Grassroots group unhappy with 2026 Oxford budget

Signs like this one can be seen across Oxford County as the group, Stand4Oxford, continues to lobby area municipalities for zero-tax-increase budgets. Lee Griffi photo

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A community group representing county residents delegated to Oxford County council during last week’s budget meeting, asking for a zero per-cent property tax hike.

Along with a presentation outlining the reasons why, Stand4Oxford presented council with a petition signed by 1,300 people.

“Our most recent campaign, Enough is Enough, began speaking with our friends and neighbours in all eight municipalities of Oxford about affordability and taxation,” said spokesperson Marie Russell during her delegation to council. “What we’ve heard from people is they’re overwhelmed, they’re anxious and are expecting better from all levels of government.”

Russel added affordability isn’t just a political buzzword but also a Canadian crisis and added holding the line at a zero per-cent tax increase isn’t unrealistic. She did not lay blame on county staff or elected officials for today’s cost of living, but she did point a finger at the province for a lack of funding.

“It’s important to acknowledge the difficult position municipalities have been placed in by the ongoing provincial downloading, and Oxford is no exception. Housing, long-term care, ambulance services and infrastructure demands continue to land at your feet with insufficient funds to address those needs.”

Despite the group’s support for incurring additional expenses at the municipal level, Russell revealed three requests to council during the budget process.

“We are asking staff to categorize all budget lines as core, important or deferrable, and we ask that council communicate clearly to residents which projects are discretionary and which are essential so people can understand where their tax dollars are truly going.”

Stand4Oxford also asked the county to develop and implement a standard practice where municipalities and residents receive clear breakdowns of cost drivers in a public, plain-language summary.

“Showing core versus non-core spending, year-over-year changes, mandated versus optional services and major cost drivers; this kind of public budget documentation is increasingly common across Ontario and it greatly improves public understanding,” said Russell.

The group’s third request concerns Oxford County’s involvement in the Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program, a Canadian climate-action initiative that supports local governments in planning and implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.

“We ask that staff produce a climate budget summary and that they publish a report linking PCP milestones and budget allocations.”

East Zorra-Tavistock (EZT) Mayor Phil Schaefer responded to the presentation and said achieving a zero goal on any deliverable isn’t easy.

“The county has a zero-waste target, a zero-poverty target. I think we maybe all acknowledge it will be difficult ever to get there, but we should always be going in that direction.”

He added councillors put forward a combined 23 motions to decrease the tax hike.

“That tells me there is some engagement, there is some thought in not just taking numbers and saying, ‘If that’s what its gotta be, then that’s what its gotta be.’ Just a warning, though, it’s not going to get to zero but I think we will head in a prudent direction.”

Russell’s presentation was made before council debated the budget and approved a five per-cent levy increase. Stand4Oxdford released a statement following the meeting.

“Stand4Oxford is deeply disappointed by council’s refusal once again to rein in spending and provide real relief to Oxford County taxpayers. While a few councillors – Mayor Acchione, Mayor Gilvesy and Coun. Tait – showed genuine appreciation for residents’ concerns, the majority chose the same familiar path of higher costs, more consultants and little acknowledgement of the financial pressures facing families, seniors and local businesses.”

The three above-mentioned councillors voted against the final budget document. The statement added residents came to council in good faith, offering constructive solutions and asking for responsible stewardship during a time when many are struggling.

“Council’s decision signals a disconnect from the realities in our community, and people are noticing.”

The group also made it quite clear 2026 is an election year at the municipal level and advocated for change. 

“Oxford County deserves leaders who listen, who lead with transparency and who put the public interest ahead of bureaucratic expansion. Stand4Oxford will continue to engage, inform and mobilize residents who expect better from their elected representatives. The message from the community is growing louder. We are paying attention,” the statement added.

Stand4Oxford’s vision statement said it “brings together engaged residents to support local governance that reflects the priorities, values and needs of our community. We encourage transparency, responsible budgeting and active participation in decisions that affect the future of Oxford County.”

Russell concluded her presentation with a plea for members of council to take to heart.

“We are just coming today, with all due respect, asking you to do what we are doing in each and every one of our households. Thank you.”