Interview with Mayor Jerry Acchione - Tuesday September 5th

Tuesday, 5 September 2023 11:06

Mayor Jerry Acchione says it's still unclear how the Strong Mayor powers will work in Woodstock.

WOODSTOCK - Strong Mayor powers will be a topic of discussion at the next Woodstock City Council meeting.

The City is one of the 21 municipalities that became eligible on August 21st, but they can only use the powers if it helps them reach their provincial housing targets. The City of Woodstock has a target of 5,500 units by 2031.

Mayor Jerry Acchione says it's unclear how the Strong Mayor powers will work in Woodstock because we have a two-tier government system in Oxford County.

"Of the new 21 (municipalities) on the list, we are a little bit unique so we're not exactly sure what this is going to look like. But I am committed to working together with councils including our City Council and our County Council."

Using Strong Mayor powers, Mayor Acchione should be able to pass legislation that supports more housing if he has support from one-third of council. But he says this doesn't really mean much, because Council is already on the same page.

"Council has been voting together. We've got 3,500 new units already approved this term to put it in perspective. Now the province wants us to commit to a total of 5,500 by 2031 and I don't see that being a problem."

Council will be looking over a report from staff during this Thursday's meeting.

During the meeting, Council will also discuss potential dates for budget meetings, the possibility of hiring more public works staff to help with snow removal this winter, and hear a delegation calling for more pickleball courts. Council will also hear a proposal for the old Hydro One building (16 Graham Street) that looks to add 100 new units to the downtown core.

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

Mayor Acchione stopped by the Heart FM studio to chat with Dan and Marcie on Tuesday September 5th and you can listen to the full interview below: