipal office at 9:00 a.m. A summary of the happenings from Council is as follows: 

• 2025 Asset Management Plan: Conor Brennan, Asset Management Specialist, presented Council with the draft 2025 Asset Management Plan (AMP), which complies with the requirements of Ontario Regulation 588/17. The plan also addressed the Township’s annual funding needs, long-term financial sustainability, and reliance on reserves for emergency and unplanned expenditures.
• Public Meeting: Zone Change Application ZN 4-25-01 - Township of South-West Oxford, Accessory Structures: Council approved the proposed Zoning By-law Amendment to introduce amendments to the Township’s Zoning By-law No. 25-98 to remove maximum dwelling size and increase the maximum permitted lot coverage for accessory structures for residential properties within and outside of settlement areas throughout the Township as described in Report CP 2025-152.
• Secondary Planning Process Overview for Mount Elgin: Council authorized Planning and Township staff to begin working together to complete the next steps necessary to prepare a Terms of Reference for the secondary planning exercise for Mount Elgin.
• Staff Reports:
  • Council received a report seeking direction on the components to be included in the proposed new municipal building in Mount Elgin and directed staff to include the following components in the building design: municipal office; childcare centre (88 spaces); library; and council chamber with dual-use design space. Staff were directed to continue to utilize SPH Engineering to continue the project’s conceptual design and review the plans by an architect. Council will be considering this at a future meeting once an update is available.
  • A report summarizing building departmental activity for April and May 2025 was provided to Council.
  • Council accepted the Petition for Drainage Works received from Jan, Jeanette, and Rudi Van Barneveld and appointed Headway Engineering to add a new branch drain to the Hiram Allin Drain in accordance with Section 4 of the Drainage Act, RSO 1990, Chapter D17.
  • Council received a report brought forward by staff in response to their request for information regarding proposed wind energy developments within the Township. The report provided an overview of the current status of two proposals in South-West Oxford, and outlined the Township’s role in the approval process. It also summarized common concerns raised by residents. Delegates are expected to present on this topic at the June 17, 2025 meeting of Council which will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Mount Elgin Community Centre.
  • A report regarding the award of the Master Fire Plan RFP was received – Loomex Group Ltd. was selected as the successful proponent.
• By-laws and Agreements (passed): to provide for Drainage Works in the Township (Koteles Drain), to authorize the execution of an agreement to occupy residence (Van De Belt), to amend the Township’s Zoning By-law (ZN 4-25-01).
• Zoning And Property Standards (New Business): high-level discussion took place among Council regarding property standards and zoning related matters in Beachville. 

Recordings of Council Meetings are available on the Township’s YouTube Channel. For more details, please visit our Agendas and Minutes page: https://www.swox.org/township-services/council/agendas-and-minutes/