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Message from the Warden and the CAO
Marcus Ryan, Warden, Oxford County (Mayor of Township of Zorra)
Ben Addley, Chief Administrative Officer, Oxford County
Moving on and moving forward
Looking back from the perspective of mid-2023, it's hard to imagine that at the start of 2022 Ontario was only gradually moving towards "reopening" from the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, it was not until April 27 that our region’s newly appointed Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ninh Tran, ended remaining COVID-19 measures in our area.
As compelling as it is to finally experience some distance from that period of time, in reality we are still responding to the pandemic. We're still working to support the recovery of the local economy. We continue to address the healthcare vulnerabilities that surfaced during those years through initiatives like Oxford's new community paramedicine program and measures we are implementing at Woodingford under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act. We are taking bold steps to uphold strong municipal government. And, perhaps most pressing, Council remains fixed on addressing the affordable housing shortage and supporting the complex needs faced by the unhoused, a situation that became more dire throughout the pandemic.
There are many positive highlights from 2022 that we celebrate in this annual report, such as progress on three master plans: housing, transportation, and water and wastewater. The launch of the "My Second Unit" program to help homeowners become landlords while adding affordable housing options for residents. Creating a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) office to support our growing communities and the County as a workplace. Launching a new Oxford County website to better serve residents and improve how we share information online. To learn more about how we worked to make a difference in 2022, please take a look at our Highlights.
Another highlight of 2022 was of course the inauguration of a new County Council, for which I am excited to serve as Warden. Already this Council-- which includes six first-time members-- is showing its commitment to moving ahead with purpose and a determination to try new ways of reaching our goals. You'll soon have the opportunity to see exactly how and where we plan to do this with the 2023 release of Oxford County's new Strategic Plan. Stay tuned, continue to follow us, and let us know your thoughts!