Representatives and staff of the Town of Oxford came together for the last scheduled Regular Council Meeting on Wednesday night. Featuring a light agenda, with a surprise twist at the end, the meeting saw two children from the community recognized with a Certificate of Recognition presented by Mayor Greg Henley. The kids, Emily Mccullough and Ryker Brown, returned the Pride flag that had flown from Town Hall this month, but which had been tossed into the Black River by someone in the wee hours of June 6th. That act of vandalism —labelled a hate crime by the mayor— is still under investigation by the RCMP.
Appointments
Also covered during the meeting: the appointment of Oxford’s Fire Inspectors and Building Inspectors. In a cooperation agreement with the Municipality of Cumberland County, Oxford enjoys the services of county employees in those roles. Council approved the appointments of Brian Wood, Melissa Siddal, David Buel as Fire Inspectors, and Building Officials: Samantha Stewart, Corey Dewitt, Brian Wood, Melissa Siddal and David Buel.
Stranger Danger
Councillor Padraic Moore brought forth concerns for the protection of Oxford’s children. With kids being out and about for summer recreational activities, Moore called on parents to have the sometimes delicate conversations with children about being safe. Drawing on the “Stranger Danger” material available in some schools, Moore compiled a list of tips for families to discuss with children and teens while they enjoy this well-deserved break:
Be aware of your surroundings: If you notice anything or anyone suspicious, notify a parent or another trusted adult (like a teacher or grandparent).
Trust your instincts and your feelings: If someone makes you feel uncomfortable or if you feel like something’s just not right — even if you can’t explain why — walk away immediately and notify a trusted adult.
Be assertive if approached by a stranger: If a stranger ever approaches and offers a ride or treats (like candy or toys) or asks for help with a task (like helping find a lost dog), they should step away, yell "No!" and leave the area immediately. Always notify a parent or another trusted adult right away.
Avoid shortcuts: Stick to well-traveled paths when going out and steer clear of isolated and unfamiliar areas. Discuss potential routes with parents or guardians before heading out.
Walk in pairs or groups: Whenever possible, travel with others and remain in well-lit and busy areas.
Share your plans: Always let your parent or caregiver know where you're headed, what route you’re taking and when you plan to return. Remember to call or message when you arrive or are leaving your destination and always discuss estimated arrival times.
Communicate changes in plans: If your plans change or if you might be delayed, call or message your parents or caregivers and inform them of the change. If you suspect you're being followed, dial emergency services at 9-1-1.
Councillor Moore’s family recently endured a challenging situation with an acquaintance who allegedly threatened to kidnap one of his children. While the community rose to their defence and police became involved, Moore concluded that the situation could have happened to anyone, and says he’ll be spending the summer months helping to educate youth about what they can do to stay safe and play safe.
Public Safety: The province reviews policing
The Town of Oxford has for about a decade, if not longer, been looking at the matter of police services in the community and specifically the bill that has to be paid for what some have seen as insufficient public presence. Following a years-long review conducted concurrently with reviews undertaken by the Municipality of Cumberland County, Oxford succeeded in gaining a slight modification to the agreement but without much in the way of savings. And then our region suffered the tragedy of the Portapique murders, which called into question the RCMP’s handling of a serious incident that led the province to undertake its own review of policing in all municipalities.
At Wednesday’s Town Council meeting, staff informed councillors that a letter had been received earlier that day from the Minister of Justice, Becky Durham, announcing the results of the province’s review. The conclusion boils down to the following “Foundational Changes” that the province will implement, following discussions with municipalities over the coming months:
1. Unified Records Management System: A single, province-wide records management system for all police agencies to improve data sharing, coordination, and oversight, and support evidence-based decision- making.
2. Enhanced Police Resourcing: Ensuring that police services across the province are adequately resourced to increase visibility, responsiveness, and meaningful engagement with the communities they serve.
3. Layered Policing Model: Introducing the deployment of Community Safety Officers and Special Constables allowing for more effective responses to a range of public safety needs, while enabling sworn officers to focus on core policing duties.
4. Establishment of Community Safety Boards: Providing civilian oversight and governance across the full spectrum of public safety services, including law enforcement, Community Safety Officers, and Special Constables, enhancing transparency, accountability, and community trust.
5. New Provincial Policing Standards: Augmenting existing standards to be more prescriptive, and introducing new ones to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery across Nova Scotia. New standards will also include training requirements for all officers in cultural sensitivity, community-specific information, and the experiences of vulnerable populations
6. A New Billing Framework: We will implement a revised billing framework for municipalities served by the RCMP. The new framework will promote financial sustainability, transparency, and enable reinvestment into local, community-driven safety initiatives.
The review, in the form a report “Shaping the Future: Policing in Nova Scotia,” was completed with the assistance of consulting agency Deloitte Canada. The province says it will be “working toward” Deloitte’s recommendation of the implementation of a provincial policing service, but “(w)hile Deloitte has recommended a provincial police service model, we recognize and deeply respect the proud history and contributions of municipal police services across Nova Scotia.” The province’s decision will be to continue with the RCMP as the core policing service provider, with the changes identified above.
Minister Durham and staff will meet over the coming months with municipal representatives as the Department of Justice moves to implement the recommendations of the report.
Oxford Events
This evening, Oxford residents will see fireworks over Salt Lake, a gesture of recognition for OREC Graduates from local developer Mervil Rushton. Coming up on Tuesday, July 1st, the Trinity United Church will host a “Made in Oxford” community craft sale, from 8:30am-Noon. Also on Tuesday, a “Family Street Dance” kicks off at 6:00pm on Rideau Street at the Gazebo, with DJ Rodney of East Coast Wave, and the Oxford Capitol Theatre has two showtimes as it ramps up local movie presentations: “The Mask” (Jim Carrey) starts at 1:00pm, while the PG-13 showing of “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery” featuring Mike Myers screens at 9:00pm.
For all the local activities, check out the Town of Oxford – Recreation Commission.
