A Woodstock councillor expressed that she is “dumbfounded” and “extremely disappointed” with the process that led to the acquisition of a building that’s now intended for a new homeless shelter in the city.
May 22, 2026 •
Photo by File Photo
A Woodstock councillor stated she is “dumbfounded” and “extremely disappointed” with the process surrounding the purchase of a building that’s set to become a new homeless shelter in the city.
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Deb Tait, who also serves on Oxford County council, has publicly shared her concerns regarding a decision that involves the county, along with funds from the City of Woodstock, buying the former YMCA building at 808 Dundas St. to create a homelessness support center. The property was listed online by a local real estate agency for $5.9 million.
Oxford CAO Ben Addley announced this month that they expect to finalize the purchase soon, with plans for the new facility to open in early 2028.
Tait mentioned she supports having a new shelter but believes experts in homeless prevention and community members should have been consulted about its location.
The Oxford councillors discussed this purchase during a closed session at their regular meeting on April 28; however, Tait thought there would be another meeting later where citizens could express their views or raise concerns. She said, “I have never in my life seen where you come out (of closed session), and you have no report. I was a little bit shocked after I realized what had happened.”
This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Tait added that before selecting a site, it would have been very helpful for everyone involved to hold an open public session.
She stated she’s been communicating with county stakeholders and officials involved in homeless prevention programs; none were consulted prior to this decision. “That was very worrisome,” she noted. “At Woodstock city council when we talked about the safe-injection site, we had an open public meeting. It’s really difficult for everybody to be involved, but you have to go through the process,” she said.
Tait pointed out that renovating the property will cost taxpayers nearly $8 million and feels public consultation could have potentially lowered that figure or found an alternative space ready before 2028. A public discussion might also have discovered other ways to utilize the nearly 3,716-square-metre (40,000-square-foot) facility like adding essential daycare services.
In an email exchange between Tait and Addley shared with others , Addley wrote that council had acted properly.
This has not loaded yet , but your article continues below.
“My understanding of the Municipal Act (Sec 239) and Ontario Ombudsman meeting guide is that discussions regarding authorizing spending on certain issues like property acquisition can take place behind closed doors as long as final voting happens openly,” he wrote. “Since our procedural approach followed these guidelines and even though recommendations weren’t read publicly after returning from closed session , it is permissible.”
In another email , Addley mentioned staff will strive to make use of additional space for county or community partner programs so they get good value from this purchase.
“In future efforts , we’re hopeful property’s size will enable further supportive housing options which can enhance purchase value ,” he added. Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy also provided her thoughts on this matter. This has not loaded yet , but your article continues below. “The proposed low-barrier shelter could serve as an important asset for residents across Oxford County,” Gilvesy wrote in an email sent to News. “As with any major community initiative , it’s crucial that citizens stay informed and engaged throughout this process.” Oxford Warden Marcus Ryan released his own statement addressing these concerns recently. “I want everyone assured that county council followed proper procedures every step along,” Ryan stated while noting Tait participated in both open and closed votes about this acquisition.. Real estate transactions are legitimately discussed behind closed doors under provisions set forth by Municipal Act; doing so helps negotiate fair prices using tax dollars while minimizing legal risks involved.” This has not loaded yet , but your article continues below.
“In future efforts , we’re hopeful property’s size will enable further supportive housing options which can enhance purchase value ,” he added. Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy also provided her thoughts on this matter. This has not loaded yet , but your article continues below. “The proposed low-barrier shelter could serve as an important asset for residents across Oxford County,” Gilvesy wrote in an email sent to News. “As with any major community initiative , it’s crucial that citizens stay informed and engaged throughout this process.” Oxford Warden Marcus Ryan released his own statement addressing these concerns recently. “I want everyone assured that county council followed proper procedures every step along,” Ryan stated while noting Tait participated in both open and closed votes about this acquisition.. Real estate transactions are legitimately discussed behind closed doors under provisions set forth by Municipal Act; doing so helps negotiate fair prices using tax dollars while minimizing legal risks involved.” This has not loaded yet , but your article continues below.
In recent days since making her concerns known publicly, Tait reported hearing from residents wantingto address council directlywiththeir oppositionand acirculating petitionhas started.
“How would (councillors) feel if one day they woke up onlyto find outtherewas press announcementaboutahomeless shelternext door?”she asked.“They maynot mindbutshouldn’tthey know beforehand?”
The entire situationcould impactvoting behaviorin upcoming municipal elections, Tait acknowledged. “Hopefullythere’llbe some changesandperhaps peoplewillrealizewhat transpired,”Tait commented.“Throughoutthis whole ordeal, I’ve been completely dumbfoundedby what they’redoingand thinkis acceptable.” Ryan announcedhe won’t run againthis fall. As of May22 neither Tait nor Gilvesyhad filed nomination papers; the deadlineis August21.
Source link
The entire situationcould impactvoting behaviorin upcoming municipal elections, Tait acknowledged. “Hopefullythere’llbe some changesandperhaps peoplewillrealizewhat transpired,”Tait commented.“Throughoutthis whole ordeal, I’ve been completely dumbfoundedby what they’redoingand thinkis acceptable.” Ryan announcedhe won’t run againthis fall. As of May22 neither Tait nor Gilvesyhad filed nomination papers; the deadlineis August21.
