Media Releases
Media Releases
East Zorra-Tavistock Strengthens Leadership and Service Delivery Through New Department Structure
Planned organizational changes build on successful succession planning and align services for the future.
East Zorra-Tavistock is taking the next step in strengthening its leadership and service delivery with a new organizational structure that brings community focused services together while creating clear leadership for the future.
The changes follow the planned retirement of Director of Fire and Emergency Management Services, Fire Chief, Scott Alexander, and reflect the Township’s ongoing commitment to succession planning, leadership development and organizational sustainability.
Effective October 12, 2026, East Zorra-Tavistock will establish a new Community and Protective Services Department, bringing together fire and emergency services, community emergency management, recreation and facilities, together under one department with a coordinated administrative structure. At the same time, the Infrastructure Services Department will be established, overseeing roads and transportation networks, winter operations, stormwater and drainage, fleet and equipment, construction project management, parks, and capital and asset management.
Tom Lightfoot, currently serving as Director of Infrastructure and Community Services, will lead the new Department as the Director of Community and Protective Services, Fire Chief. Claire Ohrling, currently Engineering Technologist/Drainage Superintendent, will assume the role and responsibility of Director of Infrastructure Services.
Comment
CAO Karen DePrest, Township of East Zorra-Tavistock
“This is an exciting opportunity to build on the strong foundation we have today while preparing our organization for the future,” said Chief Administrative Officer Karen DePrest. “We have talented and experienced leaders within our organization that have demonstrated the leadership, knowledge, and experience needed to lead these departments. This is a succession decision that recognizes internal talent while ensuring continuity for our residents and the services that they rely on.”
Mayor Phil Schaefer, Township of East Zorra-Tavistock
“This restructuring allows us to leverage our talent and lay the groundwork for strong leadership now and into the future. On behalf of Council, staff, and residents I want to wish Chief Alexander all the best in his upcoming retirement, and also to offer congratulations to Tom Lightfoot and Claire Ohrling on their new positions,” Mayor Phil Schaefer.
In determining the new structure and leadership assignments, consideration was given to the Township’s existing leadership capacity, institutional knowledge, experience, demonstrated performance and the continuity required for essential municipal services.
The changes will take effect October 12, 2026, with transition planning already underway to support employees, maintain service delivery and ensure a smooth implementation.
About Township of East Zorra-Tavistock
Located in the heart of northern Oxford County, the Township of East Zorra-Tavistock is a great place to work, live and play. Accessible by highway, air and railway, East Zorra-Tavistock’s settled areas are a short drive from Highway 401, 402 and 403 and is located near several airports. East Zorra-Tavistock is a part of the eight area municipalities that make up the Oxford County municipal government. The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock was formed through the amalgamation of numerous communities, including Braemar, Cassel, East Zorra, Hickson, Huntingford, Innerkip, Perry Mine, Perrys Lane, Strathallan, Tavistock, Tollgate, and Willow Lake. East Zorra-Tavistock’s three largest towns are Hickson, Innerkip and Tavistock. The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock municipal office is located in Hickson. Learn more at www.ezt.ca
Prepare For The 2026 Municipal Election
Your Vote. Your Choice. Your Convenience.
Participating municipalities encourage residents to prepare for the 2026 Municipal Election.
Town of Tillsonburg, Township of Blandford-Blenheim, Township of Zorra, Township of South-West Oxford, Township of East Zorra-Tavistock.
The participating municipalities are reminding residents to get ready for the 2026 Municipal Election, which will take place from October 13 to October 26, 2026, using secure internet and telephone voting.
Eligible electors will be able to vote from anywhere using their own computer, tablet, smartphone, or telephone. The voting system will be available 24 hours a day throughout the voting period, providing residents with a convenient and accessible way to cast their ballot. Whether you're at home, at work, or travelling, you'll be able to securely cast your ballot during the voting period. Voting closes at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Watch for Your Voter Information Letter
Eligible electors will receive a Voter Information Letter (VIL) in the mail before voting begins.
The VIL will include:
• Your name and address
• Your unique voting PIN
• Instructions on how to vote online or by telephone
Your PIN is required to access the voting system and cast your ballot. If you do not receive your VIL, lose your PIN, or require assistance, you can contact your municipality's Voter Help Centre.
Check Your Voter Information Now
All residents are encouraged to confirm that they are on the Voters' List and that their information is correct before election day.
Do not assume you are already registered. If you are not on the Voters' List, you may still be eligible to vote. Election staff can help add eligible electors to the list or update voter information when required.
The Province of Ontario's 2026 Municipal Voters' Guide is also available online and provides information about voter eligibility, municipal elections, and the voting process.
Secure and Confidential Voting
The participating municipalities have partnered with Intelivote Systems Inc., a Canadian company specializing in municipal election technology, to deliver secure internet and telephone voting services.
The voting system:
• Allows eligible electors to vote online or by telephone
• Uses security safeguards and encryption to protect voter information
• Prevents multiple votes from being cast by the same elector
• Is tested and monitored throughout the election period
Most importantly, voter privacy is protected. Votes are anonymous, cannot be connected to an individual elector, and municipalities never see how a person voted.
Need Assistance?
Voter Help Centres will be available throughout the election period to assist eligible electors who need help updating voter information, obtaining a replacement PIN, or accessing voting services.
For election information, voter resources, and important dates, visit our elections webpage.
Tavistock Celebrates Spray Pad Opening Thanks to $150,000 Ontario Government Grant
Tavistock, ON - On Friday, local MPP Ernie Hardeman was at the Tavistock Queen’s Park to celebrate the grand opening of the new Tavistock Spray Pad. The new Spray Pad was made possible through a $150,000 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation, which supplemented over $100,000 in community fundraising efforts.
“It’s great to see people and the province working together to make projects like this one come to life in our communities,” said Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford. “This wonderful spray pad certainly meets the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s mission to foster more active lifestyles and bring people together.”
The project will offer a unique, inclusive, and accessible play area that expands the community’s outdoor recreation options. Spray pads are non-slip aquatic play areas with no standing water that instead feature water sprinklers, sprayers, nozzles and games that are motion-activated or on limited run times. Spray pads are a safe, lower-cost and lower-maintenance alternative to outdoor pools while supporting childhood development through socialization, developing motor skills, and learning through play.
“The residents, staff and Council of the Township of East Zorra-Tavistock are grateful for the generous support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation in helping to make the new Tavistock Spray Pad a reality," said Mayor Phil Schaefer. "Their support, along with local businesses and residents, will ensure families have an additional facility for enjoyment and fun activity, without having to leave the Township."
Located in the heart of northern Oxford County, the Township of East Zorra-Tavistock is a great place to work, live and play. Accessible by highway, air and railway, East Zorra-Tavistock’s settled areas are a short drive from Highway 401, 402 and 403 and is located near several airports. East Zorra-Tavistock is a part of the eight area municipalities that make up the Oxford County municipal government. The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock was formed through the amalgamation of numerous communities, including Braemar, Cassel, East Zorra, Hickson, Huntingford, Innerkip, Perry Mine, Perrys Lane, Strathallan, Tavistock, Tollgate, and Willow Lake. East Zorra-Tavistock’s three largest towns are Hickson, Innerkip and Tavistock. The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock municipal office is located in Hickson. Learn more at www.ezt.ca.
“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit the Ontario Trillium Foundation website to learn more.
Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Meaghan Vader, Corporate Initiatives Officer/Deputy Clerk
Township of East Zorra-Tavistock
communications@ezt.ca
EZTransit Launches as Township's Transit Service
EZTransit is the Township's new pilot project, providing a new accessible service option for residents and riders in the Township.
The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock launched its first ever transit service this morning from the Township Administration Building. Mayor Phil Schaefer was on hand to make the inaugural trip.
EZTransit is a pilot project operating early morning, afternoons and early evenings to provide residents and riders transportation for appointments, social, and recreational activities. For the duration of the pilot project, EZTransit is free to ride.
EZTransit operates two (2) bus routes Wednesday to Saturday. Route 1 will stop in Hickson, Tavistock, Innerkip, and Woodstock on Wednesday, Fridays, and every other Saturday that falls on an even day. Route 2 will take people to Hickson, Innerkip, Tavistock, and Stratford. It will run on Thursdays and every other Saturday that falls on an odd day.
The bus can carry 10 passengers, with an additional 3 accessibly secured spaces. Ridership will be on a first come, first served basis.
Riders can connect to Oxford County, Stratford, and Woodstock. Through the Stratford Transit terminal riders can also connect to Kitchener/Waterloo.
Comment
Mayor Phil Schaefer, Township of East Zorra-Tavistock
"I was pleased to be on the bus for the inaugural trip of the new EZTransit system today. Staff and Council worked hard to make this day happen. The final piece of the puzzle is ridership, and I encourage residents who wish to travel inside and outside the township to use this service and to provide their feedback during the pilot period."
Resources
The Route and schedule brochure can be viewed online, or picked up from various Township facilities.
View the EZTransit webpage for more information.
About Township of East Zorra-Tavistock
Located in the heart of northern Oxford County, the Township of East Zorra-Tavistock is a great place to work, live and play. Accessible by highway, air and railway, East Zorra-Tavistock’s settled areas are a short drive from Highway 401, 402 and 403 and is located near several airports. East Zorra-Tavistock is a part of the eight area municipalities that make up the Oxford County municipal government. The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock was formed through the amalgamation of numerous communities, including Braemar, Cassel, East Zorra, Hickson, Huntingford, Innerkip, Perry Mine, Perrys Lane, Strathallan, Tavistock, Tollgate, and Willow Lake. East Zorra-Tavistock’s three largest towns are Hickson, Innerkip and Tavistock. The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock municipal office is located in Hickson. Learn more at www.ezt.ca.
New Tavistock Spray Pad Planned for a 2024 Opening
Spray pad is EZT’s first, adding a new accessible outdoor recreation option for families in the Township
The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock will open its first spray pad in 2024 in the Town of Tavistock’s Queen’s Park, offering a unique and accessible play area for families that expands the community’s outdoor recreation options.
Spray pads are non-slip aquatic play areas with no standing water that instead feature water sprinklers, sprayers, nozzles and games that are motion-activated or on limited run times. Spray pads are a safe, lower-cost and lower-maintenance alternative to outdoor pools while supporting childhood development through socialization, developing motor skills, and learning through play.
The new spray pad for the Town of Tavistock was requested by a citizen delegation to Council in October 2019. The $250,000 project budget is supported through a 2022 Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of $150,000 and community fundraising efforts of over $100,000 to date, including a $35,000 corporate donation by Saputo. The spray pad aligns with the Township of East Zorra-Tavistock’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which shows a need to increase access to outdoor aquatic facilities to meet its target service level for its population.
Township of East Zorra-Tavistock Council awarded the contract to construct the new spray pad to Openspace Solutions Inc. at the July 5 council meeting. Construction is scheduled to take place in the fall of 2023.
Comment
Mayor Phil Schaefer, Township of East Zorra-Tavistock
“Our communities are growing and our citizens have told us that outdoor recreation is an important part of community life. Through the support of our residents, Saputo as a corporate donor, and the Trillium fund, we are able to take this key step forward in expanding the use and enjoyment of EZT’s wonderful outdoor spaces, which is a key goal of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.”
Graphics
Attached: Conceptual drawings of East Zorra-Tavistock spray pad
About Township of East Zorra-Tavistock
Located in the heart of northern Oxford County, the Township of East Zorra-Tavistock is a great place to work, live and play. Accessible by highway, air and railway, East Zorra-Tavistock’s settled areas are a short drive from Highway 401, 402 and 403 and is located near several airports. East Zorra-Tavistock is a part of the eight area municipalities that make up the Oxford County municipal government. The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock was formed through the amalgamation of numerous communities, including Braemar, Cassel, East Zorra, Hickson, Huntingford, Innerkip, Perry Mine, Perrys Lane, Strathallan, Tavistock, Tollgate, and Willow Lake. East Zorra-Tavistock’s three largest towns are Hickson, Innerkip and Tavistock. The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock municipal office is located in Hickson. Learn more at www.ezt.ca.
Tavistock Spray Pad Project Donation
It is with great pleasure to announce that Saputo has donated $35,000 towards the Tavistock Spray Pad project through the Saputo Legacy Program.
The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock has also recently increased their financial support towards the project and has selected Queen’s Park as the location of the Spray Pad.
The Community has been challenged to raise $100,000 towards this project and the support of the Saputo Legacy Program has kickstarted this campaign. The new goal to now raise is $65,000!
The next steps for this project will be to establish a fundraising team. There will be an announcement on this team soon!
The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock has also recently applied for the Trillium grant. Even if this grant is successful, the fundraising must continue, and the target met for this project to succeed.
Karen DePrest, CAO East Zorra Tavistock
“We’re very excited to see the support, from a large community partner like Saputo, get behind the Tavistock Spray Pad project. A donation of their size helps kick start the community fundraising initiative, and bring the project closer to construction. We know the community is already very supportive of this project, and we appreciate the many local volunteers and businesses who will support the project into the future.”
Danny and Haley Roth, Fundraising Team
“Community projects cannot happen without the support of local businesses such as Saputo, and the support of the Council and Staff of East Zorra Tavistock. We are grateful for the large donation the Saputo Legacy Program has given, and we cannot wait to see our community come together and support this project.”
Stéphanie Roy, Manager, Community Relations at Saputo
“We are delighted to support the Tavistock Spray Pad project through our Legacy Program, which invests in the communities where our employees live, work and play to help them lead healthy lifestyles. We hope our contribution to the Tavistock Spray Pad will benefit many of our employees, their families and all local community members."
Community engagement is important to Saputo and the company strives to invest 1% of its pre-tax profits each year in community programs and organizations that promote a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages. To learn more, visit Saputo's Community Page.
If you represent a family, organization, or business that may be interested in leaving a longstanding legacy through the Tavistock Spray Pad, please contact the Fundraising Team. Donations can be made in trust at the Township Office.