City of Woodstock, Ontario
500 Dundas Street N4S 1C4 Woodstock, ON, Canada

The City of Woodstock Parks and Recreation Department would like to issue a gentle warning to those that enjoy our trails and parks. Due to the fluctuating seasonal temperatures, the thin covering of ice on our ponds, rivers, creeks and storm management ponds is not substantial enough to bear any weight. This includes Southside Park, the Community Complex pond beside Fanshawe College, Brick Pond Wetlands and any other body of water associated with the trail system. Please ...exercise extreme caution and common sense. Also, due to the growing number of people enjoying outdoor activity because of the increased COVID-19 restrictions, it would be greatly appreciated that you curb your pet and refrain from leaving any refuse behind, i.e.: coffee cups and other assorted debris so that we might maintain the beauty and enjoyment these facilities and natural amenities bring to our community.

The trails below the Hwy 59 bridge have been temporarily closed due to debris falling from the bridge itself. Please avoid this area of the trails until repairs can be scheduled and remedied.

ATTENTION The Woodstock Transit Very Merry virtual Tour of Lights that was to have been launched and aired tomorrow on the City of Woodstock YouTube channel has been rescheduled to air on Monday, December 21st. Upon further exploration of our fine City, we are excited that even more fabulous lighting & Christmas decoration displays have been discovered and brought to our attention that warrant inclusion into the original production. In the meantime, we invite you to secure a ...City of Woodstock Christmas Lights Display map from the City website at www.cityofwoodstock.ca/touroflights or if you’re downtown, drop by City Hall Reeve St. entrance (Monday-Friday 9:00am-1:00pm, 2:00pm-4:00pm) and get a printed copy. Load the car and witness for yourself the spirit of the season and the efforts fellow Woodstonian’s have put into making this season just a little bit brighter! See more

CITY OF WOODSTOCK STREET PARKING RESTRICTIONS NOW IN EFFECT. Overnight parking is NOT PERMITTED on any city street and some municipal lots from December 1 to March 31 between 2:00 a.m. and 6:oo a.m. whether it is snowing or not, as per Traffic Bylaw 8021-04. This allows snowplows to clear snow effectively and with one pass, thereby reducing the cost and improving the effectiveness of our winter operations. Please visit the link below for additional details regarding parking bylaws. https://www.cityofwoodstock.ca//res/overnight-parking.aspx

A reminder that Woodstock City Hall remains closed to walk-in traffic due to the current provincial lock-down. For more information, please visit www.cityofwoodstock.ca/covid-19

City of Woodstock Recycling Depot Winter Hours of Operation (December 1 - March 31) No Appointments Required. This winter, fibers (paper) and containers will be accepted at the recycling depot drop-off area located within the Enviro Depot at 944 James Street. Wednesdays - Fridays: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.... Holidays: Closed Enviro Depot WINTER HOURS (December 1 - March 31) No Appointments Required. Materials accepted at the Enviro Depot (large items, electronics, household hazardous waste, etc.) will be accepted on Saturdays only. Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Holidays: Closed

The City of Woodstock would like to welcome Dr. Ian Hons who will be opening his Family Practice in Woodstock on January 4th, 2021. Dr. Hons graduated from the University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine. He then completed additional training in Family Medicine at the Schulich School of Medicine in London, Ontario. Dr. Hons has worked at the Woodstock Hospital since 2016. He is actively involved in teaching medical students, and he plays an important role in local and regiona...l health care administration and development. He is looking forward to serving the Woodstock community. Dr. Hons will be opening his practice at 423 Devonshire Avenue (Oxford Gardens) in Woodstock. If you do not have a Family Doctor, you may complete a patient application on his website: www.honsmedicine.com or contact the office at 519-537-8303 (starting January 4th). Due to current Ministry of Health restrictions placed upon new practices, preference may be given to Woodstock residents. See more

Do you still have a few people left on your Christmas card list? This week is your last chance to purchase your vintage cards from the Woodstock Museum! Cards ...are sold in packs of 12 for $15 and feature four festive designs. Stop by the Museum Tuesday to Friday from 10am 4pm or Saturday from 12pm 4pm to pick up your cards before the holidays! See more

The City of Woodstock is hosting 3 educational, and virtual, programs that begin this upcoming weekend, including: My Safe Life Home Alone Training Babysitter Training... To register for these programs, please visit www.cityofwoodstock.ca/onlineregistration, or call 519-539-2382 x2701. Please note, a computer with webcam and internet access are required to participate.

The City of Woodstock is hosting another Snow Buddies workshop, and there are still 4 spots left. Participants will receive training in safe snow shoveling, ergonomics, customer service, and more. Afterwards, they will be partnered with someone in the community who needs a helping hand this winter shoveling their driveway and sidewalks. To register, please visit https://cityofwoodstock.legendonlineservices.ca//pr/index or call 519-539-2382 x2701.... If you are a Woodstock resident who is in need of help shoveling this winter, please let us know by calling 519-539-2382 x2701, and we will make every effort to find you a snow buddy.

The Woodstock Transit Department is pleased to present the very first Very Merry Virtual Tour of Lights. This festive film footage of the Friendly City’s finest decorations and lights will premiere on Rogers TV and the City of Woodstock YouTube channel on Wednesday, December 16th and will run throughout the holiday season. As promised a map(s) of Christmas decorations/lighting hotspots throughout the City are now available in a printable format at www.cityofwoodstock.ca/...touroflights You can also pick up a map at the Reeve St. entrance of City Hall Monday through Friday 9:00am 1:00pm and 2:00pm 4:00pm. Three maps are available: North Woodstock Lights, South Woodstock Lights and full City map. Please only 1 set per person. Thanks to Transit Supervisor Jeffrey Springsted, Transit Lead Hand Diane Denbok and Woodstock Transit drivers for scouting the four corners of the Friendly City, and to Lisa Tang of the Engineering Department for compiling the map. Thanks to those that put the Merry in Christmas and took the time to decorate and make our community even more beautiful!

The Woodstock Transit Department has made a list and checked it twice of all the outstanding neighbourhood Christmas light displays throughout the Friendly City. We’re now in the process of capturing these outstanding examples of illumination for the 1st ever Very Merry Virtual Tour of Lights, so if you see one of Santa’s elves videotaping around your neighbourhood this week, don’t be alarmed, we’re simply wanting to share your efforts in hopes of putting smiles on the fac...es of our viewing audience. You can watch the finished product on Rogers TV or the City of Woodstock YouTube Channel starting December 16th. A map of Christmas decoration/lighting hotspots throughout the City will be made available to the public by early next week if not sooner. These will be made available in a printable pdf format at www.cityofwoodstock.ca or at the side Reeve St. entrance of Woodstock City Hall Monday through Friday 9:00am 1:00pm and 2:00pm 4:00pm Merry Christmas from the City of Woodstock Transit Department.

Ornament Exchange 2020 For obvious reasons this year’s exchange will roll out a little differently, but with everyone’s cooperation we are confident we can make sure all shoppers will walk away with a little more Christmas spirit then when they arrived. Please review the attached map to give you an idea as to what to expect on Saturday morning.... All collected items have sat for a complete week and have been fogged to assure additional disinfecting recommendations. Only 15 people will be allowed to shop at any given time We will rely on the good judgement of those shopping in respect to the amount of time they’re taking so that as many people as possible might take advantage of this popular program gentle reminders will be given for violators. Contract tracing and screening will occur before entering the hall Masks MUST be worn at all times Social distancing must be adhered to prior to entering hall please dress warmly if in the event lineups develop Shoppers are to follow arrows through to exit no back tracking allowed Some boxes and containers are available but it is suggested you might want to bring your own We ask participants to just take what they feel they will use this program is not intended for personal agendas and resale. Hope to see you Saturday morning! For additional details and updates please visit www.cityofwoodstock.ca/decorationexchange

We're excited to announce that our new Community Creation Art Kits are on sale now! Each Drawing & Sculpture kit includes a comprehensive instructional book, e...xclusive access to a video tutorial, air dry clay, clay tools and essential drawing materials. You can also pay it forward and purchase a kit for a family in need, distributed in partnership with Children’s Aid Society of Oxford County. Visit our website for more details: https://www.cityofwoodstock.ca//wag-childrens-programs.aspx

This weekend is your LAST CHANCE to order from the Woodstock Museum's Vintage Christmas Card Sale. Orders are due Sunday, November 22 at midnight and will be av...ailable for pickup the first week of December. Cards are sold in packs of 12 for $15 and feature four festive designs from the Museum's collection, dated 1912 to 1945. Visit our website for details and to order online: https://www.cityofwoodstock.ca//live-an/museum-events.aspx

The City of Woodstock is hosting another Snow Buddies workshop for individuals looking to help another resident in need this Winter season. The training session is scheduled Wednesday, November 25 at 5:00pm at Cowan Park Sportsplex. Participants will receive training in safe shoveling techniques, ergonomics, customer service, and more. They will then be paired with a resident in need who lives close to them. To register, please visit https://cityofwoodstock.legendonlineservic...es.ca//pr/index or call 519-539-2382 x2701. There are only a few spots remaining, so register quickly for this FREE workshop.

A Public Information Meeting will be held to receive comments on the Draft 2020 Annual Status Report of the Multi-Year Accessibility Plan which can be reviewed at https://www.cityofwoodstock.ca//woodstock-accessibility-pl. The meeting also provides an opportunity for feedback on the accessibility of conventional and specialized transit and upcoming proposed Parks & Recreation Capital projects. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns, this meeting will be held as a virtual Zoom meeting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 4th, 2020. Click the link below to register for this Public Information Meeting and a representative will email you with the Zoom meeting information. https://cityofwoodstock.formbuilder.ca/Public-Information-Z

Cowan Park Sportsplex has modified the pickleball schedule to accommodate the new Public Health Guidelines. There can now only be 10 players at a time, so more time slots have been created, scheduled for 1.5 hours each. It is recommended that participants register into a slot in advance by visiting https://cityofwoodstock.legendonlineservices.ca//acc/login or by calling 519-539-2382 x2742. Please register in only one time slot per day. Registration opens 3 days in advance.

Ornament Exchange 2020 - November 21, 2020 | 8:30am - 10:30am | Goff Hall All collected items have sat for a complete week and have been fogged to assure additional disinfecting recommendations. Only 15 people will be allowed to shop at any given time We will rely on the good judgement of those shopping in respect to the amount of time they’re taking so that as many people as possible might take advantage of this popular program gentle reminders will be given for viol...ators. Contract tracing and screening will occur before entering the hall Masks MUST be worn at all times Social distancing must be adhered to prior to entering hall please dress warmly if in the event lineups develop Shoppers are to follow arrows through to exit no back tracking allowed Some boxes and containers are available but it is suggested you might want to bring your own See more

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic Paratransit recreational subscription rides are being temporarily cancelled. For further information call 519-539-2382 ext. 2510

The City is offering Beginner Guitar programs for the first time, and there are a few spots left in these small class sessions. Participants will learn the basics under the direction of our expert instructor. Participants must bring their own guitar and guitar picks, but all music related resources will be povided. To register, please visit https://cityofwoodstock.legendonlineservices.ca//pr/index ... or call 519-539-2382 x2701. See more

WOODSTOCK CHRISTMAS DECORATION EXCHANGE NEW TO YOU FREE SHOPPING EVENT A record amount of gently used Christmas decorations were collected last week during our annual decoration exchange drop off. ... We will open the doors to Goff Hall on Saturday morning, November 21 from 8:30am 10:30am for our New to You FREE shopping event. Because of the unique situation we find ourselves in due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we have put a series of safety protocols in place under advisement of the Southwestern Public Health Guidelines. All collected items have sat for a complete week and have been fogged to assure additional disinfecting recommendations. Only 15 people will be allowed to shop at any given time We will rely on the good judgement of those shopping in respect to the amount of time they’re taking so that as many people as possible might take advantage of this popular program gentle reminders will be given for violators. Contract tracing and screening will occur before entering the hall Masks MUST be worn at all times Social distancing must be adhered to prior to entering hall please dress warmly if in the event lineups develop Shoppers are to follow arrows through to exit no back tracking allowed Some boxes and containers are available but it is suggested you might want to bring your own For additional details and updates please visit www.cityofwoodstock.ca/decorationexchange

The Henry Street Dog Park has been cleaned up and is now open for use. The City of Woodstock would like to thank you for your patience.

Be aware of a new school zone on Highway 59 north of Woodstock at The Oxford School, which will reduce the speed limit from 80 kilometres to 60 kilometres per h...our when flashing. The new signs aim to improve safety for students travelling to and from school by requiring motorists to slow down through this area at the start and end of the school day. See more

The Henry Street Dog Park will be closed for the night for further check, for any needles or tacks that might have been brought to the surface due to the rain.

The City is running an introductory youth volleyball program starting Monday, November 16 at Cowan Park Sportsplex. Sport skills development and fun will be the focus. Children will learn through instructional practice, drills, progressions and game play in a welcoming environment. To register, please visit https://cityofwoodstock.legendonlineservices.ca//pr/index... or call 519-539-2382 x2701. See more

Sunday, November 22nd is the last day to have your leaves raked to the curb for pick up after that residents will be required to take their collected leaves to the City yard waste depot located at 944 James St.

Several adult fitness programs begin next week. Programs include: Yoga Fit and Morning Yoga HIIT Stroller Fit Zumba Kids and Zumba Fitness Strong Nation HIIT... Due to COVID, there will be smaller class sizes so as to increase physical distancing. Masks are required in the buildings, but may be removed once physical activity begins. Spaces are therefore limited, please register early. For more details, please visit www.cityofwoodstock.ca/recprograms

Join us this Saturday for the annual Friendly Ghost Costume Stop, taking place from 11:00am until 3:00pm at Goff Hall (381 Finkle Street). Come and shop for FREE costumes and decorations and be prepared for Halloween! Due to COVID-19, pre-registration is required; please call 519-539-2382 x2701. There are still several spots available for registration.... https://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com//free-costume-even

The City of Woodstock is running a Dance Program this fall, taking place at Cowan Park Sportsplex, including Parent and Tot Dancing and Dancing Kids Level 1-3. Participants learn all the latest and modern dance moves in these fun and exciting class under the direction of an experienced dance instructor. They will also learn a dance routine to some fantastic music! To register, please visit https://cityofwoodstock.legendonlineservices.ca//pr/index

The recreation department is offering two Stemotics programs this fall, iRobot Coding (age 5-8), and Coding with Minecraft (age 9-14). These are great educational programs where participants can learn coding in a fun and engaging way. Due to COVID, classes sizes have been reduced to 8, and masks are required. To register, please visit https://cityofwoodstock.legendonlineservices.ca//pr/index ... or call 519-539-2382 x2701. See more

The City of Woodstock is running youth Tennis starting November 1 at Cowan Park Sportsplex. This is an introductory level and will stress racquet and ball control drills as well as skill development in the four basic strokes: forehand, backhand, serve and volley. This program is for players with little or no previous tennis. To register, please visit https://cityofwoodstock.legendonlineservices.ca//pr/index... or call 519-539-2382 x2701. See more

The Henry Street Dog Park is now open

The City of Woodstock is excited to be offering for the first time a Beginner Guitar program! Participants will learn in small groups under the direction of our expert instructor. To register, please visit https://cityofwoodstock.legendonlineservices.ca//pr/index ... or call 519-539-2382 x2701. At this time, masks are required during the program. Participants must bring their own guitar and picks, music materials will be provided.

The wait is over! Bidding is now open for the 10th Annual 50/50 Sale online auction. If you’re in need of new artwork for your home or just want to support a lo...cal artist, check out the amazing items up for bid! Proceeds are split evenly between the artists and the Woodstock Art Gallery. Your support will help fund the WAG’s ongoing exhibition and education programming. Click here to view the auction: https://www.32auctions.com/10thAnnual5050Sale2020

The second session of Fall Swimming Lessons Registration opens on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 9am! Lessons begin the week of November 3-9. Group lessons with smaller class sizes and private lessons are available! To view swimming program options and our Covid-19 protocols, please visit www.cityofwoodstock.ca/aquatics. ... Registrations can be done online www.cityofwoodstock.ca/onlineregistrationor by calling 519-539-2382 x2701

The recreation department is offering a new creative program, Magic the Gathering - Sealed Draft. This is open to youth 13 to 17, and for beginner or experienced players. The first class will be a learn to play. The second class, each player will receive 6 packs of cards to build a deck and play tournament style rounds. Each following week they will receive an additional pack to modify their deck and continue to play and improve. An instructor will be leading the group throug...h their deck building and games and to assist where needed. Due to COVID, masks are required, and we are only accepting 6 registrants currently. To register, please visit https://cityofwoodstock.legendonlineservices.ca//pr/index or call 519-539-2382 x2701.

The City of Woodstock snow removal by-law requires property owners to remove all snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours following a winter storm. The City is in need of Snow Buddies! Anyone over the age of 12 can register to be a volunteer! Registering is free, you receive training in customer service, ergonomics, safety, and more. You will then be paired with residents around Woodstock who need an extra hand shoveling their driveway and sidewalks. Become a Snow Buddy!... Sign up for a training date October 28 from 5pm to 8pm or November 7 from 9am to 12pm at https://cityofwoodstock.legendonlineservices.ca//pr/index or by calling 519-539-2382 x2701. For residents requesting help this Winter from a volunteer, please call 519-539-2382 x2701 to register.

We're rebranding! The Woodstock Art Gallery will have a fresh new look in 2021 and we're looking for graphic design professionals to create a new logo! Designer...s from across Canada are invited to respond to the WAG's Rebranding Request For Proposals (RFP) until November 13, 2020 at 5pm EST. Visit our website to view the RFP and to submit an application online: https://www.cityofwoodstock.ca//li/wag-rebranding-rfp.aspx

The Henry Street dog park will be closed until further notice as Park staff are cleaning up tacks that were found on site

Stay connected with your loved ones this holiday season with the Woodstock Museum’s Vintage Christmas Card Sale! Cards are sold in packs of 12 and feature four ...festive designs from the Museum’s collection, dated 1912 to 1945 C. Purchases must be made in advance through our online order form. Orders placed by October 25 at midnight will be available for pickup November 3 7. Orders placed by November 22 at midnight will be available for pickup December 1 5. Visit our website for details and to order your cards now: https://www.cityofwoodstock.ca//live-an/museum-events.aspx

Fall swimming lessons begin next week, and it's not too late to register. Group lessons are back, but with smaller class sizes, as well as private lessons. To view swimming program options, and COVID related information, please visit https://www.cityofwoodstock.ca//swim-lessons-and-programmi You may also call 519-539-2382 x2701.

The City of Woodstock is hosting the annual Friendly Ghost Costume Stop, taking place Saturday, October 3 from 11:00am until 3:00pm at Goff Hall (381 Finkle Street). Come and shop for free costumes and decorations and be prepared for Halloween! Due to COVID-19, pre-registration is required; please call 519-539-2382 x2701. https://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com//free-costume-even

The City of Woodstock is hosting another Snow Buddies workshop on Monday, November 16 from 5:00pm until 6:30pm at Cowan Park Sportsplex. This workshop will provide individuals training in ergonomics, safe shoveling, customer service, and more, so they can be better prepared to assist a resident in need this Winter season. To register, please visit https://cityofwoodstock.legendonlineservices.ca//pr/index... or call 519-539-2382 x2701. There are only a few spots remaining, so register quickly for this FREE workshop.

The City of Woodstock is hosting an online Babysitter Training program for youth 11-15 years old. Participants will learn how to run a small babysitting business and how to supervise children in a safe and responsible manner. To register, please visit https://cityofwoodstock.legendonlineservices.ca//pr/index or call 519-539-2382 x2701.... A computer and internet access are required.

The Recreation Department is offering Sportball classes this fall, including Parent and Child, and youth drop-off classes. Programs are being offered Tuesday evening, and Thursday and Saturday morning. To register, please visit https://cityofwoodstock.legendonlineservices.ca//pr/index... or call 519-539-2382 x2701 See more

The City of Woodstock is hosting an online Home Alone program for children 9 to 12. The program helps children and their families get ready for their child's first steps towards independence and being without adult supervision. To register, please visit https://cityofwoodstock.legendonlineservices.ca//pr/index or call 519-539-2382 x2701... A computer and internet access are required.

The recreation department is offering several programs to help keep your children active and engaged this fall. To keep things safer, programs will focus more on skill development in smaller class sizes. Programs begin this October. To register, please visit www.cityofwoodstock.ca/onlineregistration, or call 519-539-2382 x2701.

The City of Woodstock is hosting an online My Safe Life program *age 7-10). Children will learn a variety of safety skills to be safe in their everyday life, including topics like people safety, social and digital behaviours, online safety, and more. To register, please visit https://cityofwoodstock.legendonlineservices.ca//pr/index or call 519-539-2382 x2701.

Highway 59 at Pattullo Avenue Intersection Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Notice of Study Commencement & Public Information Centre No. 1 The City of Woodstock in partnership with Oxford County (the County) and the Township of Norwich (the Township) have initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) study to address the spatial separation between the intersection of Highway 59 and Pattullo Avenue East and West, relative to the intersection of the on-of...f ramp terminals to Highway 401. The intent of the study is to identify future road improvements including new road alignments and intersection configurations in the general area of the Highway 59 at Pattullo Avenue East and West of Highway 59. The improvements are required at the intersection to provide greater horizontal separation from the Highway 59 / Highway 401 on-off ramp terminals and service future growth while also addressing safety and road capacity needs. The City, County and Township would like anyone with an interest in the Study to have an opportunity to provide input and help inform the decision-making process. The City, County and Township will be holding the first Public Information Centre scheduled for: Date: Wednesday September 23, 2020 Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Location: City of Woodstock Community Complex, Goff Hall, 381 Finkle Street This will be a face-to-face public meeting. Recognizing the COVID-19 situation, specific health and safety measures will be in place for all attending. This includes requiring all attendees to wear a face mask, limiting the number of people in the meeting room to 50 people maximum during any given time and maintaining proper social distancing. We will also require everyone who attends to sign in with their Name, Phone Number and Email and all guests will be screened (using a questionnaire) for COVID-19 before entering.

Presentation of the Ribbon cutting ceremony for the official opening of the Dräger Live Fire Training Facility, located at the Woodstock Fire Department Headquarters, 1203 Parkinson Road, on Friday September 18, 2020 at 1:00pm. The Live Fire Facility is a multi-compartment design, which includes separate fire compartments on the first and second floor, and three cold chamber compartments for staging, approach, and search and rescue operations. The facility contains both int...erior and exterior stairs, first and second floor entry points, and access windows. With the addition of interior moveable walls, a forcible entry door, and an angled ventilation prop, this facility provides limitless training opportunities for Woodstock Firefighters in multiple response disciplines. Future expansion is set to include modules for high rise fire and rescue operations. The availability of this facility will not only benefit our Fire Suppression teams in their regular and annual training requirements, but will enable our Fire Prevention team to complete fire safety demonstrations and test investigation theories states Fire Chief Jeff Slager. It also stands as a testament to the City of Woodstock’s commitment to response preparation.

The Parks crew have finished cleaning up the dog park on Henry Street, and the park is now open for use.

Woodstock Partners Create Community Habitat Project Beside Highway 401 New wetland restoration is a tangible expression of commitment to the natural environment Woodstock, Ont. (Sept. 18, 2020)This morning, representatives from Ducks Unlimited Canada (Ducks), City of Woodstock and the Cowan Foundation met on the steps of Woodstock City Hall. They were there to confirm their ongoing commitment to making Woodstock’s natural environment even better. The partners have signed on...Continue reading

The dog park on Henry Street is closed until further notice. The Parks crew are there now cleaning up sewing needles and nails that were found on site.

The basketball court and a perimeter track at Ludington park are now finished. Additionally, the Victoria park half court is also complete.

Safe, healthy and caring Oxford communities start with you. From September to December 2020, contribute to the new Community Safety & Well-being Plan by sharing your hopes, concerns and insights on safety, health and well-being in your municipality. Take the Safe & Well Oxford survey or learn how you can get involved at: safewelloxford.ca #safewelloxford

The dam crossing at Pittock will be closed on September 21 & 22 while Upper Thames Rivers Conservation Authority performs safety test on the dam. For up to date information, please visit https://www.pittockconservationarea.ca/day-use-activities