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Woodstock Ingersoll Echo VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 18
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Motor vehicle collisions in Oxford up substantially this winter LEE GRIFFI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
This winter has been the most volatile and dangerous for Oxford County and Wilmot Township motorists, leading to a record number of collisions. But, according to one member of the Oxford Ontario Provincial Police detachment, it doesn’t need to be that way. Const. Randi Crawford said the OPP doesn’t have rankings of causes for winter collisions, but the top few are very obvious. Driving too fast for the conditions and following too closely. “It happens all the time and with any type of vehicle, be it a commercial motor vehicle, a small car, an SUV or a pick-up truck. All types of vehicles seem to be driving too fast for the conditions.” When it comes to being too close to the vehicle in front, Crawford said tractor-trailers aren’t always at fault. “When one jackknifes, people may jump to the conclusion that the truck was going too fast for the road conditions, which could have been a contributing factor. But people sometimes cut them off and those trucks take time to slow down, and if they have to slam on their brakes in this weather, they are going to jackknife.” Crawford added driving distracted and, in a hurry, can also cause collisions in winter weather. “If the world were an ideal place and we could all drive properly and not have to be defensive, but when you are driving in unpredictable weather, you have to prepare yourself to deal with unpredictable behaviours by other drivers.” CONTINUED TO PAGE 3
SOUTH GATE CENTRE EXPANSION OPENS
(ANITA LAGOS PHOTO)
Woodstock’s South Gate Centre’s $7 million expansion was officially opened at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Story on page 12.
Area municipalities take part in ROMA conference LEE GRIFFI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The annual Rural Ontario Municipalities Association (ROMA) Conference was held last week in Toronto, and many area politicians attended the three-day event. ROMA is the rural voice of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). A number of its executive members serve on the AMO board of directors. ROMA undertakes policy, research and advocacy activities through AMO. The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) were present at the event, engaging with provincial leaders to advance priorities that strengthen communities across
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Western Ontario. The conference provided a platform for WOWC to share municipal perspectives, address pressing challenges, and explore collaborative solutions with provincial partners. “Western Ontario municipalities are dealing with complex challenges that affect residents’ daily lives, from staffing shortages in essential services to the need for robust municipal infrastructure that supports growth, community safety and well-being,” said WOWC Chair and Oxford Warden Marcus Ryan. “ROMA provides a vital opportunity to bring these local realities directly to provincial leaders, ensuring decisions reflect the needs of our communities and support practical, sustainable solutions.” CONTINUED TO PAGE 5
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