South-West Oxford council briefs

Debbie Kasman, Tillsonburg Post Correspondent

Proposed Child Care Centre - Request for Proposal for Expressions of Interest

Council has directed township staff to proceed with issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit expressions of interest from qualified child care operators for the operation of a licensed child care center within the proposed new municipal office, library, and child care facility in Mount Elgin. The municipal office has an anticipated opening target date of January 2028, subject to final design, approvals, and financing.

The inclusion of a licensed child care center within the new facility is intended to

address a recognized service gap in the township and to support the participation of families and the workforce in the community.

Staff are engaging the child care sector early to confirm market interest, to better understand operational requirements and space needs, to obtain information related to fee structures and potential rent, and to support the development of a long-term, sustainable financial model for the facility.

The RFP is seeking expressions of interest and detailed submissions from proponents,

including organizational experience and governance, business and operational model, program philosophy and service delivery approach, understanding of rural child care delivery, proposed fee structures, and proposed rent payable to the township.

The intent of the RFP is not to award a contract at this stage, but rather to identify potential operating partners, to help inform the detailed design of the child care space, to support the development of a long-term financial plan for the facility, and to confirm demand and service delivery capacity within the community.

Any recommendations arising from the RFP process will be subject to future council

approval, including approval of the final facility design, project financing and a lease

agreement with the successful proponent.

Proposals to operate the child care facility must be submitted via email before noon (local time) on Monday, March 23to Julie Middleton, cao@swox.org.

Changes in recyclings, garbage pick-up

The township has recently begun co-collecting garbage and organics at the same time on a six-day collection cycle, but is no longer collecting recyclable materials. All households in SWOX have been provided with one 45-litre green bin for organics for setting out at the road, along with a seven-litre kitchen container for food scraps. Each bin contains a sorting guide and information sheet for how to set out and sort organics along with samples of acceptable compostable bin liners or bags if residents choose to use these.

With a new provincially mandated recycling system in place and producers now responsible for the recycling of residential waste across the province, SWOX township has contracted this service to Emterra Group. For any concerns about recycling, residents should contact customercareont@emterra.ca or by phone at 1 888 597 – 1541.

The provincial recycling system does not include non-residential, institutional or commercial sources. Oxford County has contracted with Emterra Group to pick these up if the property owners register with the county. There is no fee for this service as it is covered by the tax levy. For those interested, contact Oxford County at 519 539 9800 – 3145.

Ontario Provincial Police are recruiting auxiliary members

Interested in becoming an O.P.P. auxiliary officer? This allows people to gain invaluable insight into the world of law enforcement and to be placed at the heart of one’s community’s safety and well-being. Involvement allows for support at O.P.P community events, ride alongs with frontline officers, and boosts resumés with real-world experience and mentoring. Applicants must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, possess a Grade 12 diploma (or equivalent), hold a Valid G driver’s license, and pass a security check. Volunteers average 12 hours per month. Applications are accepted online at the OPP Careers website or a local detachments.

Mount Elgin wastewater system upgrades

Engineers are proceeding with Mount Elgin wastewater system upgrades and anticipate construction will begin this summer, pending completion of the remaining engineering designs. The Ministry of the Environment must be formally notified before any work can begin. The project is almost ready to go to tender.