Town of Tillsonburg identifies priorities for Council term
Town of Tillsonburg senior staff have a clearer picture of Council’s priorities following Monday night’s regular Council meeting.
During the meeting, CAO Kyle Pratt brought forward a report recommending several minor amendments to the Community Strategic Plan. The recommended changes were identified through a joint planning and priority-setting session held earlier this month.
“The Community Strategic Plan was adopted in June 2021 following extensive consultation with internal and external stakeholders,” explains Pratt. “With Tillsonburg’s population growth since that time, as well as the election of a new Mayor and Council, staff felt it prudent to review the Plan to ensure it reflects the community’s current needs.”
While much within the Plan remains unchanged, there are a few projects that have been given a higher priority in light of the current challenges facing the municipality.
“Tillsonburg is dealing with a variety of new social and economic issues coming out of the pandemic,” says Mayor Deb Gilvesy. “When it comes to things like health care, the issue isn’t ours to solve alone, but we want to see action in those areas and collaborate on solutions.”
Among Council’s expressed priorities are working together with healthcare stakeholders to attract a Nurse Practitioner led clinic and/or facilitating a walk-in clinic/medical office to Tillsonburg.
“Council is pleased with the progress that’s been made this past year on affordable and attainable housing,” says Gilvesy. “Habitat for Humanity is building here, United Way Oxford is moving forward with their transitional housing project, and Operation Sharing piloted a cold-weather shelter.”
Next steps for the Town include collaborating with Oxford County on an affordable housing project, and considering how to best utilize Town-owned property such as the lands surrounding the former Elliott Fairbairn Public School (31 Earle Street).
With a shrinking supply of available business and development lands, Council has also prioritized the servicing of Phase 2 of the Van Norman Innovation Park, as well as options for a municipal boundary adjustment.
In terms of municipally-owned facilities, Council directed staff to continue implementation of the Airport Master Plan, as well as plans for a consolidated Town Hall.
“At this point, Council would like staff to focus on options for enhancing or expanding the Town’s current building at 10 Lisgar Ave.,” says Gilvesy.
The amended Plan also references the need to expand emergency services and utility capacity as the municipality grows.
“I think Council and staff worked very well together to reach a consensus on some important issues facing the community and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together,” concluded Gilvesy.