Incumbent mayor seeking re-election in East Zorra-Tavistock
- 39 minutes ago
- 3 min read
By Lee Griffi
“I am seeking re-election for mayor of East Zorra-Tavistock (EZT), as council has much work to do over the next four years and I would like to lead them in that work.”
Those were the words of current EZT Mayor Phil Schaefer, who will pursue a second term. To date, no one else has put their name forward to challenge him.
“Also, there is no shortage of work to be done by Oxford County council, and I want to continue to work on behalf of the township’s residents.”
During the current terms of council, staff and members of council moved into a new municipal office at 89 Loveys St. in Hickson and held a grand-opening celebration. Schaefer said the 13,000-square-foot headquarters was completed without any debt financing, and its new technology allows meetings to be livestreamed and recorded. Schaefer said it was one of several accomplishments under his watch.
“Over the past four years, council initiated and approved a first-ever Municipal Alcohol Plan, which governs the use of alcohol on municipal property. The township’s secondary plan process for Tavistock and Innerkip commenced just before the start of this term and should reach its conclusion later this year. This important exercise will determine what land will be set aside for development, and what that development will actually look like,” he said.
Schaefer was given strong mayor powers by the province in 2025 and said he developed a thoughtful and responsible process to deal with them. He also pointed to other gains made by the township during his first term
“We started utilizing a five-year capital budget process last year, and we purchased property in Hickson for use as a salt and sand shed location, which will also be the home of a new Hickson firehall. Significant renovations were completed at the Innerkip Community Centre during this term, and a new splash pad was opened in Queen’s Park in Tavistock.”
He added EZT continues to be a responsible user of tax dollars across the township.
“The township has had a surplus each year, totalling over $1.1 million for this period. This is due to the excellent work of our staff, who not only know how to plan well, but can also execute just as well. In an environment where the federal and provincial governments are posting deficits, a government posting surpluses is a very good news story.”
The biggest issue facing the new council in East Zorra-Tavistock could be its neighbour to the south knocking on the door looking for land, something not lost on Schaefer.
“The next term of council will most likely once again have the City of Woodstock approach us regarding a boundary expansion. Budgets over the next four years will probably still be strained by high costs and the need for financial prudence. It will be imperative that reserves are funded adequately, and that we refrain, as we have, from the temptation of accessing reserves to lower tax-rate increases.”
He is hoping council will be installing a new splashpad in Innerkip at some point in the next term and expects to be in the early stages of planning a new multi-use recreation facility in Tavistock.
“It can go hand in hand with new recreation opportunities for the township. We are also embarking on a facility audit, which is sort of a report card on the condition of our facilities.”
The current mayor said there are several items on his wish list, including a service in great demand in EZT.
“Some of the things I would hope to see some movement on in the next term would be things like more daycares (there is one in Innerkip moving through the approval stage). I would like to see more purpose-built rentals being constructed, including senior apartments. As well, once our secondary plan is completed and we have adequate servicing, I would like to see more commercial/industrial construction.”
Schaefer added he is ready to guide the township through what is expected to be a busy next four years.
“We will see the land and zoning in place for balanced growth, as well as improvements to water and wastewater infrastructure to handle that growth, along with services that a growing municipality requires for its citizens. This will all be happening during the next term of council. I would like to continue to lead this council in its journey.”