Oxford County Council faced a fiery public meeting on Wednesday as residents voiced outrage over the purchase of the former Woodstock YMCA building for use as a homeless shelter. The decision, announced last week, has sparked intense debate in the community, with many locals expressing embarrassment and frustration.
Public Outcry at Council Meeting
During the council session, numerous residents took to the podium to express their displeasure. 'Every county person should be embarrassed,' said one attendee, capturing the sentiment of many. Critics argued that the shelter would lower property values, increase crime, and disrupt the neighborhood. Others questioned the lack of consultation with the public before the purchase was finalized.
The former YMCA building, located at 511 Peel Street in Woodstock, was acquired by Oxford County for $3.2 million. County officials stated that the facility is needed to address the growing homelessness crisis in the region, with shelter occupancy rates consistently above 90% in recent months.
County's Justification
Oxford County Warden Marcus Ryan defended the decision, emphasizing the urgent need for shelter space. 'We have a moral obligation to provide housing for those in need,' Ryan said. 'This facility will offer not just a bed, but support services to help individuals transition to stable housing.' The county plans to operate the shelter with 24-hour staffing, security, and case management services.
However, residents remain skeptical. 'We weren't given any say in this,' said local business owner Sarah Mitchell. 'It feels like the county is dumping a problem in our backyard without considering the impact on the community.'
Community Concerns
Many attendees raised concerns about safety, citing incidents at other shelters in the region. 'I've seen what happens when these facilities aren't managed properly,' said another resident. 'We don't want to become a dumping ground for the county's problems.'
Council members acknowledged the concerns but stressed that the shelter would be well-managed and integrated into the community. They promised regular updates and a community liaison to address issues as they arise.
The shelter is expected to open in late 2026, after renovations are completed. In the meantime, the county plans to hold additional public meetings to gather input and provide more information.
