City staff in Woodstock, Ontario, presented a preliminary $38.56 million Capital Budget for 2026 to Council (first detailed in the Nov. 20, 2025 council meeting). The draft budget prioritizes renewal of aging infrastructure — particularly pipes and roads — to support continued growth in the community.
About $9.16 million (roughly 24% of the total) is earmarked for sanitary sewer and watermain replacements to address aging underground infrastructure and to help support housing growth.
The plan also proposes changing how routine road reconstruction is funded by relying more on reserve funds (a pay‑as‑you‑go approach using the Road Reconstruction Reserve) instead of taking on new long‑term debt. City budget materials say this shift is intended to reduce long‑term interest costs associated with financing annual road work.
Local projects noted in the draft plan include the initial expansion of Southside Park — with a paved multi‑use trail, community gardens and parking areas south of Parkinson Road — and work at the Cowan Park Sportsplex (including replacement of indoor turf). The draft capital program also includes roof replacements and other maintenance for major municipal facilities to keep them in good repair.
At the regional level, Oxford County has approved its 2026 business plan and budget. The County’s $406.1 million budget will increase the County portion of municipal property taxes for Woodstock residents by an estimated $69 a year (about 5.2%), according to the County’s published figures.
