During a recent Heart FM interview, Mayor Jerry Acchione confirmed that Woodstock City Council will be reviewing options this week for a major City Hall and Museum Square expansion — a project that was once estimated at over $23 million.
The staff report outlines several design variations, including larger offices, new council chambers, public washrooms, and even a skating rink as part of a broader downtown redevelopment plan. While final costs have not been confirmed, it’s clear that staff are steering Council toward another major long-term capital project — one that will ultimately be paid for by local taxpayers. Consultants are expected to prepare yet another feasibility study, which could lead to even more spending.
All this comes as Oxford County faces a deepening affordability crisis and ongoing questions about spending transparency. Property taxes have already climbed sharply in recent years, and projects like these threaten to increase the financial burden on residents without clear benefit.
City Hall may be planning for “100% growth,” but if spending continues to outpace reality, we’ll end up with 100% debt and Zero Affordability. Residents are left asking a simple question: how much more can taxpayers afford?
Optics matter. Spending millions on offices and civic amenities directly contradicts County slogans about “Zero Poverty” and “100% Housed.” If leaders truly believe in these commitments, they should focus on affordability and responsible spending — not inflating budgets for new buildings.
Woodstock’s growth cannot come at the expense of its residents. Council needs to reject this staff-proposed luxury spending and prioritize transparency, efficiency, and the needs of the community.
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