Oxford Suffers Fallout from the Sinkhole

Community space in the Town of Oxford is once again under discussion.

Tonight's final Town Council meeting for 2019 saw discussion around the ill-fated Lion's Club, the condition of the Pioneer Heritage Club building which received emergency repairs just recently, and a town library facility that is in need of significant upgrades to meet future accessibility standards.  

Accessibility is a significant issue that will affect many communities in the coming decade, as provincial regulations will mean public facilities will need to bring their buildings, green spaces, and other public facilities up to new standards for access. 

While the deadline for compliance isn't until 2030, it will take communities time to strike accessibility committees, come up with plans and budget funds to make it happen. 

Oxford is facing the problem of accessible community spaces, combined with warming centres in the case of emergency, all of which was made more challenging with the loss of the Lion's Club building due to the infamous sinkhole that appeared 18 months ago. 

The town has to decide whether to commit funds to upgrade existing facilities or consider other options that might bring several organizations under a new roof.

Nothing definitive has been put on the table in that regard, but councillors are beginning to wonder out loud about what may be needed, and what may be possible, in terms of ensuring the community has a place to come together.

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