Budget season is here, and Oxford County has released its 2026 draft business plan and budget proposing a general levy of $96.3 million for 2026 — a 7.2% increase — according to the report to Council. The County claims that, after adjustments for library services and court security, the Oxford County portion of municipal property taxes would result in a 5% increase for Woodstock residents and a 5.1% increase for residents of Blandford-Blenheim, East Zorra-Tavistock, Ingersoll, Norwich, South-West Oxford, Tillsonburg, and Zorra.
To make matters worse, local wages aren’t keeping up. The Oxford-London-Elgin living wage for 2025 is $21.05/hour — the lowest in Ontario — meaning families already stretched thin will feel this increase even more.
The Big Picture
The draft budget includes $127.9 million in capital spending for roads, water, wastewater, long-term care, and more — plus new initiatives like the Official Plan update, Renewable Energy Action Plan, and Homelessness Support Services Fund.
Some investments are smart and necessary, but others could quietly drain resources if not carefully managed. Energy retrofits, infrastructure studies, and planning frameworks sound good on paper but may not deliver measurable results, especially when basic services and community needs remain underfunded.
What Residents Are Saying
The 2026 budget survey sent a clear message:
- Taxes are too high. Residents say property taxes have been climbing faster than household incomes for years. Rising costs make it harder for families to pay for essentials.
- Downtown and social programs are controversial. Some support growth, while others feel money is being wasted on projects downtown when roads, safety, and essential services need attention. Homelessness, open drug use, and safety concerns came up repeatedly.
- Essential services need focus. Sidewalks, traffic management, transit, garbage collection, recreational facilities (especially pools), and long-term care were repeatedly cited. Zorra Township residents also called out community planning, roundabouts, and expensive new office buildings.
- Accountability matters. Survey respondents want transparency, efficiency, and oversight. They’re frustrated with programs that sound good but don’t deliver real benefits — especially environmental or planning initiatives that may hide inefficiencies.
Residents’ priorities are practical and immediate — not buzzwords or long-term “plans” that may never materialize.
Oversight, Not Just Promises
Stand4Oxford supports responsible investment, but accountability must come first. When budgets grow faster than wages, every line item matters. Residents deserve to know:
- Which projects actually save money or improve services?
- How much of the “green spending” will pay off — and when?
- Are we funding essentials, or adding layers of administration that quietly drain reserves?
Have Your Say
Council’s next special budget meeting is November 24 at 9:30 a.m., with final approval expected in early December. The full business plan and budget draft, a summary presentation, the Council meeting recording (timestamp 1:54:00), as well as updates are available at www.oxfordcounty.ca/budget and at speakup.oxfordcounty.ca/2026-budget.
The People Have Spoken. Will Council Listen?
Now is the time to read up, speak up, and show up. This isn’t just about percentages on a tax bill — it’s about whether public dollars are spent efficiently, transparently, and in the community’s best interest.
If done right, the County’s plans could strengthen Oxford for years. If not, those same line items could quietly drain resources that should go to real, measurable community needs like roads, pools, safety, and services residents rely on every day.
Ask questions. Demand clarity. Participate.
It’s your money — and your Oxford.
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