Notes from the regular Council meeting, which was held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Public Planning Meeting
Zone change application submitted by Stott Farms Ltd.
The application follows the Oxford County Land Division Committee’s May 2025 approval to sever a surplus farm dwelling from the rest of the farm.
“In this particular proposal, approximately 147 acres of agricultural land was to be severed away from the surplus farm dwelling, which would be retained on a 0.9-acre lot,” said Dustin Robson, Township planner. “The application for zone change in front of you is the result of a condition of that consent approval.”
The planner explained that the current Township application asked for two changes.
“The first is to rezone the 147-acre lot to be severed from A2 [General Agriculture Zone] to an A2-SP [Special General Agricultural Zone]. That A2-SP would restrict any new residential dwellings from being permitted,” said Robson. “The second is to rezone the 0.9 acre lot to be retained from the A2 zoning to an RR-SP [Rural Residential Special], and that would have a special provision to permit a reduced lot depth from 80 metres down to 50 metres.”
He added that no comments or concerns were raised during an internal circulation to departments and the external circulation to agencies, nor were there any from the public.
“Staff have reviewed the application in conjunction with the consent application, and we do believe that the proposal itself complies with both the Provincial Planning Statement and the County’s Official Plan when considering surplus farm dwelling severances,” continued Robson. “Staff would note that we do support the reduction in the lot depth for the lot to be retained from 80 metres down to 50 metres, and the reason we support that is it does avoid agricultural land being unnecessarily taken out of production just to meet that 80 metre depth.”
Council then went on to approve the application in principle. The proposed amending Zoning By-Law will be brought forward for Council’s consideration once the associated reference plan has been received to generate the appropriate by-law schedules.
Correspondence
Township of Norwich Council, re: Proposed Amendment to Safe and Well Oxford Plan 2026-2030.
Township of Norwich Council sent correspondence to Blandford-Blenheim requesting support for a change to the 2026-2030 Safe and Well Oxford Community Safety and Well-Being Plan (CSWB).
The CSWB is designed to improve the safety and well-being of community members by defining and addressing priority risks, and creating a shared framework for government, agencies and other partners to collaborate.
The correspondence notes that Norwich Council recently passed a resolution in regards to the Plan at its Tuesday, February 24, 2026 meeting. A portion of the resolution reads as follows:
“That Council hereby requests that other municipalities in Oxford County consider amending the Safe and Well Oxford Plan 2026-2030 by replacing the words ‘priority groups’ with the words ‘groups of a particular concern’ in eight places in the body of the report and in one footnote.”
The correspondence letter then goes on to explain:
“Council has expressed concerns that identifying certain groups as ‘priority groups’ suggests that other groups are of a lower priority, and could be exclusionary for individuals that are not part of the identified priority groups. Council does not wish to adopt the Safe and Well Oxford Plan 2026-2030 while it includes the phrase ‘priority groups,’ and hopes that partner municipalities across Oxford County will be willing to adopt an amendment to the Plan to update the language to ‘groups of particular concern.’”
Councillor Young then went on to explain why she would not be supporting the change to the CSWB plan.
“While I believe the concern raised about the term ‘priority groups’ in this correspondence was intended to ensure language remained inclusive, I respectfully take a different view. In my opinion, using the term ‘priority groups’ does not exclude others from accessing services, nor does it suggest that anyone is less important,” she said. “Rather, it recognizes that some individuals or populations may face greater barriers, or the data shows there may be a higher level of need for supports. This approach and language is consistent with the province’s framework, and this plan was developed by subject matter experts to focus their efforts where they can have the greatest impact. Identifying priority groups helps planning and collaboration in a meaningful way, while still supporting the well-being of the entire community.”
Councillors Demarest and Bruce Banbury, as well as Mayor Mark Peterson all agreed. The vote to move forward with the CSWB as originally received by Oxford County, was approved.
Staff Reports
Protective Services Department monthly report for February
The report, prepared by Drew Davidson, Director of Protective Services, provided the following update in regards to the activities of the Protective Services Department.
1. Ministerial Visit
Davidson said that the Blandford-Blenheim Fire Department recently hosted Jill Dunlop, Ontario’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, along with Township Council and local MPP Ernie Hardeman, at Princeton Station #81.
“The visit highlighted the new digital station signage recently installed at all four fire stations across the Township,” read Davidson’s report. “These upgrades were made possible through the Emergency Preparedness Grant received by the Township last year. The digital signs enhance our ability to communicate important safety messaging and emergency information to the public.”
While visiting, the Minister and local representatives were provided with a tour of the Princeton station, which is currently under construction.
2. Training Officer Appointment
Davidson explained that Myles Cruickshank’s recent promotion to Captain created a vacancy in one of the department’s two Training Officer positions.
Chris Rook of Station #81 has since been selected to replace Cruickshank and officially began his role on March 1.
“He [Rook] has been on for over ten years, is part of the training committee and naturally moved up into this position,” said Davidson. “It’s just another sign that our succession planning is working as we move firefighters into new roles and leadership roles. So I’m excited to see Chris take on that new responsibility.”
3. Princeton Station #81 Construction Update
Davidson told councillors that construction of the new station is still ongoing and provided an update on the following items.
Exterior:
- Installing of the exterior steel work is nearing completion
- Hydro and natural gas services have been connected the new build
- General exterior assembly of the structure is progressing
Apparatus Bay Area:
- Installing of wall lining in the bays has officially begun
- Lighting installation is complete
- In-floor heating system is in the process of final connection
Interior (Clean Side):
- First coat of paint is done
- Flooring has been installed
- The ceiling grid installation is complete and this includes lighting and HVAC drops.
Davidson went on to say the general contractor indicated that the majority of the construction work should be done by the end of March, at which point the internet and communications infrastructure, security systems, gearing racking and office furnishings will all be installed.
While the station driveway has only received a base coat of asphalt, the transition to the new building should happen this may.
Building Department monthly report for February
The report, prepared by Ray Belanger, Chief Building Official, provided the following update in regards to the activities of the Township’s Building Department.
In February, the building department issued a total of five building permits, totaling to a construction value of $342,500.
Building services continue to ensure compliance with the Building Code Act through education, consultation, oversight and enforcement.
Reports from Council Members
1. Councillor Nancy Demarest mentioned the upcoming Oxford County Career Expo happening at the Woodstock Fairgrounds on Thursday, March 26, from 3 to 6 p.m.
2. Councillor Tina Young reminded everyone that Oxford County’s eight area municipalities are hosting a candidate information session ahead of the 2026 municipal and school board election this fall. The event is taking place at the Oxford County Administration Building at 21 Reeve St. in Woodstock on Thursday, March 26 at 6 p.m.
3. Mayor Mark Peterson said that the Drumbo Lions Club is hosting its 41st Fundraising Auction to help make the Drumbo Park playground more accessible for children of all abilities. The event is taking place at the Drumbo Agricultural Society on Friday, April 3.
He also added that the Lions Club will be collecting electronics and scrap metal to recycle as part of their fundraising efforts. Residents are encouraged to drop off old appliances, tools, equipment, computers and various scrap items at the Drumbo Agricultural Society (in the parking lot) over Easter Weekend.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
