Town News
Business Supports and Resources - Press Release
- Details
- Published: March 24, 2020
For information on provincial and federal assistance for Businesses, updates on the closure of the NS/NB border, and tips on how businesses can help themselves during this pandemic, the link below will allow you to read the Connector's most recent press release.
Sewer System Update
- Details
- Published: March 23, 2020
This is good information from the Town of Truro, applicable to the sewer systems in the Town of Oxford.
Nova Scotia State of Emergency issued
- Details
- Published: March 23, 2020
The Province of Nova Scotia issued a State of Emergency Sunday March 22, 2020.
For more information click here
A Message from Mayor Stewart and Council -Regarding COVID-19
- Details
- Published: March 18, 2020
March 2020
To All Oxford Residents and Businesses:
I know that these are very uncertain times for our town. I want to assure you that the safety and well being of the residents of Oxford is of utmost importance to our Council. As a town, we are following the recommendations of the NS Health Authority, the Provincial Government, and the Government of Canada in the interest of protecting the health of those around us. The Council and staff of the Town of Oxford are prepared.
At this time, all of our non-essential programs have been suspended until further notice. All of our facilities, including the Capitol Theater and Oxford Pioneer Heritage Club will not be opening their doors to the public until the threat has passed. Sadly, we currently have no time frame.
Each and every one of us must do our part by practicing social distancing. I cannot stress enough that if you have traveled outside of Canada in the last two weeks, you need to self-quarantine for at least 14 days. The majority of cases that have been detected in Nova Scotia are coming from people that have traveled outside of the country. We need to slow the spread of this virus and ensure safety for all. Please, let us take care of ourselves and each other as we follow these recommendations, and get through this together. Stay home, particularly if you or someone in your home is sick. Please safely check on elderly family members and neighbors, as well as those with underlying health conditions. These groups are the most vulnerable for serious complications from COVID-19.
Our local business community will experience negative effects from so many closures. I encourage you to support our local businesses through the purchase of gift certificates, delivery services, or shop for essentials while practicing social distancing. Many of our businesses are stepping up to the plate to assist those in need, through adjusted hours, home deliveries, or other ways that they can help. Thank you for leading the way!
We are going to have to hunker down for a while, and we are going to have to change the way that we do things as residents and as a town. We will strive to provide you all the new information via Social media, or you can call the Town Hall at 902-447-3129 for a recorded message.
If you could, take a moment today and thank a front-line worker. We depend on them immensely to get us through all of this, and they do not have the choice to stay home.In closing, I am proud of our town staff as they help our community prevent, prepare, and respond to this unprecedented event.
I am witnessing acts of kindness and good deeds on a daily basis from the residents.Together, we will get through this ……..#OxfordProud.
Mayor Trish and Oxford Town Council
Town of Oxford Media Release - Coronavirus Outbreak
- Details
- Published: March 18, 2020
In a further effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, follow the advice of our provincial and federal governments, and protect employees and the general public, all Town-owned facilities, including Oxford Town Hall, will be closed to the public – effective immediately.
For the time being there will be a reduced staff presence in the Town Hall, with several employees working remotely. Customers with an urgent service need may call our reception line at 902-447-2170. Service requests will be evaluated and addressed in terms of priority and staff capacity. In some cases, an in-person appointment may be arranged.
Interest will not be added to outstanding accounts for the month of March 2020. Should further such arrangements become advisable an announcement will be made at a later date.
The Town will continue to accept payment of accounts by mail. Send your cheque to: Town of Oxford, PO Box 338, Oxford, NS B0M 1P0. Online/telephone banking payments may also be made via your financial institution.
In order to encourage social distancing and discourage gatherings that may facilitate the transmission of the virus, all meetings of Oxford Town Council and committees for the month of March are cancelled.The Town of Oxford recognizes these measures will create inconvenience for some. These measures are taken with the health of the community and our employees in mind. Thank you for your patience and support.
Please be safe, practice good personal hygiene, and observe social distancing while we all work together to slow the progression of COVID-19.
Direct Inquiries to:
Linda Cloney
Public Information Officer
902-447-2624
lcloney@oxfordns.ca
Click here for Official Press Release
Town of Oxford Media Release - Coronavirus Outbreak
- Details
- Published: March 16, 2020
Social Media/Media Release – 2020 03 16
The Town of Oxford is working diligently on its response to the coronavirus outbreak, to ensure the safety of its employees and the public. Further to the Nova Scotia cases of COVID-19, and as this has been categorized as a pandemic outbreak by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Town of Oxford takes the health and safety of our employees and broader community very seriously. The Chief Medical Officer for Canada stated yesterday that this is a serious public health threat and it is everyone’s responsibility to take strong action to delay the spread of COVID-19 to protect as many people as possible. As such, the Town is updating plans to attempt to ensure the continuity of essential municipal services, while at the same time as minimizing any potential spread of the virus.
We are accepting the recommendation of the Province of Nova Scotia and requiring all of our employees who travel outside the country to self- isolate for 14 days on their return. Where it is practical, they will be required to work from home during self-isolation if they are able to do so. Sanitation efforts are being increased, and general gatherings in all of our facilities are being restricted to core essential service delivery purposes only.
The Town has cancelled March Break programming, will not be hosting English as a Second Language classes or other public uses of the Town Hall until further notice. We have closed the Arena to the public for the remainder of the ice surface season, and further to the Cumberland Libraries announcement, the set up of the temporary location for the Oxford Library is on hold. Other facilities owned by the Town, such as the Capitol Theatre and Oxford Pioneer Heritage Hall may also be closed to public gatherings pending future developments. By doing so, we take the strong mitigating step of restricting access and slowing the progress of the virus. It is important to slow the spread and protect our most vulnerable citizens. The safety of the public and our employees is our number one concern.
The public is urged to consult the provincial website for official and updated information on the progress of COVID-19 at https://novascotia.ca/CoronaVirus/#protect. You can also call the Government of Canada novel coronavirus information line toll free at 1-833-784-4397. The Town of Oxford has a recorded information line that is available 24/7 with current information on our response to this public health emergency. Please call 902-447-3129 to hear the recorded message.
Keeping everyone safe and healthy, providing essential services, and maintaining emergency response preparedness are the primary objectives for the Town of Oxford. Adjusting programs and service levels to the developing situation may impact our customers. We regret any inconvenience and ask for your support and understanding through this challenging and unique circumstance.
COVID-19 Update
- Details
- Published: March 14, 2020
Notice to residents: Due to COVID-19 the Town of Oxford will be taking of number of measures to address the health and safety of the public and its employees.
- The Town will be cancelling all activities planned for March Break.
-The Town will be following best practice of Hockey Canada and cancelling the remainder of Fun Hockey.
- The Town will also be closing the arena to the general public.
COVID-19 Fact Sheet
- Details
- Published: March 13, 2020
Please read this Health Fact Sheet on COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
pdf COVID-19 Fact Sheet March 2020 (180 KB)
Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival
- Details
- Published: March 6, 2020
Attention Oxford Residents!
Are you passionate about community events and promoting Oxford as the Wild Blueberry Capital of Canada? We want your ideas!
The Town of Oxford extends an invitation to attend and Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival consultation. Join us for an evening of idea sharing and brainstorming to see what types of events you would like to see during the Wild Blueberry Harvest Festival. Bring your thinking caps and be ready to participate!
This community engagement will be held on April 8th from 6:00-7:30 at Town Hall and there will be light snacks and beverages available. If you would like to be apart of this consultation please RSVP to Corey at 902-447-2798 or Ruthie at 902-447-2250 by April 3rd.
What's Happening in Oxford? March 2020
- Details
- Published: March 2, 2020
Oxford events in March and beyond, Update on Police Services Review, and More
February 2020 Calendar and Newsletter Combo
- Details
- Published: February 3, 2020
Enjoy the read! pdf 2020-02-01 February Community Calendar/Newsletter (251 KB)
Hurricane Dorian Financial Assistance Program
- Details
- Published: December 19, 2019
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE--Financial Assistance Program for Dorian Damage
Government announced today, Dec. 19, it will open a disaster financial assistance program on Jan. 8, to help those who sustained property damage from Hurricane Dorian.
The program will help individuals, small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that have uninsurable claims and municipalities with uninsured losses.
"Hurricane Dorian caused widespread damage across Nova Scotia and its effects were felt from Yarmouth to Sydney," said Chuck Porter, Minister responsible for emergency management. "Based on the information we received from municipalities and provincial departments, the damage is estimated to be about $11 million."
Disaster financial assistance programs help residents, small businesses, not-for-profits and municipalities recover from emergency-related damage. Details on the program and where to apply will be provided on Jan. 8, at https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/emergency-management-office .
Quick Facts:
-- Nova Scotia was hit by Hurricane Dorian on Sept. 7
-- the hurricane was the largest and most powerful storm to impact the province in recorded history. At one point, more than 400,000 households were without electrical power
-- the last disaster financial assistance program was implemented in October 2016 following historic flooding in Nova Scotia
Additional Resources: Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office webpage: https://beta.novascotia.ca/government/emergency-management-office -30-
Media contact: Susan Mader Zinck 902-499-1343 Email: susan.mader-zinck@novascotia.ca
Need Tourism Advisory Committee Members
- Details
- Published: November 26, 2019
Seeking seven tourism industry representatives for the Cumberland Region Tourism Advisory Committee.
Click below for the ad details and the terms of reference for this committee.
December 2019 Community Calendar/Newsletter
- Details
- Published: November 25, 2019
We're trying out a new format for the monthly Community Calendar.
In addition, we've also included some news items this time. Please click on this link to read:
pdf December 2019 Community Calendar/Newsletter (273 KB)
WE'RE LISTENING:
What do you think of the changes?
Marketing for Small Business (Facebook & More)
- Details
- Published: November 19, 2019
Free event for small business operators and those thinking of starting a small business.
Please pre-register: See link for more information.
New Town Hall Hours
- Details
- Published: November 18, 2019
A friendly reminder to everyone that the Town Hall administrative offices will be open to the public from 10 am to 3:30 pm from Monday to Friday, beginning today, November 18, 2019. Staff will continue to work their regular hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
The Town Hall now has a secure payment drop off! It is available for anyone wishing to make payment on account or drop off registration forms or other information outside of our open hours. It is located on the door leading into Council Chambers – that’s the one closest to the crosswalk leading to the Sunset Thrift Store. The inside box is locked to ensure safekeeping of any mail dropped off, and is checked daily by staff. We hope this is a convenient way for you to continue to do your business with the Town
Town Hall Office Hours
- Details
- Published: October 8, 2019
Residents are advised that, beginning November 18, 2019, the Town Hall offices will be reducing the hours open to the public.
Beginning on that date, the hours of operation for public access will be between 10:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Staff will maintain their regular working hours, and this service adjustment is to improve the overall operations and services provided by the Town. Alternate online billing payment options are available. A secured mail drop off box will be installed at the Town Office entrance for everyone’s convenience.
Extended hours may be offered on particular billing due dates and will be advertised in advance.
Addendum #1 Main Street Water Upgrade
- Details
- Published: September 19, 2019
Tender Posting
- Details
- Published: September 10, 2019
TOO 2019-02 Main Street Watermain Replacement - Info here
Main Street Watermain Replacement IFR Drawings- https://www.town.oxford.ns.ca/2019-council-minutes/683-main-st-wm-replacement-ifr-drawings-sept-5th-2019-2-compressed/file.html
Post Hurricane Dorian September 10, 2019
- Details
- Published: September 10, 2019
As clean up efforts continue following Hurricane Dorian, residents should be cautious while travelling as there are still downed power lines, trees or tree limbs on overhead wires, weakened branches overhead, and road closures due to washout.
Although power has been restored to the water treatment plant, a boil order is still in place until sufficient testing is completed to ensure the water is safe for human and domestic pet consumption.
For more information on road conditions Please refer to the following website for current road closures / road conditions map: https://511.novascotia.ca/en/map.html#l=48&x=-7016257&y=5675265&z=1&lb=1&rb=1
To assist Oxford residents in the clean up of their properties, the Town of Oxford Transfer Station will be open on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm for brush and yard waste only. Regular hours and operations will be in place for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The majority of Oxford residents and businesses have had their power restored. For those who do not, Comfort stations that are open in the Cumberland Region are as follows:
Advocate Fire Hall 4176 Hwy 209 Advocate 0800-1600 Warm, charge, tea, coffee
Dilligent River Community Hall 10267 Hwy 209 Dilligent River 0900-1500 Warm, charge, tea, coffee
Springhill Community Center 6 Main St. Springhill, NS 0830-1630 Warm, chargeTidnish Comm Center 4358 NS-366, Tidnish 0900-1400 Warm, charge, tea, coffee
River Hebert Fire Dept. 1495 Hwy 242 0900-1400 Warm, charge, tea, coffee
Joggins Fire Hall 4 Hwy 242 Joggins 1000-1900 Warm, charge
Southampton Community Center 8845 hwy 2, Southampton 0900-1200 Warm, charge
Pugwash Fire Hall 11057 hwy 6, Pugwash 0900-1700 Warm, charge, coffee, tea, soup at lunch.
Wallace Community Hall 13922 rte 6, Wallace 1300-1600 Warm, charge
For more updates and information, please monitor to Cumberland Regional EMO FaceBook page: https://www.facebook.com/Cumberland-Regional-Emergency-Management-399000107198986/
Transfer Site
- Details
- Published: September 10, 2019
Attention Residents
The Transfer Site will be open on Wednesday for Brush ONLY. It will be open regular hours Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Hurricane Dorian Initial message – 6 Sept 2019
- Details
- Published: September 6, 2019
Environment Canada has issued a tropical cyclone information statement for this weekend. Residents in the Cumberland Region may face heavy rain, strong winds, which could lead to flooding in low lying areas, storm surges power outages and road closures. Cumberland Regional Emergency Management officials are urging citizens to prepare a 72-hour emergency kit, have potable water on hand, charge their cellphones and ensure generators are fueled and operating properly.Details of what the 72-hour emergency kit should include can be found at https://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/kts/index-en.aspx or https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada/be-ready-emergency-preparedness-and-recovery/get-an-emergency-kit.Due to the forecasted high winds, residents should also ensure that items that could be blown away, like barbecues, flower pots, garbage cans and outdoor tables and chairs, should be stored in a safe location out of the wind.We encourage you to work with your neighbours to identify people who may need extra help during this storm and to check in on them as the storm moves through the area.Please refrain from travelling during the storm, except for emergency situations.Residents should monitor local radio stations, Town of Oxford Website and the Town of Oxford and Cumberland Regional Emergency Management Facebook page for updates.
Right to Know Week
- Details
- Published: September 4, 2019
Special Council Meeting - September 3rd
- Details
- Published: August 29, 2019
There will be a Special Council meeting scheduled just prior to the regular Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at 6 pm. The one item agenda is the negotiated union collective agreement.