Meet Bernia
Over the past four years, I have learned that meaningful progress is built through collaboration, listening, and a willingness to tackle difficult issues with both compassion and practicality.
I am proud of what we have accomplished together, but I am even more excited about what lies ahead.
Woodstock is a remarkable community. Oxford County is an extraordinary region. The future is bright, and there is important work still to be done.
I look forward to continuing that work with you and respectfully ask for your support as I seek election as Woodstock's first Deputy Mayor and County Councillor in 2026.
Together, we can continue building a community where people belong, businesses thrive, the environment is protected, and future generations have every opportunity to succeed.

Bernia Martin, Deputy Warden of Oxford County at ROMA 2026 asking a question during the "Bear Pit".
A Record of Results
Municipal government is about delivering results that improve people's everyday lives. Over the past four years, I've been proud to work alongside my colleagues, community partners, and residents to make decisions that are helping Woodstock and Oxford County grow stronger, more inclusive, and more sustainable.
Together, we've made meaningful progress on issues that matter most to our community:
- Increasing housing opportunities by supporting policies that encourage new housing options, downtown residential development, and complete communities.
- Strengthening mental health and homelessness supports by advancing partnerships to develop a campus of services focused on addiction, mental health, and transitional housing.
- Growing our local economy by supporting strategic investments that create jobs, attract business, and strengthen Woodstock's downtown.
- Protecting our environment by advancing Oxford County's Green Bin organics program and supporting the development of a Climate Action Plan.
- Building a more welcoming community by supporting initiatives that promote equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging.
- Planning responsibly for growth by investing in infrastructure and municipal services that prepare Woodstock and Oxford County for the future.
- Leading beyond the council table through service on regional boards and committees, including Southwestern Public Health, where collaboration has helped strengthen services across our region.
These accomplishments reflect the kind of leadership I believe in. Leadership that listens first, builds partnerships, and focuses on practical solutions. As Woodstock's first Deputy Mayor and County Councillor, I'll continue working to deliver results that enhance quality of life, support a thriving economy, protect our environment, and ensure our community is ready for the opportunities ahead.

Proud of What We've Accomplished
Leadership is about more than making decisions, it's about getting things done.
Over the past four years, I've worked to bring forward practical ideas, build support around the Council table, and deliver meaningful improvements for Woodstock residents. Here are just a few examples of what I'm proud we have accomplished.
Delivering Green Bin Collection Ahead of Schedule
When an opportunity arose to accelerate Woodstock's Green Bin program, I supported moving forward rather than waiting. As a result, weekly curbside organics collection was introduced 17 months ahead of the original timeline, helping residents divert more waste from landfill while providing a convenient new municipal service.
Reciprocal Library Borrowing
I championed the creation of a reciprocal borrowing agreement between the Woodstock Public Library and neighbouring Oxford County libraries. This initiative gives residents access to a much larger collection of books, digital resources, and materials while strengthening collaboration between libraries across the county.
Standing Up for Respectful Public Service
Municipal elected officials should be able to serve their communities in an environment that is safe and respectful. I publicly supported provincial legislation to strengthen behavioural accountability for members of council, recognizing that respectful workplaces lead to better governance and healthier communities.
Elevating the Voice of Public Health
Healthy communities don't happen by accident—they require leadership and partnership. Throughout my term, I've worked to strengthen the profile of public health in municipal decision-making by advocating for stronger collaboration with Southwestern Public Health and highlighting the important role public health plays in community planning, emergency preparedness, healthy growth, and quality of life.
Leadership That Delivers
These accomplishments reflect how I approach public service: listening first, building relationships, and finding practical solutions that make a real difference for residents. As Deputy Mayor and County Councillor, I will continue to focus on thoughtful leadership, strong partnerships, and delivering results that benefit our community today and into the future.
Bernia Martin on Cross Boarder Interviews with Host, Chris Brown
For this edition of Cross Border Interviews, we are honoured to welcome to the show, Oxford County, and City of Woodstock Councillor Bernia Martin Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 130,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” Situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, agriculture is a key industry that is driving innovation in sustainable industries and diversifying the local economy. Oxford County offers a thriving local arts, culture and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails.
Results & Accomplishments
Committies & Boards
As a Woodstock City-County Councillor, I have represented residents on a broad range of municipal and regional boards and committees. These appointments have provided experience in public health, community services, economic development, recreation, culture, and social policy across both Woodstock and Oxford County.
City of Woodstock Appointments
- Community Grants Advisory Committee (2023 & 2024)
- Sister Cities Committee
- Recreation Advisory Committee
- Woodstock Public Library Board
Oxford County Appointments
- Southwestern Public Health Board (Vice Chair 2023, Board Chair 2024, 2025, 2026)
- SWPH Special Ad Hoc Building Committee
- Social Planning Council Oxford (2023 & 2024)
- South Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation (SCOR) as County-appointed director and former Board Chair.
- MTO Technical Advisory Committee
- Southwest Community Transit Executive Committee Chair
- Western Ontario Warden's Caucus Economic Development Committee
- Safe and Well Oxford Steering Committee
Why This Matters
Serving on City Council is only one part of a municipal councillor's role. Councillors are also expected to serve on a variety of committees and boards established by the municipality, where much of the detailed work behind council decisions takes place.
On its own, this list does not make me exceptionally qualified to serve as Deputy Mayor and County Councillor. In fact, many councillors could publish an equally impressive list of committee appointments. Simply serving on committees does not make a councillor exceptional.
What matters is how a councillor uses the knowledge, data, relationships, and perspectives gained at each table to make better decisions for the community.
I learned that lesson before I was even elected.
When I was considering running for City-County Councillor in 2022, I sat down with a former Warden of Oxford County to learn more about the role of councillor. During our conversation, he shared a piece of advice that has stayed with me ever since:
"Bernia, you can do a little bit of work or you can do a lot of work. The pay is going to be the same. But when you get involved and serve on committees and boards, you'll be better informed to make decisions that matter to this community."
He was absolutely right.
Serving on boards such as Southwestern Public Health, the Safe and Well Oxford Steering Committee, the Social Planning Council, and others has given me a broader understanding of the challenges facing our region. More importantly, it has allowed me to connect ideas across organizations and identify opportunities to advance initiatives that make a real difference in our community.
Planet Youth is a perfect example.
I first learned about the Planet Youth initiative through Southwestern Public Health, where I was introduced to the research and community data that support evidence-based approaches to preventing youth substance use. Later, the initiative surfaced again through the Safe and Well Oxford Steering Committee, reinforcing both the need and the potential impact of the program.
When Planet Youth eventually came before Woodstock City Council seeking support, I already understood the research, the local data, and the collaborative work taking place across Oxford County. I knew the initiative was focused on strengthening community connections for young people because evidence consistently shows that youth who feel connected to their communities are less likely to experience substance use and other harmful outcomes.
That background gave me the confidence to enthusiastically support the initiative and advocate for its implementation in Woodstock and across Oxford County.
This is why committee work matters. The value isn't in adding another meeting to a councillor's calendar, it's in becoming a more informed decision-maker. Every committee, board, and community partnership provides another opportunity to learn, ask better questions, and make decisions that are grounded in evidence rather than assumptions.
That's the kind of leadership I will continue to bring as your Deputy Mayor and County Councillor.
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Leading with purpose.
Building with people.
Leading with Purpose. Building With People.
This phrase reflects my belief that good leadership begins with a clear vision and is strengthened through collaboration. Every decision I make is guided by what will create the greatest long-term benefit for Woodstock and Oxford County, while recognizing that the best ideas come from listening to residents, businesses, community organizations, and municipal partners.
Building a stronger Woodstock isn't about one person, it's about bringing people together, finding practical solutions, and turning shared goals into real results. Purpose provides the direction; people make the progress possible.
Did you know?
Politics is important, but so is knowing the person asking for your vote. Here are a few things you may not know about me.
- I didn't grow up in Woodstock. I moved here because of a business opportunity, but I quickly discovered a community I wanted to call home. Today, I'm proud to have built my career, family, and public service here.
- Before serving on council, I spent two decades working in economic development. My career has focused on helping businesses grow, supporting entrepreneurs, and building stronger local economies across Oxford County.
- I'm a lifelong learner. Whether it's reading council reports, researching best practices from other municipalities, or asking questions at committee meetings, I believe good decisions begin with understanding the facts.
- I enjoy solving problems. Some people see a complex issue as a roadblock. I see it as an opportunity to bring people together, find common ground, and build practical solutions.
- Committee work is one of my favourite parts of being a councillor. That's where you dive into the details, hear from experts, and build the knowledge needed to make informed decisions at council.
- You'll often find me walking Woodstock's parks and trails. They are one of our community's greatest assets and one of my favourite ways to recharge while staying connected to the city.
- I believe leadership is about listening first. Some of my best ideas have come from conversations with residents, local organizations, and business owners who simply wanted to share their perspective.
- I don't believe every issue has to be political. Local government works best when people focus on solving problems together instead of scoring political points.
- I still get excited about learning something new. Every meeting, every community event, and every conversation is an opportunity to better understand the people I represent.
- I believe public service doesn't have to be serious all the time. Council deals with important issues, but I've found that a well-timed laugh, a little humility, and not taking yourself too seriously can go a long way in building relationships and working through difficult conversations.
- I'm endlessly curious. I ask a lot of questions, not because I think I have all the answers, but because I believe better questions lead to better decisions. Whether I'm reading a council report, speaking with a resident, or visiting another municipality to learn from their successes, I'm always looking for ways we can do better.
- I was adopted as an infant, and one of the greatest blessings in my life is that I have strong relationships with both my adoptive and biological families. I have parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews who have supported me every step of the way. They've taught me that family can be built in many ways, and that love, encouragement, and belonging are what matter most.
Above all, I believe public service is about leaving your community better than you found it. That's what has guided my work over the past four years, and it's the approach I'll continue to bring as your Deputy Mayor and County Councillor.

Bernia Martin, Deputy Warden addressing the crowd at the Oxford County Accessibility Week Flag Raising in Woodstock.

Bernia Martin, Deputy Warden speaking at the Oxford Historical Society memorial for Joseph Whiteside Boyle, on Hero's Day 2026.
Jordan Kent
"I'm proud to endorse my friend Bernia Martin for Deputy Mayor of Woodstock.
Knowing Bernia personally makes this endorsement even more meaningful. The person you see in public is exactly who she is in private: thoughtful, hardworking, compassionate, and deeply committed to serving our community.
Bernia leads with integrity, listens with respect, and welcomes conversations with people who hold different perspectives. She believes that the best decisions come from collaboration, not division, and she consistently works to bring people together for the good of Woodstock.
Our community needs leaders who are approachable, principled, and focused on results. Bernia has demonstrated those qualities throughout her time on Council, and I know she will continue to serve Woodstock with professionalism, dedication, and heart."
