The City of Woodstock Ontario

The city has developed a number of initiatives included in Community Improvement Plan programs that incentivize and support storefront improvements, residential conversions, and grants for increased taxation benefits due to improvements. The Workforce Development Partnership of which the city is a key player (Chamber of Commerce) also plays a crucial role in workforce development through initiatives like engaging with high schools and hosting job fairs that focus on both attracting and retaining talent. Lastly, there is a small business center that frequently advises and offers small grants to help small businesses progress, and this is all to ensure that all of Woodstock’s commercial space is being used effectively. According to Chief Administrative Officer David Creery, there are assets downtown that are being underutilized, and the plan has always been to proactively change that. “We want to make sure that whatever we own, we’re using to the fullest, and if we’re not, then we need to get (it) into the hands of those who will,” Creery explains. Woodstock’s leadership understands that every thriving city needs a heart if it is to truly be considered “alive”. So among them exists an open and ongoing commitment to creating a vibrant downtown, which is further evident in the City’s plans to improve its streetscape and expand its downtown Civic Square. “We’ll be undertaking a master plan on how we can convert this space into a multi-purpose, civic space that can host events in the heart of our [community] and bring in more people on a regular basis,” Creery confirms. Mayor Acchione and his team want to make Woodstock’s residents feel comfortable and make the city more attractive to them as a place to explore, dine, work, and play. The city is so committed to the cause that Council even created a dedicated Downtown Development 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 01