u/IsittoLOUD

Seen it on Facebook, thought I'd share it here.

Oxford County council purchasing Woodstock YMCA for homeless shelter Councillor cries foul as transaction done behind closed doors with no public input Lee Griffi The Echo has learned Oxford County council has approved the purchase of the former Woodstock YMCA property, with plans to convert the site into a homeless shelter and support centre. When exactly the sale is closing is not public information, nor is the sale price.According to realtor.ca, the property was listed for $5.69 million. The listing is no longer active. The approval was made behind closed doors with no public consultation that the media is aware of. Woodstock city and county Coun. Deb Tait brought a motion forward at the May 13 regular county meeting, asking for public consultation before the sale of the building was finalized. Councillor and South-West Oxford Mayor David Mayberry then brought in a motion to defer, one seconded by East Zorra-Tavistock Mayor Phil Schaefer. Only Tait and Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy voted against that motion.“I brought the motion forward as I am concerned that a location will be selected and there will be no public input before the sale closes,” said Tait in a statement to the Echo. Mayberry said he agreed with Tait regarding transparency and public accountability but still tabled the deferral motion.“Resolved that council defer the motion pending a report from staff on public consultation and community engagement to achieve the goal of transparency in municipal decision making,” read his motion.“I agree. Public participation is essential here, but I think to be done at an appropriate time rather than immediately,” added Schaefer.Tait explained she has brought her concerns to the county’s CAO. “I assumed that if a property is bought, a report would be brought once it is discussed in a closed session. A full report with details, including price and location, would be brought forward in open council to vote and debate. I was informed this will not happen.”Tait added no details have been released to the public.“This is very concerning as an elected official, as there is no transparency to the public. On an issue as big as this, the public has a right to know before the deal closes, and any other stakeholders are also aware.”Tait said the money for the purchase will come from the taxpayers of Oxford, but a large portion, over $2 million, came directly from the ratepayers of Woodstock from the Building Faster Fund by meeting a provincial housing target.“I am extremely disappointed that members of county council other than myself and the mayor from Tillsonburg would vote to defer my motion for public input,” Tait said. “It is astonishing the rep from Woodstock, Coun. (Bernia) Martin would vote against any public transparency when we are all aware the shelter will be located in Woodstock.”Woodstock Mayor Jerry Acchione was not present at the meeting and has not yet replied to the Echo’s request for comment. The Echo also reached out to city/county Coun. Martin for comment.“This was a terrible display of democracy for all the taxpayers of Oxford County. We are elected by the people to represent their best interests. That failed today,” added Tait. Under the Ontario Municipal Act, 2001, closed discussions are permitted when council is discussing the "proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land.” While the negotiation and details of the offer are discussed in camera, the legal authority to purchase the property through a by-law must be passed in an open meeting. According to Ombudsman Ontario, councils cannot vote to approve a final offer in closed session unless it is specifically for the purpose of giving direction or instruction to staff, not to seal the final deal. It does not appear the sale was approved in open council at Wednesday’s meeting.The Echo reached out to the county’s top staffer, CAO Ben Addley, for comment.“I have nothing I can provide with regard to a purchase or a shelter from council at this point.”Addley did say council directed staff last year to look for a new homelessness support centre and shelter, which, as Tait said, was given to the county to help fund a site.“That’s work that has been ongoing since the first quarter of 2025. Even today is a little premature because Coun. Tait’s motion was deferred so (her) motion was deferred. They really didn’t get a chance to debate it or talk about what that will look like. They asked staff to bring back a report on what public consultation on a homelessness support centre would look like.”He added the county will invite the public to consult at the appropriate time. “We’ll scope that out for council and bring it back as soon as possible. I’m honestly not expecting it to be until about June.” Woodstock Councillor Mark Schadenburg said, at this point, he is in the dark on the situation.“My hands are tied since I am a Woodstock City Councillor, and I am not privy to what goes on in camera at Oxford County Council meetings.”

Another teat puller of a show for Cowapalooza.