January 12, 2015 - Council AgendaTable of Contents
Agenda 3
December 8, 2014 - Council Minutes
December 8, 2014 - Council Minutes 12
Tillsonburg Transportation Steering Committee
Council Delegation 15-01 21
Tillsonburg Transportation Steering Committee
Supporting Documentation 24
Minor Variance Application A-11-14 (135 Allen Street)
Report A-11-14 93
Application for Zone Change ZN 7-14-12 - Removal of Holding
Provision
Planners Report ZN 7-14-12 102
By-Law 3866 113
Schedule A 114
Key Map ZN 7-14-12 115
Tillsonburg Cultural Improvement Alliance Arts Evening
Tillsonburg Cultural Improvement Alliance Poster 116
Thames Valley District School Board Name Our Schools
Thames Valley District School Board Name Our
Schools 117
Request for Nominations to Fill Vacancies on the 2014-2016
AMO Board of Directors
Request for Nominations to Fill Vacancies on the 2014-
2016 AMO Board of Directors 118
TDMH Re: Colon Cancer Screening
Colonoscopy Media Release 121
Policing Costs in Unorganized Townships (Resolution)
Resolution from the Township of Algonquin Highlands 122
Report CAO 15-01 Chief Administrative Officer Performance
Evaluation 2014
Chief Administrative Officer Performance Evaluation
2014 123
Report CAO 15-02 Community Strategic Plan - Implementation
Report CAO 15-02 Community Strategic Plan -
Implementation 125
Report CAO 15-03 Tillsonburg Hydro Incorporation - Board of
Directors Composition
Tillsonburg Hydro Incorporaton - Board of Directors
Composition 128
MOUD Attachment 131
Report CL 15-01 Post 2014 Municipal Election Accessibility
Report
CL 15-01 Post 2014 Municipal Election Accessibility
Report 134
Report DCS 15-03 Community Improvement Plan Application –
41 Broadway
1
Report DCS 15-03 Community Improvement Plan
Application – 41 Broadway 145
Application-41_Broadway(Dec11,14)148
Report FIN 15-01 Interim Tax Levy By-Law 3865
FIN 15-01 Interim Tax Levy By-Law 3865 151
By-Law 3865 Interim Tax Levy 153
Report RCP 15-01 - CBC Repeater Antenna Encroachment
Agreement
RCP 15-01 - CBC Repeater Antenna Encroachment
Agreement 155
RCP 15-01 - ATT 01 - Elevation diagram 157
RCP 15-01 - ATT 02 - Encroachment Agreement for
CBC antenna at TCC 158
Report RCP 15-02 – Addendum to Senior Centre Agreement
RCP 15-02 Addendum to Senior Centre Agreement 162
RCP 15-02 - ATT 01 - ADDENDUM TO the Senior
Centre MOU 164
RCP 15-02 - ATT 02 - Bylaw 3523 Senior Centre MOU 165
Town owned Lands/Soccer Club fencing Re: Agenda Item -
Application for Official Plan Amendment, Draft Plan of
Subdivision and Zone Change - OP 14-06-07
Town Owned Lands/Soccer Club Fencing Re: Agenda
Item - Application for Official Plan Amendment, Draft of
Plan of Subdivision and Zone Change - OP 14-06-07 170
Application for Official Plan Amendment, Draft Plan of
Subdivision and Zone Change OP 14-06-07, SB 14-03-7 and
ZN 7-14-08 (Glendale West Subdivision)
Report OP 14-06-07, SB 14-03-7 and ZN 7-14-08 171
Land Maps and Citizen Letters 204
By-Law 3865, to provide for an Interim Tax Levy for the year
2015
By-Law 3865 Interim Tax Levy 217
By-Law 3866, to amend Zoning By-Law Number 3295, as
amended.
By-Law 3866 219
By-Law 3868, to authorize the sale of land (253 Broadway) to
______________.
By-Law 3868 220
By-Law 3869, to authorize an Encroachment Agreement
between the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg and the
Canadian Broadcast Corporation
By-Law 3869 221
By-Law 3867, to confirm the proceedings of Council at its
meetings held on the 12th day of January, 2015, be read for a
first and second time and this constitutes the first and second
reading thereof.
Confirming By-Law 3867 226
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1. Call to Order
2. Adoption of Agenda
Proposed Resolution #1
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Council meeting of January 12, 2015, be adopted.
3. Closed Session
Proposed Resolution #2
THAT Council move into Closed Session to consider:
1. Personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board
employees.
2. A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local
board (Broadway).
4. Moment of Silence
5. Introductions
5.1. Parks and Facilities Manager, Corey Hill
6. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
7. Adoption of Council Minutes of Previous Meeting
7.1. Minutes of the Meeting of December 8, 2014
December 8, 2014 - Council Minutes
Proposed Resolution #3
THAT the Minutes of the Council Meeting of December 8, 2014, be approved.
The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, January 12, 2015
6:00 PM
Council Chambers
200 Broadway, 2nd Floor
AGENDA
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Council Meeting – Agenda - 2 -
8. Delegations and Presentations
8.1. Tillsonburg Transportation Steering Committee
Presented By: John Verbakel
Council Delegation 15-01
Tillsonburg Transportation Steering Committee Supporting Documentation
Proposed Resolution #4
THAT the CAO be directed to report back to Council at the January 26, 2015 meeting,
on the Community Transportation Pilot Grant Program.
8.2. Glendale West Report OP 14-06-07, SB 14-03-7 and ZN 7-14-08
Presented By: Mr. Will Hayhoe
9. Public Meetings
Proposed Resolution #5
THAT Council moves into Committee of Adjustment to consider matters pertaining to a
pending application.
9.1. Minor Variance Application A-11-14 (135 Allen Street)
Report A-11-14
Proposed Resolution #6
That the Town of Tillsonburg Committee of Adjustment approve Application File A-11/14,
submitted by Henry Dalm, for lands described as Part Lot 20 & Lot 23, Plan 41M-218,
Town of Tillsonburg, as it relates to:
1. Relief from Section 5.1, Table 5.1.1.4 – Regulations for Accessory Buildings and
Structures, to increase the maximum permitted height of an accessory building from 3.7
m (12.1 ft) to 4.2 m (13.8 ft) to facilitate the construction of a detached accessory
building on the subject lands.
Subject to the following condition:
i. A building permit for the accessory building shall be issued within one year of the
date of the Committee's decision.
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Council Meeting – Agenda - 3 -
As the proposed variance is:
i. a minor variance from the provisions of the Town of Tillsonburg Zoning By-law
No. 3295;
ii. desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land;
iii. in-keeping with the general intent and purpose of the Town of Tillsonburg Zoning
By-law No. 3295; and
iv. in-keeping with the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan.
Proposed Resolution #7
THAT Council moves from Committee of Adjustment back into the January 12, 2015
Regular Council Meeting.
10. Planning Applications
10.1. Application for Zone Change ZN 7-14-12 - Removal of Holding Provision
Report ZN 7-14-12
By-Law 3866
Schedule A
Key Map ZN 7-14-12
Proposed Resolution #8
THAT Council approve the zone change application submitted by Tillsonburg
Developments Inc, whereby the lands described as Blocks 72, 73, 75, & Part of Block
80, Plan 41M-182, Town of Tillsonburg, are to be rezoned from ‘Special Low Density
Residential Type 2 Holding Zone (R2-5 H)’ to ‘Special Low Density Residential Type 2
Zone (R2-5)’.
11. Information Items
11.1. Tillsonburg Cultural Improvement Alliance Poster
11.2. Thames Valley District School Board Name Our Schools
11.3. Request for Nominations to Fill Vacancies on the 2014-2016 AMO Board of
Directors
11.4. Colonoscopy Media Release
11.5. Resolution from the Township of Algonquin Highlands
12. Reports from Departments
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Council Meeting – Agenda - 4 -
12.1. Chief Administrative Officer
12.1.1. Report CAO 15-01 Chief Administrative Officer Performance Evaluation 2014
Chief Administrative Officer Performance Evaluation 2014
Proposed Resolution #9
That Council receive CAO 15-01 Chief Administrative Officer Performance
Evaluation 2014;
And That Council establish and appoint a CAO Performance Review Committee;
And That Council appoint Mayor Molnar and ____________________ and
_________________ to the CAO Performance Review Committee;
And Further That Council approve the proposed 2014 CAO Performance
Evaluation Process as outlined in CAO 15-01
12.1.2. Report CAO 15-02 Community Strategic Plan - Implementation
(Community Strategic Plan has been attached to the end of the agenda package)
Report CAO 15-02 Community Strategic Plan - Implementation
Proposed Resolution #10
That Council adopts the Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan;
And that the Implementation Plan as outlined in Report CAO 15-02, be approved.
12.1.3. Report CAO 15-03 Tillsonburg Hydro Incorporation - Board of Directors
Composition
Tillsonburg Hydro Incorporation - Board of Directors Composition
MOUD Attachment
Proposed Resolution #11
That the Council of the Town of Tillsonburg, being the sole shareholder of
Tillsonburg Hydro Incorporation, amend the Memorandum of Understanding and
Direction between the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg and Tillsonburg
Hydro Inc, to provide for a Board of Directors composition of 7 independent
members and 0 members selected by the Town at large.
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Council Meeting – Agenda - 5 -
12.2. Clerk’s Office
12.2.1. Report CL 15-01 Post 2014 Municipal Election Accessibility Report
CL 15-01 Post 2014 Municipal Election Accessibility Report
Proposed Resolution #12
THAT Council receives report CL 15-01, Post 2014 Municipal Election
Accessibility Report;
AND THAT the report be posted on the Town’s website and made available to
the public at the Town’s Corporate Offices.
12.3. Development and Communication Services
12.3.1. Report DCS 15-08 Offer to Purchase - 253 Broadway
(Report to be distributed during the meeting)
Proposed Resolution #13
THAT Council receive Report DCS 15-08 Offer to Purchase – 253 Broadway
Property;
AND THAT the property known municipally as Lot 944 and part Lot 945, Plan
500, and more particularly described as Parts 4 and 5, Plan 41R-6262 be
declared surplus to the needs of the municipality;
AND THAT a by-law be brought forward authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to
execute all documents necessary to sell the property known municipally as 253
Broadway, Lot 944 and part Lot 945, Plan 500, and more particularly described
as Parts 4 and 5, Plan 41R-6262, subject to a joint access easement on Part 4 to
_______________;
AND THAT the site plan for the property be brought back to Council for approval;
AND THAT the net proceeds be contributed to reserves.
12.3.2. Report DCS 15-03 Community Improvement Plan Application – 41 Broadway
Report DCS 15-03 Community Improvement Plan Application – 41 Broadway
Proposed Resolution #14
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Council Meeting – Agenda - 6 -
THAT Council receive Report DCS 15-03 Community Improvement Plan
Application – 41 Broadway;
AND THAT the Community Improvement Plan Application for the 41 Broadway
property be approved including rebates for applicable Building Permit and
Assessment fees.
12.4. Finance
12.4.1. Report FIN 15-01 Interim Tax Levy By-Law 3865
FIN 15-01 Interim Tax Levy By-Law 3865
By-Law 3865 Interim Tax Levy
Proposed Resolution #15
THAT Council receives report FIN 15-01 Interim Tax Levy By-Law 3865.
AND THAT By-Law 3865 be brought forward for Council consideration.
12.5. Recreation, Culture & Park Services
12.5.1. Report RCP 15-01 - CBC Repeater Antenna Encroachment Agreement
RCP 15-01 CBC Repeater Antenna Encroachment Agreement
RCP 15-01 ATT 01 - Elevation diagram
RCP 15-01 ATT 02 - Encroachment Agreement for CBC antenna at TCC
Proposed Resolution #16
THAT Council receive Report RCP 15-01 CBC Repeater Antenna Encroachment
Agreement for information; and
THAT Council approve an Encroachment Agreement allowing the Canadian
Broadcasting Corporation to place a repeater antenna on the Tillsonburg
Community Centre; and
THAT a by-law be brought forward for Council’s consideration.
12.5.2. Report RCP 15-02 – Addendum to Senior Centre Agreement
RCP 15-02 Addendum to Senior Centre Agreement
RCP 15-02 ATT 01 - ADDENDUM TO the Senior Centre MOU
RCP 15-02 ATT 02 - Bylaw 3523 Senior Centre MOU
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Council Meeting – Agenda - 7 -
Proposed Resolution #17
THAT Council receive Report RCP 15-02 – Addendum to Senior Centre
Agreement; and
THAT Council approves the attached Addendum to the Memorandum of
Agreement.
13. Unfinished Business
13.1. CAO MEMO
Town Owned Lands/Soccer Club Fencing Re: Agenda Item - Application for
Official Plan Amendment, Draft of Plan of Subdivision and Zone Change - OP 14-
06-07
13.2. Application for Official Plan Amendment, Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zone
Change OP 14-06-07, SB 14-03-7 and ZN 7-14-08 (Glendale West Subdivision)
Report OP 14-06-07, SB 14-03-7 and ZN 7-14-08
Land Maps and Citizen Letters
Proposed Resolution #18
THAT Council approve in principle the zone change application, File No. ZN 7-
14-08, as submitted by Performance Communities Realty Inc., for lands
described as Part 1 of Reference Plan 41R-6637 and Part 4 of Reference Plan
41R-6678, being Part Lot 8, Concession 11, (Dereham), in the Town of
Tillsonburg, to rezone the subject lands from ‘Minor Institutional Zone (IN1)’ and
‘Future Development Zone (FD)’ to ‘Special Low Density Residential Type 2
Zone (R2-sp)’, ‘Passive Open Space Zone (OS1)’ and ‘Special Minor Institutional
Zone (IN1-sp)’ to facilitate the development of a residential draft plan of
subdivision and place of worship;
AND THAT, Council advise the County Council that the Town supports the
application for Official Plan Amendment, File No. OP 14-06-7, as submitted by
Performance Communities Realty Inc., for lands described as Part 1 of
Reference Plan 41R-6637 and Part 4 of Reference Plan 41R-6678, being Part
Lot 8, Concession 11, (Dereham), Town of Tillsonburg to redesignate the subject
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Council Meeting – Agenda - 8 -
lands from High Density Residential to Low Density Residential to facilitate the
development of a residential draft plan of subdivision and place of worship;
AND THAT, Council advise the County Council that the Town supports the
application for draft plan of subdivision, File No. SB 14-03-7, as submitted by
Performance Communities Realty Inc., prepared by Cyril J. Demeyere Consulting
Engineers, for lands described as Part 1 of Reference Plan 41R-6637 and Part 4
of Reference Plan 41R-6678, being Part Lot 8, Concession 11, (Dereham), Town
of Tillsonburg, showing 72 lots for single detached dwellings, three stormwater
management blocks, a municipal servicing block, place of worship block, and
three new local streets, subject to the conditions, as outlined in Report No:
CASPO 2014-267, being met prior to final approval of the plan for registration.
14. Notice of Motions
15. Resolutions
16. Resolutions Resulting from Closed Session
17. By-Laws
By-Laws from the Meeting of January 12, 2015
Proposed Resolution #19
THAT By-Law 3865, to provide for an Interim Tax Levy for the year 2015,
By-Law 3866, to amend Zoning By-Law Number 3295, as amended,
By-Law 3868, to authorize the sale of land (253 Broadway) to ________,
By-Law 3869, to authorize an Encroachment Agreement between the Corporation of the
Town of Tillsonburg and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and
By-Law 3867, to confirm the proceedings of Council at its meetings held on the 12th day
of January, 2015, be read for a first and second time and this constitutes the fist and
second reading thereof.
Proposed Resolution #20
THAT By-Law 3865, to provide for an Interim Tax Levy for the year 2015,
By-Law 3866, to amend Zoning By-Law Number 3295, as amended,
By-Law 3868, to authorize the sale of land (253 Broadway) to ________,
By-Law 3869, to authorize an Encroachment Agreement between the Corporation of the
Town of Tillsonburg and the Canadian Broadway Corporation, and
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Council Meeting – Agenda - 9 -
By-Law 3867, to confirm the proceedings of Council at its meetings held on the 12th day
of January, be given third and final reading and the Mayor and the Clerk be and are
hereby authorized to sign the same, and place the Corporate Seal thereunto
18. Items of Public Interest
19. Adjournment
Proposed Resolution #21
THAT the Council Meeting of January 12, 2015 be adjourned at ______ p.m.
11
MINUTES
Town of Tillsonburg
Council Meeting
on Monday, December 8, 2014 6:00 PM
Council Chambers
Chair: Mayor Stephen Molnar
Orders of the Day:
ATTENDANCE Mayor Stephen Molnar
Deputy Mayor Dave Beres Councillor Maxwell Adam Councillor Penny Esseltine
Councillor Jim Hayes Councillor Chris Rosehart
Councillor Brian Stephenson
Staff:
David Calder, CAO
Donna Wilson, Town Clerk Kevin De Leebeeck, Director of Operations
Rick Cox, Director of Parks and Recreation Services
Darrell Eddington, Director of Finance Jeff Bunn, Deputy Clerk
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:30 p.m. CLOSED MEETING SESSION
Moved By: Councillor Rosehart Seconded By: Councillor Hayes
THAT Council move into Closed Session to consider:
1. a matter in respect of which a council, board, committee or other body may hold a
closed meeting under another act (THI)
2. a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board (Broadway).
Carried.
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At 5:49 p.m. Council rose from the Closed meeting session and recessed until 6:00 p.m.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Moved By: Councillor Rosehart Seconded By: Councillor Hayes
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Council Meeting of December 8, 2014, be adopted.
Carried.
MOMENT OF REFLECTION
DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY INTEREST OR THE GENERAL NATURE THEREOF No disclosures of pecuniary interest were disclosed.
MINUTES & BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF THE MINUTES Staff were directed to update the Minutes of November 24, 2014 to include Councillor
Mel Getty in the attendance list.
Minutes of the Meeting of November 24, 2014
Moved By: Councillor Hayes Seconded By: Councillor Rosehart
THAT the Minutes of the Council Meeting of November 24, 2014, be received.
Carried.
INTRODUCTIONS
The Director of Finance introduced Andrew Jones, Manager of Finance/Deputy Treasurer.
The Director of Operations introduced Terry Dooling, Manager of Roads.
INFORMATION ITEMS
1. Township of Pelee, Resolution regarding Canada Post Door to Door Service 2. County of Huron Resolution Home to Home Postal Delivery
3. Request for Nominations for the 2015-2019 ROMA Board
13
Moved By: Councillor Hayes Seconded By: Councillor Rosehart
THAT Council receive the correspondence from the Rural Ontario Municipal Association
(ROMA).
Carried.
4. Delegation Requests for the Conference of the Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA) and Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA)
5. Request for Nominees, Ontario Volunteer Recognition Program 2015
DELEGATIONS
6. Long Point Region Conservation Authority 2015 Draft Budget
Presented By: Cliff Evanitski, General Manager, LPRCA
Cliff Evanitski presented the 2015 draft budget for the Long Point Region Conservation
Authority.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
7. Applications for Official Plan Amendment, Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zone Change, SB 14-03-7 & ZN 7-14-08 (Glendale West Subdivision).
Presented By: Eric Gilbert, County Development Planner The Development Planner gave an overview of the applications.
Thomas Looby, the applicant and the Vice President of Hayhoe Homes, were in
attendance and spoke to the benefits of residential developments in the community.
Mr.Looby stressed that development on the subject property had been outlined in the Official Plan since 1979, and was not recently decided.
Opportunity was given for the public to speak in favour or against the application.
Andrew Gilvesy, CJDL Engineering, spoke to the impact of lot grading on both the
Soccer fields and on the proposed development.
Mr. Gilbert noted that an amended version of the report would be brought to County
Council. The amended version reads sidewalks will only be required on the South side of Glendale Drive, as noted in condition 17 of the proposed development.
Brent Shepherd, the lead Pastor at Bethel Pentecostal Church, spoke in favour of the application.
Michael Papiano was in attendance to speak against the application. Mr. Papiano
14
distributed photos of the London Soccer Club which show 24 foot fencing surrounding adjacent properties.
Sebastian Fardella, President, Tillsonburg Soccer Club (TSC), spoke against the application on behalf of the Board of Directors/Executive of the TSC.
Mr. Fardella noted concern with the suggestion that there is no existing buffer-zone between the fields and subject property. Mr. Fardella also asked for clarification of whether the parkland contribution or cash
in-lieu thereof was a legal opinion or that opinion of Town staff. He noted that the soccer club was not against the application but were against the design.
Mr. Stein, spoke against the application. Mr.Stein noted that the decommissioning of the
pound to the south of the proposed development would negatively impact the habitats of
fish and natural ecosystem.
Mr. Shepherd made further comments acknowledging the challenge of keeping stray
balls on the field during a soccer game. Mr. Shepherd also noted that the subject lands are currently private property and any
discussions should include the notion that any access to the property is trespassing. John Bamford, the current land owners to the Northern property to the subject land,
noted that though there is no concerns currently with stray balls, moving forward the Town and the Soccer Club should be cautions that the lands are private and any unapproved access is considered trespassing.
Bob McCormick spoke in regards to the application, advising Council to be cautious of any decision.
Council passed the following resolution:
Moved By: Deputy Mayor Beres Seconded By: Councillor Adam
THAT ZN 7-14-08, zone change Application, OP 14-06-7, Official Plan Amendment and SB 14-03-7, draft plan of subdivision approval be deferred until the January 12, 2015
Council Meeting to permit the parties to negotiate for the safe separation of properties. Carried.
Council recessed at 8:24 p.m. and reconvened at 8:30 p.m.
FINANCE 8. FIN 14-44 Additional Reserve Contribution Presented By: Darrell Eddington, Director of Finance
Council requested that the total contribution to reserves in 2014 be provided to Council
during the budget process.
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Moved By: Councillor Adam Seconded By: Deputy Mayor Beres?
THAT Council receives report FIN 14-44 Additional Reserve Contribution;
AND THAT Council approves the additional estimated 2014 contribution to reserves in the amount of $332,364.
Carried.
9. FIN 14-43 Bank Signing Authorities
Presented By: Darrell Eddington, Director of Finance
Moved By: Councillor Adam Seconded By: Councillor Esseltine
THAT Council receives report FIN14-43 Bank Signing Authorities.
AND THAT Council appoints the following as designated signing authorities for the Town’s general banking needs:
Mayor Stephen Molnar or Deputy Mayor Dave Beres; and one of the following: Director of Finance/Treasurer, Darrell Eddington; or Manager of Finance/Deputy Treasurer, Andrew Jones.
Carried.
OPERATIONS
10. OPS 14-19, Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, Formula-Based Component
Presented By: Kevin De Leebeeck, Director of Operations
Moved By: Councillor Esseltine Seconded By: Councillor Adam
THAT Council receive Operations Report OPS 14-19 Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund formula based component;
AND THAT Council approve the use of funding to complete asset management projects to support the continuing development of the Town’s Asset Management Plan;
AND THAT Council authorize Mayor and Clerk to execute the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund Formula-Based Funding Contribution Agreement with Her Majesty
the Queen in Right of Ontario and associated by-law 3862. Carried.
RECREATION, CULTURE AND PARKS
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11. RCP 14-34 - Bridges at Tillsonburg Tobogganing Agreement Renewal 2014-2015
Presented By: Rick Cox, Director of Recreation, Culture and Parks
Moved By: Councillor Esseltine Seconded By: Councillor Stephenson THAT Council receive Report RCP 14-34 - Bridges at Tillsonburg Tobogganing
Agreement Renewal 2014-2015 for information; AND THAT Council authorize staff to operate the facility for the 2014-2015 season.
Carried.
13. RCP 14-42 - Trans-Canada Trail Expansion via the South Oxford Link
Presented By: Rick Cox, Director of Recreation, Culture and Parks
Moved By: Councillor Stephenson Seconded By: Councillor Esseltine
THAT Council receive Report RCP 14-42 – Trans-Canada Trail Expansion via the South
Oxford Link for information; AND THAT Council agrees in principle with entering into a partnership with the Township
of Norwich, the Township of Southwest Oxford, and the County of Oxford for the purpose of applying for funds to establish the South Oxford Link;
AND THAT the partnership agreement and the requirement for Town funds come back to Council for approval in 2015.
Carried.
STAFF INFORMATION REPORTS
14. FIN 14-45 Insurance RFP
Staff were asked to follow-up regarding the level of coverage with the new insurance
plan, specifically related to equipment and vehicles.
15. RCP 14-44 Awarding Services Contract for Cultural Improvement Alliance Project
Staff were directed to bring back an information report outlining the function of the Cultural Improvement Alliance Project.
Moved By: Councillor Stephenson Seconded By: Councillor Esseltine
THAT Council receives report FIN 14-45 Insurance RFP as information;
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AND THAT Council receives report RCP 14-44 Awarding Services Contract for Cultural Improvement Alliance Project Assistant as information.
Carried.
NOTICE OF MOTION
RESOLUTIONS
16. Council Meetings to be Rescheduled for the 2015 Calendar Year
Moved By: Councillor Hayes Seconded By: Councillor Rosehart
THAT the following regular Council Meetings be re-scheduled or cancelled for 2014:
Monday, February 23 , 2015 is re-scheduled to Thursday, February 26, 2015, due to the annual OGRA/ROMA Conference;
Monday June 8, 2015 is re-scheduled to Thursday June 11, 2015 due to the annual
AMCTO Conference; Monday, July 27, 2015 is cancelled;
Monday, August 24, 2015 is cancelled; Monday, October 12, 2015 is re-scheduled to Tuesday, October 13, 2015, due to Thanksgiving, and
Monday, December 28, 2015 is cancelled; AND THAT this information be forwarded appropriately, including the County of Oxford,
MP and MPP, as well as posted on the Town of Tillsonburg website and at the Tillsonburg Customer Service Centre.
Carried.
17. Appointment to Conservation Authorities
Moved By: Councillor Rosehart Seconded By: Councillor Hayes
THAT Council receive the correspondence from the County regarding appointments to
Conservation Authorities; AND THAT Council recommend Deputy Mayor Beres as the Town of Tillsonburg
representative to Long Point Region Conservation Authority for the 2015 - 2018 term.
Carried.
CLERK
18. CL 14-33, Council Appointments to Committees and Boards
Presented By: Donna Wilson, Town Clerk
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Moved By: Deputy Mayor Beres Seconded By: Councillor Adam
THAT Council receive Report CL 13-33 Council Appointments to Boards and Committees;
AND THAT the following appointments shall be for the current term of council;
THAT Councillor Stephenson be appointed to the Cultural Advisory Committee; AND THAT Councillor Hayes be appointed to the Development Committee;
AND THAT Councillor Esseltine be appointed to the Heritage and Beautification &
Cemeteries Advisory Committee;
AND THAT Councillor Rosehart be appointed to the Museum Advisory Committee;
AND THAT Councillor Esseltine be appointed to the Parks Recreation Advisory Committee;
AND THAT Councillor Adam be appointed to the Business Improvement Area Board;
AND THAT Councillor Stephenson be appointed to the Accessibility Advisory Committee; AND THAT Mayor Molnar and Councillor Rosehart be appointed to the Police Service
Board; AND THAT Councillor Adam be appointed to the Tillsonburg Non-Profit Housing
Corporation;
AND THAT Deputy Mayor Beres and Councillor Hayes be appointed to the Otter Valley
Corridor Committee.
Carried.
BY-LAWS 18. By-Laws for the Meeting of December 8, 2014
Moved By: Deputy Mayor Beres Seconded By: Councillor Adam
THAT By-Law 3862, To enter into an Agreement with the Province for OCIF Funding;
and By-Law 3865, To appoint a Manager of Finance/Deputy Treasurer; and
By-Law 3864, To confirm the proceedings of Council at its meetings held on the 8th day of December, 2014, be read for a first and second time and this constitutes the first and second reading thereof.
Carried.
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At 9:26 p.m. Council moved into Closed Session.
Moved By: Councillor Stephenson Seconded By: Councillor Esseltine
THAT Council move into Closed Session to consider: 1. a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board (Broadway).
Carried.
At 10:25 p.m. Council rose from Closed Session and resumed the Regular Council
meeting.
Moved By: Deputy Mayor Beres Seconded By: Councillor Adam
THAT By-Law 3862, To enter into an Agreement with the Province for OCIF Funding;
and By-Law 3865, To appoint a Manager of Finance/Deputy Treasurer; and By-Law 3864, To confirm the proceedings of Council at its meetings held on the 8th day
of December, 2014, be given third and final reading and the Mayor and Clerk be and are hereby authorized to sign the same, and place the Corporate Seal thereunto.
Carried. ITEMS OF PUBLIC INTEREST
ADJOURNMENT
Moved By: Deputy Mayor Beres Seconded By: Councillor Adam
THAT the meeting be adjourned at 10:27 p.m.
Carried.
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Council Delegation
Request
This Delegation Request form and any written submissions or background information for
consideration by Council must be submitted to the Clerk's office by the following deadline:
4:30 P.M. ON THE MONDAY PRIOR TO THE REQUESTED MEETING DATE
First Name Last Name
Street Address Town/City
Postal Code Phone Number
E-mail Website:
Do you or any members of your party
require any accessibility accommodations?
Yes
No
If yes, how can we assist?
Should you require assistance completing this form, please contact:
Deputy Clerk at 519-688-3009 Ext. 3221 or jbunn@tillsonburg.ca
Please note that submission of this form does not guarantee the approval of your request for
Delegation. The Clerk's office will confirm your Delegation by e-mail after receiving this form.
COMPLETE PAGE TWO (2) OF THIS FORM
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Delegation Information (Must be completed)
Desired Council meeting date (Council regularly meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month):
Subject of Delegation
Names of Spokespersons (and positions)
Name of Group or Person(s) being
represented (if applicable)
Brief Summary of Issue or Purpose of Delegation
Will there be a Power Point presentation accompanying the Delegation
Yes
No
Have you been in contact with a Staff member regarding the Delegation topic?
Yes
No
If yes, please list the Staff member(s) you have been working with?
I acknowledge Delegations are limited to fifteen (15) minutes each:
I accept
I acknowledge that all presentation material must be submitted by 4:30 pm the Friday before the
meeting date:
I accept
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Personal information on this form is collected under the legal authority of the Municipal Act, as amended. The
information is collected and maintained for purpose of creating a records that is available to the general public,
pursuant to Section 27 of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Questions about this
collection should be directed to the Municipal Clerk, Town of Tillsonburg, 200 Broadway Street, 2nd Floor,
Tillsonburg, ON, N4G 5A7, Telephone 519-688-3009 Ext. 3224.
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1
Community Transportation
Pilot Grant Program
Application Guidelines and Requirements
2014-2015
Issued: November 2014
Ministry of Transportation
Municipal Transit Policy Office, Transit Policy Branch
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Overview:
The Ministry has established the Community Transportation Pilot Grant Program (the “CT Program”) to provide financial assistance to municipalities across Ontario for the planning and implementation of local, coordinated community transportation projects.
Guide:
The purpose of this Guide is to describe the CT Program and to outline related requirements.
To be considered for CT Program funding, applicants must meet the criteria set out in
this Guide.
Applications:
Applications must be submitted either by email, postage-prepaid (regular mail), or personal delivery (including prepaid courier) at the addresses below.
Applications must be received (not solely postmarked) by the Ministry before 5:00 p.m. (EST) on Friday, January 30, 2015.
How to Reach Us:
By Mail: Community Transportation Pilot Grant Program
Municipal Transit Policy Office, Ministry of Transportation 777 Bay St, 30th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M7A 2J8
By Email: CTProgram@ontario.ca
By Phone: 416-585-7362
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Table of Contents
PART 1: DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................... 4
Part 2: INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................ 5
PART 3: COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ..................... 5
a. Objectives .............................................................................................................. 5
b. Funding ................................................................................................................. 6
c. Funding From Other Sources ................................................................................ 6
PART 4: GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS ...................................................... 7
a. Eligible Applicants & Community Organizations .................................................... 7
i. Applicants - Eligibility Criteria ............................................................................. 7
ii. Community Organizations - Eligibility Criteria .................................................... 7
b. Eligible Projects ..................................................................................................... 8
i. Eligibility Criteria for Community Transportation Projects .................................. 8
ii. Examples of Coordinated Community Transportation Projects .......................... 8
c. Eligible and Ineligible Expenditures ..................................................................... 10
i. Expenditures - Eligibility Criteria ....................................................................... 10
ii. Eligible Expenditures - Examples ..................................................................... 10
iii. Ineligible Expenditures ..................................................................................... 11
d. Fares ................................................................................................................... 11
PART 5: APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCESS ...................................................... 12
a. Submitting the Application ................................................................................... 12
b. Selection Process and Evaluation ....................................................................... 12
c. Clarification and Notification ................................................................................ 14
d. Agreement ........................................................................................................... 14
PART 6: PAYMENT OF COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION FUNDS .......................... 14
First Instalment - 50% ................................................................................................ 14
Second Instalment - 40% ........................................................................................... 15
Third Instalment - 10% ............................................................................................... 15
PART 7: REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................... 15
a. Project Status Report .......................................................................................... 15
b. Financial Report .................................................................................................. 15
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c. Report on Coordinated Community Transportation Services .............................. 16
d. Other Reporting ................................................................................................... 16
e. Unmet Reporting Requirements .......................................................................... 16
PART 8: INFORMATION AND NOTICES ..................................................................... 17
PART 1: DEFINITIONS
When used in this Guide, the words set out below that import the singular include the
plural and vice versa:
“Application Deadline” means 5:00 p.m. (EST) on Friday, January 30, 2015. “Agreement” means an agreement entered into between the Ministry and a municipality
that sets out the terms and conditions under which the Ministry agrees to provide CT
Funding to the municipality, and includes any amending agreement entered into
pursuant to the agreement. “CT” refers to community transportation services, as further described in this Guide,
offered to the public by or on behalf of a municipality in collaboration with at least one
community organization.
“CT Funds” means the money the Ministry provides to a municipality pursuant to an Agreement to be used strictly toward Eligible Expenditures for a CT Project and in
accordance with and as set out in the Agreement; “CT Funding” has the same meaning.
“CT Funds Reserve Account” means an interest bearing account set up by a municipality receiving CT Funds, under the name of the municipality and in a Canadian financial institution, where CT Funds are deposited and tracked separately from any
other funds.
“CT Program” means the Community Transportation Pilot Grant Program the Ministry has established to provide municipalities with CT Funds.
“CT Project” means a project described in an application for CT Funding, including any
modification to the project which has received the prior written approval of the Ministry,
and that has been selected by the Ministry for funding under the CT Program. “CT Project Budget” means the budget for a CT Project described in an applicant’s
application for CT Funding.
“Eligible Expenditure” means an eligible expenditure as described in Part 4: General Eligibility Requirements.
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“Guide” means this guide entitled “Community Transportation Pilot Grant Program
Guidelines and Requirements 2014-2015”, including Appendix A (Community
Transportation Pilot Grant Program - Application Form) and Appendix B (Sample of Project Budget), which the Ministry may, at its sole discretion, amend from time to time.
“Ministry” and “Minister”, respectively, means the Ministry of Transportation that is
responsible for the administration of the CT Program and the Minister responsible for
the Ministry. “Reporting Forms” means the forms attached as Schedule D to the Agreement.
Part 2: INTRODUCTION
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has established the Community Transportation
Pilot Grant Program (the “CT Program”), a $1 million pilot grant program, to provide financial assistance to Ontario municipalities for the development and implementation of
community transportation initiatives. The program is an opportunity for the Ministry to
explore the effectiveness of different models of coordinating community transportation
as a means to addressing transportation challenges.
The projects for which funding may be considered are those related to the development of community transportation solutions to address local transportation needs, including
ways to better utilize existing transportation resources.
Community transportation is a way of providing transportation services to a community
that extends beyond public transit services. In many communities, individuals often rely on transportation services provided by community organizations, such as health service
or social service agencies, or volunteer organizations. Coordinating the range of
transportation services available within a community can be a solution to providing more
transportation options to more people, improving services, and optimizing existing
services within current budgets.
Coordinated community transportation services can help municipalities meet new and
growing transportation needs. Such services require grassroots collaboration, sharing
of resources, and a flexible approach to service delivery. Ontario’s CT Program is a
pilot grant program that encourages a collaborative approach to addressing local transportation needs and priorities, as determined by the local community, through the
coordination of existing community resources.
Projects that meet the requirements set out in this Guide may be eligible for funding
under the CT Program.
PART 3: COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
a. Objectives
The objectives of the CT Program are to:
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• Improve mobility options for individuals who do not have access to their own
transportation, including seniors, people with disabilities, and others;
• Build capacity to better meet local transportation demand, particularly where it is
challenging or not feasible to provide conventional or specialized transit service
due to population size or density; and
• Create networks of coordinated community transportation service that leverages existing services and pools resources to provide more rides, to more people, and
to more destinations.
Subject to annual appropriation of funds by the Legislative of Assembly of Ontario, the
CT Program is for a two-year period, from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2017. To be
eligible for funding, the proposed coordinated community transportation project must be
implemented within one year of the effective date of the Agreement and last until the
end of the CT Program.
b. Funding
As further described in Part 4: General Eligibility Requirements, to be eligible for funding
under the CT Program, a CT project must be carried out by or on behalf a municipality
in collaboration with at least one community organization.
For greater clarity, while a municipality receiving CT Funds will be responsible for those
funds, the CT Project may be carried out by the municipality itself or one or more
community organization(s) collaborating with the municipality.
In addition to being responsible for such funds, a municipality receiving CT Funds will be responsible for ensuring the CT Project for which those funds are provided is carried
out in accordance with the terms and conditions set out in this Guide and an
Agreement.
The maximum funding that may be provided to a municipality for a CT Project is $100,000.00. The application process is competitive, and not all community
transportation projects will receive funding. Grant applications will be assessed and
evaluated based on set criteria, including the extent to which a proposed project meets
the objectives and requirements of the CT Program.
c. Funding From Other Sources
A municipality will be required, as part of its application for funding, to identify any other sources of funding, including that from the municipality or the community organization(s)
with which it collaborates for its proposed coordinated community transportation project.
In addition, a municipality receiving CT Funding will be required to inform the Ministry of
any contribution, other than the CT Funds, the municipality receives from any source whatsoever towards costs related to its CT Project. This information would be indicated
in the financial report, as described in Part 7: Reporting Requirements.
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PART 4: GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
a. Eligible Applicants & Community Organizations
i. Applicants - Eligibility Criteria
Only Ontario municipalities that collaborate with at least one community organization
are eligible to apply for CT Program funding to undertake a coordinated community
transportation project of mutual interest and benefit, and which meets the criteria set out
in this Guide. If the CT Project involves the participation of more than one municipality, only one municipality may apply on behalf of other(s).
ii. Community Organizations - Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, community organizations must be:
Incorporated;
• In operation for at least one year prior to the Application Deadline; and
• At least one community organization must provide transportation services or
have transportation resources or assets, or both.
The application must provide the strategic rationale for the involvement of each
organization, and demonstrate that each organization will:
Support the application;
• Participate in the planning and execution of the project;
• Contribute to the project, either financially or through in-kind contributions; and
• Benefit from the project.
The level of contribution, including financial or in-kind (e.g., sharing of assets or resources), will be determined by the municipality and the community organization(s).
Ultimately the municipality, as the lead applicant, will be responsible for ensuring the
municipality and collaborating community organization(s) have all the resources, experience and expertise required to carry out the CT Project.
The following provides a non-exhaustive list of community organization(s) that a
municipality may collaborate with for the purpose of carrying out a CT Project:
• Health service agencies (e.g., community support service agencies);
• Social service agencies (e.g., community outreach services);
• District Social Service Administrative Boards;
• Seniors’ organizations;
• Registered charitable organizations;
• Other public transit agencies (i.e., a public transit agency that is not operated by or on behalf of the municipality applying for funding under the CT Program);
• Bus operators, including school and private buses;
• Taxi companies; and
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• Employers.
b. Eligible Projects
i. Eligibility Criteria for Community Transportation Projects
In general, coordinated community transportation is a service delivery model whereby
two or more organizations collaborate through the sharing and/or coordination of
transportation resources and services to jointly accomplish their transportation objectives.
To be considered for funding, a coordinated community transportation project must:
• Meet the objectives of the CT Program;
• Result in the improvement of transportation services through the implementation
of new or enhancements to existing coordinated community transportation
services, within one year of the effective date of the Agreement.
To demonstrate the above, the application for funding must indicate the expected
service improvements and include a plan that describes how the applicant will monitor
and report on these measurable service improvements. For example, the plan may
illustrate how the proposed project will measure the following types of service improvements:
• Increase the number of rides, and customers/passengers, including seniors,
using the coordinated community transportation services for which CT Funding is
provided.
• Increase hours of service, days of service (e.g., expand from weekday service to
include weekend service), and number of destinations.
• Reduce wait times, unaccommodated trips, and travel times.
• Expand the service area(s).
The service area for a proposed community transportation project will be determined by the municipality and the community organization(s) with which the municipality is
collaborating. The service area may be within a municipality, a region or a county, or
could encompass several municipalities.
ii. Examples of Coordinated Community Transportation Projects
Coordinated community transportation is not a “one size fits all” solution to the many challenges of providing transportation in underserved areas. In the application for
funding, a municipality and the organization(s) with which it is collaborating, can
propose a model of coordinated community transportation that best meets the needs of
the community and is within its resources.
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Below is a list of examples of coordinated community transportation projects that could
be eligible for funding. This list is not exhaustive. Applicants may propose variations or a
mix of service delivery models.
Referral Service
Coordinating the use of one contact number for several community organizations is
often the first step in a coordinated community transportation service. A toll free 1-800
number or website is provided as the first point of contact for residents seeking
transportation or information. When new customers call they are screened centrally and
referred to the most appropriate organization for service. Registration of customers, trip planning information, and other services can also be provided.
Centralizing Functions
The centralizing of functions is the next step in coordination after a referral service. In
this instance, a central point of access, through a common software, offers ride and
vehicle information data and centralized trip booking and dispatching. Enhancements to centralizing administrative functions could be standardizing the intake
and registration procedures of participating community organizations, centralizing
service and route planning, marketing of the service, or pursuing joint procurements.
Collaboration with School Bus Operators
School bus operators are experienced local transportation providers and often have the information technology, vehicles, and staff resources to help communities coordinate,
plan, book and dispatch trips, and increase service levels. A municipality may
collaborate with a local school bus operator, whereby the school bus operator could
provide vehicles and/or drivers to increase local capacity and/or take on the role of
centralizing booking and dispatch of trips to help coordinate multiple transportation services in the community.
Sharing of Transportation Assets or Resources
CT Projects could propose the pooling of assets, funding and staff resources of a
municipality(ies) and community organizations. There are no requirements as to what
transportation resources and assets must be shared or how they are to be shared. The benefits resulting from the sharing of resources are to be reinvested for transportation
service improvements.
Potential assets and resources that could be shared include:
• Vehicles;
• Administrative staff;
• Service planning expertise;
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• Drivers (paid or volunteer);
• Vehicle maintenance;
• Information technology;
• Facilities;
• Staff/volunteer training programs;
• Promotion and marketing of services; and
• Other operating costs.
Collaboration with Other Public Transit Agencies
Municipal transit agencies, whether conventional or specialized, may participate in
coordinated community transportation projects by providing booking and dispatch
services for participating community organizations or by acting as a mobility manager in
referring individuals to community organizations and other transportation providers. Participating in coordinated community transportation projects could be a way for public
transit agencies to use accessible vehicles to increase capacity and/or expand service
hours and to meet accessibility requirements.
Public transit agencies may also coordinate their services with other public transit agencies to improve or provide new inter-municipal and inter-regional service.
c. Eligible and Ineligible Expenditures
i. Expenditures - Eligibility Criteria
A CT Project expenditure will only be eligible for funding under the CT Program (an
“Eligible Expenditure”) if it meets all of the following general criteria:
• Directly related to and necessary for the successful completion of the CT Project;
• Specifically identified in, and made in accordance with, the budget the municipality provided to the Ministry as part of its application for funding under
the CT Program. No changes to the budget will be allowed without the prior
written approval of the Ministry;
• Incurred and paid after the effective date of the Agreement and prior to April 1, 2017. No expenditures incurred outside of this period will be eligible for payment
under the CT Program; and
• Documented through paid invoices or original receipts, or both.
ii. Eligible Expenditures - Examples
Provided that the above-noted general eligibility criteria are met, Eligible Expenditures
for a CT Project may include:
• Salary and benefits of a coordinator responsible for planning and implementing
coordinated community transportation services;
• Consultant services to assist the applicant municipality and community
organization(s) in implementing coordinated services (e.g., to assist in the
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implementation of information technology or the facilitation of cooperative
initiatives between the municipality and community organizations);
• Purchase and implementation of a contact number or website, or both;
• Purchase and implementation/installation of software or hardware, or both;
• Acquisition of community transportation services (e.g., vehicles, drivers, booking and dispatch services) that are part of the CT Project from third-party service providers (i.e., a provider that is not indicated as a community organization in the
application for CT Funding);
• Legal services for the drafting of legal agreements;
• Costs of holding and facilitating meetings/consultation events/workshops with
community transportation organizations for the CT Project;
• Training costs related to the implementation of the CT Project;
• Ontario-only travel and accommodation costs directly related to the CT Project.
Expenses must align with the Government of Ontario’s Travel, Meal and
Hospitality Expenses Directive;
• Facilities costs of centralizing functions;
• Public outreach, communications materials and activities to promote the CT
Project and service; and
• Equipment, supplies and materials associated with the implementation of the CT Project.
iii. Ineligible Expenditures
Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Guide, the following expenditures
are not eligible for CT Funding:
• Cash prizes or direct subsidies to individuals, including multi-use transit passes;
• Food and beverages;
• Refundable goods and services tax, pursuant to the Excise Tax Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. E. 15, as amended, or other refundable expenses;
• Deficit reduction;
• Monetary service referral incentives; and
• Any other costs as determined by the Ministry from time to time and in its sole
discretion.
The aforementioned lists are not exhaustive and only intended as general guides. If you
are unsure whether or not a particular cost is eligible, please contact the Ministry for
clarification prior to incurring the cost.
d. Fares
Fares must be charged for the community transportation services supported through the
CT Project. Fares may be any amount and may be subsidized or waived.
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PART 5: APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCESS
The application process is not intended to create a formal, legally binding procurement
process and must not give rise to the rights or duties applied to a formal legally binding
procurement process.
A municipality applying for funds under the CT Program for a coordinated community transportation project must submit an application package that provides information about the project. The Ministry will review the application packages from all applicants and select the
projects that best meet the criteria set out in this Guide. Once the Ministry selects a project, the municipality will be required to enter into an Agreement with the Ministry prior to receiving
funding.
A municipality relying on CT Funds for the successful completion of a CT Project should not commence such CT Project prior to the effective date of the Agreement, and having met all
relevant conditions precedent (e.g., providing any necessary insurance certificates). For greater
clarity, CT Funds cannot be used to pay for expenses incurred prior to the effective date of an Agreement.
a. Submitting the Application
The application package submitted to the Ministry must include:
• An application form (in the form attached to this Guide as Appendix A), completed in full;
• Project work plan;
• Project budget; and,
• Any other documents deemed necessary by the applicant.
If submitted by means other than email, one (1) electronic copy of the application, in
Microsoft Word format, emailed to CTProgram@ontario.ca .
The documents listed above must be submitted to the Ministry by email, postage-
prepaid mail (regular mail) or personal delivery (including prepaid courier) in
accordance with and at the addresses set out in Part 8: Information and Notices.
Applications must be received (not postmarked) before 5:00 p.m. (EST) on Friday,
January 30, 2015. Applications received after such time or which do not comply
with this Guide will NOT be considered.
b. Selection Process and Evaluation
CT Funding will be awarded through a competitive process. The Ministry reserves the
right to exercise its discretion to select a range of projects that promote coordinated community transportation throughout the Province; are within communities of varying
sizes; and, offer diverse solutions to community transportation needs and challenges.
Only applications meeting all applicable requirements will be considered for review.
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Applications will be evaluated and projects selected for funding, at the Ministry’s sole
discretion, based on the following considerations.
Project Proposal (Section 2 of the Application Form) - 40%
The application will be evaluated on how well the proposed coordinated community transportation project would:
• Meet the objectives of the CT Program listed in Paragraph a (Objectives) of Part
3: CT Program Description;
• Optimize local community transportation services;
• Address identified transportation service gaps and needs of the community;
• Improve service levels (i.e., number of trips provided or customers/passengers served); and
• Involve a range of community organizations.
Project Implementation (Section 3 of the Application Form) - 30%
The application will be evaluated on whether the CT Project and the resulting coordinated community transportation service being proposed are reasonably feasible for the municipality and collaborating organization(s) to implement.
To that effect, the application must demonstrate that the municipality and the community
organization(s) have the experience and organizational capacity to lead and undertake the proposed coordinated community transportation project.
The work plan for the proposed project must adequately describe the tasks and
resources required to implement the project.
Funding Requirements/Budget (Section 4 of the Application Form) - 20%
The application will be evaluated on whether the budget for the proposed coordinated community transportation project:
• Is realistic in terms of total estimated costs relative to proposed CT service and
the tasks required;
• Demonstrates an efficient use of resources;
• Includes in-kind or cash contributions; and
• Factors in funding from sources, other than that which may be received under the CT Program, required for the implementation of the project.
Pilot Evaluation (Section 5 of the Application Form) - 10%
The application will be evaluated on whether the proposed coordinated community
transportation project improves community transportation as demonstrated by the:
• Performance measures to be tracked as indicated in the application;
• Immediate and long-term impacts of the CT Project to the municipality(s); and
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• Plan to monitor and report outcomes.
c. Clarification and Notification
When the selection process is completed, the Ministry will notify each applicant, in writing, whether or not the applicant is eligible for funding under the CT Program.
Although an applicant will not be allowed to make changes to its application package
after the application deadline, as part of the review process, the Ministry may seek
clarification and supplementary information. The clarification and additional information received from the applicant will form an integral part of the application package. The
Ministry may elect not to consider an applicant whose application package, in the
Ministry’s opinion, contains misrepresentations or any inaccurate, misleading, or
incomplete information.
d. Agreement
A municipality selected for funding will be required to enter into an Agreement. In addition to confirming the CT Funds for which the municipality may be eligible, the Agreement will set out the terms and conditions upon which the Ministry will provide the
CT Funds to the municipality and by which it will be bound.
Furthermore, under the terms and conditions of the Agreement, the municipality will be
required to provide the Ministry with copies of the municipal by-law(s) designating the
signing officers for and authorizing the execution of the Agreement, and any certificates
of insurance, or other proof the Ministry may request to confirm the insurance coverage
required pursuant to the Agreement. The by-law and any insurance certificate will need to specifically reference the CT Project.
For greater clarity, the application process, including notice to the municipality that its
CT Project has been accepted, does not constitute a legally binding offer to enter into
an agreement on the part of the Ministry.
PART 6: PAYMENT OF COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION FUNDS
Any amount of CT Funds provided to a municipality will be subject to adjustment as set
out in an Agreement.
Although this may be modified at the discretion of the Ministry, the Ministry’s intent is for CT Funding to be provided as follows:
First Instalment - 50%
To support project implementation, the Ministry may, once the Ministry and a
municipality have executed an Agreement and the municipality has provided the
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Ministry with all required documentation, deposit the first instalment of the grant into the
municipality’s CT Funds Reserve Account.
Second Instalment - 40%
The second instalment may be paid when the project is 75% complete and upon submission and acceptance of:
• A project status report; and
• A draft financial report.
Third Instalment - 10%
The remaining 10% of the grant will be paid upon receipt of:
• A final financial report; and
• A report on coordinated community transportation service.
The content required for the above reports is described in Part 7: Reporting
Requirements.
PART 7: REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Unless otherwise approved in writing by the Ministry, all reports provided by a
municipality must be signed by a municipal chief administrative officer. The following
reports will follow the format of the Reporting Forms.
a. Project Status Report
To receive the second instalment, the municipality must prepare and deliver to the Ministry a report on the implementation of the CT Project that confirms 75% completion and indicates the relevant milestones completed. The report should reflect the work
plan submitted as part of the application.
b. Financial Report
In order to receive the second and third funding instalment, a municipality must prepare
and deliver to the Ministry draft and final financial reports containing a statement of revenues and expenditures of the CT Project, including CT Funds received, interest
earned, other funding sources, and Eligible Expenditures broken down by category. The
statement of revenues and expenditures will reflect actual project expenditures and will
provide an explanation for any variances.
At the same time, additional detailed financial reporting may also be required from the
municipality to reflect the amount of the CT Funds received for the CT Project and the
Eligible Expenditures that occurred during the fiscal year.
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c. Report on Coordinated Community Transportation Services
To aid in the evaluation of CT Projects, the municipality will be required to submit a final
report on the CT Project implementation and the resulting coordinated community
transportation services to the Ministry on February 28, 2017. The report must provide
the following information:
• Level of community transportation services provided prior to the implementation of the CT Project;
• Description of the community transportation services implemented and
operational through the CT Project, including any technology used, resources shared; service optimization, and centralizing functions;
• Level of performance of the community transportation services that have been
implemented and are operational using the performance indicators provided as
part of the municipality’s application for funding;
• Lessons learned;
• The level of collaboration of the municipality and the community organization(s);
and
• Any feedback from clients/passengers and other community members.
d. Other Reporting
The municipality, upon the Ministry’s request, will be required to submit records and
documentation, including all evidence of payment, relating to expenditures to which CT
Funds apply. A municipality may also be subject to audit. The Ministry may, at its sole discretion, audit or have audited by any third party, any records and documentation
related to the CT Project, including CT Funds.
In addition, the municipality, upon the Ministry’s request, will be required to participate in post-program evaluation session(s) to report on its experiences and lessons learned in
carrying out a CT Project.
e. Unmet Reporting Requirements
The reports a municipality submits must be completed to the Ministry’s satisfaction.
The final ten (10) percent of the CT Funds allocated to the CT Project will not be
released until all reporting requirements to date are met to the satisfaction of the
Ministry.
Accuracy in the calculation and reporting of CT Funds is paramount. Payment of CT Funds may be adjusted or withheld, or both, where incorrect amounts have been
reported.
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PART 8: INFORMATION AND NOTICES
For questions/information regarding the CT Program please contact the MTO, Municipal
Transit Policy Office, by phone at 416-585-7362 or by email at CTProgram@ontario.ca .
Notices and exchange of documents between the Ministry and a municipality for matters
related to the CT Program, including those required pursuant to the Agreement and this Guide, must be in writing and delivered by email, postage-prepaid mail (regular mail) or
personal delivery (including prepaid courier), and must be addressed to the Ministry and
the municipality as set out below:
To the Ministry:
Mailing Address:
Community Transportation Pilot Grant Program
Municipal Transit Policy Office Ministry of Transportation
777 Bay St., 30th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M7A 2J8
Attention: Katrina Fernandez
E-mail Address: CTProgram@ontario.ca
To the Municipality:
Notices to the municipality will be sent to either the mailing address or the email
address provided by the municipality in its application for CT Funding.
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January 7, 2015
To: Tillsonburg Transportation Steering Committee
Re: Support for the Transportation Pilot Project
From: Community Advocates Tillsonburg (CAT)
One of our projects has been to provide affordable transportation for those with developmental
disabilities as most are not able to drive. Starting in January 2014, we have provided discounted taxi
coupons for people to use through one of the taxi companies in Tillsonburg.
The clientele that we support have the disadvantage both of not having the ability to drive nor the
income to pay full fees for options like taxis. Many work part time jobs and the cost of a taxi can be
half to three quarters of their income for a few hours of work. Others only have ODSP for income and
cannot even afford a taxi for appointments and groceries much less social or volunteer activities.
For the calendar year 2014, we provided over $11,000 of subsidized taxi rides which equals 1400 rides.
Special Olympics Tillsonburg which we also work with provided another $1200 of scheduled bus like
rides that provided multiple people rides to regular sports practices.
Our goal was to provide a temporary service until a more permanent solution was put in place in
Tillsonburg. We hoped to prove that a subsidized taxi program could provide one option in a more
comprehensive transportation plan.
Having a more centralized transportation initiative will allow other options for this group of individuals
other than just taxis. Affordable transportation will mean better job access, more social and volunteer
opportunities, plus making it easier to do ordinary activities like shopping.
There is also a need for out of town transportation as we support a rural community that needs access to
affordable transportation for the same reasons.
Sincerely
Patricia Benoit
On behalf of Community Advocates Tillsonburg (CAT)
Our Vision - A community that values its citizens with special needs
Our Mission - To work to obtain for our citizens with special needs: jobs, transportation,
supported housing, viable recreation and volunteer opportunities, respite for parents, lifelong
satisfaction and enduring friendships.
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TILLSONBURG DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
An innovative community hospital delivering exceptional patient care.
167 Rolph Street, Tillsonburg, Ontario N4G 3Y9 Telephone (519) 842-3611 Fax (519) 842-6733
Email: mail@tdmh.on.ca Website: www.tillsonburghospital.on.ca
January 6, 2015
Attn. John Verbakel, Chairperson
Tillsonburg Transportation Steering Committee
Email: john.verbakel@rogers.com
Dear John Verbakel,
It has recently come to the attention of the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital (TDMH) that
the Tillsonburg Transportation Steering Committee (TTSC) is working on a joint application
with several parties to come up with a solution to the transportation needs of local residents. As
the Integrated President and CEO of TDMH, I would like to endorse the work of the TTSC, the
Town of Tillsonburg, Community Living Tillsonburg and the Tillsonburg and District Multi-
Service Centre, and support the application for the Community Transportation Pilot Grant
Program.
Many local people would benefit from the proposed plan of action, including, but not limited to,
seniors, people living with disabilities, and people living on a low-income. From the perspective
of the TDMH, a coordinated transportation system will not only stimulate the local economy but
also help people access healthcare services, and get to work, ensuring that they have the
opportunity to remain, or become, productive members of society. Such a system would also
generate feelings of community belongingness amongst groups who have struggled with
transportation issues for a long time. All in all, the TDMH looks favourably upon this
application and, moving forward, we hope to act as a resource in terms of helping get word out
once this invaluable work comes to fruition.
Good luck with the application process.
Sincerely,
Crystal Houze, Integrated President and CEO
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Prepared by:
Transportation in Tillsonburg: Getting There
A study of transportation needs in Tillsonburg, Ontario
Prepared by Ashley Farrar, Social Planning Coordinator
Social Planning Council Oxford
519-539-1111 Ext. 227
ashley.farrar@spcoxford.ca
This report has been made possible by funding from:!
!
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!2!
Message!from!the!Social!Planning!Co6ordinator!
!
Transportation*in*Tillsonburg:*Getting*there!is!a!study!of!the!transportation!needs!of!
Tillsonburg,!Ontario!and!its!surrounding!area.!This!study!ran!from!January!2013!to!
February!2014.!The!process!involved!compiling!data!from!existing!sources,!and!
conducting!and!analyzing!a!community!survey,!and!focus!groups.!All!of!this!
information!is!included!in!this!report.!The!details!of!this!report!were!presented!to!
the!community!in!Tillsonburg,!Ontario!on!March!6,!2014.!
!
This!project!was!possible!because!of!the!funding!from!Ontario!Trillium!Foundation,!
and!support!of!United!Way!Oxford.!This!report!is!being!shared!with!the!community!
for!use!as!development!of!a!transportation!strategy!continues.!
!
My!sincere!thanks!to!those!who!have!contributed!to!this!report!in!a!variety!of!ways.!
Many!agencies!have!been!supportive,!providing!data!and!information!about!their!
transportation!services,!participating!in!community!discussions,!and!committing!to!
action!moving!forward.!!
!
While!so!many!passionate!community!members!and!agencies!were!instrumental!in!
this!project,!I!would!like!to!extend!a!special!thank!you!to!Max!Adam!and!John!
Verbakel!for!their!assistance!with!the!research!portion!of!this!project,!Phil!Gravelle!
for!his!incredible!support!in!distributing!the!community!survey,!and!the!various!
organizations!who!hosted!focus!groups.!Thank!you!also!to!Matthew!MacNeil!for!his!
assistance!in!various!steps!of!the!process!–!you!have!been!wonderful!to!work!with!!
!
!
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!
!
Ashley!Farrar!
Social!Planning!Co6ordinator!
Social!Planning!Council!Oxford!
!
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!3!
Table!of!Contents!
!
Introduction!!!!!!!!!!5!
!The!Role!of!Transportation!in!Inclusion!!!!!6!
!
Community!Overview!!!!!!!!7!
!Geography!and!Population!Characteristics!!!!!7!
!Demographics!!!!!!!!8!
!Education!and!Income!!!!!!!9!
!
Existing!Transportation!Services!!!!!!!11!
!Public!Transit!!!!!!!!!11!
!Taxi!Services!!!!!!!!!11!
!The!Tillsonburg!&!District!Multi6Service!Centre!!!!12!
!Stonebridge!Community!Services!!!!!!12!
!Student!Transportation!Services:!Ravin!Coach!Lines!!!13!
!
Client!Transportation!by!Agencies!!!!!!!14!
!Oxford!County!Human!Services!!!!!!14!
!Canadian!Mental!Health!Association,!Oxford!County!Branch!!15!
!Community!Living!Tillsonburg!!!!!!16!
!VON!Oxford!!!!!!!!!16!
!Other!Agencies!!!!!!!!16!
!
Pilot!Transportation!Programs!!!!!!!17!
!Special!Olympics!Ontario:!Tillsonburg!Transportation!Program!!17!!
!CAT!CAB!Coupons!!!!!!!!17!
!Work!Transportation!Pilot:!The!Tillsonburg!Transit!Initiative!!18!
!
Collaboration!!!!!!!!!!19!
!
Recent!Research!Initiatives!!!!!!!!20!
!United!Way!Oxford!!!!!!!!20!
Social!Planning!Council!Oxford!Focus!Groups!!!!21!
!Social!Planning!Council!Oxford!Survey!!!!!24!
!Town!of!Tillsonburg!Taxicab!Survey!!!!!30!
!Oxford!County!Planning!!!!!!!31!
!
What’s!Been!Done!Elsewhere?!!!!!!!31!!
!The!Rural!Overland!Utility!Transit!(TROUT)!!!!31!
!Ride!Norfolk!!!!!!!!!32!
!Wellington!Transportation!Services!!!!!33!
!Quinte!Access!!!!!!!!!34!
!
Conclusion!!!!!!!!!!35!
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Recommendations!!!!!!!!!35!
!
References!!!!!!!!!!37!
!
Appendices!!!!!!!!!!39!
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!5!
Executive!Summary!
!
Access!to!accessible,!affordable!transportation!has!continually!been!shown!through!
research!and!community!experience!to!provide!an!increase!in!one’s!quality!of!life.!
Despite!this,!the!residents!of!many!rural!communities!across!Ontario!still!lack!
adequate!access!to!public!transportation.!!
!
Residents!of!the!Town!of!Tillsonburg,!and!the!Townships!of!Norwich!and!South6
West!Oxford!repeatedly!described!the!experience!of!not!having!transportation!as!
stressful,!tiring,!frustrating,!and!isolating.!Lack!of!transportation!was!expressed!as!
negatively!impacting!their!social!and!employment!opportunities,!their!relationships!
with!family,!friends,!and!neighbours,!and!their!connection!to!their!community.!
!
Lack!of!transportation!also!has!a!significant!financial!cost!to!our!community.!
Agencies!whose!clients!often!lack!transportation!are!left!to!use!their!limited!
resources!to!assist!with!transportation.!The!result!is!that!the!social!service!sector!is!
being!drained!of!its!financial!resources,!staff!time,!and!expertise.!!
!
Cross6sector!collaboration!is!a!solution!that!is!supported!by!the!community,!with!
the!greatest!strength!identified!throughout!this!research!project!being!the!interest!
and!commitment!of!various!sectors!in!working!towards!a!collaborative!solution.!
Additionally,!the!wider!community!supports!public!transportation.!Of!526!survey!
respondents,!95%!believe!that!having!access!to!public!transportation!in!Tillsonburg!
is!either!important!or!very!important,!including!the!majority!of!respondents!who!
said!that!they!would!not!use!transportation,!who!said!they!currently!own!a!car,!and!
who!reported!an!annual!household!income!of!greater!than!$50,000.!
!
The!financial!and!geographical!barriers!to!public!transportation!can!often!act!as!
inhibitors!of!action.!However,!the!social!and!financial!costs!of!not!having!public!
transportation!are!too!costly!to!our!community.!Public!transportation!is!an!
economic!driver.!It!provides!and!supports!employment,!promotes!spending,!and!
builds!more!inclusive!communities.!The!agencies!and!residents!of!Tillsonburg!are!
ready!for!change.!!
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!6!
Introduction!
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Transportation!is!essential!to!meeting!our!most!basic!needs!–!going!to!work,!grocery!
shopping,!participating!in!the!community!through!social,!volunteer,!or!civic!
activities,!entertainment,!and!healthcare.!Research!and!community!experience!has!
consistently!shown!that!access!to!transportation!increases!one’s!quality!of!life.!
Despite!this,!many!residents!of!rural!communities!across!Ontario!are!still!without!
reliable,!affordable,!and!accessible!transportation.!Those!who!live!in!rural!areas!are!
generally!limited!to!high!reliance!on!personal!vehicles!because!of!a!lack!of!public!
transportation,!and!it!often!being!unsafe!or!not!practical!to!use!active!forms!of!
transportation!like!walking!or!cycling.!
!
Statistics!Canada!defines!a!rural!area!as!one!with!a!population!of!less!than!1,000!or!a!
population!density!of!less!than!400!people!per!square!kilometer!(Statistics!Canada,!
no!date).!Low!population!density!often!means!two!things:!individuals!from!rural!
areas!have!to!travel!longer!distances!than!their!urban!counterparts!to!access!
services,!and!some!services!may!not!be!available!locally,!but!in!the!closest!larger!
centers.!These!two!issues!can!also!be!true!of!the!residents!of!small!towns!located!
near!rural!areas.!
!
Often!rural!areas!and!small!towns!do!not!have!public!transportation,!simply!for!the!
reason!that!it!is!believed!to!not!be!viable,!due!to!low!populations,!low!population!
densities,!and!the!long!distances!between!people!and!services.!In!2011,!the!Ontario!
Ministry!of!Transportation!Transit6Supportive!Guidelines!suggested!that!the!
minimum!density!to!support!a!basic!transit!service!is!50!people!and/or!jobs!per!
hectare!(Ontario!Ministry!of!Transportation,!2011).!While!not!a!standard,!this!
roughly!translates!to!mean!that!transportation!is!only!viable!in!areas!where!there!
are!5,000!people!and/or!jobs!per!square!kilometer.!In!other!words,!the!threshold!for!
public!transportation!is!roughly!ten!times!greater!than!Statistic!Canada’s!definition!
of!a!rural!area.!
!
Despite!these!numbers,!not!all!believe!that!rural!transportation!is!not!viable.!Many!
rural!communities!who!believe!that!it!is!possible,!have!come!up!with!solutions!that!
meet!the!needs!of!many!of!their!residents.!This!report!will!outline!a!number!of!these!
initiatives.!Author!Paul!Mees!states!in!his!2011!book!‘Transport!for!Suburbia’!that,!
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“Density is not the main barrier to providing public
transport that offers a real alternative to the car;
rather, it is a rationalization for inaction.”
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Furthermore,!a!thesis!by!Eric!Marr!from!the!University!of!Guelph!found!that!public!
transportation!in!rural!areas!is!far!more!viable!than!is!often!perceived!(Marr,!2012).!
The!Social!Planning!Council!Oxford!argues!that!public!transportation!may!not!
always!be!set!as!a!priority!for!a!community,!because!when!a!community!does!
identify!public!transportation!as!a!priority,!collaborations!that!leverage!resources!
have!provided!successful!solutions.!!
!
While!this!report!will!focus!on!public!transportation,!it!is!important!to!note!that!
other!factors!can!assist!in!addressing!transportation!disadvantage!in!the!rural!
context.!For!example,!providing!community!hubs!in!rural!areas!that!bring!services!
to!people,!rather!than!the!opposite,!can!remove!some!barriers.!However,!a!single!
method!cannot!meet!the!needs!of!rural!residents!completely.!A!creative!solution!
that!utilizes!several!methods!is!a!best!foot!forward!program!to!meeting!the!
transportation!needs!of!rural!and!small!town!communities.!
!
The!Role!of!Transportation!in!Inclusion!
!
In!2012,!United!Way!Oxford!conducted!several!community!conversations!across!
Oxford!County.!Conversations!were!held!with!a!wide!range!of!socio6demographic!
groups,!who!have!varied!life!experiences.!Conversations!were!informal!and!focused!
on!the!hopes!and!aspirations!of!the!people!who!live!in!Oxford!County.!Some!of!the!
issues!identified!included!transportation,!housing,!and!youth!issues.!The!broad!
underlying!theme!of!these!issues,!as!identified!by!United!Way!Oxford!and!based!on!
community!feedback,!was!community!belonging.!!
!
United!Way!Oxford!reports!that!“people!want!a!voice,!but!are!concerned!that!
community!leaders,!people!in!authority!and!decision!makers!do!not!genuinely!
understand!the!ramifications!of!the!decisions!they!make!and!the!effects!they!have!
on!real!lives.”!They!also!report!that!“people!want!to!feel!that!they!belong!in!their!
community,!but!they!are!concerned!that!there!are!many!barriers!to!belonging,!and!
that!their!community!is!not!open!to!addressing!these!barriers,”!and!that!“people!
want!convenient,!safe,!affordable!transportation!options!that!allow!them!to!meet!
their!basic!needs!and!participate!in!other!essential!daily!activities”!(United!Way!
Oxford,!2014).!
!
There!are!many!barriers!to!community!belonging!and!Tillsonburg!resident!Matthew!
MacNeil!is!clear!that!transportation!is!one!of!them!(MacNeil,!2013).!He!says,!!
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“It is pointless to invest time, energy, and money in
preparing people for life experiences that will
forever be inaccessible.”
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!8!
We!have!strong!agencies!providing!excellent!services!across!Oxford!County,!
including!Tillsonburg!and!its!surrounding!area.!Our!residents!need!transportation!
to!utilize!these!supports,!and!to!build!the!strong,!inclusive!community!that!we!
envision.!
!
Community!Overview!
!
Oxford!County!is!a!regional!municipality!located!in!Southwestern!Ontario.!It!is!
comprised!of!three!municipalities,!the!Towns!of!Tillsonburg!and!Ingersoll,!the!City!
of!Woodstock,!and!five!townships!(Zorra,!East!Zorra6Tavistock,!Blandford6Blenheim,!
Norwich,!South6West!Oxford).!Please!see!Image!1!for!a!map!of!Oxford!County.!
!
!
Image!1:!Map!of!Oxford!County!
!Source:*County*of*Oxford*Official*Plan*
!
Geography!and!Population!Characteristics!
!
Oxford!County!covers!a!large!geographic!area!of!2,039!square!kilometers!where!
96%!of!the!land!is!rural.!The!total!population!of!Oxford!County!is!105,719!(a!2.9%!
increase!since!2006),!with!a!population!density!of!52!people!per!square!kilometer.!
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!9!
Of!the!total!population,!38%!live!in!a!rural!part!of!the!county!(Statistics!Canada,!
2011!Census).!
!
The!Town!of!Tillsonburg!is!located!south!of!Woodstock!(37!km)!and!London!(60!
km).!With!a!land!area!of!22!square!kilometers,!Tillsonburg!accounts!for!1.1%!of!the!
total!land!area!of!Oxford!County!(Statistics!Canada,!2011!Census).!Tillsonburg!is!also!
south!of!the!rural!Townships!of!South6West!Oxford!and!Norwich.!Residents!of!
South6West!Oxford!and!Norwich!are!split!on!where!they!receive!services,!accessing!
programs!in!all!three!major!centers,!Tillsonburg,!Ingersoll,!and!Woodstock.!In!some!
cases!the!same!individuals!will!access!services!in!multiple!centers.!Please!see!Table!
1!for!the!land!area!and!population!density!of!the!Townships!of!South6West!Oxford!
and!Norwich.!
!
Although!located!in!Oxford!County,!Tillsonburg!is!unique!because!of!its!tri6county!
proximity,!bordering!both!Norfolk!and!Elgin!Counties.!This!tri6county!location!
means!that!there!are!many!residents!within!Oxford,!Norfolk,!and!Elgin!counties!
seeking!services!in!jurisdictions!where!they!are!not!registered.!
!
Tillsonburg!saw!a!population!growth!of!3.2%!from!2006!to!2011,!with!a!total!
population!of!15,301!in!2011.!Tillsonburg!accounts!for!14.5%!of!the!total!population!
of!Oxford!County.!The!population!density!of!Tillsonburg!is!685!people!per!square!
kilometer!(Statistics!Canada,!2011!Census).!
!
Table!1:!Land!area,!total!population,!and!population!density!!
Location(Land(Area((km2)(Total(
Population(
Population(Density(
(people/(km2)(
Oxford(County(2,039!105,719!52!
Tillsonburg(22!15,301!685!
SouthCWest(Oxford(371!7,544!20!
Norwich(431!10,721!25!
Source:*Statistics*Canada*2011*Census,*2011*Community*Profiles*
!
Tillsonburg!and!surrounding!area!do!not!meet!the!threshold!suggested!by!the!
Ontario!Ministry!of!Transportation!Transit6Supportive!Guidelines!of!needing!5,000!
people!and/or!jobs!per!square!kilometer!for!a!successful!public!transportation!
system!(Ontario!Ministry!of!Transportation,!2011).!However,!it!should!be!noted!that!
the!City!of!Toronto!has!a!population!density!of!4,150!people!per!square!kilometer!
(Statistics!Canada,!2011!Census).!With!a!large!number!of!commuters!into!the!city,!it!
is!likely!that!they!meet!this!threshold.!However,!it!is!clear!that!this!threshold!would!
support!public!transportation!only!in!Canada’s!largest!cities.!!
!
Demographics!
!
It!is!anticipated!that!by!2021,!seniors!in!Oxford!County!will!make!up!40%!of!the!
population,!compared!to!19%!in!Canada!(Sheridan,!2012).!This!increase!in!the!
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!10!
number!of!seniors!is!expected!to!increase!our!challenges!in!meeting!needs!through!
supportive!programs!and!services!in!the!county,!including!transportation.!
!
Other!data!presented!in!the!Oxford!Master!Aging!Plan!indicate!that!seniors!in!Oxford!
County,!as!compared!to!Ontario,!are!more!likely!to!live!in!a!household!alone,!and!
tend!to!have!lower!income!and!education!levels!(Sheridan,!2012).!In!combination!
with!the!rural!nature!of!the!county,!these!factors!are!likely!to!contribute!to!the!
isolation!of!seniors,!and!to!a!lack!of!access!to!services.!It!is!also!possible!that!the!
number!of!dependent!family!members!will!increase,!resulting!in!additional!pressure!
for!drivers.!This!is!particularly!true!for!Tillsonburg,!who!has!the!highest!percentage!
of!people!aged!65!years!or!older!in!Oxford!County!(please!see!Table!2).!
!
Table!2:!Percentage!of!population!aged!50664!years!and!65!years!and!older!!
Location(Percent((%)(of(
population(aged(50C64(
years(
Percent((%)(of(
population(aged(65(
years(or(older(
Tillsonburg(20.5!25.1!
Oxford(County(20.5!16.6!
Ontario(20.5!14.6!
Canada(21.1!14.8!
Source:*Statistics*Canada*2011*Census,*2011*Community*Profiles*
!
When!looking!at!the!ethno6cultural!makeup!of!Oxford!County,!we!are!restricted!to!
data!from!the!2006!Census!because!of!quality!issues!(please!see!Appendix!1).!
Compared!to!Ontario,!a!smaller!percentage!of!the!residents!of!Oxford!County!are!
immigrants!(Oxford!County!=!10.9%,!Ontario!=!28.3%).!Within!Oxford!County,!
Tillsonburg!has!the!largest!proportion!of!immigrants,!at!14%!(Oxford!County!Public!
Health!&!Emergency!Services,!2011).!Oxford!County’s!settlement!services!have!
reported!that!transportation!is!a!major!barrier!for!newcomers!(Community!
Employment!Services,!personal!communication,!2013).!As!the!number!of!
newcomers!choosing!Oxford!County!and!Tillsonburg!as!their!home!increases,!the!
need!for!affordable,!accessible!transportation!will!also!continue!to!increase.!
!
Education!and!Income!
!
When!examining!education!and!income,!we!are!restricted!to!data!from!the!2006!
Census!because!of!quality!issues!(please!see!Appendix!1).!Both!Oxford!County!and!
Tillsonburg!residents!tend!to!have!lower!educational!attainment!when!compared!to!
Ontario!(please!see!Table!3).!
!
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!11!
Table!3:!Educational!attainment!of!population!15!years!and!over!
Educational(
Attainment(
Tillsonburg((%)(Oxford(County(
(%)(
Ontario((%)(
No(certificate,(
diploma(or(degree(
25.5!29.3!22.2!
High(school(
certificate(or(
equivalent(
23.3!29.7!26.7!
Apprenticeship(or(
trades(certificate(
or(diploma(
8.2!9.6!7.9!
College,(CEGEP(or(
other(nonC
university(
certificate(or(
diploma(
16.3!19.9!
!
18.3!
University(
certificate(or(
diploma(below(the(
bachelor(level(
2.3!2.4!4.1!
University(
certificate,(diploma(
or(degree(
7.0!8.9!20.4!
Source:*Statistics*Canada,*2006*Census*Community*Profile*
!
The!Low!Income!Cut6Off!(LICO)!is!an!income!threshold!where!a!family!is!likely!to!
spend!20%!or!more!of!its!income!on!food,!shelter,!and!clothing!than!the!average!
family.!This!leaves!less!income!available!for!other!expenses!such!as!transportation,!
health,!education,!recreation!and!social!activities.!LICOs!are!calculated!for!families!
and!communities!of!different!sizes!(Statistics!Canada,!2008).!!
!
Within!Oxford!County,!5%!of!the!population!is!considered!to!be!living!on!incomes!
below!the!poverty!line,!falling!into!the!LICO!(compared!to!Ontario,!where!11.1%!fall!
into!the!LICO).!In!Tillsonburg,!5.6%!of!the!population!is!considered!to!be!living!on!
incomes!below!the!poverty!line!(Oxford!County!Public!Health!&!Emergency!Services,!
2011).!While!both!Oxford!County!and!Tillsonburg!have!approximately!half!the!rates!
of!incomes!falling!below!the!poverty!line!when!compared!to!Ontario,!poverty!is!a!
concern!to!many!of!our!community!members!and!agencies.!Poverty!acts!as!a!main!
barrier!to!access!to!transportation,!as!many!cannot!afford!a!personal!vehicle!or!the!
cost!of!frequent!taxicabs,!which!are!the!only!available!means!of!transportation!for!
many!low6income!individuals!living!in!Tillsonburg!and!the!surrounding!area.!
!
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!12!
Existing!Transportation!Services!
!
Providing!a!sufficient!transportation!system!in!Tillsonburg!is!logistically!and!
financially!challenging,!largely!due!to!financial!and!geographical!barriers.!Due!to!its!
location,!residents!of!Tillsonburg!frequently!need!travel!not!just!outside!of!
Tillsonburg,!but!also!outside!of!Oxford!County.!The!following!section!will!provide!an!
overview!of!existing!transportation!services!that!provide!service!to!Tillsonburg!
residents.!
!
Public!Transit!
!
There!is!no!public!transportation!available!in!Tillsonburg.!In!the!past,!Greyhound!
offered!weekly!bus!service!to!and!from!Tillsonburg.!The!route!connected!to!VIA!Rail!
in!Ingersoll.!This!service!was!cancelled!because!usage!was!not!supporting!the!cost.!
There!has!also!been!a!history!of!a!local!bus!system!within!Tillsonburg,!operating!
from!2001!to!2005,!but!it!is!no!longer!in!service.!
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Passenger!train!services!are!provided!by!Via!Rail!stations!in!Ingersoll!or!Woodstock.!
No!shuttle!exists!between!the!train!stations!and!Tillsonburg,!and!train!fares!are!
generally!out!of!reach!for!those!living!on!a!low!income.!
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Taxi!Services!!
!
Taxi!services!are!particularly!important!in!Tillsonburg!because!there!is!no!public!
transportation!available.!There!are!two!taxi!companies!who!provide!services!in!
Tillsonburg:!Why!Wait!Taxi!and!KTN!Taxi.!Both!companies!are!open!24!hours!daily,!
and!charge!a!flat!rate!of!$8!for!service!within!Tillsonburg.!Both!companies!offer!a!
rate!of!$6!for!students!travelling!to!or!from!school,!and!KTN!Taxi!also!offers!this!
same!rate!for!seniors.!Why!Wait!Taxi!reported!that!they!are!no!longer!able!to!offer!a!
senior!discount.!Due!to!the!high!cost,!neither!taxi!company!is!able!to!offer!
wheelchair!accessible!transportation!at!this!time!(Why!Wait!Taxi!and!KTN!Taxi,!
personal!communication,!2013).!!
!
On!the!whole,!taxi!fares!are!out!of!reach!for!people!who!are!living!on!low!income,!or!
who!require!regular!use!for!transportation.!Some!individuals!living!on!low!income!
report!that!they!use!taxi!services,!but!they!indicate!that!they!use!them!quite!
infrequently!due!to!the!cost.!In!the!past,!there!have!been!some!concerns!about!the!
viability!of!taxi!companies!in!Tillsonburg!(Taxi!Trouble!in!Tillsonburg,!2012).!The!
taxi!companies!report!that!their!barrier!to!reducing!their!fares!is!financial!
sustainability.!
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The!Tillsonburg!&!District!Multi6Service!Centre!
!
The!transportation!program!provided!by!the!Multi6Service!Centre,!a!non6profit!
organization,!has!been!operating!in!an!official!capacity!since!1981.!Adults!who!are!
55!years!or!older,!and!people!with!disabilities!are!eligible!for!transportation!
services.!The!organization!services!Elgin,!Norfolk,!and!Oxford!County,!from!8:30!am!
to!4:30!pm,!Monday!through!Friday.!In!some!cases,!weekend!requests!can!be!
accommodated.!Volunteer!drivers,!who!are!compensated!for!mileage,!drive!clients!
to!medical!appointments,!shopping!or!social!activities!and!programs,!while!
providing!a!friendly!visit!on!the!way.!The!cost!of!the!service!is!$3!each!way!inside!of!
Tillsonburg,!plus!$1!for!an!additional!stop,!or!$0.38!per!kilometer!for!trips!outside!of!
Tillsonburg.!
!
Individuals!who!need!wheelchair!accessible!vehicles!can!also!contact!the!Multi6
Service!Centre.!In!the!past,!Tillsonburg!did!not!have!a!local!wheelchair!accessible!
vehicle!available!to!the!community.!Rather,!all!requests!for!a!wheelchair!accessible!
vehicle!were!filled!through!Red!Cross.!However,!due!to!funding!availability,!it!is!
estimated!that!only!40%!of!Tillsonburg!residents!requesting!a!wheelchair!accessible!
vehicle!were!able!to!access!one!through!Red!Cross!(The!Tillsonburg!&!District!Multi6
Service!Centre,!personal!communication,!2013).!In!December!2013!Stonebridge!
Community!Services!purchased!a!wheelchair!accessible!van!through!a!grant!from!
New!Horizons!for!Seniors!Program.!Through!their!partnership!with!the!Multi6
Service!Centre,!it!is!anticipated!that!this!purchase!will!increase!access!to!accessible!
transportation!in!Tillsonburg.!
!
The!Multi6Service!Centre!reports!that!eligibility!requirements!set!by!their!funding!
body,!the!South!West!Local!Health!Integration!Network,!places!limitations!on!who!
they!can!serve.!Additionally,!because!the!program!is!volunteer6driven,!while!they!go!
above!and!beyond!to!meet!their!clients’!needs,!at!times!they!are!not!able!to!fulfill!
certain!requests.!For!example,!some!residents!have!reported!that!it!is!particularly!
difficult!to!use!the!service!for!travel!to!work,!both!because!of!the!volunteer!nature!of!
the!program!and!its!hours!of!operation.!In!order!to!meet!this!gap,!the!Multi6Service!
Centre’s!sister!organization!Stonebridge!Community!Services!provides!top6up!
transportation!services.!
!
Stonebridge!Community!Services!
!
Stonebridge!Community!Services!is!a!non6profit,!fee6for6service!extension!of!the!
Tillsonburg!&!District!Multi6Service!Centre.!Stonebridge!has!no!age!limitations!or!
requirements!for!its!programs.!They!service!the!tri6county!area,!and!are!not!limited!
by!geographical!boundaries.!This!means!that!Stonebridge!is!able!to!drive!anyone,!
anywhere,!without!limitations.!!
!
Similar!to!the!Multi6Service!Centre,!the!transportation!program!at!Stonebridge!is!
volunteer6driven.!Volunteer!rides!are!booked!two!days!in!advance,!and!individuals!
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receiving!services!are!invoiced!monthly.!Stonebridge!also!provides!fee6for6service!
programs!like!accompaniment!to!medical!appointments,!blood!tests,!and!picking!up!
and!dropping!off!prescriptions,!which!can!help!to!ease!transportation!barriers.!
!
Transportation!services!can!be!received!to!and!from!Mount!Elgin!or!Tillsonburg!for!
$0.43!per!kilometer.!This!means!that!in!order!for!someone!from!Tillsonburg!to!
attend!a!medical!appointment!in!London!(round!trip!of!119.4!km)!it!would!cost!
$51.34.!As!you!can!imagine,!for!an!individual!who!is!living!on!low6income,!this!cost!
is!out!of!reach.!As!a!non6profit,!Stonebridge!does!not!make!money!off!of!their!
transportation!program.!The!main!barrier!for!Stonebridge!to!decrease!the!cost!of!
their!service!is!funding!or!additional!resources!through!collaboration.!
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Student!Transportation!Services:!Ravin!Coach!Lines!
!
F.L.!Ravin!Limited,!commonly!known!as!Ravin!Coach!Lines,!was!founded!in!the!late!
1940’s.!Over!the!years,!the!business!has!undergone!many!changes.!Until!June!2010,!
the!Ravin!fleet!included!more!than!20!vehicles,!a!mix!of!school!buses,!mini!buses,!a!
wheelchair!bus!and!mini!vans.!Presently,!the!company!is!downsized!due!to!the!
current!procurement!guidelines!for!the!Province!of!Ontario.!
!
The!government!of!Ontario!transitioned!to!a!request!for!proposal!(RFP)!process!to!
procure!student!transportation.!This!means!that!various!providers!participate!in!a!
bidding!process!in!order!to!become!the!student!transportation!provider!of!specific!
routes.!This!process!led!to!several!smaller!transportation!companies!in!Ontario!
losing!several!routes,!including!Ravin!Coach!Lines.!This!transition!has!led!to!a!legal!
battle!at!the!provincial!level,!where!bus!operators!have!received!awards!in!their!
favour!five!times.!Currently,!there!are!legal!battles!in!process!trying!to!get!the!
government!to!work!with!bus!operators!to!find!a!system!that!is!fair!to!operators!of!
all!sizes!(F.L.!Ravin!Limited,!personal!communication,!2013).!
!
Ravin!Coach!has!bus!routes!in!Thames!Valley!District!School!Board,!London!District!
Catholic!School!Board,!and!is!one!of!the!ten!companies!that!transports!for!
Southwestern!Ontario!Student!Transportation!Services.!Buses!are!also!used!for!
charter!work,!including!weddings,!seniors,!churches,!family!outings,!and!sports!
teams!in!Oxford,!Norfolk,!and!Elgin!counties.!There!are!many!benefits!to!the!
community!in!having!Ravin!Coach!as!the!student!transportation!provider,!including!
!
The Tillsonburg & District Multi-Service Centre and
Stonebridge Community Services were able to service all
ride requests, over 550 drives, from August 1 to October 31,
including one trip to Toronto.!
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local!knowledge,!local!employment!opportunities,!and!investment!in!the!
community.!
!
Challenges!that!prevent!Ravin!Coach!from!providing!additional!transportation!
services!in!the!area!include!a!current!shortage!of!school!bus!drivers,!and!time!
restrictions!(meaning!that!if!the!bus!were!to!be!used!for!public!transportation!it!
could!not!be!picking!up!passengers!at!school!times,!unless!that!driver!was!dedicated!
to!a!town!bus!run)!(F.L.!Ravin!Limited,!personal!communication,!2013).!
!
Client!Transportation!by!Agencies!
!
Many!agencies!across!Oxford!County!have!found!ways!to!support!the!people!who!
use!their!services!with!transportation.!These!services!are!not!transportation!
programs!in!the!sense!that!they!are!not!available!to!the!public;!however,!they!are!a!
response!to!the!current!lack!of!affordable!and!accessible!transportation!options.!
!
Oxford!County!Human!Services!
!
Oxford!County!residents!who!are!clients!of!Oxford!County!Human!Services!are!
eligible!for!transportation!assistance!for!training!and!appointments,!which!includes!
bus!passes!or!taxis!for!client!meetings,!medical!transportation,!including!travel!to!
methadone!clinics,!and!employment!related!travel!expenses!for!job!placements!and!
interviews.!
!
Table!4:!Total!dollars!spent!by!Oxford!County!Human!Services!on!client!
transportation!!
Reason(for(Transportation(2012(2013(
Training(and(Appointments($2,462.56!$7,032.20!
Medical(Transportation($183,222.74!$94,573.29*!
Employment(Related(Travel($40,798.33!$45,258.52!
Total($226,483.63!$146,864.01!
**Indicates*that*numbers*are*not*yet*finalized*as*December*invoices*may*not*be*fully*
accounted*for*
Source:*Oxford*County*Human*Services,*personal*communication,*2014*
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Tillsonburg accounts for 14.5% of Oxford County’s population. If
we assume that Tillsonburg also accounts for 14.5% of the
dollars spent by Human Services each year on transportation,
that would mean that in 2012, $32,840.13, and in 2013,
$21,295.28 was spent on Tillsonburg clients.!
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Canadian!Mental!Health!Association,!Oxford!County!Branch!
!
From!March6May!2013,!the!Canadian!Mental!Health!Association,!Oxford!County!
Branch!(CMHA)!reports!that!their!Tillsonburg!staff!drove!clients!a!total!of!14,493!
kilometers,!an!average!of!4,831!kilometers!per!month.!!
!
Table!5:!Kilometers!driven!by!Tillsonburg!CMHA!staff!in!three!months!in!2013!
March(2013(April(2013(May(2013(Total(
3,223!km!5,194!km!6,076!km!14,493!km!
Source:*Canadian*Mental*Health*Association,*Oxford*County*Branch,*personal*
communication,*2013*
!
Travelling!14,493!kilometers!is!equivalent!to:!
• Driving!from!Tillsonburg!to!Woodstock!and!back!197!times!
• Driving!from!Tillsonburg!to!Ingersoll!and!back!303!times!
!
It!is!also!equivalent!to:!
• Two!staff!members!driving!from!Tillsonburg!to!Woodstock!and!back!every!
single!day!from!March6May!2013!
• Three!staff!members!driving!from!Tillsonburg!to!Ingeroll!and!back!every!
single!day!from!March6May!2013!
!
Not!only!is!this!a!significant!waste!of!dollars!that!could!be!spent!on!programs!within!
CMHA,!it!is!also!a!significant!waste!of!the!expertise!and!time!of!these!staff!members.!
!
The!majority!of!these!kilometers,!38%,!were!accumulated!driving!within!the!
Tillsonburg!border.!This!was!followed!by!33%!in!trips!to!Woodstock,!11%!driving!to!
London,!and!10%!travelling!to!Ingersoll.!Other!destinations!included!other!areas!
within!Oxford!County!(Brownsville,!Drumbo,!Norwich,!and!Tavistock),!Elgin!County!
(Aylmer,!Springfield),!Ayr!in!Waterloo!Region,!Courtland!in!Norfolk!County,!and!
Paris!in!Brant!County!(Canadian!Mental!Health!Association,!Oxford!County!Branch,!
personal!communication,!2013).!
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If we assume that staff are reimbursed $0.45 per kilometer, a
reasonable rate for a non-profit organization, in three months,
this would have cost CMHA $6,521.85. Using the average
kilometers travelled from March to May 2013 (4,831 km), we
can assume that each year, CMHA’s Tillsonburg staff are
reimbursed for approximately 57,972 km, equaling
$26,087.40.!
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Community!Living!Tillsonburg!
!
Community!Living!Tillsonburg!has!historically!provided!transportation!supports!to!
the!individuals!they!support.!The!agency,!funded!by!the!Ministry!of!Community!and!
Social!Services,!was!instrumental!in!the!development!of!the!town!transit!system!that!
was!in!place!from!2001!to!2005.!
!
Transportation!supports!are!provided!to!over!100!individuals!on!a!regular!basis,!
and!they!have!several!accessible!vans!that!are!used!on!a!daily!basis.!Individuals!pay!
a!monthly!fee!of!$65!per!month!for!in!town!transportation.!There!are!also!out!of!
town!fees!based!on!the!number!of!kilometers!travelled.!Although!inadequate,!ODSP!
Income!Support!provides!funds!for!transportation!costs!in!a!person’s!monthly!
cheque.!
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Of!the!$176,000!spent!each!year!by!Community!Living!on!transportation!costs,!
including!vehicle!operation!and!maintenance,!and!mileage!paid!to!staff!for!use!of!
their!vehicles,!only!$35,000!is!recovered!in!transportation!fees!(Community!Living!
Tillsonburg,!personal!communication,!2014).!
!
Community!Living!Tillsonburg!is!committed!to!working!on!solutions!to!
transportation!issues!in!rural!communities.!
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VON!Oxford!
!
In!June!2013,!VON!Oxford!reported!how!their!39!Tillsonburg!Adult!Day!Program!
attendees!travel!to!the!program.!Seventeen!clients!get!themselves!to!program!or!
have!family!drop!them!off,!12!take!a!taxicab,!9!receive!transportation!from!their!
Community!Living!support!worker!(three!of!who!require!accessible!transportation),!
and!one!client!uses!the!Tillsonburg!&!District!Multi6Service!Centre’s!service.!
!
VON!reports!that!they!are!beginning!to!see!an!increase!in!clients!with!complex!
needs!and!they!anticipate!that!the!need!for!accessible!transportation!will!continue!
to!grow.!With!the!unequal!distribution!of!seniors!across!Oxford!County,!this!growth!
is!particularly!anticipated!in!the!Tillsonburg!area.!
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Other!Agencies!
!
There!are!many!other!agencies!within!Tillsonburg!and!Oxford!County!whose!clients!
have!transportation!as!a!barrier.!For!example,!Community!Employment!Services!
reports!that!of!those!seeking!training,!education,!and!employment!through!their!
organization,!47%!see!transportation!as!a!barrier!(Community!Employment!
Services,!personal!communication!2013).!Other!organizations!who!have!identified!
transportation!as!a!barrier!and!provide!some!support!to!their!clients!include,!but!
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are!not!limited!to!The!Salvation!Army’s,!Society!Saint!Vincent!de!Paul,!and!the!
Children’s!Aid!Society!of!Oxford!County.!
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Pilot!Transportation!Programs!
!
Several!transportation!pilot!projects!have!also!taken!place!in!Tillsonburg!in!the!last!
year.!These!projects!are!described!below.!
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Special!Olympics!Ontario:!Tillsonburg!Transportation!Program!
!
Special!Olympics!Ontario!(SOO)!Tillsonburg!has!identified!specific!athletes!who!
need!access!to!transportation!to!attend!practices!and!events,!and!have!developed!a!
pilot!program.!Taxi!rides!are!scheduled!through!Why!Wait!Taxi!with!up!to!four!
people!per!taxi.!Cost!varies!according!to!the!number!of!stops!that!the!taxi!makes,!but!
the!taxi!becomes!more!cost!efficient!and!affordable!through!the!carpooling!method.!
!
Athletes!pay!a!fixed!cost!to!SOO!Tillsonburg,!and!in!turn,!Why!Wait!Taxi!bills!SOO!
Tillsonburg!once!a!month.!At!this!time,!SOO!Tillsonburg!subsidizes!the!cost!of!the!
taxi!ride!by!50%.!In!December!2013,!it!was!reported!that!five!athletes!were!using!
this!service;!however,!this!number!may!increase!in!the!future!(Special!Olympics!
Ontario!Tillsonburg,!personal!communication,!2013).!!
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CAT!CAB!Coupons!
!
Community!Advocates!Tillsonburg!(CAT)!is!a!group!of!parents!who!have!grown!
children!with!disabilities.!The!vision!of!CAT!is!a!community!that!values!its!citizens!
with!special!needs.!The!mission!of!CAT!is!“to!work!to!obtain!for!our!citizens!with!
special!needs;!jobs,!transportation,!supported!housing,!viable!recreation!and!
volunteer!opportunities,!respite!for!parents,!lifelong!satisfaction,!and!enduring!
friendships”!(Community!Advocates!Tillsonburg,!personal!communication,!2013).!
!
The!goal!of!CAT!CAB!Coupons!is!to!create!subsidized!transportation!using!current!
taxi!services!through!a!partnership!with!Why!Wait!Taxi!company.!People!with!
disabilities!that!belong!to!Special!Olympics!Tillsonburg,!the!CAT!group,!or!are!
supported!by!Community!Living!are!able!to!purchase!a!coupon!for!five!rides!with!
Why!Wait!Taxi!within!Tillsonburg!for!$10.!These!are!the!existing!vouchers!that!Why!
Wait!Taxi!uses,!but!CAT!offers!a!75%!subsidy!on!rides.!This!pilot!project!is!in!the!
very!early!stages,!and!so!at!this!time,!it!is!unknown!whether!or!not!this!level!of!
subsidy!is!sustainable.!However,!this!level!of!subsidy!means!that!individuals!pay!$2!
per!ride,!which!many!community!members!have!described!as!an!affordable!price.!
!
Once!a!coupon!is!purchased,!the!card!owner!is!responsible!for!calling!and!booking!a!
taxi!ride.!The!phone!number!for!Why!Wait!Taxi!is!provided!on!the!coupon.!Each!
time!the!coupon!is!used,!the!taxi!driver!marks!the!use!of!one!ride.!More!than!one!
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person!may!ride!in!the!taxi!to!the!same!destination!at!the!cost!of!one!ride!on!the!
coupon.!
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Due!to!limited!funds,!the!program!will!be!reassessed!monthly!with!the!goal!of!
running!until!at!least!the!end!of!March!2014.!At!that!time,!if!funds!are!available,!it!
will!be!extended.!In!February!2014!it!was!reported!that!there!were!13!individuals!
regularly!using!CAT!CAB!Coupons!(Community!Advocates!Tillsonburg,!personal!
communication,!2014).!Matthew!says!he!likes!the!coupons!because,!
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This!program!is!currently!being!funded!by!a!community!fundraiser,!the!1st!
Annual!Community!Advocates!Tillsonburg!Scramble,!which!was!held!on!
July!27,!2013!at!the!Mount!Elgin!Golf!Course.!This!fundraiser!raised!a!total!of!$6,800.!
The!2nd!Annual!tournament!is!scheduled!for!June!14,!2014!(Community!Advocates!
Tillsonburg,!personal!communication,!2014).!
!
It!is!anticipated!that!as!this!program!grows,!change!will!occur.!Future!directions!
may!include!partnerships!that!allow!for!central!purchasing!of!vouchers,!increasing!
eligibility,!a!sliding!scale!cost!structure,!and!increased!coordination!and!
administration!support.!
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Work!Transportation!Pilot:!The!Tillsonburg!Transit!Initiative!!
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On!September!30,!2013,!a!pilot!project!aimed!to!improve!access!to!employment!for!
Tillsonburg!residents!who!are!supported!by!Employment!Ontario!Services!was!
launched.!The!program!offered!affordable!transportation!to!the!industrial!sectors!of!
the!Town.!!
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Supported!by!many!local!agencies,!the!program!was!a!collaboration!between!the!
Tillsonburg!and!District!Multi6Service!Centre!and!Why!Wait!Taxi.!Five!days!a!week,!
starting!at!5:15!am,!and!covering!all!shift!times,!Why!Wait!Taxi!picked!up!riders!
from!the!Tillsonburg!Tim!Hortons’!locations!for!$4!per!ride.!The!cost!of!the!ride!was!
covered!for!workers!until!they!received!their!first!paycheck.!The!cost!of!travel!
remained!low!because!five!riders!shared!the!$20!cab!fare!to!get!across!town!
(Tillsonburg!&!District!Multi6Service!Centre,!personal!communication,!2013).!
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“I have freedom and independence. I don’t always
have to rely on other people. And, the drivers are
really nice.”
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While!creative,!due!to!low!ridership,!when!the!pilot!ended!on!December!6,!2013,!it!
was!not!renewed.!Feedback!from!the!community!indicates!that!the!location!pick6ups!
were!not!practical!for!some.!One!resident!commented!that,!!
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Despite!the!end!of!this!pilot!project,!the!Multi6Service!Centre!remains!committed!to!
improving!transportation.!
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Collaboration!
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Many!of!the!above!services!and!agencies!are!supportive!of!community!efforts!to!
develop!transportation!solutions,!and!are!committed!to!collaboration!to!strengthen!
current!resources!and!improve!access!and!affordability!to!the!community.!Over!30!
community!partners!met!on!July!16,!2013!to!identify!existing!resources,!gaps!in!
service,!and!barriers!to!transportation!in!Tillsonburg!and!the!surrounding!area.!The!
biggest!strength!identified!was!the!interest!and!commitment!in!working!towards!a!
collaborative!solution!(please!see!Table!6).!
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Table!6:!Community!identified!resources!and!barriers!to!developing!a!collaborative!
transportation!solution!in!Tillsonburg!
Resources(Barriers(
Commitment!to!the!development!of!a!
collaborative!solution!
Sharing!maintenance!and!depreciation!
costs!of!vehicles!
Switchboard!and!scheduling!
technology!
Affordability!of!vehicle!maintenance!
Vehicles!Lack!of!funding!
Volunteer!rosters!Funding!restrictions!and!boundaries!
Fundraising!experience!Lack!of!Provincial!Gas!Tax!
Experience!in!prior!transportation!
strategies!
Lack!of!paid!drivers!
Knowledge!of!existing!transportation!
barriers!
Back6up!plans!if!vehicles!or!drivers!are!
unavailable!
Knowledge!of!transportation!
programs!in!other!rural!communities!
Volunteer!burnout!
!Tillsonburg’s!tri6county!geography!
!Little!access!to!wheelchair!accessible!
vehicles*!
*Note*that*this*was*prior*to*Stonebridge*Community*Services*purchase*of*an*accessible*
van*in*December*2013*
!
“By the time I walked to Tim’s, I might of well have
walked to work.”
!
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!21!
Although!the!group!could!easily!identify!the!challenges!to!developing!a!sustainable!
transportation!strategy,!the!tone!of!the!day!was!positive.!Some!commented!that!
although!transportation!programs!are!costly,!and!tend!not!to!make!money,!the!cost!
of!not!having!transportation!is!too!high!–!moral!implications,!residents!and!
employers!leaving!the!community,!people!unable!to!receive!proper!health!care,!
access!education,!or!find!and!maintain!employment.!One!participant!remarked,!
“Let’s!not!sell!ourselves,!our!agencies,!or!our!community!short.”!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Affordability!was!discussed!to!mean!cheaper!than!current!alternatives!and!market!
value!transportation.!Accessibility!was!defined!as!a!wheelchair!accessible!vehicle!
that!has!trained!drivers!who!are!well!equipped!to!assist!passengers!and!load!
assistive!devices.!Sustainable!transportation!was!identified!as!a!system!that!would!
outlive!its!pilot!phase!and!see!continued!growth!over!the!years.!Seven!priority!
groups!were!identified:!
!
• Individuals!living!on!low!income!
• Individuals!seeking!employment!
• Individuals!living!with!disabilities!and!high!medical!needs!
• Seniors!
• Youth!
• Women!
• Newcomers!
!
Following!this!meeting,!a!survey!was!developed!and!distributed!throughout!the!
community!and!focus!groups!were!held.!The!results!are!reported!below.!
!
Recent!Research!Initiatives!
!
The!following!section!will!outline!the!most!recent!investigations!into!transportation!
within!Tillsonburg.!Community!and!agency!consultations!and!surveys!by!the!Social!
Planning!Council!Oxford,!United!Way!Oxford,!and!the!Town!of!Tillsonburg,!as!well!as!
the!Oxford!County!Transportation!Master!Plan!have!been!included.!
!
United!Way!Oxford!
!
In!March!2012,!United!Way!Oxford!released!the!report,!“Oxford!Transportation!
Strategy:!Moving!Ideas!to!Action.”!!The!report!was!a!summary!of!a!meeting!held!on!
!
A discussion of priority groups determined that affordable,
accessible, and sustainable transportation was a
common link.!
69
!
!22!
March!21,!2012,!where!over!sixty!community!stakeholders!from!Oxford!County!
gathered!to!develop!a!Transportation!Strategy!for!the!County.!
!
Five!action!groups!were!developed!using!community!service!providers!and!client!
input!(United!Way!Oxford,!2012).!The!five!action!groups,!including!a!brief!
description!were:!
!
• Taxi!collaboration!with!service!providers!
o To!have!a!more!efficient!and!coordinated!service!system!
• Rural!mobile!hub:!A!collaboration!
o Providing!services!locally!or!in!a!centralized!area!where!
transportation!is!available!
• Coordinated!services!through!pooling!of!resources!!
o Building!capacity!with!existing!resources!
• Corporate!green!wheels!!
o Workplace!carpooling!
• Long!term!strategy!
o A!desirable,!stable,!and!sustainable!funding!and!operational!model!
!
Due!to!the!lack!of!a!dedicated!staff!person,!these!efforts!lost!their!momentum.!
However,!these!efforts!were!taken!on!by!the!Social!Planning!Council!Oxford!in!2013.!
Due!to!the!gap!between!leadership,!these!action!groups,!while!informative,!were!not!
developed!into!working!groups.!
!
Social!Planning!Council!Oxford!Focus!Groups!
!
In!2013,!the!Social!Planning!Council!Oxford,!in!partnership!with!Community!
Advocates!Tillsonburg,!met!with!Tillsonburg,!South6West!Oxford,!and!Norwich!
residents!to!talk!about!transportation!challenges.!!
!
Overwhelmingly,!residents!without!transportation!
described!the!experience!as!stressful,!tiring,!frustrating,!
and!isolating.!All!talked!about!lack!of!transportation!as!
limiting!their!social!and!employment!opportunities.!One!
individual!described!the!experience!as!being!cornered,!
and!another!said,!“Not!having!
transportation!makes!me!feel!substandard.”!!Community!
members!who!do!not!have!reliable,!affordable!
transportation!do!not!feel!cared!for,!“People!don’t!care.!To!
them,!it’s!just!another!cost!on!their!taxes.”!
!
Residents!talked!about!their!challenges!travelling!within!
their!town,!Oxford!County,!and!between!counties.!People!
“Not having
transportation
makes me feel
substandard.”
“People don’t
care. To them,
it’s just another
cost on their
taxes.”
70
!
!23!
spoke!about!having!trouble!finding!work!that!they!would!be!able!to!get!to!safely!and!
timely,!attending!appointments!or!job!interviews,!and!
travel!for!social!and!entertainment!opportunities.!
!
People!talked!about!how!lack!of!transportation!
negatively!impacts!their!relationships,!often!feeling!
as!though!they!are!a!burden!to!their!friends!and!
family.!“You!can!only!ask!your!friends!and!
neighbours![for!a!ride]!so!many!times.!I’m!too!
embarrassed!to!keep!asking.!People!start!to!avoid!
you,!and!it!can!be!confrontational!with!friends!and!
family.!I’m!afraid!to!call!them.”!One!community!
member!said!that!they!had!been!trying!to!get!to!
Woodstock!for!two!months,!and!hadn’t!been!able!to!
coordinate!with!anyone!to!get!there.!
!
Some!also!talked!about!how!expensive!lack!of!
transportation!is.!Available!transportation!options!
are!not!affordable!to!use!regularly.!“I!am!on!a!fixed!
income.!I!probably!spend!$50670!a!month!on!cab!
fare…!just!going!out!and!paying!bills,!getting!
groceries,!and!doctor’s!appointments.!I!usually!try!to!
save!up!and!go!to!two!or!three!different!places!at!
once.”!Residents!spoke!about!incurring!additional!
costs!when!they’re!late!or!miss!an!appointment.!
Some!people!spoke!about!the!struggle!to!coordinate!
schedules,!and!the!uncertainty!of!not!knowing!whether!or!not!they!would!have!a!
ride!to!get!to!work!or!appointments.!“It!sucks!to!rely!on!others!because!if!you!can’t!
find!someone!you!miss!appointments!and!sometimes!
you!get!charged!for!them.”!Another!resident!spoke!
about!the!cost!of!getting!to!work,!“Without!a!ride!
from!family!or!friends,!I!spend!almost!two!hours!of!
my!wages!on!taxi!rides,!then!I!give!back!half!of!my!
earnings!to!ODSP.”!!Another!resident!calculated!that!
if!he!works!four!hours!at!minimum!wage,!he!will!
have!worked!four!hours!for!around!$4.!
!
Not!having!reliable!transportation!can!also!impact!
employment.!Community!members!talked!about!how!
you!will!get!in!trouble!by!some!employers!for!being!15!minutes!late,!but!that!when!
you!don’t!own!a!vehicle,!it!is!not!always!within!your!control!to!be!on!time.!“Cabs!
aren’t!dependable.!Even!if!you!have!timed!your!calls![correctly],!things!come!up.”!
Residents!spoke!about!relying!on!walking!to!get!to!work,!and!the!impact!of!bad!
weather,!“…but!you!can’t!pick!and!choose!what!days!you!go!to!work.”!
!
“You can only ask
your friends and
neighbours [for a ride]
so many times. I’m
too embarrassed to
keep asking. People
start to avoid you, and
it can be
confrontational with
friends and family.
I’m afraid to call
them.”
“It sucks to rely on
others because if you
can’t find someone
you miss
appointments and
sometimes you get
charged for them.”
“Without a ride from
family or friends, I
spend almost two
hours of my wages on
taxi rides, and then I
give back half of my
earnings to ODSP.”
71
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!24!
People!felt!that!access!to!transportation!not!only!increases!social!and!employment!
opportunities,!but!also!makes!them!feel!included!in!the!community,!and!it!provides!
freedom!and!independence,!“I!am!able!to!manage!my!time!better!when!I!know!I!
have!a!way!to!get!places.”!Another!resident!said!that!lack!
of!transportation,!“Makes!me!feel!sad!and!not!very!
included.”!Community!members!spoke!of!the!way!in!
which!they!would!participate!in!the!community,!through!
work,!recreational!activities!like!dances,!London!Knights!
games!and!other!sports!events,!eating!at!restaurants,!
going!to!the!community!centre,!and!seeing!a!movie,!if!
they!had!transportation.!Many!talked!about!the!reduction!in!stress!that!they!would!
experience!if!they!weren’t!always!looking!for!transportation.!
!
Some!community!members!talked!about!walking!as!
their!primary!mode!of!transportation,!but!it!was!
acknowledged!that!this!is!not!an!answer!for!all,!!
“There!are!a!lot!of!people!who!need!it!
[transportation].!Certain!individuals!just!need!it.!I!can!
walk,!but!there!are!other!people!here!that!can’t.”!A!
variety!of!issues!can!impact!one’s!ability!to!walk!
short!and!longer!distances,!including!personal!factors!
such!as!mobility,!age,!physical!health,!and!external!factors!like!weather,!lack!of!snow!
or!ice!clearing,!presence!of!sidewalks,!day!light,!and!dim!lit!street!lighting.!One!
participant!said,!“Winter!is!really!hard!to!get!around.!People!are!always!walking!on!
the!road.!It’s!not!safe.”!
!
Residents!from!the!rural!Townships!of!Norwich!and!South6West!Oxford!talked!
about!the!additional!challenge!of!having!no!local!taxi!companies.!As!a!result,!those!
without!transportation!rely!heavily!on!family!and!friends.!They!spoke!about!trouble!
getting!groceries!and!attending!medical!appointments.!Some!talked!about!the!
difficulty!of!accessing!food!banks,!clothing!drives,!and!the!backpack!program!that!
takes!place!at!the!beginning!of!each!school!year.!Local!churches!are!the!main!central!
support!that!many!community!members!rely!on!to!ensure!that!their!basic!needs!are!
met.!
!
A!challenge!that!was!uniquely!described!by!rural!residents!was!the!difference!in!
access!to!transportation!between!men!and!women.!In!some!households,!the!man!is!
the!only!one!who!drives,!or!there!is!only!one!vehicle!that!is!primarily!used!by!the!
man.!Residents!talked!about!struggling!when!their!husbands!were!hospitalized!for!
an!illness,!finding!it!extremely!difficult!to!visit!on!a!regular!basis.!Others!talked!
about!feeling!isolated!when!they!are!at!home!without!a!vehicle!and!unable!to!“get!
out.”!!
!
When!community!members!were!asked!how!they!envision!a!successful!
transportation!strategy,!three!themes!emerged:!affordability,!accessibility,!and!
operational!details.!Residents!spoke!of!an!affordable!option,!with!suggestions!of!
“I am able to
manage my time
better when I know
I have a way to get
places.”
“Winter is really
hard to get around.
People are always
walking on the
road. It’s not safe.”
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!
!25!
subsidies!available!to!those!on!a!fixed!income,!a!sliding!scale!fee!for!service,!and!
alternative!billing!options!(for!example,!billed!monthly!for!use).!Some!talked!about!
purchasing!a!ticket!that!was!valid!for!an!entire!day,!others!of!a!low!cost!per!use,!
around!$1.506$2.00.!Some!residents!spoke!about!finding!it!stressful!to!count!money!
and!stated!that!they!prefer!having!a!monthly!pass.!
!
Community!members!also!spoke!about!accessible!transportation,!vehicles!that!have!
space!for!wheelchairs,!and!other!mobility!devices,!and!drivers!who!are!able!to!assist!
individuals!in!getting!in!and!out!of!the!vehicle.!People!expressed!that!they!wanted!a!
service!that!would!do!special!stops!off!of!the!main!route!for!those!who!have!mobility!
issues,!or!safety!concerns.!Some!individuals!talked!about!needing!assistance!in!
carrying!heavy!items!like!groceries!to!their!doors.!!
!
Other!features!of!a!transportation!strategy!that!community!members!expressed!
interest!in!included!having!a!fixed!route!with!a!schedule,!having!the!ability!to!both!
text!and!call!to!inquire!about!the!transit!schedule,!as!well!as!access!information!
through!a!website.!However,!many!residents!also!believed!that!booking!a!ride!in!
advance!would!be!just!as!easy.!
!
Residents!discussed!the!importance!of!a!route!that!covers!a!large!area!of!the!town,!
and!many!mentioned!that!it!would!be!most!useful!if!it!crossed!county!boundaries.!
“From!my!house!you!cross!boundaries!in!two!to!three!
minutes!in!either!direction.”!One!community!member!
spoke!of!shopping!at!the!Norfolk!mall!grocery!store,!as!it!
is!the!most!affordably!priced!in!the!area.!Others!spoke!
about!the!hours!of!operation,!commenting!that!they!need!
transportation!for!their!shift!work!schedule,!including!
working!on!holidays.!One!community!member!suggested!
that!a!partnership!between!service!providers,!where!one!
card!can!be!used!through!multiple!providers!would!be!
helpful.!For!example,!if!a!scheduled!route!is!not!running!past!a!certain!time,!the!
same!card!could!be!used!to!get!a!cab!ride!to!their!destination.!
!
Social!Planning!Council!Oxford!Survey!!
!
In!the!fall!of!2013,!the!Social!Planning!Council!Oxford,!the!Tillsonburg!&!District!
Multi6Service!Centre,!Stonebridge!Community!Services,!and!Community!Advocates!
Tillsonburg!released!a!transportation!survey!throughout!the!community.!Surveys!
were!distributed!throughout!Tillsonburg,!including!at!the!Community!Services!and!
Career!Fair!held!on!October!3!at!the!Tillsonburg!Town!Centre!Mall,!two!of!Oxford!
County!Public!Health’s!influenza!shot!clinics!on!October!22!and!29,!2013!at!the!
Tillsonburg!Community!Centre,!and!through!service!agencies!and!churches.!Surveys!
were!also!collected!online,!distributed!through!social!media,!as!well!as!email!lists,!
such!as!the!Tillsonburg!Chamber.!The!survey!is!included!as!Appendix!2.!
!
“From my house
you cross
boundaries in two
to three minutes in
either direction.”
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!
!26!
A!total!of!526!community!members!filled!out!the!survey.!Of!those!who!filled!out!the!
survey,!57%!were!female,!34%!were!male,!<1%!reported!their!gender!as!other,!and!
9%!did!not!report!their!gender.!Seventy!percent!of!the!respondents!were!over!the!
age!of!40.!A!more!detailed!breakdown!of!age!and!gender!of!survey!respondents!is!
shown!in!Figure!1.!!
!
Figure!1:!Age!and!gender!of!survey!respondents
!*Note*that*47*(8.9%)*of*respondents*did*not*report*their*age*or*gender*
!
Thirty6eight!percent!of!survey!respondents!reported!being!married,!22%!single,!
11%!widowed,!11%!divorced!or!separated,!8%!living!with!another,!and!10%!of!
respondents!did!not!report!their!marital!status.!
!
!
More!than!half!of!the!
survey!respondents!had!a!
household!income!of!
$30,000!or!less!(please!
see!Figure!2).!While!this!
proportion!is!not!
reflective!of!the!general!
population!of!Tillsonburg,!
it!does!communicate!the!
importance!of!
transportation!to!this!
portion!of!our!
community.!Households!
whose!incomes!are!less!
30!
54!
77!
54!
86!
25!30!38!40!44!
1!0!0!0!0!
0!
10!
20!
30!
40!
50!
60!
70!
80!
90!
100!
25!years!
or!less!
26640!
years!
41655!
years!
56665!
years!
65!years!
or!older!
Nu
m
b
e
r
(
o
f
(
s
u
r
v
e
y
(
r
e
s
p
o
n
d
e
n
t
s
(
Age(of(survey(respondents(
Female!
Male!
Other!
Figure!2:!Household!income!of!survey!respondents!
Less!than!
$30,000!
53%!$30,0006
$50,000!
20%!
$50,0006
$70,000!
10%!
$70,0006
$90,000!
7%!
More!than!
$90,000!
10%!
*Note*that*98*(18.6%)*of*respondents*did*not*report*
household*income*
!
74
!
!27!
than!$30,000!are!most!likely!to!feel!the!impact!of!a!lack!of!affordable!transportation.!
It!is!likely!that!the!impact!lack!of!transportation!has!on!their!daily!lives!increased!
their!willingness!to!participate!in!the!survey.!
!
Survey!respondents!were!asked!
what!mode!of!transportation!they!
currently!use.!While!just!under!half!
(47%)!currently!own!a!car,!others!
reported!various!modes.!Some!
respondents!who!indicated!that!
they!use!a!taxi!also!commented!that!
their!use!was!relatively!infrequent!
due!to!the!high!cost.!The!category!
‘rely!on!others’!includes!individuals!
who!rely!on!family!and!friends!for!
rides.!Other!sources!of!
transportation!include!both!public!
and!client6only!agency!
transportation!services.!The!
transportation!currently!used!by!
survey!respondents!is!shown!in!
Figure!3.!
!
The!majority!of!survey!
respondents,!63%,!
indicated!that!they!would!
use!public!transportation!in!
Tillsonburg!if!it!were!
available!to!them.!An!
additional!10%!reported!
that!they!would!use!it!
seasonally.!Of!the!526!
individuals!who!responded!
to!the!survey,!only!74!
individuals!(14%)!
definitively!said!that!they!
would!not!use!public!
transportation.!Please!see!
Figure!4.!
!
!
!
!
!
When!asked!what!survey!respondents!would!use!public!transportation!for,!475!
individuals!responded.!Many!respondents!chose!multiple!categories,!with!daily!
Figure!3:!Modes!of!transportation!currently!used!by!
survey!respondents!
!
Figure!4:!Anticipated!use!of!public!transportation!in!
Tillsonburg!by!survey!respondents!!
!
Car!
47%!
Rely!on!
others!
19%!
Bike/
Scooter!
15%!
Taxi!
15%!
Other!
4%!
Yes!
63%!Seasonall
y!
10%!
Not!sure!
13%!
No!
14%!
*Note*that*1*(0.2%)*of*respondents*did*not*report*
whether*they*would*use*public*transportation*in*
Tillsonburg*
!
75
!
!28!
needs!and!public!services!being!the!most!common!responses,!at!76%!and!57%!of!
respondents!selecting!these!categories.!Please!see!Figure!5.!!
!
Figure!5:!Survey!respondents!would!use!public!transportation!to!meet!the!
following!needs!
!
We!asked!survey!respondents!how!much!they!would!spend!on!a!one6way!trip!inside!
of!Tillsonburg!for!transportation.!Respondents’!answers!did!not!show!a!clear!
preference,!and!no!relationship!was!observed!between!cost!and!household!income,!
perceived!importance!of!transportation,!or!whether!or!not!the!individual!reported!
that!they!would!use!transportation.!For!example,!higher!income!earners!were!not!
more!likely!to!select!a!higher!acceptable!cost!than!lower!income!earners.!There!was!
a!general!trend!of!respondents!preferring!lower!costs!than!higher!costs.!Of!the!526!
survey!respondents,!30%!selected!$2,!27%!selected!$3,!25%!selected!$4,!and!16%!
selected!$5.!!
!
The!vast!majority!of!
the!526!survey!
respondents!(95%)!
perceive!that!access!
to!public!
transportation!in!
Tillsonburg!is!either!
very!important!or!
important.!Please!see!
Figure!6.!
!
!
201!
120!
359!
270!
224!
0!
50!
100!
150!
200!
250!
300!
350!
400!
Nu
m
b
e
r
(
o
f
(
s
u
r
v
e
y
(
r
e
s
p
o
n
d
e
n
t
s
(
Needs(would(meet(with(public(transportation(
500!
26!
0!100!200!300!400!500!600!
Very!important/Important!
Not!important/No!opinion!
Figure!6:!The!perceived!importance!of!public!
transportation!in!Tillsonburg!by!survey!respondents!
76
!
!29!
!
There!were!some!observed!relationships!between!survey!questions,!which!means!
that!survey!respondents!who!responded!to!a!specific!question!one!way!were!more!
likely!to!respond!similarly!to!another!question.!For!example,!survey!respondents!
who!responded!that!they!would!use!public!transportation!if!it!was!available!to!them!
were!more!likely!than!those!who!said!they!would!not!use!public!transportation!to!
give!a!higher!value!to!public!transportation!(measured!through!perceived!
importance!of!public!transportation).!Please!see!Figure!7.!
!
!
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Survey!respondents!who!currently!do!not!own!a!car!were!also!more!likely!than!
those!who!currently!do!own!a!car!to!report!that!the!availability!of!public!
transportation!is!either!very!important!or!important.!None!of!the!survey!
respondents!who!currently!do!not!own!a!car!felt!that!the!availability!of!public!
transportation!is!either!not!important,!or!that!they!have!no!opinion.!Please!see!
Figure!8.!
!
Finally,!survey!respondents!whose!annual!household!income!is!less!than!$50,000!a!
year!were!more!likely!than!those!whose!annual!household!income!is!more!than!
$50,000!a!year!to!report!that!the!availability!of!public!transportation!is!either!very!
important!or!important.!Please!see!Figure!9.!
!
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379!
1!
57!
12!
0!
50!
100!
150!
200!
250!
300!
350!
400!
Very!important/Important!Not!important/No!opinion!
Nu
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Perceived(importance(of(public(transportation(in(Tillsonburg(
Yes/Seasonally!
No!
Figure!7:!Perceived!importance!of!transportation!in!Tillsonburg!vs.!
Predicted!use!of!public!transporation!in!Tillsonburg!
!
*Note*that*the*77*(14.6%)*individuals*who*responded*that*they*were*‘not*
sure’*if*they*would*use*transportation*were*not*included**
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77
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287!
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213!
0!0!
50!
100!
150!
200!
250!
300!
350!
Very!important/Important!Not!important/No!opinion!
Nu
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Perceived(importance(of(public(transportation(in(Tillsonburg(
Car!
No!car!
Figure!8:!Perceived!importance!of!public!transportation!in!Tillsonburg!
vs.!Current!status!of!car!ownership!
!
Figure!9:!Perceived!importance!of!public!transportation!vs.!Annual!
household!income!
!
*Note*that*98*(18.6%)*survey*respondents*did*not*report*their*household*
income*
!
303!
9!
106!
10!
0!
50!
100!
150!
200!
250!
300!
350!
Very!important/
Important!
Not!important/No!opinion!Nu
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Perceived(importance(of(public(transportation(in(
Tillsonburg(
<$50,000!
>$50,000!
78
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!31!
Regardless!of!these!relationships:!
!
!
• 83%!of!survey!respondents!who!said!that!they!would!not!use!transportation!
• 92%!of!survey!respondents!who!currently!own!a!car,!and!
• 91%!of!survey!respondents!who!reported!an!annual!household!income!of!
greater!than!$50,000!
!
!
Still!believe!that!access!to!public!transportation!in!Tillsonburg!is!either!very
important!or!important.!
&!
!
It!is!important!to!recognize!that!the!majority!of!our!decision!makers!fall!into!the!car!
owning,!household!income!of!$50,000!or!greater!categories.!Those!who!are!granted!
these!privileges!must!recognize!that!their!viewpoint!on!public!transportation!might!
vary!from!many!of!their!constituents.!The!decisions!that!they!make!will!have!a!real!
impact,!whether!positive!or!negative,!on!those!who!they!represent.!!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Town!of!Tillsonburg!Taxicab!Survey!
!
A!Taxicab!survey,!developed!by!the!Town!of!Tillsonburg,!was!conducted!in!early!
2013.!The!survey!asked!five!questions!(please!see!Appendix!3)!(Town!of!
Tillsonburg,!2013).!It!is!unknown!how!many!community!members!responded!to!the!
survey.!The!Town!reports!that!the!survey!showed!that!there!was!not!a!need!for!an!
accessible!taxicab!service!in!Tillsonburg.!Without!knowing!the!total!number!of!
community!members!who!responded!to!this!survey!it!is!difficult!to!make!any!
conclusions,!however,!it!is!possible!that!those!who!require!the!use!of!accessible!
transportation!were!not!represented!by!survey!respondents.!
!
!
It is essential that while decisions on public transportation are being
made, everyone in our community is given an equal voice.!
79
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!32!
Oxford!County!Planning!
!
In!2005,!a!study!was!initiated!to!work!on!a!206year!Transportation!Master!Plan!for!
Oxford!County.!It!was!published!in!2009.!The!report!gives!direction!on!future!
policies,!services,!and!infrastructure!that!would!be!beneficial!to!the!county,!and!
provides!a!framework!for!establishing!a!sustainable!and!environmentally!friendly!
growth!management!strategy!(AECOM!Canada!Ltd.,!2009).!
!
Chapter!eight!of!the!County!of!Oxford!Official!Plan!includes!the!Town!of!Tillsonburg!
Land!Use!Policies.!This!section!focuses!on!developing!transportation!that!utilizes!
multiple!modes,!is!safe!and!effective,!and!which!moves!people!and!goods!into!and!
through!the!Town.!Among!other!things,!this!plan!addresses!increasing!ease,!safety!
and!use!of!active!modes!of!transportation,!such!as!bicycling!and!walking!(County!of!
Oxford,!no!date).!
!
While!these!reports!do!examine!community!values,!environmental!considerations,!
financial!constraints,!and!other!societal!trends!that!impact!the!public’s!perception!of!
multi6modal!transportation,!their!focus!is!largely!on!improving!current!
transportation!routes!and!patterns,!rather!than!expanding!accessibility!overall.!
!
What’s!Been!Done!Elsewhere?!
!
Communities!across!Ontario!are!in!various!stages!of!creating!transportation!
programs!to!meet!the!needs!of!their!residents.!In!this!section,!I!will!briefly!describe!
several!community!transportation!strategies.!
!
The!Rural!Overland!Utility!Transit!(TROUT)!
!
Centered!in!Bancroft,!Ontario,!TROUT!uses!a!four6
part!public!transit!service!model!to!meet!the!
transportation!needs!of!the!community:!
Scheduled!Regional!Route!Service,!Door6to6Door!
Service,!Special!Destination!Service,!and!
Individualized!Service.!The!regional!population!is!
15,000,!and!the!area!served!is!3380!square!kilometers.!TROUT’s!Blended!Flex!Public!
Transit!Service!accommodates!their!demographic!and!geographic!challenges.!
!
The!Scheduled!Regional!Route!Service!is!a!fixed!bus!stop!route!service!throughout!
the!region.!Regional!pick6ups!are!made!in!the!mornings,!returning!riders!in!the!
afternoon.!Daily!route!service!in!Bancroft!connects!riders!from!throughout!the!
region!to!most!businesses!and!all!medical!centers!in!the!town.!
!
Door6to6door!service!is!blended!into!TROUT’s!regularly!scheduled!route!service,!and!
is!available!to!adults!who!are!55!years!or!older,!and!adults!with!physical!disabilities.!
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!33!
This!means!that!TROUT!transit!drivers!incorporate!door6to6door!service!pick6ups!
into!their!regular!route!times!and!locations.!Although!this!requires!drivers!to!
maneuver!some!organizational!challenges,!to!date,!it!has!been!a!very!successful!
model!and!quite!easily!managed!(TROUT,!personal!communication,!2013).!
!
Special!destination!services!are!also!available!to!facilitate!access!to!local!special!
events,!attractions,!and!other!destinations!that!are!off!the!regular!route!and!time!
schedules.!This!component!of!the!system!is!particularly!important!to!help!promote!
the!emotional!and!mental!health!and!wellbeing!of!riders.!
!
Riders!who!require!wheelchair!accessible!transportation!outside!the!regularly!
scheduled!route!service!can!access!the!individualized!public!transit!service.!This!
service!is!often!used!for!medical!appointments!or!transportation!home!from!the!
hospital.!
!
In!2012,!a!report!released!by!Community!Care!North!Hastings!put!forward!an!
alternative!funding!formula!for!TROUT,!based!on!a!total!private!dwelling!model,!as!
opposed!to!a!population!based!model.!A!total!private!dwelling!model!means!that!
each!household!is!asked!to!contribute!a!total!dollar!amount!slated!for!public!
transportation.!The!amount!can!be!added!to!tax!bills!as!a!separate!line!item!clearly!
visible!to!ratepayers.!This!report!recommended!a!contribution!of!$11.72!per!
household.!The!author!of!the!report,!Gord!Macdonald!said,!“This!recommendation!
provides!a!fair!and!equitable!financial!formula!across!all!municipalities!in!
determining!their!annual!municipal!contribution.!Municipal!contributions!are!
important!because!public!transportation!is!for!everyone!and!is!available!to!
everyone!in!all!municipalities”!(Shaw,!2012).!
!
Ride!Norfolk!
!
In!October!2011!a!fixed!route!service!
throughout!Norfolk!County!was!launched.!One!
bus,!with!the!capacity!for!16!passengers!and!
two!wheelchairs!serviced!all!“urban”!centers!of!
the!county.!Sharp!Bus!Lines!of!Simcoe,!a!major!provider!of!transportation!for!local!
Catholic!and!public!school!students!was!named!the!service!provider!(Sonnenberg,!
2011).!
!
The!fares!are!a!flat!rate!of!$6!for!out!of!town!rides,!and!$2!for!in!town!rides.!The!
service!is!available!from!8:00!am!to!6:00!pm!Monday!to!Friday.!There!is!no!weekend!
or!holiday!service.!Not!all!areas!of!the!county!receive!service!every!day.!Simcoe,!
where!the!majority!of!services,!shopping!and!other!amenities!are,!is!used!as!the!hub!
of!the!service,!and!has!daily!bus!service.!
!
In!February!2012,!changes!were!made!to!improve!the!service.!Changes!included!the!
addition!of!new!stops,!routes!and!schedules,!and!changes!to!the!marketing!strategy.!
81
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!34!
Changes!were!based!on!ridership!data!and!public!feedback.!In!early!2013,!the!
service!again!underwent!changes,!when!Cox!Transportation!of!London!and!St.!
Thomas!replaced!Sharp!Bus!Lines!of!Simcoe.!Cox!is!operating!the!shuttle!at!a!cost!of!
$45!an!hour,!compared!to!the!$117!an!hour!Sharp!Bus!Lines!was!charging!
(Sonnenberg,!2013).!
!
Wellington!Transportation!Services!
!
Wellington!Transportation!Services!is!a!
collaborative!network!of!community!service!
providers!that!believes!every!resident!of!
Wellington!County!should!have!access!to!transportation!supports!appropriate!to!
their!needs.!The!service!is!housed!at!the!Community!Resource!Centre!of!North!and!
Centre!Wellington.!!
!
In!2004,!when!the!need!for!increased!transportation!services!in!the!community!was!
identified,!rather!than!develop!a!new!transportation!service,!work!began!to!develop!
a!collaborative!model!that!integrated!existing!services.!Participating!service!
providers!include!Community!Resource!Centre!of!North!and!Centre!Wellington,!East!
Wellington!Community!Services,!Fergus6Elora!Seniors!Transportation,!Family!&!
Children’s!Services!of!Guelph!and!Wellington!County,!VON!Canada,!and!North!
Wellington!Senior!Council.!Clients!seeking!transportation!services!contact!the!
Wellington!Transportation!Service!hub!at!the!Community!Resource!Centre,!who!
then!directs!the!client!to!the!appropriate!provider.!
!
The!transportation!service!is!available!to!residents!of!Centre,!North!or!East!
Wellington!who!do!not!have!access!to!transportation!and!meet!eligibility!criteria.!
Target!populations!include!seniors,!adults!with!disabilities,!and!individuals!and!
families!living!on!low!incomes.!The!service!operates!7!days!a!week,!although!rides!
must!be!arranged!during!office!hours!from!Monday!to!Friday,!and!requires!at!least!
48!hours!notice.!It!is!a!volunteer!based!program,!and!so!no!ride!request!can!be!
guaranteed,!although,!best!efforts!are!made!to!fulfill!all!requests.!
!
Rides,!which!are!fully!accessible,!can!be!arranged!for!medical,!social!services,!or!
legal!appointments,!social!events!and!visiting,!and!errands!of!daily!living,!such!as!
grocery!shopping!or!banking.!Out!of!town!transportation!is!also!available.!!
!
The!Community!Resource!Centre,!a!partner!in!the!Wellington!Transportation!
Services!is!fully!funded!by!the!County!of!Wellington.!The!Community!Resource!
Centre!receives!$60,000!for!a!1.5!FTE!transportation!coordinators,!as!well!as!up!to!
$120,000!per!year!for!mileage!reimbursement!(volunteer!drivers!are!reimbursed!
$0.45!per!kilometer).!Money!is!reimbursed!for!what!is!spent,!so!funding!could!be!
less!than!$120,000!depending!on!service!demand.!As!part!of!the!funding!agreement!
with!the!county,!the!Community!Resource!Centre!acts!as!the!central!referral!point!
for!Wellington!Transportation!Services.!The!other!partner!agencies!of!Wellington!
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!35!
Transportation!Services!have!their!own!funding!structures,!and!as!a!result,!also!
have!various!fees!for!service!(Community!Resource!Centre!of!North!and!Centre!
Wellington,!personal!communication,!2013).!
!
The!program!reports!that!they!provide!approximately!200!rides!each!month,!with!
an!average!cost!per!month!of!$10,000!for!volunteer!reimbursement!(United!Way!
Oxford,!2012).!Approximately!two!thirds!of!rides!are!for!medical!reasons,!while!
other!drives!are!provided!for!Ontario!Works!and!Ontario!Disability!appointments,!
court!appointments,!food!bank!visits,!family!visits,!starting!a!new!job,!and!training!
and!education.!
!
Some!challenges!reported!by!the!program!include:!customer!service!being!provided!
by!volunteers,!attendance!at!volunteer!training,!sorting!out!car!seat!responsibilities!
(driver!vs.!parent!responsibility),!unexpected!requests,!the!cost!of!on6going!rides,!
and!ensuring!the!safety!of!volunteer!drivers!(United!Way!Oxford,!2012).!
!
Quinte!Access
!
The!mission!of!Quinte!Access!is!to!provide!
specialized!transportation!service!to!persons!
with!disabilities!and!seniors!so!they!may!
participate!in!all!of!life’s!activities.!Initiated!in!
1990,!the!program!was!designed!specifically!to!
meet!the!need!of!accessible!transportation!for!people!with!disabilities,!and!service!
began!with!one!accessible!van!donated!by!Easter!Seals.!A!combination!fixed!and!on6
demand!model,!this!service!provides!both!specialized!service!for!persons!with!
disabilities!and!seniors,!and!public!transit,!available!to!anyone,!for!the!City!of!Quinte!
West.!
!
Specialized!service!is!a!door6to6door!service,!and!operates!Monday!to!Friday!from!!
7!am!to!6!pm.!Evening,!weekend,!and!holiday!service!are!available!upon!request,!but!
are!provided!on!a!first!come!first!serve!basis,!and!are!dependent!on!driver!and!
vehicle!availability.!Bookings!must!be!made!24!hours!in!advance,!and!between!!
8:30!am!and!4:30!pm,!Monday!to!Friday.!Service!is!available!for!medical!
appointments,!employment,!education,!social!events!and!visiting,!recreation,!and!
daily!errands,!such!as!shopping.!Transportation!to!medical!appointments!and!for!
individuals!with!mobility!issues!who!cannot!access!alternate!means!of!
transportation!are!considered!priorities.!The!cost!of!specialized!service!is!based!on!
a!zone!fare!model.!
!
Public!transit!runs!Monday!to!Friday!from!6:00!am!to!7:30!pm!and!Saturday’s!from!
9:00!am!to!4:30!pm.!It!does!not!run!on!Sundays!or!holidays.!Public!transit!follows!a!
route!with!scheduled!stops.!
!
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While!navigating!many!challenges,!including!reduced!funding,!and!increased!
demand!for!services,!ridership!has!increased!from!5,200!in!the!199861999!year!to!
29,223!in!2012.!In!the!same!years,!the!number!of!vehicles!has!increased!from!three!
to!11!in!order!to!meet!this!need!(Quinte!Access,!personal!communication,!2013).!
!
The!program!is!funded!in!a!variety!of!ways,!including!rider!fares,!United!Way!of!
Quinte,!the!City!of!Quinte!West,!the!Municipality!of!Brighton,!the!County!of!Prince!
Edward,!Hastings!County!Social!Services,!donations!and!bequests,!fundraising,!
Provincial!Gas!Tax,!and!the!Ontario!Trillium!Foundation.!In!2011,!the!operating!
costs!of!the!programs!were!$673,300!for!specialized!services,!and!$342,609!for!
public!transit!(Quinte!Access,!personal!communication,!2013).!
!
Conclusion!
!
Public!transportation!is!an!economic!driver.!It!provides!and!supports!employment,!
promotes!spending,!increases!community!belonging,!and!reduces!health!costs!by!
keeping!people!active!and!in!their!homes.!Public!transportation!strengthens!and!
builds!more!inclusive!communities.!!
!
At!first!glance,!the!financial!cost!of!public!transit!can!act!as!an!inhibitor!of!action.!
However,!the!costs!of!not!having!public!transit!are!far!more!costly!to!our!
community.!Lack!of!transportation!hinders!the!work!of!our!social!service!sector!by!
draining!its!financial!resources,!staff!time,!and!expertise.!Lack!of!transportation!also!
has!an!incredible!social!cost!to!the!community.!We!need!to!shift!the!way!we!think!of!
public!transportation.!Transportation!services!don’t!make!money!–!not!in!Canada’s!
largest!cities,!and!not!in!rural!areas.!Once!we!can!shift!our!thinking,!we!can!
recognize!that!in!the!same!way!that!paving!roads!doesn’t!directly!link!to!incoming!
dollars,!the!benefits!that!it!does!provide!far!outweigh!the!financial!cost.!Public!
transportation!is!a!valuable!investment!that!we!need!to!make!in!Tillsonburg,!and!
Oxford!County.!Let’s!stop!making!excuses,!and!start!making!change.!
!
Recommendations!
!
1) A!transportation!system!needs!active!municipal!support,!including!financial.!
The!vast!majority!of!successful!rural!transportation!programs!are!supported!
financially!by!municipal!or!regional!government.!Additionally,!in!order!to!tap!
into!the!Provincial!gas!tax!rebate,!municipal!support!is!needed.!Even!small!
financial!contributions!from!municipalities!can!make!a!large!difference!in!!
the!amount!a!community!receives!in!their!rebate.!The!gas!tax!program!
provides!sustainable!transit!funding!to!municipalities,!although!there!are!
some!guidelines!to!what!types!of!programs!meet!eligibility!for!the!rebate.!
These!eligibility!requirements!need!to!be!explored!as!part!of!the!planning!
process.!
!
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2) We!need!to!continue!to!build!on!our!community’s!strengths.!Stonebridge!
Community!Services!is!a!non6profit!that!has!existing!transportation!
programs!that!cross!geographical!boundaries,!and!are!not!bound!to!funding!
guidelines!that!restrict!eligibility!requirements.!This!organization!could!act!
as!a!center!for!a!transportation!strategy!that!is!based!on!collaboration.!!
!
3) We!need!multiple!sector!involvement.!Involvement!from!government,!the!
social!service!sector,!and!the!private!sector!will!allow!us!to!build!the!
strongest!and!most!effective!transportation!strategy.!Exploring!creative!
partnerships!is!essential!to!success.!!
!
4) We!need!active!community!involvement!in!an!iterative!process!that!moves!
from!planning,!to!implementation,!to!evaluation!and!reflection,!and!back!to!
planning.!To!start,!a!steering!committee,!made!up!and!lead!by!community!
members!is!essential.!The!development!of!sub6committees,!each!led!by!a!
community!member!may!follow.!!
!
5) Future!plans!should!consider!the!development!of!partnerships!with!the!other!
municipalities!and!townships!inside!of!Oxford!County.!Financial!support!
from!all!areas!of!the!county!could!expand!a!transportation!program!and!
allow!for!the!benefits!of!transportation!to!be!experienced!by!all!Oxford!
County!residents.!Additionally,!a!tri6county!location!means!that!a!tri6county!
solution!is!ideal.!Partnerships!across!counties!should!be!considered!in!the!
future.!
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References(
(
AECOM!Canada!Ltd.!(2009).!County*of*Oxford*Transportation*Master*Plan*Study.*
Retrieved!from!
http://www.oxfordcounty.ca/Portals/15/Documents/Roads/COMasterTransportat
ionPlan.pdf!
!
County!of!Oxford.!Town!of!Tillsonburg!Land!Use!Policies.!In!County*of*Oxford*Official*
Plan*(Chapter!8).!Retrieved!from!
http://www.oxfordcounty.ca/Portals/15/Documents/CASPO/OfficialPlan/OP/86
7_Till_Trans_20111011.pdf!
!
MacDougall,!K.!(2012,!May!16).!Taxi!trouble!in!Tillsonburg.!Tillsonburg*News.*
Retrieved!from!http://www.tillsonburgnews.com/2012/05/16/taxi6trouble6in6
tillsonburg!
!
MacNeil,!M.!(2013).!Living*life*in*the*community:*The*role*of*transportation*in*
inclusion.Retrieved!from!http://www.spcoxford.ca/wp6
content/uploads/2012/12/Living6Life6in6the6Community6Matthew.pdf!
(
Marr,!E.!(2012).!Assessing*Transportation*Disadvantage*and*Public*Transportation*
Opportunities*in*Rural*Ontario:*A*Case*Study*of*Huron*County.*Retrieved!
fromhttp://catchthetrout.ca/publication/assessing6rural6transportation6
disadvantage6and6public6transportation6opportunities6in6rural6ontario6a6case6
study6of6huron6county/wppa_open/!
(
Mees,!P.!(2010).!Transport*for*Suburbia:*Beyond*the*Automobile*Age.*London:!
Earthscan.!
!
Ontario!Ministry!of!Transportation!(2011,!October!13).!Community!Structure.!In!
TransitZSupportive*Guidelines*(Section!1.1).!Retrieved!from!
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/transit/supportive6guideline/community6
structure.shtml#rural6settlement6areas!
!
Oxford!County!Public!Health!&!Emergency!Services.!(2011).!Healthy*Communities*
Oxford:*Community*Picture*Report*2011.*Retrieved!from!
http://www.spcoxford.ca/wp6
content/uploads/2012/09/Healthy%20Communities%20Report.pdf!
!
Shaw,!B.!(2012,!November!6).!TROUT!needs!councils!to!think!beyond!finances.!
Bancroft*This*Week.*Retrieved!from!
http://www.bancroftthisweek.com/2012/11/06/trout6needs6councils6to6think6
beyond6finances!
!
86
!
!39!
Sheridan,!D.!(2012,!March!30).!Oxford*Master*Aging*Plan.*Retrieved!from!
http://www.oxfordmasteragingplan.ca/Portals/OxfordMasterAgingPlan/Document
s/OMAP%20Final%20Report20120622.pdf!
!
Sonnenberg,!M.!(2013,!January!8).!New!provider!takes!over!beleaguered!shuttle!
service.!Simcoe*Reformer.*Retrieved!from!
http://www.tillsonburgnews.com/2013/01/08/new6provider6takes6over6
beleaguered6shuttle6service!
!
Sonnenberg,!M.!(2011,!September!21).!Sharp!gets!Norfolk!Shuttle!contract.!Simcoe*
Reformer.*Retrieved!from!http://www.simcoereformer.ca/2011/09/21/sharp6gets6
norfolk6shuttle6contract!
!
Statistics!Canada!2011!Census,!2011!Community!Profiles.!Retrieved!from!
http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census6recensement/2011/dp6
pd/prof/index.cfm?Lang=E!
!
Statistics!Canada.!(2008).!LowZincome*cutoffs*(LICOs).!Retrieved!from!
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/8160046x/def/41533576eng.htm!
!
Statistics!Canada!2006!Census,!2006!Community!Profiles.!Retrieved!from!
http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census6recensement/2006/dp6pd/prof/926
591/index.cfm?Lang=E!
!
Statistics!Canada.!History*of*changes*to*the*definition*“urban*area”*and*“rural*area”.!
Retrieved!from!http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/2166016m/2002061/41935976
eng.pdf!
!
Town!of!Tillsonburg.!(2013).!Taxicab*Survey.*Retrieved!from!
http://www.tillsonburg.ca/Portals/16/Documents/MediaandCommunications/Tax
icab%20Survey%2012.20.12.pdf!
(
United!Way!Oxford.!(2014,!January!17).!Belonging*in*Oxford*County*Event.!Ingersoll,!
Ontario.!
!
United!Way!Oxford!(2012,!March!21).!Oxford*Transportation*Strategy:*Moving*Ideas*
to*Action.**
!
!
!
!
!
87
!
!40!
Appendix!1!!
!
Social(Planning(Network(of(Ontario(statement(on(the(National(Household(
Survey(
(
The!voluntary!National!Household!Survey!(NHS)!has!produced!lower!quality!data!
than!the!mandatory!long6form!Census!it!has!replaced.!The!Social!Planning!Network!
of!Ontario!only!uses!NHS!data!when!higher!quality!data!is!not!available.!
!
Statistics!Canada!has!said!their!evaluations!of!NHS!data!“support!the!general!
reliability!of!the!data!at!the!national,!provincial!and!territorial!levels”!but!they!have!
not!extended!this!confidence!to!using!NHS!data!at!the!community!level.!They!have!
noted!that!“risk!of!error!in!NHS!estimates!increases!for!lower!levels!of!geography!
and!smaller!populations.”!Due!to!the!increase!in!error!at!the!local!level!compared!to!
previous!Census!data,!Statistics!Canada!has!released!very!few!NHS!data!tables!for!
smaller!geographies!like!municipalities!and!neighbourhoods.!
!
Statistics!Canada!has!also!cautioned!against!doing!historical!comparisons!between!
NHS!and!Census!data!because!the!data!was!collected!differently.!
!
Good!quality!data!about!demographics,!social!and!economic!conditions!at!the!local!
level!is!essential!for!social!planning!and!research,!including!the!design!and!delivery!
of!public!services.!!
!
The!cancellation!of!the!mandatory!long!form!Census!has!resulted!in!a!significant!loss!
of!reliable!data!that!will!greatly!reduce!the!ability!of!residents!to!understand!their!
own!communities.!This!critical!data!gap!will!also!affect!the!quality!and!cost6
effectiveness!of!the!services!residents!use!for!years!to!come.!The!Social!Planning!
Network!of!Ontario!with!its!partners!at!the!local,!provincial!and!national!levels!will!
continue!to!bring!attention!to!this!major!data!gap!and!to!call!for!the!return!of!a!full!
mandatory!Census.
88
!
!41!
Appendix!2!!
!
Tillsonburg(Transportation(Survey!
!
1. For!the!general!public!to!have!access!to!public!transportation!in!Tillsonburg!
it!is:!
o Very!important!
o Important!
o No!opinion!
o Not!important!
!
2. I!would!use!public!transportation!if!it!was!available!to!me:!
o Yes!
o No!
o Seasonally!(winter)!
o Not!sure!
!
3. For!one!way!travel!inside!of!Tillsonburg,!I!would!be!willing!to!pay!(choose!all!
that!apply):!
o $2!
o $3!
o $4!
o $5!
*Note!that!a!one!way!taxi!fare!in!Tillsonburg!currently!costs!$8.!
!
4. I!would!use!public!transportation!in!Tillsonburg!for!the!following!reasons!
(choose!all!that!apply):!
o Work!
o Volunteering!
o To!meet!daily!needs!(e.g.!groceries,!hair!cut)!
o Social!events!
o Public!services!(e.g.!health!care,!social!services)!
!
5. How!do!you!currently!get!around!Tillsonburg?!
o I!own!a!car!
o Rely!on!family!and!friends!
o Taxi!
o Bicycle/Scooter!
o Other!(Multi6Service!Centre,!Stonebridge,!Community!Living,!Red!
Cross,!etc.)!
!
89
!
!42!
6. What!is!your!gender?!
o Female!
o Male!
o Other!
!
7. What!is!your!age?!
o 25!or!under!
o 26640!
o 41655!
o 56665!
o 65!or!older!
!
8. What!is!your!marital!status?!
o Single!
o Living!with!another!
o Married!
o Separated!
o Divorced!
o Widowed!
!
9. What!is!your!current!annual!household!income?!
o Less!than!$30,000!
o $30,0006$50,000!
o $50,0006$70,000!
o $70,0006$90,000!
o More!than!$90,000!
90
!
!43!
Appendix!3!
!
Town(of(Tillsonburg:(Taxicab(Survey(
(
1. Do!you!use!taxicabs!in!Tillsonburg?!!
Yes!No!
!
2. Do!you!or!someone!you!know!require!the!use!of!an!on6demand!accessible!taxi!
in!Tillsonburg?!!!!!
Yes!No!
!
3. Have!you!or!someone!you!know!previously!requested!the!use!of!an!accessible!
taxicab!in!Tillsonburg?!!!
Yes!No!
!
4. How!often!would!you!or!someone!you!know!use!an!accessible!taxicab!in!
Tillsonburg?!!
Daily!!!!!!
Once!a!week!!!!!!
More!than!once!a!week!!!!!!
Once!a!month!!!!!!
More!than!once!a!month!
!
5. Do!you!feel!there!is!a!need!for!on6demand!accessible!taxicabs!in!Tillsonburg?!
No!!!!!!
Yes,!one!accessible!on6demand!taxicab!!!!!!
Yes,!two!accessible!on6demand!taxicabs!
Yes,!three!accessible!on6demand!taxicabs!!
Yes,!four!accessible!on6demand!taxicab!
!
91
92
Community and Strategic Planning P. O. Box 1614, 21 Reeve Street
Woodstock Ontario N4S 7Y3
Phone: 519-539-9800 • Fax: 519-421-4712 Web site: www.oxfordcounty.ca
Our Files: A-11/14
APPLICATION FOR MINOR VARIANCE
TO: Town of Tillsonburg Committee of Adjustment MEETING: January 12, 2015
REPORT NUMBER: 2015-9 OWNER: Henry Dalm
135 Allen Street, Tillsonburg, Ontario
VARIANCES REQUESTED:
Relief from Section 5.1, Table 5.1.1.4 – Regulations for Accessory Buildings and
Structures, to increase the maximum permitted building height of an accessory building from 3.7 m (12.1 ft) to 4.2 m (13.8 ft) to facilitate the construction of a detached accessory building on the subject lands.
LOCATION:
The subject lands are described as Part Lot 20 & Lot 23, Plan 41M-218, in the Town of Tillsonburg. The subject property is located on the north side of Allen Street, west of Windermere Avenue, and is known municipally as 135 Allen Street.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: COUNTY OF OXFORD OFFICIAL PLAN:
Schedule ‘T-1’ Town of Tillsonburg Land Use Plan Residential
Schedule ‘T-2’ Town of Tillsonburg Residential Density Plan Low Density Residential
TOWN OF TILLSONBURG ZONING BY-LAW: Low Density Residential Type 1 Zone (R1)
SURROUNDING USES: surrounding uses include single detached dwellings and vacant low density residential land to the west,
and a mobile home park to the north.
93
File Number: A 11-14 Report Number 2015-9 Page 2
COMMENTS:
(a) Purpose of the Application:
The applicant is requesting relief from the above noted provision of the Town Zoning By-law in order to facilitate the construction of a detached accessory building.
The subject property contains a single detached dwelling (under construction).
Plate 1, Location Map (with Existing Zoning and Parcel Lines), shows the location of the subject
properties and the zoning in the immediate vicinity.
Plate 2, 2010 Air Photo, shows the location of the subject lands and surrounding properties.
Plate 3, Applicant’s Sketch, shows the location of the existing structures on the subject land and
the location of the proposed accessory building. Plate 4, Front Building Elevation, depicts the front building elevation of the proposed accessory
building.
Plate 5, Right Building Elevation, depicts the side building elevation of the proposed accessory
building.
(b) Agency Comments
This application was circulated to a number of public agencies. Town of Tillsonburg Building
Services Department commented that the proposed accessory structure is not to be used for
human habitation. The Town Engineering Department indicated they have no concerns with the proposal.
Public Notice was mailed to surrounding property owners on December 29th, 2014. As of the writing of this report, no comments or concerns had been received from the public.
(c) Intent and Purpose of the Official Plan:
The subject lands are designated ‘Low Density Residential’ according to the Official Plan. Within the ‘Low Density Residential’ designation, permitted land uses are primarily low density housing forms including single detached dwellings, duplexes and street fronting town houses and
accessory uses. The use of the lands for single detached dwellings and accessory uses thereto conforms to the ‘Low Density Residential’ policies of the Official Plan.
(d) Intent and Purpose of the Zoning By-law:
The subject property is zoned ‘R1’, which permits a single detached dwelling and home
occupation.
Provisions respecting accessory buildings and structures are outlined in Table 5.1.1.4-
Regulations for Accessory Buildings and Structures. The maximum permitted building height for a structure accessory to a residential use in a ‘R1’ Zone is 3.7 m (12.1 ft). Height provisions are
intended to ensure that accessory uses and structures remain clearly secondary to the main
residential use of the property and have minimal impact on neighbouring properties.
The applicant is proposing to construct an accessory building with an increased building height of 4.2 m (13.8 ft). The accessory building is proposed to be 4.9 m x7.3 m (16’ x 24’) and will
94
File Number: A 11-14 Report Number 2015-9 Page 3
have an approximate area of 35.7m2 (384 ft2), within the lot coverage permitted by the Zoning
By-law. The applicant has indicated that the requested height is necessary to match the roof pitch and design of the exterior and roof of the single detached dwelling being constructed on
the subject property.
Staff are satisfied that the increased building height maintains the general purpose and intent of
the Zoning By-law as the proposed shed will remain clearly secondary to the principal dwelling.
(e) Desirable Development/Use:
Notwithstanding that the requested height of the proposed accessory structure is larger than what is typically permitted, in this case, Planning staff are satisfied that the proposed accessory
structure is in keeping with the general purpose and intent of the Official Plan and Zoning By-
law, and is desirable development for the subject lands.
In addition, the design of the proposed structure, as provided by the applicant, is in keeping with the characteristics of the surrounding residential uses and is not anticipated to have a negative effect on neighbouring property owners as the requested height is required to implement the
proposed design features for the accessory building.
In light of the foregoing, it is the opinion of this Office that the requested relief maintains the
general intent of the Official Plan and the Zoning By-law and can be given favorable consideration.
95
File Number: A 11-14 Report Number 2015-9 Page 4
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Town of Tillsonburg Committee of Adjustment approve Application File A-11/14,
submitted by Henry Dalm, for lands described as Part Lot 20 & Lot 23, Plan 41M-218, Town of Tillsonburg, as it relates to:
1. Relief from Section 5.1, Table 5.1.1.4 – Regulations for Accessory Buildings and Structures, to increase the maximum permitted height of an accessory building from 3.7 m
(12.1 ft) to 4.2 m (13.8 ft) to facilitate the construction of a detached accessory building on
the subject lands.
Subject to the following condition:
i. A building permit for the accessory building shall be issued within one year of the date of the Committee's decision.
As the proposed variance is:
(i) a minor variance from the provisions of the Town of Tillsonburg Zoning By-law No. 3295;
(ii) desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land;
(iii) in-keeping with the general intent and purpose of the Town of Tillsonburg Zoning By-law
No. 3295; and (iv) in-keeping with the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan.
Authored by: original signed by Eric Gilbert, MCIP RPP, Development Planner
Approved by: original signed by Gordon K. Hough, MCIP, RPP, Director
EG
December 30, 2014
96
December 15, 2014
This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site andis for reference only. Data layers that appear on this map may or may not beaccurate, current, or otherwise reliable. This is not a plan of survey
Legend
520
Notes
NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_17N
26 Meters
Parcel Lines
Property Boundary
Assessment Boundary
Unit
Road
Municipal Boundary
Environmental Protection/Flood Overlay
Flood Fringe
Floodway
Environmental Protection (EP1)
Environmental Protection (EP2)
Zoning Floodlines/Regulation Limit
100 Year Flood Line
30 Metre Setback
Conservation Authority Regulation Limit
Regulatory Flood And Fill Lines
Zoning (Displays 1:16000 to 1:500)
97
December 15, 2014
This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site andis for reference only. Data layers that appear on this map may or may not beaccurate, current, or otherwise reliable. This is not a plan of survey
Legend
260
Notes
NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_17N
13 Meters
Parcel Lines
Property Boundary
Assessment Boundary
Unit
Road
Municipal Boundary
98
99
100
101
Report No: CASPO 2015-18 COMMUNITY AND STRATEGIC PLANNING
Council Date: January 12, 2015
To: Mayor and Members of Tillsonburg Council
From: Eric Gilbert, Development Planner, Community and Strategic Planning
Application for Zone Change- Removal of Holding Provision
ZN 7-14-12 –Tillsonburg Developments Inc.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
• The application for zone change proposes to remove the holding provision from Phase 9A of Baldwin Place. The appropriate servicing works have been completed and development agreements have been signed. Removal of the holding provision will allow for the issuance
of building permits.
• Phase 9A consists of 32 single detached dwelling lots and 2 new local streets.
• Planning staff are recommending approval of the application, as sufficient water and wastewater capacity is available for the development.
DISCUSSION
Background
OWNER: Tillsonburg Developments Inc. 80 Brock Street E, P.O. Box 158, Tillsonburg ON N4G 4H5
LOCATION:
The subject property is legally described as Blocks 72, 73, 75, & Part of Block 80, Plan 41M-182, Town of Tillsonburg and is located on the west side of Weston Crescent and
fronts on Hollier Drive, south of Esseltine Drive.
COUNTY OF OXFORD OFFICIAL PLAN:
Schedule “T-1” Town of Tillsonburg Land Use Plan Residential
Schedule “T-2” Town of Tillsonburg Residential Density Plan Low Density Residential
Page 1 of 4 102
Report No: CASPO 2015-18 COMMUNITY AND STRATEGIC PLANNING
Council Date: January 12, 2015 TOWN OF TILLSONBURG ZONING BY-LAW NO.3295:
Existing Zoning: Special Low Density Residential Type 2 Holding Zone (R2-5 H)
Proposed Zoning: Special Low Density Residential Type 2 Zone (R2-5)
PROPOSAL:
The purpose of the Application for Zone Change is to remove a holding provision on the subject
lands to allow for the development of single detached dwellings.
The subject property is comprised of Phase 9A of Baldwin Place, encompassing 32 single
detached dwelling lots. In September 2014, an exemption from part lot control by-law was passed by the County of Oxford to allow for the creation of 32 lots. Appropriate development
agreements have been signed by the developer and the Town and County and the owner has
now requested that the holding provision on the lands be lifted to allow for the issuance of building permits.
Surrounding land uses to the south, and east are generally low density residential. The lands to the west are presently in agricultural production.
Plate 1, Existing Zoning and Location Map, shows the location of the subject property and the existing zoning in the immediate vicinity.
Plate 2, 2010 Aerial Photo, provides an aerial view of the subject property.
Plate 3, Phase 9A, shows the lot fabric of Phase 9A of Baldwin Place.
Application Review
PROVINCIAL POLICY STATEMENT:
The 2014 Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) provides policy direction on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development. The current policy framework came into
effect on April 30, 2014. Under Section 3 of the Planning Act, where a municipality is exercising
its authority affecting a planning matter, such decisions “shall be consistent with” all policy statements issued under the Act.
Section 1.1.3.1 of the PPS states that Settlement Areas will be the focus of growth and their vitality and regeneration shall be promoted. Section 1.1.1 provides that healthy liveable and
safe communities are sustained by: promoting efficient development and land use patterns which sustain the financial well-being of the Province and municipalities over the long term,
accommodating an appropriate range and mix of residential, employment (including industrial,
commercial and institutional uses), recreational and open space uses to meet long-term needs and avoiding development and land use patterns which may cause environmental or public
health and safety concerns.
Page 2 of 4 103
Report No: CASPO 2015-18 COMMUNITY AND STRATEGIC PLANNING
Council Date: January 12, 2015 OFFICIAL PLAN:
The subject lands are designated ‘Low Density Residential’ according to the Official Plan. Within the ‘Low Density Residential’ designation, permitted land uses are primarily low density housing
forms including single detached dwellings, duplexes and street fronting town houses and accessory uses. The use of the lands for single detached dwellings and accessory uses thereto conforms to the ‘Low Density Residential’ policies of the Official Plan.
TOWN OF TILLSONBURG ZONING BY-LAW:
The subject property is currently zoned ‘’Special Low Density Residential Type 2 Holding Zone
(R2-5 H)’, according to the Town of Tillsonburg Zoning By-law.
Section 36 of the Planning Act governs the use of Holding Provisions. Holding provisions are
typically used to ensure that technical or administrative matters are addressed prior to the
intended use of a property being permitted. Removal of holding provisions does not require public notice or circulation of the application, and the only right to appeal lies with the applicant.
In this instance, holding provisions were applied to ensure that appropriate development agreements are in place and adequate water and wastewater capacity is assigned to the
development prior to the construction of single detached dwellings. The applicant proposes to remove the holding provision to allow the lands to be used for
residential purposes.
AGENCY COMMENTS:
The application was circulated to various public agencies considered to have an interest in the
proposal. The Town Building Services Department and Town Engineering Services Department indicated that they have no concerns with the request to remove the holding provision from the lands. The Oxford County Public Works Department indicated that they have no objection to
the request, as there is adequate water and wastewater treatment capacity to service the proposed development.
Planning Analysis
It is the opinion of this Office that the proposed zoning application is consistent with the policies
of the Provincial Policy Statement and is in keeping with the policies of the County Official Plan and can therefore be supported from a planning perspective.
Oxford County Public Works Department have confirmed that there is sufficient water and wastewater capacity available to service the proposed development and the Town Engineering
Department has indicated that they have no objection to the removal of the holding provision as the appropriate development agreements are in place.
It is Planning staff’s opinion that the request to remove the holding provision within Phase 9A of Baldwin Place to allow for residential development in the form of single detached dwellings is
appropriate from a planning perspective and can be given favourable consideration.
Page 3 of 4 104
Report No: CASPO 2015-18 COMMUNITY AND STRATEGIC PLANNING
Council Date: January 12, 2015 A copy of the draft amending by-law is attached for Council’s consideration.
RECOMMENDATION
1. It is recommended that the Council of the Town of Tillsonburg approve the zone change application submitted by Tillsonburg Developments Inc, whereby the lands described as Blocks 72, 73, 75, & Part of Block 80, Plan 41M-182, Town of
Tillsonburg, are to be rezoned from ‘Special Low Density Residential Type 2 Holding Zone (R2-5 H)’ to ‘Special Low Density Residential Type 2 Zone (R2-5)’.
SIGNATURES
Authored by: Eric Gilbert, MCIP RPP, Development Planner
Approved for submission: Gordon K. Hough, MCIP, RPP
Director
Page 4 of 4 105
December 17, 2014
This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site andis for reference only. Data layers that appear on this map may or may not beaccurate, current, or otherwise reliable. This is not a plan of survey
Legend
640
Notes
NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_17N
32 Meters
Parcel Lines
Property Boundary
Assessment Boundary
Unit
Road
Municipal Boundary
Environmental Protection/Flood Overlay
Flood Fringe
Floodway
Environmental Protection (EP1)
Environmental Protection (EP2)
Zoning Floodlines/Regulation Limit
100 Year Flood Line
30 Metre Setback
Conservation Authority Regulation Limit
Regulatory Flood And Fill Lines
Zoning (Displays 1:16000 to 1:500)
106
December 17, 2014
This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site andis for reference only. Data layers that appear on this map may or may not beaccurate, current, or otherwise reliable. This is not a plan of survey
Legend
510
Notes
NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_17N
25 Meters
Parcel Lines
Property Boundary
Assessment Boundary
Unit
Road
Municipal Boundary
Environmental Protection/Flood Overlay
Flood Fringe
Floodway
Environmental Protection (EP1)
Environmental Protection (EP2)
Zoning Floodlines/Regulation Limit
100 Year Flood Line
30 Metre Setback
Conservation Authority Regulation Limit
Regulatory Flood And Fill Lines
Zoning (Displays 1:16000 to 1:500)
107
108
THE CORPORATION OF THE
TOWN OF TILLSONBURG
BY-LAW NUMBER _________
A By-Law to amend Zoning By-Law Number 3295, as amended.
WHEREAS the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg deems it advisable to amend By-Law Number 3295, as amended.
THEREFORE, the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg,
enacts as follows:
1. That Schedule "A" to By-Law Number 3295, as amended, is hereby
amended by changing to ‘R2-5’ the zone symbol of the lands so
designated ‘R2-5’ on Schedule “A” attached hereto.
2. This By-Law comes into force in accordance with Sections 34(21) and (30) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended.
READ a first and second time this 12th day of January, 2015.
READ a third time and finally passed this 12th day of January, 2015.
Mayor
Clerk
109
A=4.54R=15.00
W E S T O N
D R
HOGARTH DR
H O L L I E R
D R
N78°45'10"W19.35
N4
7
°
2
4
'
0
0
"
W
4
0
.
7
6
N78°27'39"E 125.72
N1
1
°
3
6
'
3
0
"
W
20
.
3
7
SCHEDULE "A"
LOTS 72, 73 & 75, PT LOT 80, REGISTERED PLAN 41M182
TOWN OF TILLSONBURG
AREA OF ZONE CHANGE TO R2-5
NOTE: ALL DIMENSIONS IN METRES
THIS IS SCHEDULE "A"
MAYOR
CLERK
TO BY-LAW No. ________________, PASSED
THE __________ DAY OF ____________, 2015
20 0 20 40 6010
METRES
TO BY-LAW No.
L O T 8 0
L
O
T
8
0
L O T 7 2
L O T 7 5
L
O
T
7
3
R E G
I
S
T
E
R
E
D
P
L
A
N
4
1
M
1
8
2
110
ZN 7-14-12
TOWN OF TILLSONBURG
BY-LAW NUMBER _______
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The purpose of By-Law Number ______ is to rezone the subject property from ‘Special
Low Density Residential Type 2 Holding Zone (R2-5 H)’ to ‘Special Low Density Residential Type 2 Zone (R2-5)’ to permit the residential development of Phase 9A of Baldwin Place. This by-law removes the Holding Provision from the 32 lots that are part
of Phase 9A.
The subject property is legally described as Blocks 72, 73, 75, & Part of Block 80, Plan 41M-182, Town of Tillsonburg and is located on the west side of Weston Crescent and fronts on Hollier Drive, south of Esseltine Drive.
The Municipal Council, after conducting the public hearing necessary to consider any
comments to the proposed zone change application, approved By-Law Number _______. The public hearing was held on September 22, 2014.
Any person wishing further information relative to Zoning By-Law Number ______ may
contact the undersigned:
Ms. Donna Wilson
Clerk
Town of Tillsonburg
200 Broadway, 2nd Floor Town Centre Mall
Tillsonburg, ON N4G 5A7
Telephone: 842-9200
File: ZN 7-14-12 (Tillsonburg Developments)
Report No: 2015-18
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THE CORPORATION OF THE
TOWN OF TILLSONBURG
BY-LAW NUMBER 3866
A By-Law to amend Zoning By-Law Number 3295, as amended.
WHEREAS the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg deems it advisable to amend By-Law Number 3295, as amended.
THEREFORE, the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg,
enacts as follows:
1. That Schedule "A" to By-Law Number 3295, as amended, is hereby
amended by changing to ‘R2-5’ the zone symbol of the lands so
designated ‘R2-5’ on Schedule “A” attached hereto.
2. This By-Law comes into force in accordance with Sections 34(21) and (30) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended.
READ a first and second time this 12th day of January, 2015.
READ a third time and finally passed this 12th day of January, 2015.
Mayor
Clerk
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SCHEDULE "A"
LOTS 72, 73 & 75, PT LOT 80, REGISTERED PLAN 41M182TOWN OF TILLSONBURG
AREA OF ZONE CHANGE TO R2-5
NOTE: ALL DIMENSIONS IN METRES
THIS IS SCHEDULE "A"
MAYOR
CLERK
TO BY-LAW No. ________________, PASSED
THE __________ DAY OF ____________, 2015
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School and community members are invited to submit suggested names for; Annandale School,South Ridge P.S., and the New Tillsonburg Area
Public School
1250 Dundas Street, London, Ontario N5W 5P2
For more information, call (519) 452-2000 Ext. 20218
Ruth Tisdale
Chair of the Board
Laura Elliott
Director of Education
Name OurSchools A naming of schools nomination formand guidelines are available on ourweb site at www.tvdsb.ca/PublicInput
Suggestions will be
forwarded to the
naming committees
for consideration.
Please complete
and submit your
nomination form by
January 16, 2015.
This is an opportunity for
students, schools, and the
community to demonstrate
their creativity, pay tribute to a
particular individual, or high-
light historical connections
within the community.
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1
Request for Nominations
To Fill Vacancies on the
2014 – 2016 AMO Board of Directors
December 8, 2014
To: Head and Members of Council
From: Elizabeth Savill, Secretary-Treasurer
Please be advised that in accordance with the Association’s By-law and vacancy policy, the Secretary-
Treasurer is requesting nominations to fill the following vacancies on the 2014 – 2016 AMO Board of
Directors. Candidates chosen to fill the vacancies will complete the term of the Board (August, 2016).
Candidates should anticipate that s/he will be interviewed as part of the process to fill the vacancies.
The status of the Board’s six Caucuses follows:
County Caucus – three elected official vacancies to be filled
Large Urban Caucus – one elected official vacancy to be filled
Northern Caucus – no vacancy
Regional and Single Tier (Cities) – three elected official vacancies to be filled
Rural Caucus – one elected official vacancy to be filled
Small Urban Caucus – no vacancy
Qualifications and Nomination Requirements:
Municipality must be an AMO member in good standing.
Candidate for Director shall:
o be an individual of eighteen (18) or more years of age;
o not be an undischarged bankrupt; and
o not be declared incapable.
No Member Municipality may be represented on the Board by more than one Director, either a
municipal elected official or a municipal employee.
Qualified Nominees must obtain a Council resolution of support which must also specify the
Caucus for which the individual is nominated.
Attached is:
i) An estimate of the annual time commitment required to serve on the AMO Board of
Directors and for those who if they become chair of a caucus will then serve on the AMO
Executive Committee.
ii) Nomination Form
Submission:
A completed Nomination Form and supporting material must be received no later than 9:00
a.m. Friday, January 16, 2015. Nominations will not be accepted beyond that date.
A completed Nomination Form
Candidates CV
Council’s resolution of support
Forward the required information above to the Association via fax at (416) 971-6191 or mail to the
attention of Pat Vanini, Executive Director. All candidates will be contacted to confirm receipt of their
nominations.
If you have any questions regarding this information, please contact Pat Vanini, Executive Director at
(416) 971-9856, ext. 316, e-mail pvanini@amo.on.ca or Lorna Ruder, Executive Assistant, ext. 341,
email lruder@amo.on.ca.
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2
The following is an estimate of time individuals can normally expect to devote for service on the AMO
Board of Directors and Executive Committee (i.e. where a member of the Caucus becomes Chair of a
Caucus).
Board Meetings 6 days
AMO Conference 3 days
Other Commitments (i.e. task forces) up to 6 days depending on interest
Executive Meetings 10 days
Memorandum of Understanding Meetings 10 days
(Executive Committee only)
Board Meetings:
Board meetings are normally held on the fourth Friday in September, November, January, March and
June and on the Saturday and sometimes the Sunday prior to the AMO Annual Conference in August.
The June meeting is normally held in the President’s or Secretary-Treasurer’s municipality. In addition
to the Board meetings, Board members may also serve on AMO Task Forces or be appointed to other
committees.
Executive Meetings:
Executive meetings are held on the Thursday before a scheduled Board meeting and on the fourth
Friday of the month when there is no Board meeting. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
meetings are specifically scheduled and are generally monthly.
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NOMINATION FORM - VACANCIES
2014 – 2016
AMO Board of Directors
It is the responsibility of the person nominated to file a
complete and accurate Nomination Form.
Nominations will be accepted no later than 9:00 AM
Friday, January 16, 2015
Resolution of support from nominee’s municipality
must be attached, and must specify the Caucus.
Send completed forms to:
Pat Vanini, Executive Director
Association of Municipalities of Ontario,
200 University Avenue, Suite 801
Toronto, ON M5H 3C6
FAX to: 416-971-6191
Nominee’s Name
Check One Only
Nominee’s Municipal Title
Director County Caucus
Municipal Name
Director Large Urban Caucus
Director Regional & Single Tier (Separated
Cities) Caucus
Address
Director Rural Caucus
Town/City Postal Code
Business Telephone:
Mobile:
Fax:
Email:
Council Resolution confirming Caucus and Council support for the nomination is ATTACHED.
My CV is ATTACHED.
CONSENT OF NOMINEE AND STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATION
I the Nominee mentioned in this Nomination Form do hereby
consent to such nomination and declare that I am qualified to be elected and to hold the office for which I am
nominated.
Dated: Signature:
Signature of Nominee
FAX this Form, Your CV and Council Resolution to: 416-971-6191 or email to: pvanini@amo.on.ca
no later than 9:00 AM, January 16, 2015
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TILLSONBURG DISTRICT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
An innovative community hospital delivering exceptional patient care.
167 Rolph Street, Tillsonburg, Ontario N4G 3Y9 Telephone (519) 842-3611 Fax (519) 842-6733
Email: mail@tdmh.on.ca Website: www.tillsonburghospital.on.ca
For Immediate Release December 16, 2014 TDMH encourages people with family history of colon cancer to be screened TILLSONBURG – In partnership with Southwest Regional Cancer Program, TDMH is advising patients who have been identified as being at high risk for colon cancer, including people with a family history of colon cancer, to not wait to be screened and book a colonoscopy soon. Delaying screening could decrease the potential cure rate of a cancer that is
discovered early. “People with a family history of colon cancer are anywhere from 2 to 6 times more likely to develop colorectal cancer than the average person, especially if they have multiple members affected or they were diagnosed at a younger age,” says Dr. Jacquie Crosby, TDMH Chief of Surgery. “It is very important for them to have a screening colonoscopy within six months of a referral to a specialist according to our regional cancer program guidelines. This way, any abnormality found that could lead to colon cancer will be identified and dealt with immediately.” Many people think they are too young to be screened. Yet studies prove that regular screening at any age can prevent deaths from colorectal cancer. Patients have an estimated 90% chance of being cured if a cancer is detected early, compared with only 10% if it is detected at an advanced stage. Everyone should start colon cancer screening at age 50, but those with a family history in a close relative such as a parent, sibling or child should start earlier – about 10 years younger than when the family member was diagnosed. If people have been identified to be at increased risk for colon cancer, they are asked to contact their family physician to discuss the benefits of early screening. Ontario has one of the highest rates of colorectal cancer in the world. Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the province, and the second highest cause of cancer deaths in Ontario. Colonoscopy is the most accurate way to detect and prevent colorectal cancer.
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STAFF REPORT
CAO
Report Title: Chief Administrative Officer Performance Evaluation 2014
Report No.: CAO 15-01
Author: David Calder, CAO
Meeting Type: COUNCIL MEETING
Council Date: JANUARY 12, 2015
Attachments:
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council receive CAO 15-01 Chief Administrative Officer Performance Evaluation 2014;
And That Council establish and appoint a CAO Performance Review Committee;
And That Council appoint Mayor Molnar and ____________________ and
_________________ to the CAO Performance Review Committee;
And Further That Council approve the proposed 2014 CAO Performance Evaluation Process as outlined in CAO 15-01
Background
The requirement for a CAO performance evaluation is a condition of employment which states on or about the anniversary date, the CAO will participate in an annual performance
review conducted by the Mayor and members of Council or a Committee of Council. The
CAO’s starting date with the Town was January 14, 2013 so that the performance review should be completed in the first quarter of 2015.
In accordance with the above, it is being recommended that a CAO Performance Review
Committee be established in order to provide a process for Council members to participate
in the CAO performance review process.
It is anticipated that the role of the CAO Performance Review Committee is to:
• Review the objectives/themes communicated by the CAO;
• Review the performance of the CAO in 2014 in relation to Council direction and CAO
initiatives;
• With the CAO, jointly develop goals and objectives for 2015;
• Establish the measurement criteria for the defined goals and objectives in 2015;
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• Make a recommendation to Council regarding 2015 goals and objectives;
• Provide recommendations for CAO compensation on a yearly basis.
FINANCIAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
Dependent on decisions that may be made by the Committee regarding compensation.
.
APPROVALS
Author
Name/Signature David Calder
Date: December
19, 2014
Director Name/Signature Darrell Eddington Date: 12/22/14
Finance
Name/Signature Date:
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STAFF REPORT
Office of the CAO
Report Title: Community Strategic Plan - Implementation
Report No.: CAO – 15 -02
Author: David Calder
Meeting Type: COUNCIL MEETING
Council Date: JANUARY, 12 2015
Attachments:
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council adopts the Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan;
And that the Implementation Plan as outlined in Report CAO- 15 - 02 be approved.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At its meeting of September 8, 2014, Council had a presentation from Ms. Andrea Bourrie
of MMM Group outlining the Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan (CSP). Council subsequently received the Community Strategic Plan and referred the CSP to the CAO for a
report on an implementation plan. The purpose of this report is to outline the
implementation plan.
“THAT Council receive the Community Strategic Plan;
AND THAT the Community Strategic Plan be referred to the CAO for a report on an implementation plan.
Carried.”
CONSULTATION/COMMUNICATION
The culmination of the CSP is a product of a wide spread consultation process that
“engaged residents of all ages, community organizations and Town employees through
focus groups, workshops, an on line survey and a community open house. The
implementation plan will continue to engage the community through monitoring and
reporting to Council, input from community agencies and “Town Hall” style meeting providing status updates on CSP implementation and to-date successes.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
Any financial impacts and identified funding sources will be included in future Town
Operating/Capital budgets for Council consideration beginning with the 2015 budget
process.
BACKGROUND
The most important aspect of the CSP is “translating words into action”. The CSP
identifies three specific aspects for a successful implementation.
Championing – In order to ensure that the CSP does not languish on a shelf, it is
important that the Town identifies a champion that will assume internal ownership
of the CSP. The role of a champion is to monitor internally that the goals of each
strategic objective is being accomplished and the identified action items are
implemented. As CAO, I will ultimately be responsible at the administrative level for
overseeing the implementation of the CSP. In order to interact with the various
departments of the Town and to help break down silos within the organization,
which will assist with a successful implementation of the CSP, I have assigned the
Deputy Clerk with the role of Co-ordinator of the CSP. In the capacity of Co-
ordinator, the Deputy Clerk will report to the CAO through the Senior Management
Team. This will allow for internal accountability at the positional level within the
organization as well as at the Senior Management level. Championing will be a
corporate responsibility shared throughout the town departments but will go
through one point of contact being the Deputy Clerk.
Quick Wins – In early 2015, it will be important to identify and take immediate
action on some of the strategic initiatives to build trust and momentum around the
CSP. Some easily achievable “quick wins” will include developing a communication
strategy and the identification of a staff member, as noted above, responsible for
leading the implementation of the CSP. A number of strategic initiatives have been
moving forward since last September to the present and a separate staff report will outline some of the accomplishments around the CSP to date.
Monitoring Progress – One of the goals of Council has been to continue to
demonstrate openness, transparency and responsiveness. As part of the monitoring
of the CSP it will be critical that Council sees regular reporting on the progress the Town is making in meeting the goals identified in the CSP. In order to accommodate
this goal, staff will prepare annual CSP reports along with any required summary
documents. In addition, Council will hold annual “Town Hall” style meetings to
ensure progress is being made and to identify areas that may require additional
resources. A timeline for ongoing reporting and monitoring will be outlined in a
subsequent report. The report will identify reporting milestones as well as public
engagement opportunities based on specific CSP goals and objectives as identified
in the CSP as approved by Council. In addition, staff will arrange a workshop as part
of a future Council meeting to review the goals and objectives with the purpose of
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identifying key initiatives that Council would like to achieve during its current
mandate.
APPROVALS
Author
Name/Signature David Calder
Date: January,
2015
Director
Name/Signature Date:
Finance
Name/Signature Darrell Eddington Date: 01/05/15
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STAFF REPORT
DEPARTMENT
Report Title: Tillsonburg Hydro Incorporation - Board of Directors
Composition
Report No.: CAO-03-15
Author: David Calder, CAO
Meeting Type: COUNCIL MEETING
Council Date: JANUARY 12, 2015
Attachments: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND DIRECTION
(MOUD)
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Council of the Town of Tillsonburg, being the sole shareholder of Tillsonburg Hydro
Incorporation, amend the Memorandum of Understanding and Direction between the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg and Tillsonburg Hydro Inc, to provide for a Board of
Directors composition of 7 independent members and 0 members selected by the Town at large.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
At the Tillsonburg Hydro Inc Board of Directors meeting of November 18, 2014, the Board passed the following motion:
“THAT the Board recommend to the Shareholder that the Board composition be made up of
seven independent Board Members and 0 at large representatives.”
The Memorandum of Understanding and Direction, Section 4.0 Board Composition outlines
the current expectations between the shareholder and the LDC around Board composition.
BACKGROUND
The Board of Directors of Tillsonburg Hydro Inc. has been discussing their governance structure for the purpose of maximizing shareholder value and to ensure Board
independence. The Ontario Energy Board is also reviewing Corporate Governance of LDC’s
and has hired KPMG to advance this review. Although the OEB as the regulator of LDC’s has not given any direction regarding Board composition, this may be a good time to proactively
review the Board composition of Tillsonburg Hydro Inc. There has been concern in the LDC
sector that municipalities as shareholders need to approach the governance of utilities as a
business and not a municipal department. There needs to be independence from
government and perhaps a governance model that separates the political from the
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operational. Therefore, a best practice would be to have a fully independent Board of
Directors consisting of sector experts in the area of LDC management/operations, finance,
legal and human resources otherwise known as a skills based board. Also, to protect the
shareholder, the Ontario Business Corporations Act, requires shareholder approval for amalgamation, sale of all or substantially all of the assets or transfer to the shareholder the
rights, powers, duties and liabilities that would otherwise lie on the directors. In addition,
the Ontario Energy Board acts to protect the interest of ratepayers through regulatory responsibility regarding rates, reliability and service delivery metrics and for the approval
process for mergers, acquisitions, amalgamations and divestitures. As a result, there are
activities and decisions impacting the shareholder that cannot be made by the Board
without shareholder approval or being in contravention of OEB regulations.
By-law 1A being a by-law relating generally to the transaction of the business and affairs of
Tillsonburg Hydro Inc, defines “Independent Director” as a member of the Board that is
independent from any affiliate, as required by section 2.1.2 of the Affiliates Relationship Code. The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg is an affiliate of THI. It should also be
noted that the Corporate By-law for THI does not address independent directors versus at
large directors but rather notes that if “the articles (Articles of Incorporation) provide for a
minimum and maximum number of directors, the number of directors of the Corporation
and the number of directors to be elected at the annual meeting of the shareholders shall
be such number as shall be determined from time to time by special resolution or, if the
special resolution empowers the directors to determine the number, by the resolution of the
directors.” Further, the Articles of Incorporation provide for a minimum of five (5) and a maximum of seven (7) directors. The Articles of Incorporation do not distinguish between
independent and at large directors. The Board of Directors is not recommending any change
to the minimum or maximum number of directors but rather a change in the number of independent directors and members selected by the Town at large. As noted, any decision
regarding independent directors and at large directors would require amending the MOUD.
CONSULTATION
The Chair of the THI Board of Directors, Mr. Phil Esseltine will be attending the Council
meeting and presenting the Boards motion to the shareholder.
FINANCIAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
There is no direct financial impact.
APPROVALS
Author Name/Signature David Calder Date: January 4, 2015
Director
Name/Signature Date:
Finance Name/Signature Darrell Eddington Date: 01/05/15
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STAFF REPORT DEPARTMENT
Report Title: Post 2014 Municipal Election Accessibility Report
Report No.: CL 15-01
Author: Jeff Bunn, Deputy Clerk
Meeting Type: COUNCIL MEETING
Council Date: JANUARY 12, 2015
Attachments: 2014 ELECTION ACCESSIBILITY PLAN
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT Council receives report CL 15-01, Post 2014 Municipal Election Accessibility Report;
AND THAT the report be posted on the Town’s website and made available to the public at the
Town’s Corporate Offices.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
There has been steady progress and many positive changes to the election process in Ontario to help ensure that people with disabilities are able to vote without disadvantage. The Good
Government Act 2009 (Bill 212) was enacted by the Ontario Legislature and made several
amendments to the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 as amended in regards to the needs of
electors and candidates with disabilities.
Bill 212 reads:
“12.1 (1) A clerk is responsible for conducting an election shall have regard to the needs of
electors and candidates with disabilities.”
“(2) Within 90 days after voting day in a regular election, the clerk shall submit a report to council
about the identification, removal and prevention of barriers that affect electors and candidates
with disabilities.”
(2) In establishing the locations of voting places, the clerk shall ensure that each voting place is
accessible to electors with disabilities.”
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ANALYSIS
Election Mandate and Accessibility Plan:
With respect to Accessibility, the principles for the Town of Tillsonburg Municipal 2014 Election
were as follows:
• Candidates and electors with disabilities have full and equal access to all election
information and services.
• Persons with disabilities have full access to Voting Locations.
• Persons with disabilities are able to independently and privately mark their ballot and
have access to alternative methods of voting assistance.
To ensure aforementioned mandate was followed, an Accessibility Plan designed for the election was used. This comprehensive plan outlined criteria for voting location selection, voter assistance, aids and supplies, and staff training guidelines. The Election Accessibility plan was
reviewed and endorsed by the Accessibility Advisory Committee in September 2014.
The Plan has been attached to this report as Appendix A.
Voting Places:
In terms of the voting place, the Election Team undertook a comprehensive review of the built
environment for each voting place. The review included the evaluation of features such as
elevators, ramps, handrails, lighting and door widths.
The layout of the voting location on voting day was also altered to include eight easily identifiable accessible voting booths, and additional large poster signs were hung to help direct all voters
throughout the voting place.
Staff Training:
In terms of staff training, the Election Team trained all positions (Poll Clerks, Revision Clerk,
Tabulator Operators, Mobile Poll DROs and Greeters) on identifying and assisting electors with disabilities. Training included:
• How to interact and communicate with persons with various types of disabilities;
• How to interact with persons with disabilities who use assistive devices or require the
assistance of a service animal or support person;
• How to use voting equipment and assistive devices to deliver election services;
• What to do if a person is having difficulty accessing election information or services;
• Maintaining a friendly approachable demeanor regardless of how tired, upset or hassled
an election official may feel; and
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• Checking and monitoring the access doors frequently to offer assistance and watching for
electors unable to easily enter the building.
Voting Technology:
The voting process itself was made more accessible through the introduction of new voting tools and services. Similar to the 2010 election, accessible voting technology was used (Voter Assist
Terminal), with the addition of an accessible voting paddle that allowed individuals with severe
physical disabilities to vote without the assistance of a friend or election staff. The technology
also provided audio language assistance, through headphones, to voters who need help to
better understand written instruction in either English or French. Electors with vision impairments could also use magnifying plastic sheets that increase the text size of ballots.
Accessibility Awareness:
To raise awareness about these accessible initiatives, the Election Team also undertook a
significant public consultation and outreach program. Key parts of this outreach included
consultation with the Accessibility Advisory Committee as well as an interactive open house on September 30, 2014 that allowed members of the public to become familiarized with the new
accessible voting technology.
Overall, staff will continue to identify barriers that can be reduced or eliminated, and encourage
the public to identify barriers that may go overlooked through the election planning process.
CONSULTATION/COMMUNICATION
In August and September of 2014 staff brought forward the election accessibility plan to the
Town of Tillsonburg Accessibility Advisory Committee. The committee supported and endorsed
the Plan.
On September 30, 2014, the community was invited to an open house where the accessible voting devises and technology where made available for the public to test, question and become
familiarized with. This was a successful endeavor with many residents taking part.
Finally, in early October 2014, both the Clerk and the Deputy Clerk appeared on local television
on two occasions to discuss details of the municipal election, including a dedicated segment on accessible voting. The program aired one week before October 27th.
COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
By fulfilling the accessibility requirements provided under Ontario legislation the Town is
continuing to build on the openness and accessibility of local government for all citizens,
regardless of ability.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
The cost of the accessibility component of the 2014 Municipal Election was approximately
$2650.00. This total includes fees associated with the rental of an accessible ballot marker,
accessible voting paddles, audio ballots, and the magnifying sheets.
APPROVALS
Author Name/Signature Jeff Bunn Date: December 19, 2015
Clerk
Name/Signature Donna Wilson Date: Jan 5, 2015
Finance Name/Signature Date:
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Accessibility Plan
September 2014
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Page 1 of 7
Election Principles
The following principles will be held paramount in the conduct of the 2014 Municipal
Election:
• The secrecy and confidentiality of the individual votes;
• The election should be fair and non-biased;
• The election should be accessible to all voters;
• The integrity of the process should be maintained throughout the election;
• That there be certainty that the results of the election reflect the votes cast; and
• Voters and candidates should be treated fairly and consistently.
Accessible Election Principles
The 2014 Municipal Election will be conducted in such a manner to ensure that:
• Candidates and electors with disabilities have full and equal access to all election
information and services.
• Persons with disabilities have full access to Voting Locations.
• Persons with disabilities are able to independently and privately mark their ballot
and have access to alternative methods of voting assistance.
Provision of Election Information
Candidates and electors with disabilities will be able to receive information and copies
of election documents in a format that takes into account their disability. The format may
be agreed upon between the requester and the Clerk. Notice of this provision is located
on the Town’s Election Website.
Notice of Temporary Service Disruption
If there is a temporary disruption in the delivery of election information or services, the
Clerk shall provide public notice on the Town’s website and at the physical site of the
disruption, if necessary. The notice shall include the reason for the disruption,
anticipated duration and a description of alternative methods of delivering the
information or service. Every effort shall be made to provide alternative methods of
providing the information or service to persons with disability.
Feedback Process
Feedback about the manner in which election services are provided to persons with
disabilities may be submitted to the Clerk at the contact information at the end of this
plan.
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The feedback process provides Election Officials with an opportunity to take corrective
measures to prevent similar recurrences, address training needs, enhance service
delivery and provide alternative methods of providing election services.
Post-Election Accessibility Report
• Within 90 days of Voting Day, the Clerk shall submit a report to Council about the
identification, removal and prevention of barriers that affect electors and
candidates with disabilities.
2014 Municipal Election – Overview
At-Large Election
The Town of Tillsonburg is comprised of five (5) Councillors, elected at-large, one (1)
Deputy Mayor and one (1) Mayor.
Eligible electors will be notified as to where and when they will be able to cast their
ballots.
No Voter Notification Cards will be sent to electors.
Voting Dates
Advance Voting Day(s)
Saturday, October 11, 2014 (1:00am – 7:00pm) Tuesday, October 14, 2014 (10:00am – 6:00pm) Friday, October 17, 2014 (10:00pm – 6:00pm) Saturday, October 18, 2014 (4:00pm – 8:00pm) Monday, October 20, 2014 (4:00pm – 8:00pm) Thursday, October 23, 2014 (9:00am – 5:00pm) Friday, October 24, 2014 (9:00 am – 5:00pm)
Voting Day Monday, October 27, 2014 (10:00am – 8:00pm)
All Voting Locations (for both Advance and Voting Day) have been inspected and are
accessible.
In addition to the proposed Voting Locations on Voting Day, there will be
Retirement/Nursing/Seniors Homes and the local Hospital whereby residents will be
provided the opportunity to vote on the premises as required by the Municipal Elections
Act. Only residents of these facilities will be able to vote on Voting Day.
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Voting Location Accessibility Considerations
The following items were considered during the consideration of Voting Locations with
regards to accessibility.
Parking
Designated or reserved parking for people with disabilities and seniors will be provided
close to the entrance of the Voting Location where possible. Accessible parking spaces
will be clearly marked. Curb cuts will be available where possible so users of mobility
aids (such as wheelchairs, scooters, canes or crutches) can access the road and
sidewalk. Routine checks of routes to the entrances of the Voting Location will be made
throughout the day.
Lighting
Adequate lighting will be available at all Voting Locations.
Voting Location Interior
Each of the Voting Locations will provide level access to the interior voting area and
voting booth can be easily navigated. Any doormats or carpeting will be level with the
floor to prevent any potential tripping hazards. All voting areas will have additional
seating available for voter use. Washroom facilities, corridors, stairs, ramps and
elevators have all been considered at each Voting Location
Entrances to the Voting Location
Entrances will be clearly marked by noticeable reader-friendly signs. Every effort shall
be made to ensure that the door into the Voting Location is wide enough for a
wheelchair or scooter to pass through easily and that the door hardware is accessible
and can be operated by a person using a closed fist. If the doors are heavy, awkward to
open or have handles that are out of reach, where possible they will be propped open in
a safe manner or an alternative entrance will be provided.
Accessible Voting Booths
Accessible voting booths will be available at each Voting Location. Voting booths will be
low in hight and have a wide area to allow for individuals who use a wheelchair or
scooter to vote independently and secretively. Voting booths will be placed an
appropriate distance from the wall to allow wheelchair/walker access. Where possible,
each Voting Location will have a high table in the Voting Booth to allow for a powered
wheelchair to have access.
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Voting Assistance
Support Persons
Persons with disabilities may be accompanied by a support person within the Voting
Location. There is no prescribed oath required to be taken by a support person.
In addition, Election Officials will be available in each Voting Location to assist electors
with casting their vote.
Prior to entering the voting booth, the Election Official shall, in conjunction with the
person with the disability, determine the extent to which the elector needs assistance
and the best way in which the assistance can be provided. This may include the
Election Official actually marking the ballot as directed by the elector.
Where a Voting Location is within a retirement/nursing home, the designated Election
Official can attend on electors in their specific living areas or at their bedside to assist
them to vote.
All designated Election Officials will be sworn to an oath of secrecy.
Voting Aids and Supplies
Magnifying sheets will be available at every Voting Location. Magnifying sheets will
assist electors to read instructions, oaths and the ballot.
Note pads and pens will be made available to assist Election Officials in communicating
with electors who are deaf, defended or hard of hearing.
Fully accessible voting equipment will be available to electors at every advance voting
days and on Voting Day at the Tillsonburg Community Centre.
Encouraging People with Special Needs to Vote at Advance Voting
Locations
A media campaign will be launched to encourage electors with disabilities or
accessibility issues to vote at the Advance Voting Days to reduce waiting lines and to
allow them to vote unassisted.
On September 30, members of the public, media and candidates will be invited to a
special open house to view the tabulators and learn how the accessibility components
function during an election. Those with disabilities will be encouraged to test the
accessibility tools in order to gain a familiarity and comfortably with the advance voting
technology.
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Service Animals
Electors, candidates and scrutineers requiring service animals are permitted to be
accompanied by a service animal at all Voting Locations.
Voting By Proxy
A person with a disability that is unable to attend a Voting Location may appoint another
person to act as a voting proxy to cast a ballot on his or her behalf. The appointment
must be made on the prescribed form available at the Clerk’s Office and on the Town’s
website. The person being appointed as a proxy will be required to make a statutory
declaration before a Commissioner of Oaths. The Clerk or Deputy Clerk will administer
this oath at 200 Broadway Street, 2nd Floor, Tillsonburg, ON. Once completed, the
voting proxy may be exercised during the Advance Voting Days or on Voting Day. The
appointment of a proxy may only be made after 2:00 p.m. on Nomination Day,
September 12, 2014 and does not remain in force after Voting Day.
Staff Training
All staff carrying out election duties will be trained to recognize and ensure that persons
with disabilities are served in a way that accommodates their needs. A list of those
trained will be retained. Training will include:
1. How to interact and communicate with persons with various types of disabilities.
2. How to interact with persons with disabilities who use assistive devices or require
the assistance of a service animal or support person.
3. How to use voting equipment and assistive devices to deliver election services.
4. What to do if a person is having difficulty accessing election information or
services.
5. Maintaining a friendly and approachable demeanor regardless of how tired upset
or hassled an election official may feel.
6. Checking and monitoring the access doors frequently to offer assistance and
watching for electors unable to easily enter the building.
Integrated Accessibility Standard Requirements
Under section 7 of the IASR, organizations are required to ensure that training is
provided on the requirements of the accessibility standards referred to in this Regulation
and on the Human Rights Code as it pertains to persons with disabilities to:
a) All employees, and volunteers;
b) All persons who participate in developing the organization’s policies; and
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c) All other persons who provide goods, services or facilities on behalf of the
organization.
The Town will ensure this training is conducted and maintain a record of the training
provided under this section, including the dates on which the training was provided and
the number of individuals to whom it was provided will be maintained.
Town of Tillsonburg – Election Website
The Town’s election website is continuously updated to reflect the most recent
developments and information. Visit the site for an up-to-date list of candidates and
other important messages or events throughout the election year at
www.tillsonburg.ca/election.
Accessibility Tools for Candidates
The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs has provided a “2014 Municipal Elections
Candidates’ Guide” that has useful information for Candidates to use when conducting
an accessible campaign.
Service Ontario – e-laws
This website contains all current statutes including the Municipal Elections Act, 1996,
the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 and the Accessibility for Ontarians with
Disabilities Act, 2005 as well as the Education Act. www.e-laws.gov.on.ca
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STAFF REPORT
DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES
REPORT TITLE:
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN APPLICATION – 41 BROADWAY
Report No.: DCS 15-03
Author: CEPHAS PANSCHOW
Meeting Type: COUNCIL MEETING
Council Date: JANUARY 12, 2015
Attachments:
RECOMMENDATION:
“THAT Council receive Report DCS 15-03 Community Improvement Plan
Application – 41 Broadway;
AND THAT the Community Improvement Plan Application for the 41 Broadway
property be approved including rebates for applicable Building Permit and Assessment fees.”
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is to seek Council approval to provide development fee and tax
rebates to the owner of the 41 Broadway property. This will support the redevelopment of
the property into a mixed use commercial/residential building. The application has been made in accordance with the Dereham Forge Community Improvement Plan.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The 41 Broadway property contains an existing three storey commercial/residential
building. The commercial area is contained on the main floor with residential on the second
and third floors. The main floor commercial area was previously home to the Royal Tavern,
and most recently, Norma Jean’s.
The owners of the property are planning to redevelop the property as follows:
Convert a significant portion of the main floor to residential by adding five residential units to the rear of the building with the front commercial area being retained as
commercial and being converted to office space for a new tenant; and,
Add six residential units to the third floor
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41 Broadway – Streetview
The Dereham Forge Community Improvement Plan offers the following rebates to
residential investors who invest within the approved area:
Building Permit fees;
Development charges (if applicable);
Façade Improvement Loan;
Second Storey Residential Loan; and,
Assessment rebates.
The application has been made for Building/Development fees, Second Storey Residential Loan and the Assessment Rebate programs.
Section 7.2.1 of Bylaw 3655 (Downtown Area CIP) provides a rationale for offering these
rebates, which are intended to offset the higher costs of retrofitting older buildings to meet
current standards. This section also supports offering higher assessment rebates for renovation projects.
The CIP provides for the rebate of building permit and related planning (variance, site plan, and rezoning) fees.
The property tax increment rebate applies to the Municipal, Business Improvement Area
Levy and County of Oxford portion of the tax bill, but not the Education (Provincial)
component of the tax bill. The New Residential Unit Tax Rebate Schedule provides for the
following rebates on the incremental increase in property taxes: 90%, 70%, 70%, 60%,
50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10% and 0%.
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CONSULTATION/COMMUNICATION
The application and staff report have been reviewed with the Building/Planning and Finance
Departments.
FINANCIAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
The 2014 property tax assessment valued this property at $313,500. Based on the
proposed changes, the property would likely see a reduction in the property’s commercial
assessment but an increase in the property’s multi-residential assessment. Until the
property is re-assessed by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, the actual
change in assessed value as well as any assessment rebate amounts will not be known.
If approved, development related fees are typically rebated from building permit fees
received and/or the Development Charge reserve (if applicable). In future years, the Town will experience lower tax revenues until such time as the rebates expire.
APPROVALS
Author
Name/Signature CEPHAS PANSCHOW Date: JAN 2, 2014
Director
Name/Signature DAVID CALDER (ACTING) Date:
Director of Finance Name/Signature DARRELL EDDINGTON Date: 0/07/15
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STAFF REPORT
FINANCE
Report Title: Interim Tax Levy By-Law 3865
Report No.: FIN 15-01
Author: Darrell Eddington
Meeting Type: COUN CIL MEETING
Council Date: JANUARY 12, 2015
Attachments:
RECOMMENDATIONS:
THAT Council receives report FIN 15-01 Interim Tax Levy By-Law 3865.
AND THAT By-Law 3865 be brought forward for Council consideration.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Municipal Act allows for a by-law to be passed that provides for an interim tax levy on
the assessment of properties in the municipality. This allows the Town to collect tax
revenue from the Town’s taxpayers until such time as the 2015 budget is finalized and tax rates are determined. Accordingly, By-Law 3865 is brought forward for Council
consideration.
FINANCIAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCE
N/A
APPROVALS
Author
Name/Signature Denis Duguay Date: 01/05/2015
Finance
Name/Signature Darrell Eddington Date: 01/05/2015
CAO Name/Signature Date: 01/05/2015
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THE TOWN OF TILLSONBURG
BY-LAW # 3865
A BY-LAW TO PROVIDE FOR AN INTERIM TAX LEVY FOR THE YEAR 2015
WHEREAS section 317 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, CHAPTER 25, provides that the council of a local municipality, before the adoption of estimates for the year under section
290, may pass a by-law levying amounts on the assessment of property in the local municipality
ratable for local municipal purposes;
AND WHEREAS the Council of this municipality deems it appropriate to provide for such interim levy on the assessment of property in this municipality;
THEREFORE the Council of the Town of Tillsonburg enacts as follows:
1. The amounts levied shall be as follows:
A. The amount levied on a property shall not exceed the prescribed percentage or 50 per cent if no percentage is prescribed, of the total amount of taxes for municipal and school purposes levied on the property for the previous year.
B. The percentage under paragraph “A” may be different for different property
classes but shall be the same for all properties in a property class.
C. For the purposes of calculating the total amount of taxes for the year 2014 under paragraph “A”, if any taxes for municipal and school purposes were levied on a
property for only part of the year 2014 because assessment was added to the tax roll
during 2014, an amount shall be added equal to the additional taxes that would have
been levied on the property if the taxes for municipal and school purposes had been
levied for the entire year.
2. The provisions of this by-law apply in the event that assessment is first added to the
Collector’s roll for the year 2015 and an interim levy shall be imposed at the prescribed
percentage or 50 per cent if no percentage is prescribed, of the total tax rates levied for
that class in the previous year.
3. All taxes levied under this by-law shall be payable into the hands of the Collector in
accordance with the provisions of this by-law.
4. There shall be imposed on all taxes a penalty for non-payment or late payment of taxes in default of the installment dates set out below. The penalty shall be one and one-quarter percent (1¼%) of the amount in default on the first day of default and on the first day of
each calendar month during which the default continues, but not after the end of 2015.
5. The interim tax levy imposed by this by-law shall be payable in two (2) installments due on the following dates:
First Installment: The 26th day of February, 2015
Second Installment: The 28rd day of May, 2015
6. The Collector may mail or cause to be mailed to the address of the residence or place of
business of each person taxed under this by-law, a notice specifying the amount of taxes
payable.
7. The notice to be mailed under this by-law shall contain the particulars provided for in this
by-law and the information required to be entered in the Collector’s roll under section
343 of the Municipal Act, 2001.
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8. The subsequent levy for the year 2015 to be made under the Municipal Act shall be
reduced by the amount to be raised by the levy imposed under this by-law.
9. The provisions of section 317 of the Municipal Act, 2001, apply to this by-law with
necessary modifications.
10. The Collector shall be authorized to accept part payment from time to time on account of
any taxes due, and to give a receipt of such part payment, provided that acceptance of any such part payment shall not affect the collection of any percentage charge imposed and collectable under section 4 of this by-law in respect of non-payment or late payment
of any taxes or any installment of taxes.
11. Nothing in this by-law shall prevent the Collector from proceeding at any time with the
collection of any tax, or any part thereof, in accordance with the provisions of the statutes and by-laws governing the collection of taxes.
12. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this by-law and any other by-law,
the provisions of this by-law shall prevail.
12. This by-law shall come into force and take effect on the day of the final passing thereof.
READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 12th DAY
OF JANUARY, 2015.
_________________________
MAYOR- Stephen Molnar
_________________________
CLERK-Donna Wilson
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STAFF REPORT
RECREATION, CULTURE & PARKS
Title: CBC Repeater Antenna Encroachment Agreement
Report No.: RCP 15-01
Author: RICK COX
Meeting Type: COUNCIL MEETING
Council/Committee Date: JANUARY 12, 2015
Attachments: • Elevation Diagram
• Encroachment Agreement
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council receive Report RCP 15-01 – CBC Repeater Antenna Encroachment
Agreement for information; and
THAT Council approve an Encroachment Agreement allowing the Canadian
Broadcasting Corporation to place a repeater antenna on the Tillsonburg
Community Centre; and
THAT a by-law be brought forward for Council’s consideration.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Town has been approached by staff at the Canadian Broadcast Corporation
(CBC) seeking permission to install an FM Repeater Antenna on a Town facility.
Approval from Council is required.
BACKGROUND
In mid-2014, staff from CBC contacted the Town to investigate options of installing an FM repeater antenna in Tillsonburg at either the Customer Service Centre or the
Tillsonburg Community Centre. Through an evaluation process including a couple
of site visits by CBC staff the preferred location was determined to be on the mechanical ‘penthouse’ above the Lions Auditorium at the TCC.
The antenna will be mounted to the exterior brick wall of the facility and the
equipment, power source, back-up systems, etc. would be placed inside the
penthouse. The top of the antenna is proposed to be 15metres above ground level. There is already a small antenna on the building in the same location. The
new antenna will have a minor visual impact when looking at the building from
certain perspectives.
CBC prefers to have a five-year agreement with the potential for up to 2 additional
5-year terms before investing in the capital cost. Town staff has no objection to
this length of agreement. An encroachment agreement is the mechanism to
establish this service, and encroachment agreements require Council approval.
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CONSULTATION/COMMUNICATION
There has been consultation between Town staff and technical staff at the CBC to
evaluate locations and finalize requirements.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The CBC will pay the Town $1,000 per year for using the building. All installation
costs will be borne by the CBC. Proof of insurance and liability indemnification of
the Town by CBC will also be provided.
COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN (CSP) IMPACT
Goal 4.2 of the CSP looks to the Department to continue implementation of the
Community Parks Recreation & Cultural Strategic Master Plan (SMP). Guiding Principle #2 of the SMP speaks to maximizing public interest through strategic
partnerships.
APPROVALS
Director Name/Signature
Rick Cox
Director of Recreation, Culture & Parks
DATE:
January 7, 2015
Finance
Name/Signature DATE:
CAO
Name/Signature David Calder DATE:
January 7, 2015
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THIS AGREEMENT made this ... day of ...................., 2015
B E T W E E N:
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF TILLSONBURG
Hereinafter called the “Town”
OF THE FIRST PART;
- and -
THE CANADIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION
Hereinafter called the “Encroaching Party”
OF THE SECOND PART;
WHEREAS the Encroaching Party proposes to erect a repeater antenna on the
Tillsonburg Community Centre, as indicated on the drawings that have been attached as Schedule
“A” (the “Encroachment”);
NOW THEREFORE this Agreement witnesseth that in consideration of the premises
and the sum of TWO ($2.00) DOLLARS of lawful money of Canada now paid by the Encroaching
Party to the Town, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree and covenant as follows:
1. The parties hereto confirm the accuracy and truth of the foregoing recitals.
2. The Town agrees to permit the Encroachment, subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
3. The term of this Agreement shall be from January 15, 2015 to January 15, 2020 (the
“Term”), unless otherwise terminated in accordance with this Agreement. At the expiration
of the Term, the Encroachment shall be immediately removed by the Encroaching Party,
at the Encroaching Party’s sole cost, and the Town’s property on which the Encroachment
was located shall be put in the same condition as it existed prior to the Encroachment by the
Encroaching Party or as directed by the Town, acting reasonably.
4. The Town will consider renewing this Agreement for up to two (2) additional five-year Terms.
5. The Encroaching Party agrees to pay to the Town, upon its execution of this Agreement
and on each yearly anniversary of the execution for the duration of the Term, a licence fee for
the Encroachment in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), for a total amount during
the Term of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00). The Town reserves the right to adjust this license
fee for the second and subsequent Terms, if entered into.
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6. The Encroaching Party agrees that if the Encroachment is removed or otherwise altered by the
Encroaching Party, or by a third party, at any time, without the express written consent of the
Town, the Encroaching Party’s rights under this Agreement shall be immediately terminated.
Once the Encroaching Party’s rights have been terminated, the Encroachment shall be
immediately removed by the Encroaching Party, at the Encroaching Party’s sole cost, and the
Town’s property on which the Encroachment was located shall be put in the same condition as
it existed prior to the Encroachment by the Encroaching Party or as directed by the Town,
acting reasonably.
7. The Encroaching Party shall not acquire title by possession or prescription to the Town’s
property on which the Encroachment is located and the Encroaching Party expressly
acknowledges that the Town’s property on which the Encroachment is located is owned by the
Town.
8. The Encroaching Party agrees to ensure that the Encroachment complies with all relevant Town
By-Laws, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
9. The Encroaching Party agrees to pay to the Town all legal and other costs associated with the
preparation of this Agreement.
10. The Encroaching Party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Town, its Councillors,
employees and agents, at all times hereafter, from any and all claims for loss, costs, charges,
expenses or damages arising from the acts or omissions of the Encroaching Party, its
employees, agents or anyone for whom the Encroaching Party is at law responsible, in respect
of the maintenance, alteration or use of the Encroachment. The Encroaching Party shall provide
the Town with proof of insurance in the amount of $2,000,000.00, in a form satisfactory to the
Town, and name the Town as an additional insured, to support this indemnity.
11. No alterations or improvements shall be made to the Encroachment, at any time, without the
express written consent of the Town, and any alterations or improvements to which the Town
has consented shall be performed and completed at the Encroaching Party’s sole expense.
12. The Encroaching Party agrees that this Agreement may be terminated on ninty (90) days written
notice by the Town to the Encroaching Party and, in such case, the Encroachment shall be
completely removed by the end of the notice period by the Encroaching Party, at the
Encroaching Party’s sole cost. Following which, the Town’s property on which the
Encroachment was located shall be put in the same condition as it existed prior to the
Encroachment by the Encroaching Party or as directed by the Town, acting reasonably.
13. This Agreement is not transferable or assignable by the Encroaching Party without the express
written consent of the Town. Any attempt to transfer or assign any of the rights, duties or
obligations of this Agreement by the Encroaching Party, without the Town’s express written
consent, is void.
14. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their
respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and permitted assigns.
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15. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to the subject
matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings,
negotiations and discussions of the parties. There are no warranties, representations or other
agreements in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement except as specifically set
forth herein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Agreement.
SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED ) THE CANADIAN BROADCASTING
) CORPORATION
)
in the presence of )
)
)
Witness )
)
)
)
Witness )
)
)
) THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN
) OF TILLSONBURG
)
) per:
) Stephen Molnar, Mayor
)
)
) per:
) Donna Wilson, Clerk
)
) I/We have the authority to bind the
) Corporation.
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SCHEDULE “A”
DRAWINGS OF THE PROPOSED SIGN OR AREA OF USE
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STAFF REPORT
RECREATION, CULTURE & PARKS
Title: Addendum to Senior Centre Agreement
Report No.: RCP 15-02
Author: RICK COX
Meeting Type: COUNCIL MEETING
Council/Committee Date: JANUARY 12, 2015
Attachments: • Addendum To The Senior Centre Agreement
• Bylaw 3523 - Senior Centre Memorandum Of
Agreement
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council receive Report RCP 15-02 – Addendum to Senior Centre Agreement;
and
THAT Council approves the attached Addendum to the Memorandum of Agreement.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In July 2014, Council directed staff to prepare an amendment to the Memorandum
of Agreement with the Senior Centre to provide for additional space and sportsfield
usage by the Senior Centre.
BACKGROUND
The continued growth of the Senior Centre’s membership and programming
schedule requires that they have access to additional program space on an ongoing
basis. In addition, there is need for more storage and for no- or low-cost use of the
Lions Auditorium on an occasional basis.
Town staff worked with the Board of Directors of the Senior Centre to arrive at a
solution to the program space that worked for both parties. The Board agreed to pay the Town $15,500 for the renovations required to create the new program
space and to allow occasional no-cost use of the Senior Centre main hall by the
Town in exchange for occasional no-cost use of the Lions Auditorium by the Senior
Centre.
CONSULTATION/COMMUNICATION
There has been extensive consultation between Town staff and the Senior Centre
Board of Directors and staff to evaluate locations and finalize requirements.
FINANCIAL IMPACT There is no change in the operational cost to the Town. The new room
configuration may result in additional rental revenue to the Town from smaller
meetings and seminars.
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COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN (CSP) IMPACT
Goal 4.2 of the CSP looks to the Department to continue implementation of the
Community Parks Recreation & Cultural Strategic Master Plan (SMP). Guiding
Principle #2 of the SMP speaks to maximizing public interest through strategic partnerships.
APPROVALS
Director
Name/Signature
Rick Cox Director of Recreation, Culture &
Parks
DATE:
January 7, 2015
Finance
Name/Signature DATE:
CAO
Name/Signature David Calder DATE:
January 7, 2015
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ADDENDUM TO the
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Made Between
The Board of Directors of the Tillsonburg Senior Centre,
Hereinafter called the "Senior Centre".
AND
The Town of Tillsonburg, Hereinafter called the "Town". 1. This Addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding pertains to a change in the space considered the Senior Centre and to an exchange of no-charge uses of Town space by the Senior Centre and Senior Centre space by the Town.
2. Additional Permanent Space
2.1. The operations of the Senior Centre require additional space. The Town agrees to sever a portion of the existing Rotary Room to create an additional room that can be used by the Senior Centre for programming and revenue generation.
2.2. The Senior Centre agrees to pay the Town $15,500 for the required renovations.
2.3. The newly created room will be used at no additional annual cost by the Senior Centre seven days a week during daytime and evening hours.
2.4. The Senior Centre can generate revenue for their operation by renting the room out as availability permits.
2.5. The newly created room may be used from time-to-time by the Town for daytime, evening and weekend programming purposes at no cost to the Town. The Town shall submit a request the use of the space to the Senior Centre using the usual booking procedures.
2.6. This room shall henceforth be considered part of the Senior Centre.
3. Additional Storage
3.1. The Town will provide the Senior Centre with a walk-in storage closet in the Squash Court Mezzanine Area.
4. No-charge Use of Space
4.1. The Town agrees to allow the Senior Centre to book the Lions Auditorium for up to 4 events in a year at no charge in exchange for Town being able to book the Senior Centre’s main hall for up to 4 events in a year at no charge. Scheduling of the bookings is to be coordinated through the usual booking procedures. One ‘event’ would be considered as consisting of one full day booking plus one day for set-up if needed.
4.2. The Town agrees to allow the Senior Centre to use the Optimist Ball Diamonds for senior ball programming at no cost.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have hereunto set their hands and seals.. SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED on the __th day of January, 2015.
TILLSONBURG SENIOR CENTRE
____________________________
Marilynn Smith, President
____________________________
Bert Moorcroft, Secretary
TOWN OF TILLSONBURG
____________________________
Mayor Stephen Molnar
____________________________
Donna Wilson, Clerk
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CORPORATION OF THE
TOWN OF TILLSONBURG
BY-LAW NO. 3523
BEING A BY-LAW TO ADOPT A
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE
TILLSONBURG SENIORS CENTRE
WHEREAS the Municipal Act, S.O. 2001 requires a municipality to have a procurement policy;
AND WHEREAS the Council of the Town Of Tillsonburg recognizes the need for a clear and
concise memorandum of understanding with the Tillsonburg Seniors Centre;
THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF
TILLSONBURG ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
1. THAT effective upon passage of the Memorandum of Understanding attached hereto as
Schedule "A" and forming part of this By-law is hereby adopted.
2. THAT this Memorandum of Understanding By-law may be amended from time to time
as directed and deemed necessary by the Council of the Corporation of the Town of
Tillsonburg.
3. THAT by-Law 3467 and any Memorandum of Understanding previously adopted are
hereby repealed;
4. AND THAT this by-law shall come into full force and effect upon final passing.
thREAD A FIRST AND SECOND TIME THIS 27m DAY OF JUNE, 2011.
READ A THIRD AND FINAL TIME AND PASSED THIS 27th DAY OF JUNE, 2011.
CLERK - Donna Hemeryck
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- 2 - Schedule "A" to By-law 3523
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING made this 27™ day of JUNE, 2011
Made Between
The Board of Directors of the Tillsonburg Senior Centre,
Hereinafter called the "Senior Centre".
AND
The Town of Tillsonburg,
Hereinafter called the "Town".
1. This Memorandum of Understanding pertains to the management,operation, use and maintenance of the Senior Centre proper.
2. This Memorandum of Understanding supersedes all prior documentsand agreements pertaining to all aspects of the Senior Centre.
3. It is the desire of both parties that the Senior Centre: enjoy andexercise maximum authority in the operation of the Tillsonburg :Centre in accordance with the terms of this memorandum.
1.0 PERSONNEL
(a) The Senior Centre shall be the employer for their
programming staff. The Senior Centre Executive shall
exercise all daily management of their staff including payroll
and statutory deductions. Further, the Town of Tillsonburg
assumes no liability relating to the staff of the Senior Centre.
(b) In cooperation, should the Town host staff-wide training,
the Town will make every reasonable effort to advise the
Senior Centre Executive in advance to determine if their staff
ought to participate. Generally, in the spirit of goodwill, the
Town will not charge the Senior Centre for the training
opportunities.
(c) The Town Community Centre Recreation Manager, through
his or her staff complement (Town employees) shall be solely
responsible for the execution of all facility maintenance and
repairs The Senior Centre staff shall utilize the work order
request system to log maintenance and repair issues.
(d) The Town agrees that the Senior Centre personnel shall
continue to have access to the following software
applications: CLASS, WEBB. Further, the Town agrees that
the existing internal telephone system shall continue to be
provided free of charge for the staff and executive of the
Senior Centre proper. Due to operational restrictions, Lotus
Notes can no longer be provided to the Senior Centre proper.
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- 3 - Schedule "A" to By-law 3523
2.0 SECURITY
(a)AII entrances to the Senior Centre, whether from outside or fromwithin the Community Centre proper, shall be capable of beinglocked and secured.
(b) Keys to all entrances and rooms within the Senior Centre shallbe the joint responsibility of the Senior Centre and the Town ofTillsonburg. As a Town asset, the Town needs to ensureappropriate controls are in place. Equally, the chattels within thecentre are the property of the Senior Centre and the Centre needsto ensure appropriate controls are in place. The Town requires allkeys for all internal facility rooms. Personnel designated by theTown will have regular access to the Senior Centre for maintenance,caretaking and repair purposes.
(c)With as much advance notice as possible, Town staff may enterthe Senior Centre for the purppse of showing the facilities tovisitors, provided there is no disruption or interference withactivities in progress.
(d) Subject to the above, and subject to rental of the facilities ashereinafter set out, access to the Senior Centre will be controlled bythe Senior Centre without exception. However, access to the Townof Tillsonburg will not be unreasonably withheld by the SeniorCentre.
3.0 MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, CARETAKING, ETC.
(a) The Town will be responsible for the regular cleaning of theSenior Centre at no cost. There will be a charge for the set-up oftables and chairs on a monthly basis for external events (excludingduplicate bridge, horticultural and square dancing events) at a cost of$52 for 2 operators for one hour or $104 for 2 operators for two hours.The schedule will be submitted by the Senior Centre ProgrammingAdministrator. Should a special cleaning initiative be scheduled, theTown will make ever/ effort to provide the Senior Centre with aminimum of two weeks advance notice.
(b) The Town will be responsible for general maintenance andrepair, and any general or specialized areas of cleaning requestedby the Senior Centre. The Senior Centre shall provide the Town ofTillsonburg with any special requests by October of each year forinclusion with the annual business plans.
(c) The Senior Centre will assist in the painting, decorationand furnishing of the Senior Centre by mutual agreementwith the Town concerning colours, style and layout, etc. Anystructural and/or physical modifications within the SeniorCentre proper, requires the support and approval of the TownFacilities Manager. In cases where said will be completed, theTown Facilities Manager will execute as part of their annualbusiness plan within the confines of the Procurement By-law.
(d) As this structure is part of the Tillsonburg Community Centre,
the Town will be responsible for all costs of heating, utilities and
insurance on the premises, and for any major repairs.
(e) Liability insurance protection for the Senior Centre facility and
walkways will be under the Town's insurance coverage.
(f) The Senior Centre will be responsible for insuring their
chattels.
(g) Only the Auditorium, Crafts Room, and Board Room may berented to outside parties from time to time by the Town staff.The Senior Centre will self manage the rentals that are withinthe Senior Centre proper, All Town policies must be compliedwith (i.e., Alcohol & Gaming Commission, SOCAN).
(h) The Town of Tillsonburg requires that all requests for electrical,HVAC, Plumbing be submitted using the work order template forinclusion with the normal day to day operations of the TillsonburgCommunity Centre building.
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- 4 - Schedule "A" to By-law 3523
(i) Rentals within the Senior Centre shall be according to the followingguidelines:
(a) The Senior Centre rental rates shall be providedannually to the Town for inclusion to the User Fees &Charges By-law.
(b) The Senior Centre will make all arrangements for therental and charge accordingly, including if the rental is tothe Town of Tillsonburg. The reciprocal will apply shouldthe Senior Centre choose to rent a room within the Town;and appropriate rates will apply.
(c) Insofar as rentals of rooms or other facilities or
amenities with the Senior Centre proper by third party
groups or individuals, and in the interests of both the
Town and the Board of Directors of the Senior Centre, a
security deposit of $150.00 will be paid by the renter(s) to
cover any malicious damage to the rented premises, or
extra clean-up necessary due to carelessness. Such
security deposit to be paid in advance at the time of
approval of the rental application to the Senior Centre, and
is in addition to the rental amount charged. Should any
damage be incurred, the Senior Centre shall reimburse the
Town for actual costs of repair. The town shall be
responsible for executing the repair. It will be refunded in
full to the renter (s) provided both the Town and the
Senior Centre are fully satisfied that there has been no
malicious damage or excessive clean-up required after the
event and upon inspection. The renter(s) will have the
option of applying the security deposit to the rental
amount owing, less any charges that may have had to be
applied for the reasons stated above.
(d) The Senior Centre shall provide, preferably in electronicformat, to the Facilities Manager every two weeks with set-upand tear-down requirements. The Town staff will provide set-up and take-down of chairs, tables, equipment, etc., in themeeting or activity rooms and areas, and will also beresponsible for cleaning after third party rentals at no charge.The labour requirements of this arrangement will be reviewedannually to ensure its fairness to both parties.
4.0 TRANSFER PAYMENT
The Town of Tillsonburg shall obtain the annual grant fromthe Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Elderly PersonsCentres Budget. The actual costs highlighted in thisagreement shall be reimbursed to the town on a quarterlybasis. The Senior Centre shall submit the annual financialstatements and cash balances to the Town of Tillsonburg nolater than March 31, of each year. The Town shall credit theSenior Centre account for the value of $31,000 annuallyunless the annual grant is reduced from the 2011 level of$42,700. Should the annual grant change, either be reducedor increased, then a meeting is required to review the changeand its distribution. Such a meeting to be held in a timelymatter.
5.0 AGREEMENT
This agreement shall be in effect from date of signing andwill be subject to annual review in the month of August, atwhich time the parties will meet to discuss any requiredamendments. Further, this agreement may be amended atany time by mutual consent.
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Schedule "A" to By-law 3523
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have hereunto set their hands and sealsthe day and year first above written.
thSIGNED, and DELIVERED on the 27mday of June, 2011.
NIOR CENTRE
President
Secretary
TOWNOFTILLSONBURG
Chief Administrative Officer
169
The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
MEMORANDUM
DATE: January 7, 2014
TO: Mayor Molnar and Members of Council
FROM: David Calder, CAO
SUBJECT: TOWN OWNED LANDS/SOCCER CLUB FENCING RE AGENDA ITEM – APPLICATION FOR OFFICIAL PLAN AMENDMENT, DRAFT PLAN OF
SUBDIVISION AND ZONE CHANGE OP 14-06-07
At its meeting of December 8, 2014, Council deferred a decision on the Glendale West Subdivision
(Official Plan Amendment, Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zone Change) until January 12, 2015, so that
the affected parties could discuss possible solutions for errant ball going onto neighbouring property.
Moved By: Deputy Mayor Beres Seconded By: Councillor Adam
THAT ZN 7-14-08, zone change Application, OP 14-06-7, Official Plan Amendment and SB 14-03-7, draft plan of subdivision approval be deferred until the January 12, 2015 Council Meeting
to permit the parties to negotiate for the safe separation of properties.
Carried
As Council will recall, the Town of Tillsonburg is the owner of the lands abutting the proposed future plan of subdivision and the Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club is a tenant of the lands. As a result, the issue
of errant soccer balls going onto abutting property is an issue to be addressed by the land owner (the Town) and the tenant (the Soccer Club). As a courtesy, any proposed solution such as fencing or netting will be discussed with the owner of the adjoining lands as there is concern about aesthetics
associated with any proposed solution. There is no legal requirement for the adjoining property owner to contribute to any possible solution developed by the Town and the Soccer Club. As a result, the
concern around errant soccer balls would not be a reason under planning principles to refuse the zone
change.
Over the last few weeks, the Director of Recreation, Culture and Parks has been meeting with a
representative of the Soccer Club to discuss possible solutions to ensure soccer balls do not go onto the adjoining property. In addition, the Soccer Club requested a meeting with the CAO and the Director
of Recreation, Culture and Parks to discuss the issue further. As the property owner, it is appropriate for the Town administration to participate in discussions and work towards a solution in order for the tenant to ensure soccer balls do not go onto adjoining lands. Obviously, depending on any
recommended solution, there may be a cost to control errant balls which can be discussed during upcoming budget deliberations.
Staff will report further to Town Council and the adjoining property owner once the Town administration and the Soccer Club have a supportable solution.
C:\Users\jbunn\AppData\Local\Temp\AgendaManager\Town Owned Lands Soccer Club Fencing Re .docx
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Report No: CASPO 2014-267 COMMUNITY AND STRATEGIC PLANNING
Council Date: December 8, 2014
Page 1 of 17
To: Mayor and Members of Town of Tillsonburg Council
From: Eric Gilbert, Development Planner, Community and Strategic Planning
Applications for Official Plan Amendment, Draft Plan of
Subdivision and Zone Change
OP 14-06-7; SB 14-03-7; ZN 7-14-08:
Performance Communities Realty Inc.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
The proposed draft plan of subdivision consists of 72 lots for single detached dwellings, serviced by municipal water and sanitary services, a block for a place of worship, three
blocks for stormwater management purposes, a municipal services block and three (3)
new local streets.
Generally, the draft plan is consistent with the relevant policies of the 2014 Provincial Policy Statement and the Official Plan.
The northeastern portion of the site is currently designated ‘High Density Residential’ and
is proposed to be re-designated to ‘Low Density Residential’ to facilitate the development
of single detached dwellings and a place of worship.
The subject lands affected by the proposed plan of subdivision are required to be rezoned
from ‘Future Development Zone (FD)’ & ‘Minor Institutional Zone (IN1)’ to ‘Special Low
Density Residential Type 2 Zone (R2-sp)’, ‘Special Minor Institutional Zone (IN1-sp)’ and
‘Passive Open Space Zone (OS1)’ to recognize the use of the subject lands for low density residential development, a place of worship, and a stormwater management block.
Special provisions are being sought to permit a R2-sp zoning with increased maximum lot
coverage of 45%, reduced exterior side yard width of 4.5 m for corner lots, and provisions
for reduced rear yard depth of 6.0 m and reduced lot depth for a portion of the draft plan. Special provisions are also being sought to permit a place of worship as a permitted use,
without a maximum floor area.
The subject property contains a Significant Valleyland and two unenclosed municipal
drains. An Environmental Impact Study (EIS) was completed as part of the applicant’s submission and was reviewed by a third party environmental consultant. Implementation
of the recommendations received from this study and subsequent review have been
included as conditions of draft plan approval.
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Report No: CASPO 2014-267 COMMUNITY AND STRATEGIC PLANNING
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Page 2 of 17
The proposed draft plan of residential subdivision can be supported from a planning
perspective, subject to a number of conditions being met prior to final approval by the County.
DISCUSSION
Background
OWNERS:
1422880 Ontario Inc. 375 Schaffer Side Road
Delhi ON N4B 2W6
Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada 2450 Milltower Court
Mississauga ON L5N 5Z6
APPLICANT:
Performance Communities Realty Inc. 1 Barrie Boulevard
St. Thomas ON N5P 4B9
LOCATION:
The subject lands are two properties described as Part Lot 8 & N. Part Lot 8, Concession 11
(Dereham), Town of Tillsonburg. The lands are located on the west side of Quarter Town Line
Road, south of the Tillsonburg Soccer Club Access Road, in the Town of Tillsonburg.
COUNTY OF OXFORD OFFICIAL PLAN:
Schedule “T-1” Town of Tillsonburg
Land Use Plan
Residential
Schedule “T-2” Town of Tillsonburg Residential Density Plan
High Density Residential & Low Density Residential
TOWN OF TILLSONBURG ZONING BY-LAW NO. 3295:
Existing Zoning: Minor Institutional Zone (IN1)
Future Development Zone (FD)
Requested Zoning: Special Low Density Residential Type 2 Zone (R2-10)
Special Low Density Residential Type 2 Zone (R2-11)
Special Low Density Residential Type 2 Zone (R2-12) Special Minor Institutional Zone (IN1-sp)
Passive Open Space Zone (OS1)
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Council Date: December 8, 2014
Page 3 of 17
PROPOSAL:
Applications have been received by the County of Oxford and Town of Tillsonburg to amend the Official Plan and Town’s Zoning By-law to facilitate the development of a residential plan of
subdivision comprising 72 lots for single detached dwellings, a block for a place of worship, 3 stormwater management blocks, a municipal services block, and three (3) new local streets.
The subject lands are located on the west side of Quarter Town Line Road, opposite Glendale Drive in the Town of Tillsonburg. The proposed draft plan of subdivision comprises two parcels having an approximate area of 9.36 ha (23.13 ac), immediately east of the Tillsonburg Soccer
Park. The subject lands are currently in agricultural production (cash crops). Two municipal drains, the Honsburger Drain and Bradburn Municipal Drain are present on the property and
continue south to Stony Creek. A small pond is present on the south eastern portion of the
property that is proposed to be decommissioned and returned to a natural watercourse. Surrounding uses include the Tillsonburg Soccer Park immediately adjacent to the west, single
detached dwellings on larger lots to the south, an elementary school (Monsignor J. H. O’Neil) to
the east, low density residential development to the east and north east, a place of worship to the north east and vacant land to the north that is currently being cropped. The driveway of the
the Tillsonburg Soccer Club is present at the northern boundary of the site and the former
CASO Railway is further to the north.
The proposed draft plan of subdivision will include three (3) new local streets, including an
extension of Glendale Drive and a crescent and cul-de-sac. As indicated on Plate 4, the proposed plan of subdivision will also include a block for a place of worship, and a stormwater
management block encompassing the existing pond and a 15 m buffer which will be dedicated to and maintained by the Town.
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was also submitted by the owners as the subject lands are located adjacent to significant valleylands and two open municipal drains that provide flow for Stoney Creek. The study was peer viewed and the recommendations included in the
EIS that relate to the proposed applications are summarized below:
Establish a 15 m setback of upland vegetation on either side of Honsburger Municipal Drain protected by a temporary fence during construction and a permanent fence
following construction;
Eliminate the existing pond to return the channel to a more natural configuration;
Enhance the function of the Honsburger Municipal Drain as a wildlife corridor by enriching tree and shrub diversity through plantings of native species;
Incorporation of a salt management plan, setback design and stewardship measures to
reduce potential for surface water contamination within the Storm Water Management Plan;
Soil erosion to be minimized during grading and topsoil stripping through the use of sediment fencing, hydroseeding and proper storage of topsoil;
Including the Honsburger Municipal Drain and 15 m setback within the proposed Passive Open Space (OS1) Zoning and the block to be dedicated to the Town;
Permit possible culvert installation within Block 73 (proposed church site) to enclose the Bradburn Municipal Drain;
Permit the extension of Glendale Drive through a portion of a relatively small, unevaluated wetland located adjacent to Quarter Town Line within the Honsburger Municipal Drain;
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Report No: CASPO 2014-267 COMMUNITY AND STRATEGIC PLANNING
Council Date: December 8, 2014
Page 4 of 17
Regular site inspection, maintenance and reporting of the storm water facility condition
and status of erosion control measures are to be performed to ensure the controls are in place and working properly.
In conjunction with the application for draft plan of subdivision, the applicant has submitted an application for Official Plan Amendment to re-designate the northeastern portion of the property
from High Density Residential to Low Density Residential and a zone change has been
submitted to establish appropriate zoning for the proposed development, being 72 lots for single detached dwellings, a block for a place of worship, and a stormwater management block. In
particular, the zone change application seeks to rezone the subject lands comprising the proposed residential subdivision from ‘Minor Institutional Zone (IN1)’ & ‘Future Development
Zone (FD)’ to ‘Special Low Density Residential Type 2 Zone (R2-sp)’, ‘Special Minor Institutional
Zone (IN1-sp)’ and ‘Passive Open Space Zone (OS1)’. Special provisions are being sought to permit an increased maximum lot coverage of 45% in
lieu of the maximum 40%, and a reduced exterior side yard width of 4.5 m (14.8 ft) in lieu of the required 6.0 m (19.7 ft), and for some lots within the plan, provisions are being sought for a
reduced rear yard depth of 6.0 m (19.7 ft) in lieu of the required 7.5 m (24.6 ft) and reduced lot
depth of 27 m (88.58 ft) in lieu of the required 30 m (98.4 ft) . Special provisions are also being sought to eliminate the maximum gross floor area for a place of worship, which is currently 650
m2 (7000 ft2) of gross floor area.
A Stage 4 Archaeological Assessment Report was prepared for the owners by Golder
Associates and was submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport for review and
acceptance. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport indicated that the report has been accepted and entered into the Ontario Public Register of Archaeological Reports. No further
archaeological assessment or excavation is required within the subject property.
Plate 1, Location Map with Existing Zoning, shows the location of the subject property and the
existing zoning in the immediate vicinity. Plate 2, 2010 Air Photo, provides an aerial view of the subject lands and the surrounding area.
Plate 3, Existing Official Plan Designation and Zoning, indicates the existing Official Plan
designations and zoning on the subject lands.
Plate 4, Proposed Zoning, depicts the proposed zoning for the draft plan of subdivision.
Plate 5, Draft Plan of Subdivision, provides the layout of the proposed draft plan of subdivision.
Comments 2014 Provincial Policy Statement
The 2014 Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) provides policy direction on matters of provincial interest related to land use planning and development. The policy framework came into effect
on April 30, 2014. Under Section 3 of the Planning Act, where a municipality is exercising its
authority affecting a planning matter, such decisions “shall be consistent with” all policy
statements issued under the Act.
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Council Date: December 8, 2014
Page 5 of 17
Section 1.1.2 of the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) directs that sufficient land shall be made
available through intensification, redevelopment and if necessary, designated growth areas, to accommodate an appropriate range and mix of employment opportunities, housing and other land uses to meet projected needs for a time horizon of up to 20 years.
Section 1.4.1 of the PPS sets out policies which are intended to provide for an appropriate range of housing types and densities required to meet projected requirements of current and
future residents. To accommodate this, planning authorities shall maintain at all times the ability to accommodate residential growth for a minimum of 10 years through residential intensification, redevelopment and if necessary, lands which are designated and available for residential
development.
Section 1.6 directs municipalities to efficiently utilize existing infrastructure and public service
facilities prior to the establishment of new facilities.
Section 2.0 (Wise Use and Management of Resources) states that Ontario’s long term
prosperity, environmental health and social well-being depend on protecting natural heritage, water, agricultural, mineral and cultural heritage resources for their economic, environmental
and social benefits. As such, natural heritage features and areas shall be protected for the long
term, and development and site alteration shall not be permitted on adjacent lands unless the ecological function of the adjacent lands has been evaluated and it has been demonstrated that
there will be no negative impacts on the natural features or on their ecological functions.
Official Plan The subject lands are designated ‘Low Density Residential’ and ‘High Density Residential’
according to the Town of Tillsonburg Residential Density Plan, as contained in the County of Oxford Official Plan. As shown on Plate 3, the north east corner of the property is designated
‘High Density Residential’ and the balance of the subject lands is designated ‘Low Density
Residential’. The applicant is proposing to designate the entire site ‘Low Density Residential’.
Section 3.2.3 (Natural Heritage System) states that it is an objective of the Official Plan to
protect and enhance the features comprising the Natural Heritage System by prohibiting incompatible development and controlling the environmental effects of development.
Finally, the policies of Section 10.3.3 (Plans of Subdivision and Condominium) provide that County and Town Council will evaluate applications for a plan of subdivision on the basis of the
requirements of the Planning Act, as well as criteria including, but not limited to, the following:
Conformity with the Official Plan;
The availability of community services such as roads, water, storm and sanitary sewers, waste disposal, recyclable collection, public utilities, fire and police protection, parks,
schools and other community facilities;
The accommodation of Environmental Resources and the mitigation of environmental
and human-made constraints;
The reduction of any negative effects on surrounding land uses, transportation networks
or significant natural features;
The design of the plan to be integrated into adjacent developments, and;
The design of the plan is to be compatible with the natural features and topography of the site, and proposals for extensive cut and fill will be discouraged.
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As a condition of draft plan approval, County Council will require an applicant to satisfy conditions prior to final approval and registration of the plan. The applicant will be required to meet the conditions of the draft approval within the specified time period, failing which, draft plan
approval may lapse. Additionally, to provide for the fulfillment of these conditions, and for the installation of services according to municipal standards, County Council shall require the applicant to enter into a subdivision agreement with the area municipality and, where necessary,
the County, prior to final approval of the plan.
Zoning By-Law
The subject lands are currently zoned ‘Future Development Zone (FD)’ and ‘Minor Institutional
Zone (IN1)’ in the Town of Tillsonburg Zoning By-law. The applicant is proposing to rezone the lands affected by the proposed plan of subdivision to ‘Special Low Density Residential Type 2
Zone (R2-10)’, Special Low Density Residential Type 2 Zone (R2-11)’, Special Low Density
Residential Type 2 Zone (R2-12)’, ‘Special Minor Institutional Zone (IN1-1)’, and ‘Passive Open Space Zone (OS1)’ to allow the development of 72 lots for single detached dwellings, a block for
a place of worship, and a stormwater management pond.
The ‘R2’ zone requires a minimum lot area of 315 m2 (3,390 ft2), a minimum lot frontage of
10.5 m (34.4 ft), a minimum lot depth of 30 m (98.4 ft), minimum exterior side yard width of
6.0 m (19.7 ft), and a rear yard depth of 7.5 m (24.6 ft). The applicant has requested reductions to the exterior side yard width, required rear yard depth, increased maximum lot coverage, and
reduced lot depth for selected lots in the proposed plan of subdivision. The Minor Institutional Zone permits a place of worship, with a maximum gross floor area of
650 m2 (7,000 ft2). The applicant proposes to remove this maximum gross floor area. The Passive Open Space Zone (OS1) is an appropriate zone for storm water management
blocks and other blocks owned by the Town for passive public use.
Agency Comments
The development proposal was circulated to those agencies that were considered to have an
interest in the proposal.
The Town of Tillsonburg Engineering Department provided the following comments:
Provisions shall be made to loop the water main to provide two feeds from Quarter Town
Line Road.
The applicant should contact Bell, Rogers and Union Gas to verify if their plant is located
in the existing servicing easement between the Soccer Park and Quarter Town Line.
Please confirm with the MOE / Oxford County Board of Health regarding the setback of
the proposed SWM Facility from the existing septic bed. According to Ontario regulations, the outside of the septic bed area shall be located a minimum of 15 meters
from open water.
Due to the proximity of the existing septic bed to the proposed SWM facility, the Town has concerns regarding the comment that the SWM facility will be designed to
encourage infiltration.
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Page 7 of 17
The post development runoff co-efficient shall be reviewed and revised to correspond to
the proposed re-zoning of the property. The applicant is requesting an R2 zone with an increased lot coverage up to 45%. Adding in driveways and walkways the runoff co-
efficient will be C=0.55 or more. Also, ensure an appropriate runoff co-efficient is used for Block 73.
In the final SWM design, incorporate a 3 meter safety bench, maintenance access with
turnarounds (offset from property line and capable of supporting hydraulic loading), sediment forebay, and berming as required to achieve the required flow length and
ratio. The area of the SWM facility may have to be increased to accommodate the
required features. Please refer to Table 4.6: Wet Ponds, SWM Planing & Design Manual, MOE 2003.
Provide hydraulic calculations for the culvert crossing on Glendale Drive. The culvert material for this crossing shall be concrete.
The relocation of the Bradburn Drain, through the Block 73 will be addressed during the site plan stage, and will require the appropriate processes under the Drainage Act.
The pro-rated cost of connecting to the water/sewer services that currently serve the soccer club through the easement are $28,149.94 for the Bethel Temple lands, and
$42,651 for the Bamford lands. These services originally cost $135,000 and the soccer
club paid 50% of the costs.
The Long Point Region Conservation Authority indicated that the proposed development could
potentially have impacts on stormwater drainage, soil erosion and sedimentation. They
recommend that lot grading, soil conservation and stormwater management plans be completed
as conditions of subdivision approval. The final stormwater management pond should provide
enhanced level of quality control as per the provincial standards as well as provide the
appropriate maintenance schedule for the entire stormwater system to ensure continued
efficiency. Staff also requests a post-construction sign off from the consulting engineer to
ensure construction was completed as designed.
The Town of Tillsonburg Building and By-law Services Department indicated that the subdivision
agreement shall include appropriate warning and disclosure clauses that properties adjacent to
the soccer park are subject to noise and lighting levels both existing and in the future related to
this use. The subdivision agreement shall have a requirement that a warning clauses be
included in the property and tenancy agreements and offers of purchase and sale to inform the
occupants of the noise and lighting effects both existing and in the future related to the adjacent
Soccer Park use. Amendments to the Town’s Parking By-law may also be warranted to
address possible impacts from the ‘Block 74’ being used as a passenger drop off zone for the
soccer facility.
The Town Director of Recreation, Culture & Parks indicated that the cross section profile of
Block 74 should be done in a way to minimize maintenance year-round and prevent vehicular
access to the Soccer Club. The Recreation, Culture & Parks Department concurs with the
applicant’s request to provide cash-in-lieu of parkland for this development rather than a
parkland dedication. Lots adjacent to the soccer park should have a privacy fence that is made as tall as reasonably possible perhaps using a berm or grade changes as well as fence height.
The County of Oxford Public Health and Emergency Services has indicated that all components
of a sewage system must be located at a distance of at least 15 metres from ponds.
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The County of Oxford Public Works Department indicated that a sanitary sewer/ watermain
easement will be required along the proposed extension of Glendale Drive to Quarter Town Line Road. Watermain looping will be required along the soccer club access road to provide a second feed and provide redundancy for the water system.
The Tillsonburg Chamber of Commerce indicated that they support these applications.
Union Gas has requested that as a condition of final approval, the owner/developer provide to their agency the necessary easements and/or agreements required for the provision of gas services for the development, to their satisfaction.
Bell Canada indicated that a detailed review of the Draft Plan of Subdivision has been
completed. The Developer is hereby advised that prior to commencing any work within the Plan,
the Developer must confirm that sufficient wire-line communication/telecommunication infrastructure is currently available within the proposed development to provide
communication/telecommunication service to the proposed development. In the event that such
infrastructure is not available, the Developer is hereby advised that the Developer may be required to pay for the connection to and/or extension of the existing
communication/telecommunication infrastructure. If the Developer elects not to pay for such
connection to and/or extension of the existing communication/telecommunication infrastructure, the Developer shall be required to demonstrate to the municipality that sufficient alternative
communication/telecommunication facilities are available within the proposed development to
enable, at a minimum, the effective delivery of communication/telecommunication services for emergency management services (i.e., 911 Emergency Services).
The following paragraph(s) are to be included as Conditions of Draft Plan of Subdivision Approval:
1. The Owner shall agree in the Agreement, in words satisfactory to Bell Canada, to grant to Bell Canada any easements that may be required for telecommunication services.
Easements may be required subject to final servicing decisions. In the event of any conflict with existing Bell Canada facilities or easements, the owner/developer shall be
responsible for the relocation of such facilities or easements.
2. Bell Canada requires one or more conduit or conduits of sufficient size from each unit to
the room(s) in which the telecommunication facilities are situated and one or more
conduits from the room(s) in which the telecommunication facilities are located to the street line.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provided the following comment:
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) has reviewed the above noted
application and provides the following comments based on the policies of the Provincial Policy
Statement, 2014 (PPS). The decision of the County and Town respecting the proposed official
plan amendment, rezoning, and plan of subdivision application must be consistent with these
policies. From our review, the following sections of the PPS appear to be applicable to this
matter.
Section 1.1.3.2 states that land use patterns within settlement areas shall be based on densities
and mix of land uses which efficiently use land and resources and are appropriate for
infrastructure and public service facilities. MMAH notes that the proposed application
redesignates a portion of the subject lands to permit low-density residential development. The
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County should ensure that this type of development is supportive of County and local goals and
targets for intensification and development and can be supported by public facilities and
infrastructure available now and in the future.
Section 1.4.3 states that an appropriate range and mix of housing types and densities shall be
provided to meet projected requirements of current and future residents by promoting densities
for new housing which efficiently use land, resources, infrastructure and public service facilities,
and active transportation.
MMAH notes that the proposed amendment is to redesignate the subject lands to low-density
housing to accommodate single detached dwellings. MMAH also notes that the Draft Oxford
County Population Housing and Employment Forecasts and Employment Lands Study prepared
by Watson & Associates in December 2013 projects that the average household size will
continue to decrease over the planning horizon due to an aging population. The County and
Town should review the application to ensure that the proposed supports current and future
demand of housing, efficiently uses land, public services and infrastructure resources, and
supports a variety of transportation methods.
Section 2.1.1 states that natural features and areas shall be protected for the long term.
Additionally, Section 2.1.4 states that where natural heritage features exist, no development and
site alteration is permitted unless it has been demonstrated that there will be no negative
impacts on the natural features or their ecological functions. It is noted that a variety of
environmental protection areas, as designated within the County of Oxford Official Plan, exist
within proximity and on the lot of the proposed. The County should consider environmental
protection areas to ensure that natural heritage features are not impacted by development and
site alteration from the proposed application, and avoid or mitigate any impacts where they
exist.
Section 3.1.2 does not permit development and site alternation within a floodway. It appears
that the eastern portion of the subject land falls within a regulatory flood and fill line. It is
expected that discussion with the Conservation Authority is conducted prior to any development
or site alteration to mitigate any natural hazards and reduce impacts from development on the
feature, and to obtain approval under their regulatory requirements.
Section 3.1.5 does not permit development in hazardous lands for institutional uses. MMAH
notes that the County of Oxford Official Plan may consider the church to be a minor institutional
use. The proposed site of the church is located on a portion of the subject lands that may be
subject to flooding or erosion hazards. It is expected that discussion with the Conservation
Authority is conducted prior to any development or site alteration to mitigate any natural hazards
and reduce impacts from development on the feature, and to obtain approval under their
regulatory requirements.
Lastly, the County should ensure that there is an adequate easement connecting the proposed
use directly to a public right-of-way. This is to promote efficient development, land use patterns,
and cost-effective development. The County should also consider access to the proposed
subdivision for fire and emergency services.
Canada Post has requested conditions be imposed on the development to ensure that the Community Mailbox facilities are located appropriately, and to ensure that notice is provided to prospective lot purchasers regarding the location of the said Community Mailbox facilities.
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The Ontario Provincial Police have indicated that they have no comments or concerns with the
proposed development.
PUBLIC COMMENTS Notice of Complete Application letter was sent out to surrounding neighbours on August 19,
2014. Notice of public meeting was sent out to public agencies and surrounding neighbours on November 24, 2014. To date, concerns have been received from the Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club. A letter of their concerns and proposal is attached to this report.
Planning Review
i) Official Plan
As noted, the application proposes to re-designate the north east corner of the subject property
from High Density Residential to Low Density Residential.
With respect to the need for high density residential lands, the proposal has been reviewed
based on the findings of the updated County Population, Household and Employment Forecasts (which were adopted by County Council in March 2014), and the County Vacant Lands Study
(VLS). The last formal VLS Study update was completed in 2009, however, County staff have
recently completed internal draft updates to the VLS to reflect the demand from the recently adopted County growth forecasts and the current residential land supply. The current growth
forecasts indicate that there will be a demand for 162 apartment-type dwelling units in
Tillsonburg over the next 20 year planning period (2015-2035). The draft land supply updates indicate that there are currently sufficient lands to accommodate 1,800 high density dwelling unit
types in the Town, including a large block of high and medium density land located to the north
at the southwest corner of North Street and Quarter Town Line Road.
Based on interim draft staff updates to the County Vacant Land Study, the area of the current High Density residential designation (2.83 ha) that is proposed to be re-designated for low density use represents approximately 261 high density residential units. Given the current
supply of high density lands (approx. 1800 units), it would appear that the re-designation of the subject lands would be appropriate from a land needs perspective, as there are sufficient lands designated for high density residential uses in the Town to accommodate the forecasted
demand for apartment dwelling units.
In addition to the foregoing, the Town of Tillsonburg currently has an oversupply of lands for low
density residential units. The redesignation of the existing High Density block discussed above includes lands for both the proposed place of worship (2.1 ha or 5.2 acres) as well as single-
detached dwelling lots (the remaining 0.7 ha or 1.8 acres). In light of the nature of the
development of this block, staff are of the opinion that the re-designation of the lands is appropriate as the amount of land that will be developed for residential purposes is relatively
small. Further, the overall re-designation of the block will serve to better integrate the
development of the lands into the surrounding planned and existing uses.
Planning staff are satisfied that the re-designation of the subject lands for low density residential purposes complies with the relevant policies of the Provincial Policy Statement and the County Official Plan with respect to promoting efficient development and land use patterns and
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accommodating an appropriate range and mix of residential and institutional uses to meet long-
term needs. The maximum net residential density for an individual development in the Low Density
Residential District is 30 units/ha (12 units/ac.) and the minimum net residential density shall be 15 units/ha (6 units/ac.). Based on the review of the present application, the density is 18 unit/ha (7units/ac.) and is a form of residential development envisioned in the Official Plan
policies.
ii) Plan of Subdivision
With regard to subdivision design, it should be noted that the proposed lot fabric and lot sizes
are similar to other developments in Town including Park Place and Reynolds’ Way. Given the existing single detached residential lots to the east in the Brookside Subdivision, Park Place,
and existing development along Glendale Avenue, the proposed subdivision will be compatible
with existing residential neighbourhoods.
The western boundary of the subdivision will be adjacent to the Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club
and their facilities, including a club house and a number of soccer pitches. The applicant will be
required to fence the boundary of the residential lots with a 1.8 m (6’) wooden privacy fence,
and will provide a pedestrian connection to the soccer facility through proposed Block 74.
Disclosure clauses, warning future homeowners of possible light impacts from the soccer light standards, impacts of possible stray soccer balls, and noise from the club house and irrigation
equipment will be included in the offers of purchase and sale and be clauses in the subdivision agreement, registered on title.
Town staff and the applicant have engaged the soccer club in a number of meetings since the applications were submitted with a view of determining an acceptable compromise to reduce the ongoing trespass of soccer balls from leaving the soccer facility and ensure that future
homeowners are aware of the possible inconveniences and disruptions that can be reasonably expected living adjacent to a seasonal soccer facility.
The Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club has submitted a letter of objection, outlining their concern with the proposed development (included as an attachment to this report). In their comments
they have requested a parkland buffer 11.0 m wide (36’) representing 5% of the total land area
of the subdivision be dedicated to the Town to provide separation between the soccer pitches and the residential properties to mitigate stray soccer balls from entering the residential
properties. It is not clear how effective the 11 m buffer will be to prevent stray balls from
entering the residential properties in comparison to a 7.3 m (24’) fence constructed on the present property line. The lands proposed to be developed as part of the subdivision plan have
been designated as low and high density residential lands since the first Oxford County Official
Plan was adopted in 1978 and have been zoned either ‘Development’ or ‘Minor Institutional
Zone’ since the adoption of the previous Town Zoning By-Law 1994 in 1977. The residential
development on these lands has been clearly contemplated since 1978. This application was previously circulated to Town and County staff during pre-consultation
meetings in 2010 and 2014 and was ultimately submitted without a parkland block. The applicant has submitted copies of an agreement between the Town and the previous owner of the lands, containing clauses with respect to cash-in-lieu of parkland. The agreement specifies
that parkland dedication is considered to be satisfied on the soccer lands, the lands on the northern side of the railway right-of-way, and the lands currently owned by 1422880 Ontario Inc.
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It appears that cash-in-lieu of parkland may be payable for future development on lands owned
by the Penetecostal Assemblies of Canada. Town staff have expressed a preference for the cash-in-lieu of parkland in light of the existing greenspace, large storm water management blocks, and recreational amenities in the general area of the subject lands.
The subject lands are located adjacent to an identified Significant Valleyland, according to the County of Oxford Environmental Features Plan, as contained in the County Official Plan. The
Official Plan indicates that development on lands adjacent to significant environmental features requires the submission, and peer review, of an Environmental Impact Study (EIS). The purpose of this study is to ensure that the proposed development will not result in adverse
impacts on the adjacent environmental feature.
As previously mentioned, the applicant has submitted an EIS which has been reviewed by a
third party environmental consultant retained by the Town and County. The recommendations and monitoring measures that were included in the EIS (and subsequent review comments) to
satisfy the intent of the Official Plan were listed previously in this report. In particular, Staff note
that the proposed subdivision has been designed to accommodate the recommended 15 m (49.2 ft) setback between the rear lot lines of the residential lots and the centreline of the
Honsburger Municipal Drain. This area includes the present pond which will be
decommissioned and reverted back to a more natural watercourse to provide a positive benefit to Stoney Creek, which is a cold water fishery. The remaining recommendations regarding the
protection of these environmental lands have been included as conditions of draft plan approval
and will be implemented through the subdivision agreement.
Block 73 of the proposed draft plan is to be conveyed to the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada and will be developed for a place of worship independent from the larger subdivision development. Dependent on the location of the church building, the Bradburn Municipal Drain
may need to be relocated and/or abandoned as per the provisions of the Drainage Act. The development of the place of worship will be subject to site plan control.
With regard to the policies of Section 10.3 (Plans of Subdivision and Condominium) which require the developer to address a series of standard review criteria concerning the adequacy of
servicing, environmental impacts, transportation networks and integration with surrounding
developments, Staff note that the required studies and reports have been received and reviewed through this Office and agency circulation. Planning staff are satisfied that these
issues have been addressed, or will be addressed, through the imposition of standard and site-
specific conditions of draft plan approval and development agreements.
iii) Zoning By-law Amendment
The subject lands are currently zoned ‘Future Development (FD)’ & ‘Minor Institutional Zone
(IN1)’ in the Town of Tillsonburg Zoning By-law. The applicant is proposing to create three (3) separate R2-Special zones to implement requested special provisions, a Special Minor
Institutional Zone to allow a place of worship, and to rezone storm water management areas to Passive Open Space Zone.
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Below is a summary table of the applicant’s requested zoning for the proposed draft plan of
subdivision: Proposed Zoning Requested Provisions
Lots 1-12, 16-25, 40-49, 55,
56, 62-72
R2-10 4.5 m (14.76‘) exterior side yard width in lieu of required
7.5 m (24.6’);
Maximum lot coverage of 45% in lieu of standard
maximum permitted lot coverage of 40%
Lots 13, 26-39,
50-54, 57-61
R2-11 4.5 m (14.76‘) exterior side yard width in lieu of required 7.5 m (24.6’);
Maximum lot coverage of 45% in lieu of standard maximum permitted lot coverage of 40%;
6.0 m (19.69’) rear yard depth in lieu of required 7.5 m
(24.6’);
Covered decks, patios & porches to be permitted to be
4.5 m (14.76’) from rear lot line
Lots 14, 15 R2-12 Maximum lot coverage of 45% in lieu of standard maximum permitted lot coverage of 40%;
6.0 m (19.69’) rear yard depth in lieu of required 7.5 m
(24.6’);
Covered decks, patios & porches to be permitted to be
4.5 m (14.76’) from rear lot line;
Minimum lot depth of 27 m (88.58’) in lieu of required 30
m (98.43’)
Block 73 IN1-1 Permit a place of worship with a gross floor area larger
than 650 m2 (7,000 ft2)
Block 76 & 77 OS1
The applicant has stated that the proposed increased permitted lot coverage and reduced exterior side yard width for all lots within the subdivision will allow for greater flexibility of
housing designs and types, and will allow for covered porches which have been a feature in
many newer homes. The increased lot coverage and impervious surface has been accounted for in the preliminary storm water management plan. The reduced exterior side yard will be
similar to other properties in Town and is not expected to create any negative impacts as the
lots will all front on local streets and there is sufficient separation between the travelled portion of the road and the building envelope.
Reduced rear yard depths are being requested for Lots 13-15, 26-39, 50-54, and 57-61. The reduced rear yard depth will allow the applicant to use varying dwelling designs on lots with
slightly irregular shapes and dimensions that would reduce the building envelope. The applicant is also requesting special provisions to allow covered decks, patios and porches on these lots to
be located 4.5 m (14.76’) from the rear lot line. Town Building and Engineering staff have
reviewed these requests and note that although there will be reduced area available for small
accessory structures (1.5 m net after the 3.0 m drainage easement) they do not have any concerns with the request.
The reduced lot depth for Lots 14 & 15 has been requested due to the design of the storm water management pond and required clearances between the pond and the septic system located on
an adjacent residential property outside of the proposed subdivision.
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The proposed Special Minor Institutional Zone removes the gross floor area maximum of 650 m2
(7000 ft2) for a place of worship. This gross floor limitation is intended to ensure that large institutional developments which can include a place of worship, accessory daycare, school, large auditorium, or other large amenities are located in appropriate locations and well buffered
from adjacent uses. In this instance, the Bethel Pentecostal Church has not determined how large the new church building will be. As the development of the church site will be under site plan control, matters such as landscaping, fencing, buffering, and appropriate site design will be
addressed to the Town and County’s satisfaction when the church moves forward with their development. Planning staff recommend that the site specific zoning request for the church block be approved.
The proposed Passive Open Space Zoning for the stormwater management blocks is
considered appropriate as the Town will become the future owner of these lands and the
proposed zoning will implement one of the recommendations of the EIS.
As previously mentioned, Planning Staff have reviewed the draft plan and it appears that all of
the lots intended for single detached dwellings meet the relevant provisions of the Zoning By-law and the requested special provisions maintain the general intent and purpose of the Zoning
By-law. The proposed zoning for Block 73 (Place of Worship) and the storm water management
blocks are appropriate.
iv) Conclusions
It is the opinion of Planning staff that the proposed Official Plan Amendment, draft plan of subdivision, and proposed zoning by-law amendments are consistent with the policies of the Provincial Policy Statement, maintain the intent and purpose of the Official Plan with respect to
the policies of the ‘Low Density Residential’ designation. Staff are satisfied that with the implementation of the recommendations and monitoring measures proposed in the EIS, the proposed development will not negatively impact the adjacent environmental features.
It is therefore recommended that Town Council approve-in-principle the requested zone
changes and recommend that County Council approve the Official Plan Amendment and the
draft plan of subdivision, subject to a number of conditions that address issues raised by various agencies during the review of the draft plan.
RECOMMENDATIONS
That the Council of the Town of Tillsonburg approve in principle the zone change application, File No. ZN 7-14-08, as submitted by Performance Communities Realty Inc.,
for lands described as Part 1 of Reference Plan 41R-6637 and Part 4 of Reference Plan 41R-6678, being Part Lot 8, Concession 11, (Dereham), in the Town of Tillsonburg,
to rezone the subject lands from ‘Minor Institutional Zone (IN1)’ and ‘Future Development
Zone (FD)’ to ‘Special Low Density Residential Type 2 Zone (R2-sp)’, ‘Passive Open Space Zone (OS1)’ and ‘Special Minor Institutional Zone (IN1-sp)’ to facilitate the
development of a residential draft plan of subdivision and place of worship; And further, that the Council of the Town of Tillsonburg advise the County Council that
the Town supports the application for Official Plan Amendment, File No. OP 14-06-7, as submitted by Performance Communities Realty Inc., for lands described as Part 1 of
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Reference Plan 41R-6637 and Part 4 of Reference Plan 41R-6678, being Part Lot 8,
Concession 11, (Dereham), Town of Tillsonburg to redesignate the subject lands from High Density Residential to Low Density Residential to facilitate the development of a
residential draft plan of subdivision and place of worship;
And further, that the Council of the Town of Tillsonburg advise the County Council that
the Town supports the application for draft plan of subdivision, File No. SB 14-03-7, as submitted by Performance Communities Realty Inc., prepared by Cyril J. Demeyere Consulting Engineers, for lands described as Part 1 of Reference Plan 41R-6637 and
Part 4 of Reference Plan 41R-6678, being Part Lot 8, Concession 11, (Dereham), Town of Tillsonburg, showing 72 lots for single detached dwellings, three stormwater management blocks, a municipal servicing block, place of worship block, and three new
local streets, subject to the following conditions being met prior to final approval of the plan for registration:
1. This approval applies to the draft plan of subdivision, submitted by Performance
Communities Realty Inc. (File SB 14-03-7) as prepared by Cyril J. Demeyere Limited (dated December 1, 2014) and Kim Husted Surveying, as shown on Plate 5 of Report
No. 2014-267, comprised of land described as Part 1 of Reference Plan 41R-6637 and
Part 4 of Reference Plan 41R-6678, being Part Lot 8, Concession 11, (Dereham), in the Town of Tillsonburg, and showing 72 lots for single detached dwellings, a block for a place
of worship, two road widening blocks, a municipal service block, and three blocks for
stormwater management purposes, all served by 3 (three) new local streets.
2. The owner agrees in writing to satisfy all requirements, financial and otherwise, of the
Town of Tillsonburg and County of Oxford regarding the construction of roads, installation of services, including the water, sewer, electrical distribution systems, sidewalks and drainage facilities, payment for the existing watermain and sewer services, and other
matters pertaining to the development of the subdivision in accordance with the standards of the Town of Tillsonburg and County of Oxford.
3. Prior to final approval by the County, such easements as may be required for utility or
drainage purposes shall be granted to the appropriate authority.
4. The subdivision agreement shall be registered to the satisfaction of the Town of
Tillsonburg against the title of the lands to which it applies.
5. The road allowances included in the draft plan of subdivision shall be dedicated as public highways.
6. The streets included in the draft plan shall be named to the satisfaction of the Town of
Tillsonburg.
7. Prior to the final approval by the County, all lots/blocks shall conform to the zoning
requirements of the Town of Tillsonburg Zoning By-Law. Certification of lot areas, lot
frontages, and lot depths shall be obtained from an Ontario Land Surveyor retained by the developer.
8. Prior to final approval, the owner agrees in writing to satisfy all the recommendations in
Summary Recommendations of the Environmental Impact Study (dated November 5, 2014) prepared by Jeff Thompson Environmental Planning and Design Limited., and all
recommendations from the peer review of the EIS prepared by Natural Resource Solutions Inc., regarding the restoration, construction, design mitigation and monitoring of the proposed development on matters relating to the preservation of the adjacent
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Significant Valleyland areas to the satisfaction of the County of Oxford and the Town of
Tillsonburg.
9. The subdivision agreement shall contain a provision that adequate fencing be provided between the plan of subdivision and all abutting environmental sensitive lands to east and
south adjacent to Block 76 & 77.
10. Prior to the final approval by the County, the owner shall receive confirmation from the County of Oxford Department of Public Works that there is sufficient capacity in the Town
of Tillsonburg water system and Town of Tillsonburg sewage system to service the plan of
subdivision. Confirmation shall be given in accordance with the “Protocol for Allocation of
Water and Sewage Capacity for Development”.
11. The owner agrees in writing to satisfy all the requirements, financial and otherwise, including payment of applicable development charges, of the County of Oxford regarding
the installation of the water distribution system and sewer system, and other matters
pertaining to the development of the subdivision.
12. The subdivision agreement shall make provision for the assumption and operation, by the
County of Oxford, of the water distribution system and sewage system within the draft
plan, subject to the approval of the County of Oxford Department of Public Works.
13. The subdivision agreement shall make provision for phasing of the subdivision to the
satisfaction of the Town of Tillsonburg and the County of Oxford.
14. Prior to the signing of the final plan by the County of Oxford, a road widening having an area of 0.12 ha adjacent to Quarter Town Line shall be dedicated to the Town of
Tillsonburg, free of all costs and encumbrances.
15. The subdivision agreement shall contain provisions requiring that the 1.64 ha (4.05 ac) stormwater management block and access block on the east side of the draft plan, as
shown on the draft plan of subdivision as Blocks 75, 76 & 77, shall be dedicated to the
Town of Tillsonburg, free of all costs and encumbrances, to the satisfaction of the Town of Tillsonburg.
16. The subdivision agreement shall contain provisions indicating that prior to final approval by the County a final storm water management report, including a planting plan, a grading plan and an erosion and siltation control plan, and salt management plan, to be prepared
and submitted by the owner for the review and approval by the Town of Tillsonburg and the Long Point Region Conservation Authority, and further, the subdivision agreement
shall include provisions for the owner to carry out, or cause to be carried out, any
necessary works in accordance with the approved plans and reports.
17. The subdivision agreement shall include provisions that require the owner to establish
sidewalks along both sides of Glendale Drive, and the south, east, and west side of
Crescent “A” to Block 74, at no cost to the Town of Tillsonburg and to the satisfaction of the Town of Tillsonburg.
18. Prior to final approval, the owner agrees in writing to satisfy all the requirements of the
Tillsonburg Hydro Inc. regarding the installation of the electrical distribution system and any other matters pertaining to the development of the subdivision.
19. Prior to final approval, the owner shall provide a payment for 5% cash-in-lieu of parkland
to the Town of Tillsonburg in accordance with the provisions of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended, and the Town is hereby authorized to do so.
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20. Prior to final approval, the owner agrees in writing to satisfy all requirements of Union Gas
Limited regarding necessary easements and/or agreements for the provision of gas services and any other matters pertaining to the development of the subdivision.
21. Prior to final approval, the owner agrees in writing to satisfy the requirements of Canada
Post Corporation with respect to advising prospective purchasers of the method of mail delivery, the location of temporary Centralized Mail Box locations during construction and, the provision of public information regarding the proposed locations of permanent
Centralized Mail Box locations.
22. Prior to the approval of the final plan by the County of Oxford, the owner shall satisfy Condition Number 9 to the satisfaction of the County of Oxford and the Town of
Tillsonburg.
23. Prior to the approval of the final plan by the County of Oxford, the owner shall provide to
the County clearance from the Tillsonburg Hydro Inc. that Condition Number 18 has been
met to their satisfaction. The clearance letter shall include a brief statement detailing how the condition has been satisfied.
24. Prior to the approval of the final plan by the County of Oxford, the owner shall provide to
the County clearance from Union Gas Limited that Condition Number 20 has been met to their satisfaction. The clearance letter shall include a brief statement detailing how the
condition has been satisfied.
25. Prior to the approval of the final plan by the County of Oxford, the owner shall provide to the County clearance from the Long Point Region Conservation Authority that Condition
Number 16 have been met to their satisfaction. The clearance letter shall include a brief
statement detailing how the condition has been satisfied.
26. Prior to the approval of the final plan by the County of Oxford, the owner shall provide
clearance to the County from Canada Post Corporation that Condition Number 21 has
been met to their satisfaction. The clearance letter shall include a brief statement detailing how the condition has been satisfied.
27. Prior to the approval of the final plan by the County of Oxford, the owner shall provide clearance to the County from the Town of Tillsonburg that Conditions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19 have been met to their satisfaction. The clearance letter shall include
a brief statement for each condition detailing how each has been satisfied.
28. Prior to the approval of the final plan by the County of Oxford, the owner shall secure
clearance from the County of Oxford Public Works Department that Conditions 2, 10, 11,
12, and 13 have been met to their satisfaction. The clearance letter shall include a brief statement for each condition detailing how each has been satisfied.
29. This plan of subdivision shall be registered within three (3) years of the granting of draft
approval, after which time this draft approval shall lapse unless an extension is authorized by the County of Oxford.
SIGNATURES
Authored by: original signed by Eric Gilbert, MCIP RPP, Development Planner
Approved for Submission: original signed by Gordon K. Hough, MCIP, RPP Director, Community and Strategic Planning
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Legend
1020
Notes
NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_17N
51 Meters
CDM
DAA/DAE
LDC/+MV
Minor Variance
OPA
Site Plan
Site Plan Application
Site Plan Control
Subdivision
WC
Zone Change
Parcel Lines
Property Boundary
Assessment Boundary
Unit
Road
Municipal Boundary
Environmental Protection/Flood Overlay
Flood Fringe
Floodway
Environmental Protection (EP1)
Environmental Protection (EP2)
Zoning Floodlines/Regulation Limit
100 Year Flood Line
30 Metre Setback
Conservation Authority Regulation Limit
Regulatory Flood And Fill Lines
Zoning (Displays 1:16000 to 1:500)
Road Restriction/Closures
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Legend
790
Notes
NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_17N
39 Meters
Parcel Lines
Property Boundary
Assessment Boundary
Unit
Road
Municipal Boundary
Road Restriction/Closures
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Legend
790
Notes
NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_17N
39 Meters
Parcel Lines
Property Boundary
Assessment Boundary
Unit
Road
Municipal Boundary
Environmental Protection/Flood Overlay
Flood Fringe
Floodway
Environmental Protection (EP1)
Environmental Protection (EP2)
Zoning Floodlines/Regulation Limit
100 Year Flood Line
30 Metre Setback
Conservation Authority Regulation Limit
Regulatory Flood And Fill Lines
Zoning (Displays 1:16000 to 1:500)
Residential Density
Low Density Residential (LOWDEN)
Medium Density Residential (MEDDEN)
High Density Residential (HIDEN)
Residential Reserve (RESRES)
Mobile Home Park (MOBILE)
Road Restriction/Closures
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Cyril J. Demeyere LimitedP.O. Box 606, 261 BroadwayTillsonburg, Ontario. N4G 4J1Tel: 519-688-1000866-302-9886Fax: 519-842-3235cjdl@cjdleng.com
Plate 4: Proposed Zoning
File Nos. OP 14-06-7 & SB14-03-7 & ZN 7-14-08- Performance Realty Communities Inc.
Part Lot 8, Concession 11 (Dereham), Part 4 of 41R-6678, Part 1 of 41R-6637, Town of Tillsonburg
'IN1-1'
'R2-11'
'R2-11'
'R2-11'
'R2-11'
'R2-10'
'R2-10'
'R2-10'
'R2-10'
'R2-10'
'R2-10'
'R2-12'
'OS1'
'OS1'
'R2-10' 4.5 m exterior side yard
45% lot coverage
'R2-11' 4.5 m exterior side yard 45% lot coverage
6.0 m rear yard
'R2-12' 4.5 m exterior side yard
45% lot coverage
6.0 m rear yard 27 m lot depth
191
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Cyril J. Demeyere LimitedP.O. Box 606, 261 BroadwayTillsonburg, Ontario. N4G 4J1Tel: 519-688-1000866-302-9886Fax: 519-842-3235cjdl@cjdleng.com
Plate 5: Draft Plan of SubdivisionFile Nos. OP 14-06-7 & SB14-03-7 & ZN 7-14-08- Performance Realty Communities Inc.
Part Lot 8, Concession 11 (Dereham), Part 4 of 41R-6678, Part 1 of 41R-6637, Town of Tillsonburg
192
OP 14-06-7, SB 14-03-7, ZN 7-14-08 – Performance Communities Realty Inc.
Site Photos
Figure 1- View of Subject Lands (Facing west from Quarter Town Line Road)
Figure 2- View of Subject Lands (facing west from Quarter Town Line Road)
193
OP 14-06-7, SB 14-03-7, ZN 7-14-08 – Performance Communities Realty Inc.
Site Photos
Figure 3- View of Subject Lands (facing south from soccer club access Road)
Figure 4- View of Subject Lands (facing southeast from soccer club access road)
194
OP 14-06-7, SB 14-03-7, ZN 7-14-08 – Performance Communities Realty Inc.
Site Photos
Figure 5- View of Property Boundary between Subject Lands and Soccer Facility (facing south)
195
Nov 24, 2014
Town Council and Senior Staff
Town of Tillsonburg
Corporate Office
200 Broadway St, 2nd Floor
Tillsonburg, ON
N4G 5A7
Dear Town Council and Senior Staff members,
The Board of Directors of the Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club are writing this letter to the Tillsonburg Town
Council and to Senior Staff at the Town of Tillsonburg in order to provide some feedback on a few matters of
concern related to the proposed adjacent land development that has recently been brought to our attention.
In order to provide some context, here is some background information for new Town Council and Town Staff
members: An agreement between the Soccer Club and the Town of Tillsonburg to develop the Soccer Park
facility was signed on Oct 1, 2001. As part of this agreement, the lands were acquired in a joint purchase
agreement with the Town. The Town was to be the owner of the lands while the Soccer Club was given
responsibility to develop the fields and buildings with the caveat being that the Soccer Club would be given
priority use of these lands for the establishment and operation of a Soccer Park. The Soccer Club Board of
Directors was established to govern the facility.
The Soccer Club operates as a not-for-profit private corporation that serves the interests of over 1000 youth and
adult soccer players in our community and hosts multiple private and community events both on our fields and
in our banquet hall.
The Club has invested over $1.5million in the grounds and facilities over the past decade to develop what is now
one of finest soccer facilities in all of Ontario. The Soccer Park is one of the ‘crown jewels’ of our community and
we are constantly hearing from visitors that they are amazed to see a facility of such high caliber in a small rural
town.
The fact that we have created one of the top outdoor soccer facilities in the province is testament to the
dedication of the Soccer Park founders and Board of Directors, along with the support of the Town. The fact
that the Soccer Park has operated with minimal assistance and input beyond the initial financial agreement with
the Town is an indication of the diligence with which the Club’s Board of Directors conducts itself. The Soccer
Park has paid back all loans from the Town and has met all of its obligations.
Beyond meeting all of its obligations and completing payments on all initial loans, the Soccer Club operates
independently rather than using Town-owned staff and facilities. We manage our own facility, pay our own bills,
have our own contractor to maintain the fields, and lease out the Clubhouse to an independent operator. We
have paid for own high mast lighting, we contract out garbage removal, have paid for our own sign at the main
gate, arranged for the planting of multiple trees and other landscaping within the park boundaries, and have
been paying for and installing field backstops and other safety fencing on an ongoing basis. We recently built a
new pavilion and are considering an investment in having our main roadways paved with asphalt. The one area
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that the Town has been helpful is the Road Dept with filling in pot holes and plowing the roadways in the winter
as per the terms of the initial Agreement signed with the Town.
The main drawback to acting independently and without burden on Town Staff appears to be the fact that we
can be overlooked.
On Nov 8, 2014 the Board of Directors received a copy of a Draft Plan for the rezoning and development of the
property adjacent to the eastern boundary of the Soccer Park. It was communicated to the Board that our
comments would need to be received by Nov 28, 2014 in order to be included in the County Planner’s report
that would be presented to Town Council on Dec 8, 2014 at which time the developer would be seeking Draft
Plan Approval.
The Board is concerned that the Draft Plan for the adjacent proposed development is not being implemented
with consideration of the negative immediate and long-term impact that it will have on our established facility.
We have concerns both about the process and lack of consultation that we have experienced, as well as some
concerns related to specific matters identified within the Draft Plan itself.
In regards to the process and lack of proper consultation, here are our main concerns:
1. We were not consulted by Town Staff in the initial planning stages and our interests were not
adequately represented by Town Staff purporting to act on our behalf.
2. We were not consulted early enough and have not been provided with enough time to have our
concerns adequately addressed or to seek counsel on matters that will affect us.
3. Town Staff decision to receive cash from the developer in lieu of the 5% parkland reserve would be
short-sighted and not in the best interests of the community.
In regards to specific matters related to the Draft Plan, here are our main concerns:
1. The developer should have established a parkland buffer zone along the western boundary of the
development which is adjacent to the eastern boundary of the Soccer Park. This would provide a clear
delineation between the Soccer Park lands and the adjacent development and would help mitigate the
risks associated with having residents living close to the Soccer Park boundary. There would be enough
land available from the 5% parkland reserve to establish an 11m x 430m buffer zone. We believe that an
11m wide buffer zone would be adequate and should be part of the Draft Plan will ultimately be
approved.
2. The developer should have to establish adequate fencing along the western boundary of the
development to ensure there is no risk to new residents. The requirements will vary depending on the
configuration of the development and the amount of buffer zone established between the residential
properties and the Soccer Park grounds. If there is an 11m buffer zone established (as per point 1
above) then a 1.8m (6ft) privacy fence would likely be adequate. If there is absolutely no separation
from the Soccer Park grounds (as shown in the Draft Plan) then a 7.3m (24ft) fence would be required.
3. There should be a clause included in the approval agreement that developer is to register on Title that
all properties in the new development are located next to an established Soccer Park facility and will be
exposed to: light trespass from existing and future high mast lighting, noise trespass from events at the
clubhouse (a licensed facility), high levels of traffic and noise during game nights and tournaments, 24hr
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noise related to irrigation systems, odours related to fertilizer and weed treatments, and potential
exposure to damages from soccer balls. This list of considerations must be registered on Title with the
Land Registry Office.
The above represents our major concerns with the Draft Plan.
In particular, the establishment of a Buffer Zone is something that we believe must be part of any development
plan for lands that are adjacent to the Soccer Park. This is simply an obvious and practical design consideration,
and we are extremely concerned that this requirement was not identified previously by any other parties.
During our meeting on November 17, 2014 with the developer, Town Staff, and other related parties, it was
communicated by Rick Cox, Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Tillsonburg, that former Town Staff
and the previous Town Council had made the decision to take cash in lieu of the 5% parkland reserve that the
developer is required to provide. We feel that this is a very short sighted decision and one that was
unfortunately made without any consultation of the Soccer Club and without due consideration for its negative
impact on the Soccer Park and future residents within the development. The 5% parkland reserve is enough
land to establish an 11m x 430m buffer zone between the Soccer Park property and the adjacent development.
Please refer to the attached Diagram 1 for an aerial view of this buffer zone.
This 11m wide buffer zone would be adequate to provide a level of safety for the new residents as perimeter
fencing and planting trees and shrubs in this area would provide some natural protection. Additionally this
buffer zone would provide adequate lands for establishing a walking trail which both the developer, Will
Hayhoe, and the Town representative, Rick Cox, communicated to us as something that they would like to see in
this area. The Soccer Park Board of Directors agree that a walking trail would be a great addition to this area
and support the using the parkland reserve lands to establish both a walking trail and the planting of trees and
other vegetation in the parkland reserve to create a natural fence area. There is also a clear benefit to the
developer as it would beautify the area and therefore a higher fee can be charged for these lots.
In addition to the above, from a long-term ownership perspective, we are concerned that if changes are not
made to the Draft Plan to establish a parkland buffer zone between the Soccer Park and the adjacent properties
that it will result in ongoing conflict and potential legal recourse. This is something that we would like to avoid.
Overall, in regards to the Draft Plan that we were provided on November 7, 2014, we are displeased to see that
the plan includes placing residential properties directly against the entire eastern perimeter of the Soccer Park
and that there was no parkland component included in the Draft Plan. The initial reaction was that this Draft
Plan is short-sighted and solely represents the interests of the developer to maximize the number of lots within
the development. We would like to see this changed so that rather than simply maximizing the number of lots,
the plan should look to maximize the liveability and sustainability of the area. We request that council considers
the long-term as we need to be diligent in ensuring that the plan adequately considers the full impact on the
area in terms of function, safety, and attractiveness.
Furthermore it is important to state that we were extremely disappointed to hear that this Draft Plan has been
in circulation since 2008 and that the Soccer Park is only now being notified of this plan. We have not had
adequate time to seek counsel in order to fully understand this situation and our rights and responsibilities and
how we will be impacted. The fact that the Town has chosen not to engage the Board of Directors and has
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elected to make decisions on behalf of the Soccer Park and without consultation of the Board of Directors, is an
indication that the Town is willing to assume all responsibility and accountability for these decisions. If the Draft
Plan is to proceed as presented then we will require the Town to issue the Board of Directors a clear
communication that a ‘Hold Harmless’ clause will be issued for the Soccer Park members and Board of Directors.
Essentially we would expect the Town to promise to take responsibility to resolve all issues involving adjacent
land owners including any costs associated with fencing, damages to property, personal injury, and all other
issues and costs related to and arising out of issues involving the shared boundary. Town Staff may wish to
consult their own legal counsel in order to fully understand their obligations. It is expected that the Soccer Park
will receive this communication from the Town prior to the approval of the Draft Plan.
We realize that there has been substantial turnover of staff at the Town in the past few years and it is quite
likely that most of the staff that are now responsible to review and approve this Draft Plan were not involved in
the earlier consultations and decision making surrounding this project. We hope that Town staff will not try to
push through the approval without proper consideration for the long-term interests of our community. The
Soccer Park is a long-term stakeholder in our community and we simply want to ensure that the decisions the
Town is making are in the best interests of everyone.
In conclusion, we are volunteers who represent the interests of over 1000 soccer players and their families and
we want to help ensure that the safety of our members and neighbours, as well as the beauty of the Soccer
Park, is given due consideration. In the future, we expect to be consulted earlier in the process to ensure that
we have adequate time to assess the impact and respond to matters that affect our interests.
In regards to the Draft Plan proposal that is currently under review, we request that Town Council reject the
Draft Plan in its current form in order that the concerns raised in this letter can be addressed. We believe that
our recommendation to include an 11m wide buffer zone between the adjacent properties is in the best
interests of all parties involved. We realize that this would require a redesign of the Draft Plan in order to
establish a buffer zone from the available 5% parkland reserve, and we realize that this will delay the developers
schedule, however we believe that this is the best way to proceed in order to adequately address the concerns
outlined in this letter and help ensure that a great long-term plan is what is ultimately approved.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors - Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club
President - Sebastian Fardella; Vice-President - Wayne Beard; Secretary - Dan Develter; Treasurer - Clayton
Collver; Directors - George Ambrus, Wendy Dube, Rob Fabi, Mark Locker, Carlos Oliveira, Michael
Papaioannou
Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club, PO Box 276, 275 Quarterline Rd, Tillsonburg ON, N4G 4H5
tmsc@execulink.com
www.tillsonburgsoccer.ca
199
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4,738.5sqm = 11.0m x 430.8m
1.17ac = 4,738.5sqm
5% of 9.45ha = 1.17ac
FROM PARKLAND RESERVE
BUFFER ZONE TO BE CREATED
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Dec 2, 2014
Town Council and Senior Staff
Town of Tillsonburg
Corporate Office
200 Broadway St., 2nd Floor
Tillsonburg, ON
N4G 5A7
Dear Town Council and members of Senior Staff,
The following has been prepared in response to the Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club’s (TMSC)
letter dated Nov 24, 2014 to Town Council and Senior Staff regarding the current draft plan
application for “Glendale West” lands. Please consider the following information as you make
the necessary preparations towards your decision.
Primary and Critical Elements of Consideration
Primary Issue - Reducing this situation to its primary issue (from which all other issues and
discussions arise) is the challenge of containing the TMSC’s land use activities within their
property boundaries.
Liability - It is the TMSC’s responsibility to mitigate their own liability when it comes to their
activities.
Obligations - The Planning Act does not require the developer of the adjacent lands to assist the
TMSC with their liability obligations.
Recommended Approach by Town Staff - At the meeting on Nov 24, 2014 it was suggested by
Town staff for TMSC to make a presentation to the Town requesting assistance with the ongoing
challenge of containing the land use activities within their property boundaries.
Desire for a Collaborative Solution
We are confident that a collaborative approach would offer a reasonable and productive solution
to the challenge facing the TMSC. However, in order to achieve a collaborative solution all parties
must acknowledge and accept their individual obligations and responsibilities. Each land owner
must address their responsibility to follow national, provincial and local laws, bylaws and
procedures. The recommendation of the TMSC for Town Council and Senior Staff to reject the
Draft Plan Application of the Glendale West lands in its current form does not acknowledge nor
accept any burden of responsibility on their organization. Furthermore, it attempts to shift,
accountability and responsibility to all other parties associated with this situation.
Bamford Homes, Bethel Pentecostal Church and Hayhoe Homes have offered to collaborate with
the TMSC to find a solution for their challenge of containing the TMSC’s land use activities within
their property boundaries. This offer to find a collaborative solution was conditional upon their
acknowledgment of what is clearly their responsibility to mitigate their own liability of activities
on their property.
Unfortunately, the TMSC has refused our offers and have chosen to maintain their
uncompromising recommendation they have outlined in their letter to council and town staff
dated Nov 24, 2014.
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Value to the Community
Prior to, or during the Draft Plan Approval Process, there hasn’t been any interest in discrediting
the TMSC and their value to the Town of Tillsonburg. Bethel Pentecostal Church is currently a
property owner of approximately half of the lands included in the application for draft plan
approval. They will also be remaining as a part of the proposed Glendale West community. Along
with the TMSC, the representatives from Hayhoe Homes, Bethel Pentecostal Church and
Bamford Homes have similar claims to their value and benefit to the Town of Tillsonburg. For
instance, Bethel has been a viable, long-standing, non-profit organization that has been
supporting and serving members of the Town of Tillsonburg and the surrounding area for over
75 years. It has taken the personal sacrifice of Bethel families (residents of Tillsonburg and
Oxford County) for many years to purchase the lands in question with the intention of building a
new facility. All affected parties relating to the Draft Plan Application in question are valuable to
the town of Tillsonburg. Although I can appreciate the TMSC’s attempt to ensure that their value
to Tillsonburg is not overlooked, the sole value of the TMSC and the Soccer Park isn’t a primary
consideration determining how to proceed. Furthermore, an evaluation and comparison of the
historical, current and future value of all affected parties would be problematic.
Historical Information, Maximization of Property and Planning Assumptions
The TMSC feels that the desire for the developer of Glendale West to attempt to maximize the
use of the lands is the reason for the challenge that now faces their organization. The following
information should be considered before accepting this claim.
Historical Information
*The land adjacent to the Soccer Park had been assigned a residential purpose long before the
establishment of the TMSC. The Official Plan indicates that the lands adjacent have been
contemplated for high density residential development since 1978. The developer currently has
submitted an application to rezone the development, reducing the density (reducing the number
of homes).
*June 2000, Bethel Pentecostal Church purchased their lands with the intention of developing.
*Summer of 2000 the TMSC signed an agreement with Andy Jacko Farms Ltd. This agreement
states that adjacent lands are designated for high density residential development.
*Oct 1, 2001, TMSC states they signed an agreement to develop their lands.
Maximization of Property - The TMSC developed their lands in an attempt to maximize the use of
their lands, placing the playing fields in close proximity to the adjacent lands (what they now
deem as an unacceptable distance). The planning of the Soccer Park did not include what they
have indicated to be essential buffers in order to mitigate liability for their organization.
Planning Assumptions - In light of the historical information provided above, it appears that the
TMSC incorrectly assumed that they would not have any neighboring residential or institutional
development. It was also unfortunate for the TMSC to incorrectly assume that they would not
need to make any accommodation to contain the wayward balls as a result of their game play.
Instead, based on these apparent assumptions, they have chosen to use private lands (without
establishing any agreement) as an ‘out of bounds’ area to accommodate their game play and
retrieve their equipment.
The historical information, maximization strategy and apparent planning assumptions, severely
limits the influence of any claim that the responsibility and liability of the ‘wayward balls’ from
the Soccer Park is the responsibility of the Town of Tillsonburg, Bamford Homes, Bethel
Pentecostal Church or Hayhoe Homes. Furthermore, it provides evidence for the contrary - that
the TMSC is directly responsible to find a solution for their challenge.
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No Equipment Retrieval Agreement
It is not clear if the TMSC recognizes or appreciates the kindness and grace of adjacent land
owners. Bamford Homes and Bethel Pentecostal Church are not aware of any preexisting or
current arrangement to allow the TMSC to retrieve their balls from our properties. A meeting
took place on Nov 17, 2014 with representatives of the TMSC, Hayhoe Homes, Bethel
Pentecostal Church, Town of Tillsonburg, Tillsonburg Hydro and the County of Oxford in
attendance. It was brought to our attention that the TMSC is fully aware of a common practice
for the players using their soccer fields to cross the current fence dividing the properties, and
enter the property owned by Bamford Homes and Bethel Pentecostal Church to retrieve their
wayward soccer balls. It was inferred that because the lands adjacent to the TMSC are currently
being used as farmland it was appropriate or acceptable to trespass on private property. It was
evident that the TMSC has misinterpreted a lack of resistance from the adjacent landowners as
an approval to circumvent their legal obligations to make the necessary arrangements to ensure
adjacent property is respected, regardless of its current usage.
The decision to reject the Draft Plan Application for the Glendale West lands and accept the
proposal put forward by the TMSC would continue to take advantage of the current land owners
by ‘giving’ the Soccer Club the land they have used without permission, in order to assist them in
an effort to mitigate their liability arising from their activities.
Objectivity - avoiding the appearance of special privilege
The TMSC have indicated that they are an independently owned and operated organization.
However, their frustration of not being informed or consulted during the planning and
development of private property could lead one to believe that they are intimating there is an
agreement of special consideration between the Town of Tillsonburg and the Soccer Club. We
have contacted all registered land owners. The lands to the west of our proposed development
are owned by the Town of Tillsonburg. Furthermore, we have searched title and there are no
registered documents on title which provide us with any further direction (ie. lease agreements,
etc.) If there is an agreement that would require the Town of Tillsonburg, a developer or land
owners to consult with the Soccer Club during planning and design it would be helpful if this
document was made available to review. To the best of our knowledge, all conduct by the land
owners, developer and town representatives have proceeded in an appropriate manner within
the boundaries of their obligations. Therefore, if there isn’t such an agreement of special
consideration, and all obligations have been met, an acceptance of the current proposal by the
TMSC could be interpreted as a decision made granting special privilege and has the potential of
creating a problematic precedence for future decision making.
The decision to reject the Draft Plan Application for the Glendale West lands and accept the
proposal put forward by the TMSC would have to be made in direct disregard of the primary
issue, that the TMSC is directly responsible to find a solution for their challenge of containing
their activities (ie. wayward soccer balls) within the boundaries of their property.
We trust that this response provides you with the additional information necessary to make an
holistic and informed decision.
Respectfully yours,
Brent Shepherd John Bamford Will Hayhoe and Tom Looby
Bethel Pentecostal Church Bamford Homes Hayhoe Homes
(Pentecostal Assemblies of Can.) (1422880 Ontario Inc.) (Performance Communities Inc.)
203
August 13, 2014
This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site andis for reference only. Data layers that appear on this map may or may not beaccurate, current, or otherwise reliable. This is not a plan of survey
Legend
1020
Notes
NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_17N
51 Meters
CDM
DAA/DAE
LDC/+MV
Minor Variance
OPA
Site Plan
Site Plan Application
Site Plan Control
Subdivision
WC
Zone Change
Parcel Lines
Property Boundary
Assessment Boundary
Unit
Road
Municipal Boundary
Environmental Protection/Flood Overlay
Flood Fringe
Floodway
Environmental Protection (EP1)
Environmental Protection (EP2)
Zoning Floodlines/Regulation Limit
100 Year Flood Line
30 Metre Setback
Conservation Authority Regulation Limit
Regulatory Flood And Fill Lines
Zoning (Displays 1:16000 to 1:500)
Road Restriction/Closures
204
August 13, 2014
This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site andis for reference only. Data layers that appear on this map may or may not beaccurate, current, or otherwise reliable. This is not a plan of survey
Legend
790
Notes
NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_17N
39 Meters
Parcel Lines
Property Boundary
Assessment Boundary
Unit
Road
Municipal Boundary
Road Restriction/Closures
205
August 13, 2014
This map is a user generated static output from an Internet mapping site andis for reference only. Data layers that appear on this map may or may not beaccurate, current, or otherwise reliable. This is not a plan of survey
Legend
790
Notes
NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_17N
39 Meters
Parcel Lines
Property Boundary
Assessment Boundary
Unit
Road
Municipal Boundary
Environmental Protection/Flood Overlay
Flood Fringe
Floodway
Environmental Protection (EP1)
Environmental Protection (EP2)
Zoning Floodlines/Regulation Limit
100 Year Flood Line
30 Metre Setback
Conservation Authority Regulation Limit
Regulatory Flood And Fill Lines
Zoning (Displays 1:16000 to 1:500)
Residential Density
Low Density Residential (LOWDEN)
Medium Density Residential (MEDDEN)
High Density Residential (HIDEN)
Residential Reserve (RESRES)
Mobile Home Park (MOBILE)
Road Restriction/Closures
206
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Cyril J. Demeyere LimitedP.O. Box 606, 261 BroadwayTillsonburg, Ontario. N4G 4J1Tel: 519-688-1000866-302-9886Fax: 519-842-3235cjdl@cjdleng.com
Plate 4: Proposed Zoning
File Nos. OP 14-06-7 & SB14-03-7 & ZN 7-14-08- Performance Realty Communities Inc.
Part Lot 8, Concession 11 (Dereham), Part 4 of 41R-6678, Part 1 of 41R-6637, Town of Tillsonburg
'IN1-1'
'R2-11'
'R2-11'
'R2-11'
'R2-11'
'R2-10'
'R2-10'
'R2-10'
'R2-10'
'R2-10'
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'OS1'
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45% lot coverage
'R2-11' 4.5 m exterior side yard 45% lot coverage
6.0 m rear yard
'R2-12' 4.5 m exterior side yard
45% lot coverage
6.0 m rear yard 27 m lot depth
207
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Cyril J. Demeyere LimitedP.O. Box 606, 261 BroadwayTillsonburg, Ontario. N4G 4J1Tel: 519-688-1000866-302-9886Fax: 519-842-3235cjdl@cjdleng.com
Plate 5: Draft Plan of SubdivisionFile Nos. OP 14-06-7 & SB14-03-7 & ZN 7-14-08- Performance Realty Communities Inc.
Part Lot 8, Concession 11 (Dereham), Part 4 of 41R-6678, Part 1 of 41R-6637, Town of Tillsonburg
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Nov 24, 2014
Town Council and Senior Staff
Town of Tillsonburg
Corporate Office
200 Broadway St, 2nd Floor
Tillsonburg, ON
N4G 5A7
Dear Town Council and Senior Staff members,
The Board of Directors of the Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club are writing this letter to the Tillsonburg Town
Council and to Senior Staff at the Town of Tillsonburg in order to provide some feedback on a few matters of
concern related to the proposed adjacent land development that has recently been brought to our attention.
In order to provide some context, here is some background information for new Town Council and Town Staff
members: An agreement between the Soccer Club and the Town of Tillsonburg to develop the Soccer Park
facility was signed on Oct 1, 2001. As part of this agreement, the lands were acquired in a joint purchase
agreement with the Town. The Town was to be the owner of the lands while the Soccer Club was given
responsibility to develop the fields and buildings with the caveat being that the Soccer Club would be given
priority use of these lands for the establishment and operation of a Soccer Park. The Soccer Club Board of
Directors was established to govern the facility.
The Soccer Club operates as a not-for-profit private corporation that serves the interests of over 1000 youth and
adult soccer players in our community and hosts multiple private and community events both on our fields and
in our banquet hall.
The Club has invested over $1.5million in the grounds and facilities over the past decade to develop what is now
one of finest soccer facilities in all of Ontario. The Soccer Park is one of the ‘crown jewels’ of our community and
we are constantly hearing from visitors that they are amazed to see a facility of such high caliber in a small rural
town.
The fact that we have created one of the top outdoor soccer facilities in the province is testament to the
dedication of the Soccer Park founders and Board of Directors, along with the support of the Town. The fact
that the Soccer Park has operated with minimal assistance and input beyond the initial financial agreement with
the Town is an indication of the diligence with which the Club’s Board of Directors conducts itself. The Soccer
Park has paid back all loans from the Town and has met all of its obligations.
Beyond meeting all of its obligations and completing payments on all initial loans, the Soccer Club operates
independently rather than using Town-owned staff and facilities. We manage our own facility, pay our own bills,
have our own contractor to maintain the fields, and lease out the Clubhouse to an independent operator. We
have paid for own high mast lighting, we contract out garbage removal, have paid for our own sign at the main
gate, arranged for the planting of multiple trees and other landscaping within the park boundaries, and have
been paying for and installing field backstops and other safety fencing on an ongoing basis. We recently built a
new pavilion and are considering an investment in having our main roadways paved with asphalt. The one area
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that the Town has been helpful is the Road Dept with filling in pot holes and plowing the roadways in the winter
as per the terms of the initial Agreement signed with the Town.
The main drawback to acting independently and without burden on Town Staff appears to be the fact that we
can be overlooked.
On Nov 8, 2014 the Board of Directors received a copy of a Draft Plan for the rezoning and development of the
property adjacent to the eastern boundary of the Soccer Park. It was communicated to the Board that our
comments would need to be received by Nov 28, 2014 in order to be included in the County Planner’s report
that would be presented to Town Council on Dec 8, 2014 at which time the developer would be seeking Draft
Plan Approval.
The Board is concerned that the Draft Plan for the adjacent proposed development is not being implemented
with consideration of the negative immediate and long-term impact that it will have on our established facility.
We have concerns both about the process and lack of consultation that we have experienced, as well as some
concerns related to specific matters identified within the Draft Plan itself.
In regards to the process and lack of proper consultation, here are our main concerns:
1. We were not consulted by Town Staff in the initial planning stages and our interests were not
adequately represented by Town Staff purporting to act on our behalf.
2. We were not consulted early enough and have not been provided with enough time to have our
concerns adequately addressed or to seek counsel on matters that will affect us.
3. Town Staff decision to receive cash from the developer in lieu of the 5% parkland reserve would be
short-sighted and not in the best interests of the community.
In regards to specific matters related to the Draft Plan, here are our main concerns:
1. The developer should have established a parkland buffer zone along the western boundary of the
development which is adjacent to the eastern boundary of the Soccer Park. This would provide a clear
delineation between the Soccer Park lands and the adjacent development and would help mitigate the
risks associated with having residents living close to the Soccer Park boundary. There would be enough
land available from the 5% parkland reserve to establish an 11m x 430m buffer zone. We believe that an
11m wide buffer zone would be adequate and should be part of the Draft Plan will ultimately be
approved.
2. The developer should have to establish adequate fencing along the western boundary of the
development to ensure there is no risk to new residents. The requirements will vary depending on the
configuration of the development and the amount of buffer zone established between the residential
properties and the Soccer Park grounds. If there is an 11m buffer zone established (as per point 1
above) then a 1.8m (6ft) privacy fence would likely be adequate. If there is absolutely no separation
from the Soccer Park grounds (as shown in the Draft Plan) then a 7.3m (24ft) fence would be required.
3. There should be a clause included in the approval agreement that developer is to register on Title that
all properties in the new development are located next to an established Soccer Park facility and will be
exposed to: light trespass from existing and future high mast lighting, noise trespass from events at the
clubhouse (a licensed facility), high levels of traffic and noise during game nights and tournaments, 24hr
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noise related to irrigation systems, odours related to fertilizer and weed treatments, and potential
exposure to damages from soccer balls. This list of considerations must be registered on Title with the
Land Registry Office.
The above represents our major concerns with the Draft Plan.
In particular, the establishment of a Buffer Zone is something that we believe must be part of any development
plan for lands that are adjacent to the Soccer Park. This is simply an obvious and practical design consideration,
and we are extremely concerned that this requirement was not identified previously by any other parties.
During our meeting on November 17, 2014 with the developer, Town Staff, and other related parties, it was
communicated by Rick Cox, Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Tillsonburg, that former Town Staff
and the previous Town Council had made the decision to take cash in lieu of the 5% parkland reserve that the
developer is required to provide. We feel that this is a very short sighted decision and one that was
unfortunately made without any consultation of the Soccer Club and without due consideration for its negative
impact on the Soccer Park and future residents within the development. The 5% parkland reserve is enough
land to establish an 11m x 430m buffer zone between the Soccer Park property and the adjacent development.
Please refer to the attached Diagram 1 for an aerial view of this buffer zone.
This 11m wide buffer zone would be adequate to provide a level of safety for the new residents as perimeter
fencing and planting trees and shrubs in this area would provide some natural protection. Additionally this
buffer zone would provide adequate lands for establishing a walking trail which both the developer, Will
Hayhoe, and the Town representative, Rick Cox, communicated to us as something that they would like to see in
this area. The Soccer Park Board of Directors agree that a walking trail would be a great addition to this area
and support the using the parkland reserve lands to establish both a walking trail and the planting of trees and
other vegetation in the parkland reserve to create a natural fence area. There is also a clear benefit to the
developer as it would beautify the area and therefore a higher fee can be charged for these lots.
In addition to the above, from a long-term ownership perspective, we are concerned that if changes are not
made to the Draft Plan to establish a parkland buffer zone between the Soccer Park and the adjacent properties
that it will result in ongoing conflict and potential legal recourse. This is something that we would like to avoid.
Overall, in regards to the Draft Plan that we were provided on November 7, 2014, we are displeased to see that
the plan includes placing residential properties directly against the entire eastern perimeter of the Soccer Park
and that there was no parkland component included in the Draft Plan. The initial reaction was that this Draft
Plan is short-sighted and solely represents the interests of the developer to maximize the number of lots within
the development. We would like to see this changed so that rather than simply maximizing the number of lots,
the plan should look to maximize the liveability and sustainability of the area. We request that council considers
the long-term as we need to be diligent in ensuring that the plan adequately considers the full impact on the
area in terms of function, safety, and attractiveness.
Furthermore it is important to state that we were extremely disappointed to hear that this Draft Plan has been
in circulation since 2008 and that the Soccer Park is only now being notified of this plan. We have not had
adequate time to seek counsel in order to fully understand this situation and our rights and responsibilities and
how we will be impacted. The fact that the Town has chosen not to engage the Board of Directors and has
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elected to make decisions on behalf of the Soccer Park and without consultation of the Board of Directors, is an
indication that the Town is willing to assume all responsibility and accountability for these decisions. If the Draft
Plan is to proceed as presented then we will require the Town to issue the Board of Directors a clear
communication that a ‘Hold Harmless’ clause will be issued for the Soccer Park members and Board of Directors.
Essentially we would expect the Town to promise to take responsibility to resolve all issues involving adjacent
land owners including any costs associated with fencing, damages to property, personal injury, and all other
issues and costs related to and arising out of issues involving the shared boundary. Town Staff may wish to
consult their own legal counsel in order to fully understand their obligations. It is expected that the Soccer Park
will receive this communication from the Town prior to the approval of the Draft Plan.
We realize that there has been substantial turnover of staff at the Town in the past few years and it is quite
likely that most of the staff that are now responsible to review and approve this Draft Plan were not involved in
the earlier consultations and decision making surrounding this project. We hope that Town staff will not try to
push through the approval without proper consideration for the long-term interests of our community. The
Soccer Park is a long-term stakeholder in our community and we simply want to ensure that the decisions the
Town is making are in the best interests of everyone.
In conclusion, we are volunteers who represent the interests of over 1000 soccer players and their families and
we want to help ensure that the safety of our members and neighbours, as well as the beauty of the Soccer
Park, is given due consideration. In the future, we expect to be consulted earlier in the process to ensure that
we have adequate time to assess the impact and respond to matters that affect our interests.
In regards to the Draft Plan proposal that is currently under review, we request that Town Council reject the
Draft Plan in its current form in order that the concerns raised in this letter can be addressed. We believe that
our recommendation to include an 11m wide buffer zone between the adjacent properties is in the best
interests of all parties involved. We realize that this would require a redesign of the Draft Plan in order to
establish a buffer zone from the available 5% parkland reserve, and we realize that this will delay the developers
schedule, however we believe that this is the best way to proceed in order to adequately address the concerns
outlined in this letter and help ensure that a great long-term plan is what is ultimately approved.
Sincerely,
Board of Directors - Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club
President - Sebastian Fardella; Vice-President - Wayne Beard; Secretary - Dan Develter; Treasurer - Clayton
Collver; Directors - George Ambrus, Wendy Dube, Rob Fabi, Mark Locker, Carlos Oliveira, Michael
Papaioannou
Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club, PO Box 276, 275 Quarterline Rd, Tillsonburg ON, N4G 4H5
tmsc@execulink.com
www.tillsonburgsoccer.ca
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4,738.5sqm = 11.0m x 430.8m
1.17ac = 4,738.5sqm
5% of 9.45ha = 1.17ac
FROM PARKLAND RESERVE
BUFFER ZONE TO BE CREATED
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Dec 2, 2014
Town Council and Senior Staff
Town of Tillsonburg
Corporate Office
200 Broadway St., 2nd Floor
Tillsonburg, ON
N4G 5A7
Dear Town Council and members of Senior Staff,
The following has been prepared in response to the Tillsonburg Minor Soccer Club’s (TMSC)
letter dated Nov 24, 2014 to Town Council and Senior Staff regarding the current draft plan
application for “Glendale West” lands. Please consider the following information as you make
the necessary preparations towards your decision.
Primary and Critical Elements of Consideration
Primary Issue - Reducing this situation to its primary issue (from which all other issues and
discussions arise) is the challenge of containing the TMSC’s land use activities within their
property boundaries.
Liability - It is the TMSC’s responsibility to mitigate their own liability when it comes to their
activities.
Obligations - The Planning Act does not require the developer of the adjacent lands to assist the
TMSC with their liability obligations.
Recommended Approach by Town Staff - At the meeting on Nov 24, 2014 it was suggested by
Town staff for TMSC to make a presentation to the Town requesting assistance with the ongoing
challenge of containing the land use activities within their property boundaries.
Desire for a Collaborative Solution
We are confident that a collaborative approach would offer a reasonable and productive solution
to the challenge facing the TMSC. However, in order to achieve a collaborative solution all parties
must acknowledge and accept their individual obligations and responsibilities. Each land owner
must address their responsibility to follow national, provincial and local laws, bylaws and
procedures. The recommendation of the TMSC for Town Council and Senior Staff to reject the
Draft Plan Application of the Glendale West lands in its current form does not acknowledge nor
accept any burden of responsibility on their organization. Furthermore, it attempts to shift,
accountability and responsibility to all other parties associated with this situation.
Bamford Homes, Bethel Pentecostal Church and Hayhoe Homes have offered to collaborate with
the TMSC to find a solution for their challenge of containing the TMSC’s land use activities within
their property boundaries. This offer to find a collaborative solution was conditional upon their
acknowledgment of what is clearly their responsibility to mitigate their own liability of activities
on their property.
Unfortunately, the TMSC has refused our offers and have chosen to maintain their
uncompromising recommendation they have outlined in their letter to council and town staff
dated Nov 24, 2014.
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Value to the Community
Prior to, or during the Draft Plan Approval Process, there hasn’t been any interest in discrediting
the TMSC and their value to the Town of Tillsonburg. Bethel Pentecostal Church is currently a
property owner of approximately half of the lands included in the application for draft plan
approval. They will also be remaining as a part of the proposed Glendale West community. Along
with the TMSC, the representatives from Hayhoe Homes, Bethel Pentecostal Church and
Bamford Homes have similar claims to their value and benefit to the Town of Tillsonburg. For
instance, Bethel has been a viable, long-standing, non-profit organization that has been
supporting and serving members of the Town of Tillsonburg and the surrounding area for over
75 years. It has taken the personal sacrifice of Bethel families (residents of Tillsonburg and
Oxford County) for many years to purchase the lands in question with the intention of building a
new facility. All affected parties relating to the Draft Plan Application in question are valuable to
the town of Tillsonburg. Although I can appreciate the TMSC’s attempt to ensure that their value
to Tillsonburg is not overlooked, the sole value of the TMSC and the Soccer Park isn’t a primary
consideration determining how to proceed. Furthermore, an evaluation and comparison of the
historical, current and future value of all affected parties would be problematic.
Historical Information, Maximization of Property and Planning Assumptions
The TMSC feels that the desire for the developer of Glendale West to attempt to maximize the
use of the lands is the reason for the challenge that now faces their organization. The following
information should be considered before accepting this claim.
Historical Information
*The land adjacent to the Soccer Park had been assigned a residential purpose long before the
establishment of the TMSC. The Official Plan indicates that the lands adjacent have been
contemplated for high density residential development since 1978. The developer currently has
submitted an application to rezone the development, reducing the density (reducing the number
of homes).
*June 2000, Bethel Pentecostal Church purchased their lands with the intention of developing.
*Summer of 2000 the TMSC signed an agreement with Andy Jacko Farms Ltd. This agreement
states that adjacent lands are designated for high density residential development.
*Oct 1, 2001, TMSC states they signed an agreement to develop their lands.
Maximization of Property - The TMSC developed their lands in an attempt to maximize the use of
their lands, placing the playing fields in close proximity to the adjacent lands (what they now
deem as an unacceptable distance). The planning of the Soccer Park did not include what they
have indicated to be essential buffers in order to mitigate liability for their organization.
Planning Assumptions - In light of the historical information provided above, it appears that the
TMSC incorrectly assumed that they would not have any neighboring residential or institutional
development. It was also unfortunate for the TMSC to incorrectly assume that they would not
need to make any accommodation to contain the wayward balls as a result of their game play.
Instead, based on these apparent assumptions, they have chosen to use private lands (without
establishing any agreement) as an ‘out of bounds’ area to accommodate their game play and
retrieve their equipment.
The historical information, maximization strategy and apparent planning assumptions, severely
limits the influence of any claim that the responsibility and liability of the ‘wayward balls’ from
the Soccer Park is the responsibility of the Town of Tillsonburg, Bamford Homes, Bethel
Pentecostal Church or Hayhoe Homes. Furthermore, it provides evidence for the contrary - that
the TMSC is directly responsible to find a solution for their challenge.
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No Equipment Retrieval Agreement
It is not clear if the TMSC recognizes or appreciates the kindness and grace of adjacent land
owners. Bamford Homes and Bethel Pentecostal Church are not aware of any preexisting or
current arrangement to allow the TMSC to retrieve their balls from our properties. A meeting
took place on Nov 17, 2014 with representatives of the TMSC, Hayhoe Homes, Bethel
Pentecostal Church, Town of Tillsonburg, Tillsonburg Hydro and the County of Oxford in
attendance. It was brought to our attention that the TMSC is fully aware of a common practice
for the players using their soccer fields to cross the current fence dividing the properties, and
enter the property owned by Bamford Homes and Bethel Pentecostal Church to retrieve their
wayward soccer balls. It was inferred that because the lands adjacent to the TMSC are currently
being used as farmland it was appropriate or acceptable to trespass on private property. It was
evident that the TMSC has misinterpreted a lack of resistance from the adjacent landowners as
an approval to circumvent their legal obligations to make the necessary arrangements to ensure
adjacent property is respected, regardless of its current usage.
The decision to reject the Draft Plan Application for the Glendale West lands and accept the
proposal put forward by the TMSC would continue to take advantage of the current land owners
by ‘giving’ the Soccer Club the land they have used without permission, in order to assist them in
an effort to mitigate their liability arising from their activities.
Objectivity - avoiding the appearance of special privilege
The TMSC have indicated that they are an independently owned and operated organization.
However, their frustration of not being informed or consulted during the planning and
development of private property could lead one to believe that they are intimating there is an
agreement of special consideration between the Town of Tillsonburg and the Soccer Club. We
have contacted all registered land owners. The lands to the west of our proposed development
are owned by the Town of Tillsonburg. Furthermore, we have searched title and there are no
registered documents on title which provide us with any further direction (ie. lease agreements,
etc.) If there is an agreement that would require the Town of Tillsonburg, a developer or land
owners to consult with the Soccer Club during planning and design it would be helpful if this
document was made available to review. To the best of our knowledge, all conduct by the land
owners, developer and town representatives have proceeded in an appropriate manner within
the boundaries of their obligations. Therefore, if there isn’t such an agreement of special
consideration, and all obligations have been met, an acceptance of the current proposal by the
TMSC could be interpreted as a decision made granting special privilege and has the potential of
creating a problematic precedence for future decision making.
The decision to reject the Draft Plan Application for the Glendale West lands and accept the
proposal put forward by the TMSC would have to be made in direct disregard of the primary
issue, that the TMSC is directly responsible to find a solution for their challenge of containing
their activities (ie. wayward soccer balls) within the boundaries of their property.
We trust that this response provides you with the additional information necessary to make an
holistic and informed decision.
Respectfully yours,
Brent Shepherd John Bamford Will Hayhoe and Tom Looby
Bethel Pentecostal Church Bamford Homes Hayhoe Homes
(Pentecostal Assemblies of Can.) (1422880 Ontario Inc.) (Performance Communities Inc.)
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THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF TILLSONBURG BY-LAW NUMBER 3865
BEING A BY-LAW to provide for an Interim Tax Levy for the year 2015
WHEREAS section 317 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, CHAPTER 25, provides that the
council of a local municipality, before the adoption of estimates for the year under section 290,
may pass a by-law levying amounts on the assessment of property in the local municipality ratable for local municipal purposes;
AND WHEREAS the Council of this municipality deems it appropriate to provide for such
interim levy on the assessment of property in this municipality;
THEREFORE the Council of the Town of Tillsonburg enacts as follows:
1. The amounts levied shall be as follows:
A. The amount levied on a property shall not exceed the prescribed percentage or
50 per cent if no percentage is prescribed, of the total amount of taxes for municipal and school purposes levied on the property for the previous year.
B. The percentage under paragraph “A” may be different for different property
classes but shall be the same for all properties in a property class.
C. For the purposes of calculating the total amount of taxes for the year 2014 under
paragraph “A”, if any taxes for municipal and school purposes were levied on a property for only part of the year 2014 because assessment was added to the tax roll during 2014, an amount shall be added equal to the additional taxes that would have
been levied on the property if the taxes for municipal and school purposes had been levied for the entire year.
2. The provisions of this by-law apply in the event that assessment is first added to the Collector’s roll for the year 2015 and an interim levy shall be imposed at the prescribed
percentage or 50 per cent if no percentage is prescribed, of the total tax rates levied for
that class in the previous year.
3. All taxes levied under this by-law shall be payable into the hands of the Collector in
accordance with the provisions of this by-law.
4. There shall be imposed on all taxes a penalty for non-payment or late payment of taxes
in default of the installment dates set out below. The penalty shall be one and one-quarter percent (1¼%) of the amount in default on the first day of default and on the first
day of each calendar month during which the default continues, but not after the end of
2015.
5. The interim tax levy imposed by this by-law shall be payable in two (2) installments due
on the following dates:
First Installment: The 26th day of February, 2015 Second Installment: The 28rd day of May, 2015
6. The Collector may mail or cause to be mailed to the address of the residence or place of
business of each person taxed under this by-law, a notice specifying the amount of taxes
payable.
7. The notice to be mailed under this by-law shall contain the particulars provided for in this
by-law and the information required to be entered in the Collector’s roll under section 343 of the Municipal Act, 2001.
8. The subsequent levy for the year 2015 to be made under the Municipal Act shall be reduced by the amount to be raised by the levy imposed under this by-law.
9. The provisions of section 317 of the Municipal Act, 2001, apply to this by-law with necessary modifications.
217
10. The Collector shall be authorized to accept part payment from time to time on account
of any taxes due, and to give a receipt of such part payment, provided that
acceptance of any such part payment shall not affect the collection of any percentage charge imposed and collectable under section 4 of this by-law in respect of non-payment
or late payment of any taxes or any installment of taxes.
11. Nothing in this by-law shall prevent the Collector from proceeding at any time with the
collection of any tax, or any part thereof, in accordance with the provisions of the statutes and by-laws governing the collection of taxes.
12. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this by-law and any other by-law, the provisions of this by-law shall prevail.
12. This by-law shall come into force and take effect on the day of the final passing thereof.
READ A FIRST AND SECOND TIME THIS 12TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2015.
READ A THIRD AND FINAL TIME AND PASSED THIS 12TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2015.
_________________________
Mayor – Stephen Molnar
_________________________
Clerk – Donna Wilson
218
THE CORPORATION OF THE
TOWN OF TILLSONBURG
BY-LAW NUMBER 3866
A By-Law to amend Zoning By-Law Number 3295, as amended.
WHEREAS the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg deems it advisable to amend By-Law Number 3295, as amended.
THEREFORE, the Municipal Council of the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg,
enacts as follows:
1. That Schedule "A" to By-Law Number 3295, as amended, is hereby
amended by changing to ‘R2-5’ the zone symbol of the lands so
designated ‘R2-5’ on Schedule “A” attached hereto.
2. This By-Law comes into force in accordance with Sections 34(21) and (30) of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, as amended.
READ a first and second time this 12th day of January, 2015.
READ a third time and finally passed this 12th day of January, 2015.
Mayor – Stephen Molnar
Clerk – Donna Wilson
219
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF TILLSONBURG
BY-LAW NUMBER 3868
A BY-LAW to authorize the sale of land (253 Broadway) to _____________________________.
WHEREAS pursuant to Section 8 and 9 of the Municipal Act, 2001, C. 25, a municipality has the
capacity, rights, powers and privileges of a natural person for the purpose of exercising its authority under this or any other Act;
AND WHEREAS The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg has agreed to sell certain lands, known municipally as 253 Broadway, Lot 944 and part Lot 945, Plan 500, and more particularly described as
Parts 4 and 5, Plan 41R-6262, subject to a joint access easement on Part 4 to
___________________________________________;
AND WHEREAS The Council of the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg has determined that the said
lands are surplus to the needs of the Corporation and should be sold;
THEREFORE the Council of the Town of Tillsonburg enacts as follows: 1. THAT the Council of the Town of Tillsonburg does hereby authorize the conveyance of lands
known municipally as 253 Broadway, Lot 944 and part Lot 945, Plan 500, and more particularly described as Parts 4 and 5, Plan 41R-6262.
2. THAT Schedule “A” being the agreement of purchase and sale for the said lands dated __________________ form part of this by-law as if written and incorporated herein.
3. AND THAT the Mayor and Clerk be hereby authorized and instructed to perform all acts and take such steps and execute such documents under the seal of the Corporation as may be
necessary to effect such a conveyance of said land.
READ A FIRST AND SECOND TIME THIS 12TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2015.
READ A THIRD AND FINAL TIME AND PASSED THIS 12TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2015.
_________________________
Mayor –Stephen Molnar
_________________________
Clerk- Donna Wilson
220
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF TILLSONBURG
BY-LAW NUMBER 3869
A BY-LAW to authorize an Encroachment Agreement between the Corporation of the
Town of Tillsonburg and the Canadian Broadcast Corporation
WHEREAS the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg deems it necessary and expedient to
enter into an agreement with the Canadian Broadcast Corporation
THEREFORE the Council of the Town of Tillsonburg enacts as follows:
1.THAT Schedule “A” attached hereto forms part of this By-Law;
2.THAT the Mayor and Clerk be hereby authorized to execute the attached agreement
marked as Schedule “A” on behalf of the Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg. This
By-Law shall come into force and take effect immediately after the final passing hereof.
READ A FIRST AND SECOND TIME THIS 12TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2015
READ A THIRD AND FINAL TIME AND PASSED THIS 9TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2015
________________________________
Mayor – Stephen Molnar
________________________________
Clerk – Donna Wilson
221
THIS AGREEMENT made this ... day of ...................., 2015
B E T W E E N:
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF TILLSONBURG
Hereinafter called the “Town”
OF THE FIRST PART;
- and -
THE CANADIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION
Hereinafter called the “Encroaching Party”
OF THE SECOND PART;
WHEREAS the Encroaching Party proposes to erect a repeater antenna on the
Tillsonburg Community Centre, as indicated on the drawings that have been attached as Schedule
“A” (the “Encroachment”);
NOW THEREFORE this Agreement witnesseth that in consideration of the premises
and the sum of TWO ($2.00) DOLLARS of lawful money of Canada now paid by the Encroaching
Party to the Town, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree and covenant as follows:
1.The parties hereto confirm the accuracy and truth of the foregoing recitals.
2.The Town agrees to permit the Encroachment, subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.
3.The term of this Agreement shall be from January 15, 2015 to January 15, 2020 (the
“Term”), unless otherwise terminated in accordance with this Agreement. At the expiration
of the Term, the Encroachment shall be immediately removed by the Encroaching Party,
at the Encroaching Party’s sole cost, and the Town’s property on which the Encroachment
was located shall be put in the same condition as it existed prior to the Encroachment by the
Encroaching Party or as directed by the Town, acting reasonably.
4.The Town will consider renewing this Agreement for up to two (2) additional five-year Terms.
5.The Encroaching Party agrees to pay to the Town, upon its execution of this Agreement
and on each yearly anniversary of the execution for the duration of the Term, a licence fee for
the Encroachment in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), for a total amount during
the Term of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00). The Town reserves the right to adjust this license
fee for the second and subsequent Terms, if entered into.
EncAgr 15-01 - CBC antenna at TCC.docx 1/4
Schedule "A"
222
6. The Encroaching Party agrees that if the Encroachment is removed or otherwise altered by the
Encroaching Party, or by a third party, at any time, without the express written consent of the
Town, the Encroaching Party’s rights under this Agreement shall be immediately terminated.
Once the Encroaching Party’s rights have been terminated, the Encroachment shall be
immediately removed by the Encroaching Party, at the Encroaching Party’s sole cost, and the
Town’s property on which the Encroachment was located shall be put in the same condition as
it existed prior to the Encroachment by the Encroaching Party or as directed by the Town,
acting reasonably.
7. The Encroaching Party shall not acquire title by possession or prescription to the Town’s
property on which the Encroachment is located and the Encroaching Party expressly
acknowledges that the Town’s property on which the Encroachment is located is owned by the
Town.
8. The Encroaching Party agrees to ensure that the Encroachment complies with all relevant Town
By-Laws, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
9. The Encroaching Party agrees to pay to the Town all legal and other costs associated with the
preparation of this Agreement.
10. The Encroaching Party agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Town, its Councillors,
employees and agents, at all times hereafter, from any and all claims for loss, costs, charges,
expenses or damages arising from the acts or omissions of the Encroaching Party, its
employees, agents or anyone for whom the Encroaching Party is at law responsible, in respect
of the maintenance, alteration or use of the Encroachment. The Encroaching Party shall provide
the Town with proof of insurance in the amount of $2,000,000.00, in a form satisfactory to the
Town, and name the Town as an additional insured, to support this indemnity.
11. No alterations or improvements shall be made to the Encroachment, at any time, without the
express written consent of the Town, and any alterations or improvements to which the Town
has consented shall be performed and completed at the Encroaching Party’s sole expense.
12. The Encroaching Party agrees that this Agreement may be terminated on ninty (90) days written
notice by the Town to the Encroaching Party and, in such case, the Encroachment shall be
completely removed by the end of the notice period by the Encroaching Party, at the
Encroaching Party’s sole cost. Following which, the Town’s property on which the
Encroachment was located shall be put in the same condition as it existed prior to the
Encroachment by the Encroaching Party or as directed by the Town, acting reasonably.
13. This Agreement is not transferable or assignable by the Encroaching Party without the express
written consent of the Town. Any attempt to transfer or assign any of the rights, duties or
obligations of this Agreement by the Encroaching Party, without the Town’s express written
consent, is void.
14. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their
respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and permitted assigns.
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223
15. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to the subject
matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings,
negotiations and discussions of the parties. There are no warranties, representations or other
agreements in connection with the subject matter of this Agreement except as specifically set
forth herein.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Agreement.
SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED ) THE CANADIAN BROADCASTING
) CORPORATION
)
in the presence of )
)
)
Witness )
)
)
)
Witness )
)
)
) THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN
) OF TILLSONBURG
)
) per:
) Stephen Molnar, Mayor
)
)
) per:
) Donna Wilson, Clerk
)
) I/We have the authority to bind the
) Corporation.
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224
SCHEDULE “A”
DRAWINGS OF THE PROPOSED SIGN OR AREA OF USE
EncAgr 15-01 - CBC antenna at TCC.docx 4/4
225
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF TILLSONBURG
BY-LAW NUMBER 3867
BEING A BY-LAW to confirm the proceedings of Council at its meetings held on the 12th
day of January, 2015
WHEREAS Section 5 (1) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, provides that the powers of a
municipal corporation shall be exercised by its council;
AND WHEREAS Section 5 (3) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, provides that municipal
powers shall be exercised by by-law;
AND WHEREAS it is deemed expedient that the proceedings of the Council of the Town of
Tillsonburg at this meeting be confirmed and adopted by by-law;
NOW THEREFORE THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF
TILLSONBURG ENACTS AS FOLLOWS:
1. All actions of the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg at its special
meeting and regular meeting held on January 12, 2015, with respect to every report,
motion, by-law, or other action passed and taken by the Council, including the exercise of
natural person powers, are hereby adopted, ratified and confirmed as if all such
proceedings were expressly embodied in this or a separate by-law.
2. The Mayor and Clerk are authorized and directed to do all the things necessary to give
effect to the action of the Council of The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg referred to
in the preceding section.
3. The Mayor and the Clerk are authorized and directed to execute all documents necessary
in that behalf and to affix thereto the seal of The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg.
4. This by-law shall come into full force and effect on the day of passing.
READ A FIRST AND SECOND TIME THIS 12TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2015.
READ A THIRD AND FINAL TIME AND PASSED THIS 12TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2015.
________________________________
Mayor – Stephen Molnar
________________________________
Municipal Clerk – Donna Wilson
226
COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLANTILLSONBURG
August 2014
Prepared by:
COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN
FOR THE TOWN OF TILLSONBURG
100 Commerce Valley Dr. W,
Thornhill, ON, Canada
L3T 0A1
t: 905-882-1100
f: 905.882.0055
Strategic Planning is the process by
which we can envision the future and
develop the necessary procedures and
operations to influence and achieve
that future.
– Clark Crouch
| 1Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan 2014
STRATEGIC PLAN
A Community Strategic Plan establishes a vision
for the future that reflects community ideas and
aspirations. The Community Strategic Plan guides
priority setting, ensuring that programs and services
address the changing needs of a community.
In late 2013, the Town of Tillsonburg began
developing a new Community Strategic Plan.
The Vision for the Future reflects input from the
community and is intended to establish a clear
statement about what Tillsonburg will be 25 years
from now. The Strategic Priorities described here
support the vision; recognizing the need for structure
and the development of partnerships in order to
achieve the desired future.
Tillsonburg is a distinct urban community that exists
within a larger rural context. While its population
is roughly 15,500, Tillsonburg serves as a regional
centre for the surrounding population of over
45,000. With a combination of its small-town feel,
an attractive downtown and access to quality
recreation, education and community amenities,
Tillsonburg provides a unique environment in which
to live, work and play.
Previous Community Strategic Plans have provided
an excellent foundation for Tillsonburg. This Plan
builds upon the previous work and provides clear
implementation and monitoring direction.
This Community Strategic Plan is the product of a
consultation process that engaged residents of all
ages, community organizations and Town employees
through focus groups, workshops, an online survey
and a community open house. Community input
received through these activities was essential to
developing the vision, directions, goals and actions
items presented in this Plan.
TILLSONBURG COMMUNITY
VIBRANTmodern lifestyle amenities
thriving businesses
p
a
r
k
l
a
n
d
ARTSCULTURE
c
o
m
m
u
n
i
t
y
TRAILSsports
diversity
employmentrecreation DOWNTOWNactive seniors
family friendly
engaged youth HISTORIC CHARM
2 |Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan 2014
Tillsonburg is a family-friendly community known for its
historic charm, thriving businesses and modern lifestyle
amenities. It is a regional hub for employment, recreation and
culture.
Tillsonburg’s Vision for the Future emerged through
discussion and collaboration between interested
members of the public, community groups and
agencies, and Town staff. It reflects Tillsonburg’s
valued small-town feel and the need to preserve this
character while promoting economic prosperity and
sustainability.
As described in the Vision, Tillsonburg will be
a desirable place to live and to visit. Residents
envision Tillsonburg as a supportive community for
all demographic groups, with an engaged population
and a diverse, modern economy providing a variety of
VISIONTILLSONBURG’S
FOR THE FUTURE
quality employment opportunities. An accountable
local government will communicate seamlessly with
citizens and other levels of government, and will
continuously act to meet the evolving needs of the
Town.
Tillsonburg will be known as a unique and
differentiated community. Its vibrant main street
and welcoming atmosphere will attract tourism and
help local businesses to thrive. Its status as a hub
within the surrounding rural agricultural landscape
will set it apart, and its ample green space and trails
will provide high quality recreational opportunities.
| 3Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan 2014
The Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan’s goals
and action items are organized according to four
broad themes or Strategic Objectives. The Strategic
Objectives evolved from the many discussions held
and comments received from local stakeholder and
members of the public.
OBJECTIVESSTRATEGIC
The Strategic Objectives support Tillsonburg’s Vision
for the Future. The following pages identify goals
under each Strategic Objectives, and a series of short,
medium, and long-term action items to be carried
out by Town staff and other stakeholders.
1 2
3 4
EXCELLENCE IN
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
DEMOGRAPHIC BALANCE CULTURE & COMMUNITY
EXCELLENCE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT1
6 |Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan 2014
Tillsonburg residents describe the need for proactive
and effective communication with Town staff and
political leaders. This communication will leverage
marketing initiatives and maintain the community
momentum and support needed to implement civic
pride initiatives. To keep residents informed and
gain public support, the Town will streamline its
communication strategy. Residents have expressed
the need for a single point of contact at the Town that
can be used to communicate any concerns or have
their questions answered. Regular communication
and greater collaboration between various agencies
and levels of government is also critical.
The Town will also work to demonstrate stronger
leadership in its initiatives. Prompt and dedicated
implementation of this Plan presents a great
opportunity. The Town will identify a champion for
implementation, and organize regular meetings with
stakeholders to provide status updates and keep on
top of emerging issues.
Many of the action items related to communication,
accountability, and leadership in local government
can be implemented immediately at little or no
cost. The Town’s commitment to taking action on
these initiatives will build trust and momentum
to continue working towards the remainder of the
Community Strategic Plan’s goals.
EXCELLENCE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT1
1.1
1.2
1.3
Demonstrate strong leadership in Town initiatives
Streamline communication and effectively collaborate within local government
Demonstrate accountability
| 7Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan 2014
Goal Action Item
Short Term (1-3 years)Medium Term (3-5 years)Long Term (5-10 years)
1.1 Demonstrate strong
leadership in Town
initiatives
Identify a staff member responsible for leading
implementation of the Community Strategic
Plan (CSP Coordinator)
CSP Coordinator to meet with citizen-led
initiatives on a monthly basis to gain input
from the community and identify issues that
require the Town’s attention
Host annual “Town Hall” style meetings where
the Town’s Senior Management team provides
status updates on CSP implementation and
successes to-date
Key Performance
Indicators At least one action item implemented
within 6 months; All short-term action items
accomplished within 3 years; On-going
collaboration with citizen-led initiatives
Demonstrated continuous CSP
implementation; Effective communication
about CSP progress with residents
1.2 Streamline
communication
and effectively
collaborate within
local government
Development and Communication
Services (DCS) to create and implement a
Communication Strategy for Town staff
CSP Coordinator to hold annual discussions
with local community groups to gain feedback
on the effectiveness of Town communications
DCS to develop and CSP Coordinator to
manage a webpage for ongoing community
input, ideas, and questions
DCS to perform an internal audit of
communication effectiveness
DCS/CSP Coordinator to revise
Communication Strategy and webpage based
on community feedback
Key Performance Indicators Communication Strategy is established and
incorporated into day-to-day Town operations;
Year-to-year increases in community
satisfaction above 2013 survey / consultation
baseline; Multiple platforms available for
citizen feedback
Auditor satisfaction with internal
communication effectiveness; Updated
Communication Strategy and webpage
as required; High degree of community
satisfaction with Town communication
1.3 Demonstrate
accountability DCS to provide the public with regular
updates on and contacts for Town initiatives
Town’s Senior Management team to provide
overview and discussion of how CSP
initiatives are incorporated into Town’s annual
budget at annual “Town Hall” style meetings
Key Performance
Indicators
Citizens are aware of ongoing initiatives and
appropriate contacts
Funds are consistently being allocated for
ongoing CSP implementation
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY2
10 |Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan 2014
Tillsonburg’s local economy benefits from a vibrant,
historic commercial core and a location in proximity
to provincial highways linking the Town to larger
urban centres and rural agricultural land. However,
many residents are concerned that the current
economy is lacking in diversity and that economic
prosperity and sustainability may be threatened as a
result. There is also widespread concern about local
unemployment rates.
Economic diversification is a priority for Tillsonburg.
Potential and emerging industries need to be
identified; existing viable industries should be
supported by the Town to ensure their continued
success. Tillsonburg’s indirect economic strengths,
such as the local Fanshawe College campus and the
airport, should be leveraged.
Many residents expressed desires for more local
women’s clothing and children’s shops. Greater retail
ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY2
Support new and existing businesses and provide a variety of employment opportunities
Provide diverse retail services in the downtown core
Provide appropriate education and training opportunities in line with Tillsonburg’s economy
diversity would encourage more local shopping and
support for local businesses. These issues can be
addressed through a Retail Diversification Strategy
and “shop local” program.
Finally, the Town will work to ensure that Tillsonburg
is well equipped with a variety of training and
education opportunities tailored to meet residents’
interests and support current and emerging local
industries. Action will begin by partnering with
educational institutions and industry to confirm
education and needs and opportunities, followed
by strengthened relationships and collective work
towards economic sustainability.
2.1
2.2
2.3
| 11Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan 2014
Goal Action Item
Short Term (1-3 years)Medium Term (3-5 years)Long Term (5-10 years)
2.1 Support new
and existing
businesses and
provide a variety
of employment
opportunities
Economic Development Office (EDO) to
measure success to-date of implementing the
recommendations / action items of the 2008
Economic Strategy
EDO to organize and host workshop(s) with
external stakeholders to reassess key
economic clusters (emerging and existing)
and determine any required updates to the
Economic Strategy
EDO to produce an updated Economic
Strategy
EDO and CSP Coordinator to monitor
implementation of new Economic Strategy and
provide annual summary reports
EDO to market existing financial assistance
opportunities for existing and new local industry
EDO to work with the Chamber
of Commerce and other
appropriate stakeholders to
explore opportunities to leverage
the presence of the Tillsonburg
Regional Airport, as per the
Town’s Economic Strategy
Key Performance
Indicators
Publication of report summarizing
implementation of Economic Strategy to-date;
Identification of next steps in implementing
Economic Strategy
Publication of new Economic Strategy; Publish
annual implementation summary reports; Year-
to-year increases in grant applications
Defined course of action
for utilizing the Tillsonburg
Regional Airport in economic
development initiatives
2.2 Provide diverse
retail services in
the downtown
core
EDO to form partnerships with the BIA
and other stakeholders to develop a Retail
Diversification Strategy that formally identifies
gaps in retail services and provides retail
diversification recommendations
EDO and CSP Coordinator to implement and
monitor the recommendations of the Retail
Diversification Strategy
EDO to work with the BIA and other
stakeholders to develop and launch a “shop
local” campaign
EDO and CSP Coordinator to
evaluate progress made and
make necessary adjustments
to the Retail Diversification
Strategy
Key Performance Indicators Publication of Retail Diversification Strategy Year-over-year progress in implementing
recommendations; increases in local spending
Local retailers are meeting the
retail needs of all demographics
2.3 Provide appropriate education and training opportunities in line with Tillsonburg’s economy
EDO to work with Glendale High School and
local business and industry leaders to hold
a workshop series focused on matching the
career interests of students with employment
opportunities and in-demand skills
EDO to work with Glendale High School’s
Technological Studies Department to offer
high school trades programs in line with
Tillsonburg’s industries
EDO to collaborate with the local Fanshawe
College campus to match education and
training with local industry
EDO to work with local educational institutions
and businesses to launch a job shadowing
/ internship program for students to provide
exposure to local industry
EDO to revisit and refresh
programs to reflect economic
trends and changes
EDO to explore partnerships
and/or collaborations with
additional post-secondary
institutions
Key Performance
Indicators
Identify gaps in local skills/interests and
industry needs
Increased opportunities for education and
training in line with local employer needs
On-going effective collaboration
between educational institutions
and local employers
DEMOGRAPHIC BALANCE3
14 |Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan 2014
Tillsonburg is a safe, family-friendly community that
also has an active and supportive population of
seniors. Residents want to ensure that Tillsonburg
continues to be an attractive place for all demographic
groups to thrive.
Tillsonburg will strive for an engaged youth
population and will aim to become an attractive
place for young professionals to live and work.
Existing programs such as mandatory high school
volunteer hours can be used to encourage youth to
become more involved in the community.
Many of Tillsonburg’s youth may be unaware of the
opportunities available to them. Stories of local
residents who have found long-term success in
their careers and lives in Tillsonburg can be better
communicated to youth to build greater awareness
of local opportunities, and a mentorship program
between youth and young professionals could
provide valuable guidance.
DEMOGRAPHIC BALANCE3
Make Tillsonburg an attractive place to live for youth and young professionals
Provide opportunities for families to thrive
Support the aging population and an active senior citizenship
Tillsonburg’s seniors are known to be active
volunteers and great contributors to the community
and its local economy. Leveraging political will to
improve health care and support services needed by
seniors will ensure that the community continues to
benefit from their support and local involvement.
Focus will be placed on the provision of a complete
local healthcare system where the majority of the
population’s needs can be met, and on ensuring
that the built environment is universally accessible
to improve mobility and independence of vulnerable
members of the population.
Tillsonburg will continue to support local families
through developing a better understanding of the
existing local services and amenities that they
value and identifying any prevalent challenges or
deficiencies. The Town will then work to provide
an enhanced range of family-oriented services and
amenities, as needed.
3.1
3.2
3.3
| 15Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan 2014
Goal Action Item
Short Term (1-3 years)Medium Term (3-5 years)Long Term (5-10 years)
3.1 Make Tillsonburg
an attractive place
to live for youth and
young professionals
CSP Coordinator to work with DSC to
launch a campaign that showcases
successful long-term Tillsonburg
residents and local young professionals
CSP Coordinator to work with local
community organizations to identify
ways in which the 40 Hours Community
Service program can be more fulfilling for
both students and the community
CSP Coordinator to form partnerships with
stakeholders to work with Glendale High
School and Student Council to assess the
effectiveness of the existing Cooperative
Education program
CSP Coordinator to work with Town
Council to establish an honorary Council
position for a Teen Advisory Group
representative
CSP Coordinator to work with
stakeholders to tailor and market
the Business Mentorship Program
to focus on establishing new
entertainment venues targeted to
young adults
Key Performance Indicators Increased local awareness of local
success stories; Increases in youth
volunteerism
Increased enrollment in Cooperative
Education program; Youth representation
at Council meetings
A range of leisure activity and
entertainment opportunities is available
for young adults
3.2 Provide opportunities for
families to thrive
CSP Coordinator to consult with local
families on their needs and explore the
necessity of providing additional support
to families
CSP Coordinator to work with Town and
local community organizations to promote
existing volunteer opportunities
CSP Coordinator to devise and implement
a strategy for addressing family needs
Key Performance
Indicators
Develop an understanding of challenges
faced by local families; increased
volunteerism
Provide an enhanced range of family-
oriented services and/or amenities as
needed
3.3 Support the aging
population and
an active senior citizenship
CSP Coordinator to meet with Tillsonburg
Seniors Centre to confirm seniors’ health
care needs and gaps in local services
Town Leadership to work with the South
West LHIN Board of Directors Tillsonburg
representative for provision of needed
seniors’ health care and support services
EDO to work with the Accessibility Advisory
Committee (AAC) to incorporate financial
incentives for universal accessibility
features into existing Community
Improvement Plans (CIPs)
Town Leadership to continue to work
with South West LHIN to implement
strategy to meet local seniors’ health
care and support services needs
EDO to market available CIP financial
incentive programs for universal
accessibility to local businesses
Town Operations to retrofit municipal
infrastructure such as sidewalks for
universal accessibility where needed
Key Performance Indicators Identification of gaps in seniors’ health care and support services Strategy in place to expand seniors’ health care and support services; CIPs amended
to address universal accessibility features
Tillsonburg offers an enhanced range of seniors’ health care and support
services; Universal accessibility
throughout downtown Tillsonburg
CULTURE &COMMUNITY4
18 |Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan 2014
Residents value Tillsonburg’s tight-knit community
and its vibrant commercial main street. Events such
as Turtlefest draw many residents and visitors each
year, and local attractions such as the Annandale
House museum and Lake Lisgar Waterpark are
an asset. Further promotion as a unique and
welcoming community for both citizens and visitors
is encouraged. Through the launch of a tourism
marketing strategy and through expanding and
enhancing popular local events, Tillsonburg can
begin to gain better recognition as an attractive
tourist destination.
While Tillsonburg currently provides great
opportunities for residents to get involved in local
sports, the Town will work towards providing a
greater range of leisure activity options. The Town
may collaborate with local cultural organizations
CULTURE & COMMUNITY4
Promote Tillsonburg as a unique and welcoming community
Provide a variety of leisure and cultural opportunities to suit all interests
Improve mobility and promote environmentally sustainable living
or get involved in other creative pursuits if there is
sufficient interest in such activities.
Environmental sustainability is important to many
residents of Tillsonburg. Sustainable transportation,
in particular, was a popular discussion topic during
the development of the Community Strategic Plan.
The Town will explore options such as community
transportation, car share programs, and bike share
programs. As a long-term initiative, Tillsonburg’s
existing network of paths and trails will be reinforced
to ensure connectivity, and the condition of
sidewalks and other infrastructure will be improved
to ensure universal accessibility.
4.1
4.2
4.3
| 19Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan 2014
Goal Action Item
Short Term (1-3 years)Medium Term (3-5 years)Long Term (5-10 years)
4.1 Make Tillsonburg
an attractive place
to live for youth and
young professionals
EDO to develop and implement a Tourism
Marketing Strategy in line with the
recommendation of the 2008 Economic
Strategy
CSP Coordinator to work with Parks and
Recreation and Cultural Improvement Alliance
(CIA) to expand and enhance local festivals to
attract a greater number of tourists
CIA to explore and organize additional
opportunities to showcase local talent
CSP Coordinator to organize a new
“Welcoming Committee” comprised of
local citizens that corresponds with new
residents
EDO to revisit and expand
Tourism Marketing Strategy to
new target areas
Key Performance
Indicators
A greater number of tourists visiting Tillsonburg New residents are engaged in the
community
Tillsonburg has established itself
as a local tourist destination
4.2 Provide a variety of
leisure and cultural
opportunities to suit
all interests
Parks and Recreation to measure success
to-date of implementing the recommendations
/ action items of the Community Parks,
Recreation & Cultural Strategic Master Plan
Parks and Recreation and CSP
Coordinator to monitor implementation of
Community Parks, Recreation & Cultural
Strategic Master Plan and provide annual
summary reports
Key Performance
Indicators
Publication of report summarizing
implementation of Master Plan to-date;
Identification of next steps in implementing
Master Plan
Publish annual implementation summary
reports
4.3 Provide
opportunities for
families to thrive
Town Senior Management to explore viability
of alternative transportation options such as
community transportation, car share programs
and bike share programs
Town Senior Management to implement
a suitable transportation program and
support the program through Town-wide
marketing
Key Performance
Indicators
Determination of feasible alternative
transportation options
Viable alternative(s) to private automobile
exist for day-to-day activities
20 |Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan 2014
Championing
It is crucial that the Town identify champions who will
assume ownership of the Community Strategic Plan,
providing regular status updates and keeping on top
of changing conditions and emerging issues. This
will ensure that the goals for each strategic objective
are being accomplished and that action items are
being implemented properly and appropriately.
Champions should be identified in several categories
that may include: Council, staff, age groups, existing
community groups, community leaders.
Quick Wins
It will also be critical for the Town to take immediate
action on some of the strategic initiatives to build
trust and momentum going forward. Some easily-
achievable “quick wins” include developing a
communication strategy for Town staff, identifying a
staff member responsible for leading implementation
of the Community Strategic Plan, and publishing a
quarterly newsletter that provides contacts for Town
initiatives.
IMPLEMENTATION
Monitoring Progress
In the spirit of openness, transparency and
responsiveness, regular reporting on the progress the
Town is making in meeting the goals identified in this
Community Strategic Plan is important. Preparing
annual reports, along with summary documents, and
hosting annual “Town Hall” style meetings ensures
that progress is being made and identifies areas that
may require additional resources.
The most important aspect of this Community Strategic Plan is translating words into action. The following
outlines how the Town can ensure that implementation of the Community Strategic Plan will be successful.
22 |Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan 2014
1 EXCELLENCE IN
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
1.2 Communication & Collaboration
1.1 Leadership
1.3 Accountability
2 ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY
2.1 Industry & Employment Opportunities
2.2 Retail Services
2.3 Education & Training
Identify staff member to lead implementation CSP
Meet with citizen-led initiatives to identify issues CSP
Host annual “Town Hall” style meetings for CSP
implementation updates TSM
Develop a Communication Strategy for Town staff DCS
Hold annual discussions with local community groups CSP
Develop webpage for ongoing input, ideas, and questions DCS & CSP
Perform audits on communication effectiveness DCS
Revise Communication Strategy and webpage DCS/CSP
Provide public with updates and contacts DCS
Provide overview of how CSP initiatives are incorporated
into annual budget TSM
AAC - Accessibility Advisory Committee
CIA - Cultural Improvement Alliance
COC - Chamber of Commerce
CSP - Community Strategic Plan Coordinator
DCS - Development & Communication Services
EDO - Economic Development Office
LC - Local Community
PR - Parks & Recreation
Measure success to-date of Economic Strategy implementation EDO
Host workshop to reassess key economic clusters EDO
Produce updated Economic Strategy EDO
Monitor & report on Economic Strategy implementation EDO & CSP
Market existing financial assistance opportunities EDO
Leverage the presence of the airport EDO & COC
Develop a Retail Diversification Strategy (RDS)EDO
Implement & monitor RDS recommendations EDO & CSP
Develop & launch a “shop local” campaign EDO
Evaluate RDS progress and make adjustments EDO & CSP
Hold workshop series to match career interests of students with
opportunities EDO
Offer high school trades programs EDO
Collaborate with Fanshawe College EDO
Launch job shadowing / internship programs EDO
Revisit and refresh programs to reflect economic trends EDO
Explore partnerships with post-secondary institutions EDO
Person / groups responsible for action item:
S - Stakeholders
T - Town
TC - Town Council
TSC - Tillsonburg Seniors Centre
TL - Town Leadership
TO - Town Operations
TSM - Town Senior Management
LHIN - South West LHIN Board of Directors
1-3 yrs
3-5 yrs
5-10 yrs
1-3 yrs
1-3 yrs
3-5 yrs
1-3 yrs
1-3 yrs
3-5 yrs
3-5 yrs
1-3 yrs
1-3 yrs
3-5 yrs
1-3 yrs
3-5 yrs
3-5 yrs
1-3 yrs
3-5 yrs
3-5 yrs
5-10 yrs
1-3 yrs
3-5 yrs
3-5 yrs
3-5 yrs
5-10 yrs
5-10 yrs
| 23Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan 2014
3 4DEMOGRAPHIC BALANCE CULTURE & COMMUNITY
3.1 Youth & Young Professionals
3.2 Families
3.3 Seniors
4.1 Unique & Welcoming Community
4.2 Leisure & Cultural Opportunities
4.3 Mobility & Sustainability
Launch campaign to showcase successful residents CSP & DSC
Develop 40 Hours Community Service programs with local
organizations CSP
Assess effectiveness of existing Cooperative Education CSP
Establish honorary Council position for youth representative CSP & TC
Establish new entertainment venues targeting young adults CSP & S
Explore necessity of providing additional support to families CSP
Promote existing volunteer opportunities CSP, T & LC
Devise and implement strategy for family needs CSP
Confirm seniors’ health care needs and gaps in local services CSP & TSC
Provide needed seniors’ health care and support services TL & LHIN
Incorporate financial incentives for universal accessibility
into existing Community Improvement Plans (CIPs)EDO & AAC
Implement strategy to meet local seniors’ needs TL & LHIN
Market CIP accessibility incentives for local businesses EDO
Retrofit municipal infrastructure for universal accessibility TO
Develop and implement Tourism Marketing Strategy EDO
Expand and enhance local festivals CSP, PR & CIA
Explore & organize opportunities to showcase local talent CIA
Organize “Welcoming Committee” for new residents CSP
Revisit & expand Toursim Marketing Strategy EDO
Measure success to-date of implementation of Community
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Strategic Master Plan (CPRCSMP)PR
Monitor & report on CPRCSMP implementation PR & CSP
Explore viability of alternative transportation options TSM
Implement and market a transportation program TSM
1-3 yrs
3-5 yrs
5-10 yrs
1-3 yrs
3-5 yrs
3-5 yrs
5-10 yrs
1-3 yrs
3-5 yrs
1-3 yrs
3-5 yrs
3-5 yrs
5-10 yrs
5-10 yrs
1-3 yrs
3-5 yrs
5-10 yrs
1-3 yrs
3-5 yrs
3-5 yrs
1-3 yrs
3-5 yrs
1-3 yrs
AP
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MEMO
100 Commerce Valley Drive West, Thornhill, ON L3T 0A1 | t: 905.882.1100 | f: 905.882.0055 | w: www.mmm.ca
Subject: Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan Summary of Stakeholder Workshops Held December 3, 2013 Date: December 16, 2013
We are pleased to present you with a summary of the stakeholder workshops held on December 3,
2013 related to the Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan. The following summary has been broken
down into the key themes identified as a result of our background review and the feedback received from the workshop participants. Please keep in mind that this is a summary of information and not verbatim notes.
Youth Engagement
Key Strengths
Generally speaking, most workshop participants agreed that Tillsonburg offered:
Plenty of clubs, activities and programs, particularly related to sports and recreation;
Great sports and/or recreation facilities (e.g. baseball diamonds, community centre, trails and
parks, etc.); and
Direct engagement opportunities through the newly established Teen Advisory Group.
Key Challenges
Workshop participants indicated that a lack of employment opportunities for youth in their teens and
twenties was the biggest threat to youth engagement and retention in Tillsonburg. Some participants
attributed this to a lack of entry level employment opportunities, while others suggested a lack of desirable post-secondary training/programming.
Other areas of improvement related to youth engagement highlighted during the workshops included:
Not enough teen-focussed activities;
Lack of engagement in programs of all kinds and opportunities (i.e. non-athletic programs);
Risk of declining enrollment and non-donation funding sources in existing programs;
Location of activities is very spread out geographically and can make access difficult;
Potential lack of engagement, interaction and understanding between youth and older
demographics; and
Lack of quality youth “hangout” places aside from the mall;
Other Comments to Note
Questions of how and in what areas Tillsonburg youth were engaged were highlighted during the
workshops. The general consensus was that while Tillsonburg is a great place to grow up and young
people generally feel engaged, the lack of employment opportunities is a potential barrier to retaining
youth beyond high-school.
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Economic Development Key Strengths Workshop participants highlighted the following key strengths related to economic development in Tillsonburg: Proximity to Highway 401, larger markets (e.g. London) and the US border; and
Strong industry presence for a community of its size
Key Challenges
Several challenges were highlighted, including:
Lack of entry level and industry jobs and careers for young people/families;
Discrepancy between skills of local labour and needs of industry;
Lack of desirable and local training/educational opportunities;
Need to strengthen the presence of Fanshawe College;
Lack of promotion/marketing of economic opportunities to young families and/or outsiders;
Too much “red tape” and high taxes are discouraging new businesses from opening; and
Need to do a better job at leveraging opportunities associated with the airport
Other Comments to Note
As a whole, workshop participants indicated that Tillsonburg’s greatest need for improvement is in the area of economic development due to the impact it has on all other aspects of the community.
Downtown Development
Key Strengths
Specific comments related to what the participants liked about the downtown included:
Vibrant, well maintained and self-sufficient;
Unique offering of local stores;
Plenty of restaurant options;
Free parking; and
The new library offered good programing and quality facilities in a central location.
Key Challenges
The following areas for improvement were highlighted in reference to the downtown:
Lack of retail diversity, particularly for the needs of women, children (including infants) and
teens;
Lack of public space and green space;
Lack of non-retail social establishments;
Heritage in the downtown needs to be preserved and protected;
Lack of parking around the mall; and
Need for facilities such as wedding hall, conference centre, etc.
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Other Comments to Note Workshop participants generally indicated a sense of pride regarding the downtown area, although the need for more retail diversity was a common issue that was raised. Culture & Sense of Community
Key Strengths
Participants throughout all the groups noted that they felt that Tillsonburg residents were invested in and proud of their community and looked out for one another. Other positive attributes related to culture and sense of community in Tillsonburg included:
Good parks, trails and water features;
Tourism opportunities related to the Great Lakes and streams (e.g. fishing);
Strong selection of arts and culture programing, activities and groups (e.g. Station Arts Centre, museum, theatre, etc.);
Many engaged volunteers; and
Lots of churches;
Key Challenges
Some participants expressed a perceived lack of appreciation for volunteers and concerns that
fundraising efforts are not sustainable without support from the Town.
Other areas of opportunity related to culture & sense of community included:
Need for more tourism marketing and opportunities;
Lack of a centralized source of information (e.g. various organizations don’t know about other
similar programs/events being offered); and
Need to do a better job at featuring and recognizing local artists;
Other Comments to Note
Participants overwhelmingly indicated that some of Tillsonburg’s biggest strengths were its small town feel and its sense of community. Additionally, while the number of volunteers in Tillsonburg was
identified by many as a positive, some participants were concerned about a future shortage due to the
aging of the population.
Health Care & Support Services
Key Strengths
The following was communicated as existing strengths related to health care and support services:
Good hospital, doctors and medical services;
Seniors living centres, programming and health care services;
Plenty of community outreach and partnerships with community organizations; and
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Good support for the disabled and disadvantaged (food bank, community kitchen, Salvation Army, etc.); Key Challenges Participants noted the following areas of improvement and concerns: Ability of the hospital and/or other medical services to handle future demand;
Reduced or no access to special services (e.g. obstetrics)
Mobility concerns (lack of affordable senior transportation services, scooter access, etc.);
Lack of senior housing / assisted living facilities;
Better support services for low-income and at-risk population;
Lack of support for existing services (e.g. food bank);
More awareness of local homelessness; and
Lack of childcare and after-school programs;
Other Comments to Note
Health care and social services were identified as very important by workshop participants. However, concerns were raised about the ability of the hospital and/or other medical services to handle the demands of an aging population.
Local Government
Key Strengths
Workshop participants indicated the following as existing strengths related to local government in
Tillsonburg:
Significant improvement in communication between the community and Town Council, but still
work to do;
Improved relationship between Oxford County and the Town; and
Great MP’s and MPP’s
Key Challenges
The following challenges related to local government were also communicated during the workshops:
The Town lacks a practical strategic outlook;
The Town has failed to implement past plans; and
Need to improve Oxford County program roll-out, as some programs are not always seen in
Tillsonburg.
Other Comments to Note
While participants noted that there has been improvement in communication and/or the relationship between the Town, the County and the community, they also indicated that there was room for
improvement.
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Other Issues In addition to those discussed above, the following issues were also identified by workshop participants: Tillsonburg as a regional centre means a large catchment area (40,000+) but also created challenges in terms of infrastructure costs; High cost of living and lack of affordable rental units;
The Thames District School Board serves too large of an area;
Rural communities just outside town are not well-serviced or well-connected;
Public transit options are insufficient within Tillsonburg;
Tillsonburg is poorly connected to other towns; and
Existing services need to be better marketed to the community;
MEMO
100 Commerce Valley Drive West, Thornhill, ON L3T 0A1 | t: 905.882.1100 | f: 905.882.0055 | w: www.mmm.ca
Subject: Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan Progress Report #2 Date: April 23, 2014
This Progress Report summarizes the activities that have taken place related to the Tillsonburg
Community Strategic Plan following the first set of stakeholder workshops held on December 3, 2013.
A memo regarding the outcome of those first workshops was issued on December 12, 2013. Following the December 3 workshops, the following project activities have taken place:
Staff and Council workshops were held on February 19, 2014;
An online survey was developed as a consultation tool; and
Survey results were compiled and analyzed to inform the Community Strategic Plan.
Staff and Council Workshops
Staff and Council Workshops were held on February 19, 2014. Town Staff and Council members were given the opportunity to review and comment on progress to date, including the results of the first set
of stakeholder workshops. Through a facilitated discussion, participants were asked to identify any
gaps in the input received at the stakeholder workshops, and to prioritize specific areas of interest to be addressed by the Community Strategic Plan.
Results from the Staff and Council Workshops indicated that areas of weakness were in youth engagement, health care and support services, economic and downtown development. The Staff Workshop emphasized the need to change the perception of a senior-focused town to address and
attract all age groups through developing the downtown core. More health care and support services
options should be available, as well as job opportunities in downtown Tillsonburg. In addition, Council members stressed how the strategic plan needs to be inclusive to encourage open communication.
These views were reflected in the ranking of goals and priorities where improving communication
followed by additional health care services (walk-ins and nurse practitioners) were ranked of highest
importance.
The Staff and Council Workshops also addressed the implementation of the Community Strategic
Plan. At the Staff workshop, small group discussions were held on long-term and short-term goals, implementation roles, responsibilities, and resources, followed by a facilitated discussion on how to
gain traction in implementation of the plan. Specific objectives analyzed included: communication,
health care services, educational support and youth engagement. Similarly, the Council workshop
involved a facilitated discussion on Council’s role in plan implementation, the need to identify community champions, and keys to the plan’s success. Overall, the participants identified that
implementation of a Community Strategic Plan to achieve these goals and objectives would require
Council, stakeholders and the community to work collaboratively.
Online Survey
An Online Survey was administered to gain community input into the Strategic Plan. The survey asked
participants to assess Tillsonburg’s past performance in the areas of Youth Engagement and Retention, Economic Development, Downtown Development, Culture and Sense of Community, Health
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Care and Support Services, and Local Government. It also gathered input on Tillsonburg’s future priorities. The survey was made available on the Town’s webpage from February 1, 2014 to March 7, 2014 and members throughout the community were actively encouraged to participate. A variety of local community groups were contacted for their involvement, including the local senior’s centre, library, curling club, and high school. Surveys were also distributed to local residents at the Tillsonburg Town Centre as well as local businesses.
The survey was successful in achieving high rates of participation with strong representation from all
demographic groups. A total of 357 local residents completed the survey. Of these participants, 199
(56%) were female and 158 (44%) were male. 14% of respondents were under the age of 20 while
12% were over the age of 65. People between the ages of 20 and 39 represented 28% of the respondents, and those between the ages of 40 and 64 represented 46%.
The results indicate that Tillsonburg’s residents believe that the Town performs well in the area of Culture and Sense of Community; its family-oriented nature, high quality parks and recreational opportunities, and active citizens are its most positive attributes. Tillsonburg also performed
reasonably well in the area of Health Care and Support Services. Opinions were mixed in the areas of
Downtown Development, Local Government, Economic Development, and Youth Engagement and Retention. Particularly, respondents felt that Tillsonburg performed poorly in professional employment
opportunities, retail diversification, considering the opinions of young people (age 25 and under) in the
decision-making process and entrepreneurialism.
Next Steps
Another set of stakeholder focus group workshops and Public Open House are scheduled for April 29,
2014. These events will allow interested citizens to review the work completed to-date, including the results of the surveys and other input received, and provide any additional input into the Community
Strategic Plan. The focus of this round of consultation will be to identify actions to be taken to address
Tillsonburg’s identified issues, focus on the identified priorities for its future, and meet future goals and
objectives.
Following the workshops and Public Open House, a draft Community Strategic Plan will be prepared
and circulated.
1
Tillsonburg CSP Survey Analysis An Online Survey was administered to gain community input into the Strategic Plan. The survey asked participants to assess Tillsonburg’s past performance in the areas of Youth Engagement and Retention, Economic Development, Downtown Development, Culture and Sense of Community, Health Care and Support Services, and Local Government. It also gathered input on Tillsonburg’s future priorities.
The survey was made available on the Town’s webpage from February 1, 2014 to March 7,
2014 and members throughout the community were actively encouraged to participate. A variety
of local community groups were contacted for their involvement, including the local senior’s
centre, library, curling club, and high school. Surveys were also distributed to local residents at
the Tillsonburg Town Centre as well as local businesses.
The survey was successful in achieving high rates of participation with strong representation
from all demographic groups. A total of 357 local residents completed the survey. Of these
participants, 199 (56%) were female and 158 (44%) were male. 14% of respondents were
under the age of 20 while 12% were over the age of 65. People between the ages of 20 and 39
represented 28% of the respondents, and those between the ages of 40 and 64 represented
46%. A detailed breakdown of survey respondents by age/gender is provided in Exhibit 1.
Exhibit 1 - Respondent Breakdown
2
Past Performance Participants were asked to assess Tillsonburg’s past performance in the areas of Youth Engagement and Retention, Economic Development, Downtown Development, Culture and Sense of Community, Health Care and Support Services, and Local Government. The results the assessment are discussed in further detail below. Youth Engagement and Retention
Opinions were mixed on how well the Town has performed to-date in the area of youth
engagement and retention (Exhibit 2). The majority of total respondents agreed that youth
sports are one of Tillsonburg’s greatest strengths and that Tillsonburg provided opportunities for
youth (18 and under) to become engaged in the life of the community (i.e. programs, activities,
facilities). However, survey respondents also indicated that there is a lack of attractive career
opportunities in Tillsonburg for young adults between the ages of 25 and 40. Furthermore, only
12% of survey respondents agreed that the opinions of residents under the age of 25 are
considered by Tillsonburg Town Council and staff.
Female respondents consistently indicated lower levels of satisfaction in the area of youth
engagement and retention. Compared to their male counterparts, female respondents were less
likely to agree that:
► There are attractive employment opportunities in Tillsonburg for young adults between
the ages of 25 and 40;
► Young people (age 25 and under) have access to post-secondary education and training
opportunities;
► Tillsonburg provides opportunities for youth (18 and under) to become engaged in the
life of the community (i.e. programs, activities, facilities, etc.); and
► Youth sports are one of Tillsonburg’s greatest strengths.
The following observations should also be noted:
► Respondents under the age of 20 tended to be more optimistic about career and
educational/training opportunities relative to the general population; and
► Respondents under the age of 20 (particularly females) were less likely to agree that
youth sports are one of Tillsonburg’s greatest strengths.
3
Exhibit 2 - Youth Engagement and Retention
Economic Development
Opinions were also mixed on the topic of economic development in Tillsonburg, although the
results overall indicate that this is an area of opportunity for the Town (Exhibit 3). While
respondents generally agreed that Tillsonburg is attractive to prospective residents and
investors, the results also indicate that there are not enough quality employment opportunities in
Tillsonburg, specifically opportunities related to office/professional employment. Temporary
employment and/or the utilization of “employment agencies” were specifically identified by a
number of respondents as obstacles preventing the local labour force for obtaining quality
employment in Town. It is worth noting that respondents generally agreed that residents have
the skills and experience needed by local employers. Survey respondents also indicated that
the Town needs to do a better job at supporting the needs of entrepreneurs and small
businesses.
Female respondents were less likely to agree that there are many quality employment
opportunities in Tillsonburg and that Tillsonburg residents have the skills and experience
needed by local employers than their male counterparts. The following observations should also
be noted:
► Respondents over the age of 40 tended to agree more that Tillsonburg is attractive to
prospective residents and investors than younger respondents;
► Male respondents under the age of 20 agreed more that there were quality employment
opportunities in Tillsonburg (including manufacturing and industrial jobs); and
► Females over the age of 65 were more likely to agree that Tillsonburg is a good place to
open a new business whereas males over the age of 65 were more likely to disagree.
4
Exhibit 3 - Economic Development
Downtown Development
While the results of the survey indicate that local residents generally feel that downtown
Tillsonburg is an attractive place to visit, many respondents indicated that there is a lack of retail
diversification in the downtown area (Exhibit 4). User-provided comments repeatedly indicated
that local retails do not offer enough variety and that residents are shopping in other nearby
centres (London, Woodstock, etc.), especially for the clothing needs of children, teens and
women. Respondents also noted that the downtown is largely closed during evenings and
weekends and that there is a lack of entertainment venues present.
An analysis of responses based on gender did not generally reveal any significant differences
between the overall opinions of men and women, although females were less likely to agree that
they can do most of their shopping in Tillsonburg. The following observations should also be
noted:
► Respondents over the age of 65 were generally more satisfied with Tillsonburg’s
downtown;
► Males and females under the age of 20 disagreed relatively more that downtown
Tillsonburg is an attractive place to visit and/or shop; and
► Females over the age of 65 tended to agree more that the downtown area has good
places to gather and/or socialize.
5
Exhibit 4 - Downtown Development
Culture & Sense of Community
The results of the survey indicate that Tillsonburg has generally done a good job in fostering a
positive culture and sense of community (Exhibit 5). Respondents overwhelmingly agreed that
Tillsonburg is a good place to raise a family and offers high quality parks, trails and recreational
opportunities. The survey responses also indicated that Tillsonburg residents take pride in their
community, welcome newcomers and are willing to volunteer and/or make time for community
projects. However, multiple user-submitted comments suggested that there may be a perception
that cultural and community events are too focused on the senior population and that there is a
lack of arts and cultural programming for younger members of the community. Similarly,
comments were received indicating that there should be opportunities for more low-cost
activities.
An analysis of responses based on gender did not yield any significant differences between the
overall opinions of men and women. However, the following observations should be noted:
► Males under the age of 20 tended to hold a less optimistic view of culture and sense of
community in Tillsonburg than the general population, particularly with respect to taking
pride in their community, Tillsonburg being a good place to raise a family and
satisfaction with the quality of parks, trails and recreational opportunities;
► Both males and females under the age of 20 indicated less satisfaction with the selection
of arts and cultural programming offered in Tillsonburg than the general population;
► Females between the ages of 20 and 29 indicated relatively less agreement that
Tillsonburg residents take pride in their community;
► Females between the ages of 30 and 39 indicated relatively less agreement that
Tillsonburg welcomes newcomers; and
6
► Males over the age of 65 were less likely to agree that Tillsonburg is a good place to raise a family. Exhibit 5 - Culture and Sense of Community
Health Care & Support Services
The results of the survey also indicate that Tillsonburg has done reasonably well in the area of
health care (Exhibit 6). The majority of respondents indicated agreed that most of their
necessary health care services are available in Tillsonburg. Similarly, very few respondents
indicated that access to health care was not a determining factor in where they chose to live.
Respondents generally neither agreed nor disagreed that Tillsonburg does a good job
addressing social issues and providing assistance to the less fortunate. Multiple user-submitted
comments also stated that residents would like to see some sort of public transportation system
in place.
While female respondents were more likely to agree that access to health care is a determining
factor in where they chose to live than male respondents, they were also less likely to agree that
most of their needed health care services were available in Tillsonburg. Furthermore, female
respondents were far more likely to state that getting around Tillsonburg without a personal
vehicle was difficult. The following observations should also be noted
► Older respondents generally placed a higher importance on access to health care than
younger respondents;
► Younger respondents were less likely to agree that Tillsonburg does a good job
addressing social issues and providing assistance to the less fortunate than the general
population; and
7
► Male respondents under the age of 20 indicated relatively less agreement that most of their needed health care services were available in Tillsonburg. Exhibit 6 - Health Care & Support Services
Local Government
Survey respondents were generally neutral with respect to the effectiveness of Town Council in
communicating with the community and balancing the needs of the present with the needs of
future generations (Exhibit 7). However, user-submitted comments indicated the perception that
Town Council has perhaps placed too much emphasis on the needs of the senior population
and that younger citizens need to be better integrated into the decision-making process.
An analysis of responses based on gender did not generally reveal any significant differences
between the overall opinions of men and women, although females generally indicated a slightly
lower level of satisfaction with Town Council, specifically in relation to balancing the needs of
the present with the needs of future generations. Additionally, respondents over the age of 65
generally indicated higher levels of satisfaction with the local government whereas respondents
under the age of 20 were more likely to express dissatisfaction.
8
Exhibit 7 - Local Government
Future Priorities
Respondents were asked about which future priorities they felt should be focused on going
forward. Twenty statements were provided and respondents were asked to rank at least five
statements in order from most-important to least-important.
Exhibit 8 shows the total number of times a future priority was selected by a respondent without
regard for its relative importance (i.e. does not account for how many times a future priority was
selected as a top priority vs. a less-important priority). As shown in Exhibit 8, survey
respondents selected “ensure adequate support and resources for health care and support
services” as an important future priority more frequently than any other statement. Similarly,
maintaining Tillsonburg’s “small town” feel, creating a clear, strategic and implementable future
outlook, diversifying retail offerings in the downtown, and focusing on educational and training
opportunities (both professional and industrial) were frequently identified by participants as
important future priorities.
The “pairwise totals” column shown in Exhibit 8 provides additional insight into how frequently a
future priority was identified as important relative to other priorities. This is achieved through the
method of pairwise comparison, which ranks each priority against all others on an individual
basis. For each “pair”, the total number of times one priority was ranked higher than the other
was calculated and the priority with the highest total is awarded a point. For example, given that
there were 20 rankable priorities, if one priority was consistently preferred over all of the others,
it would be awarded a score of 19.
9
The pairwise comparison confirms that ensuring adequate support and resources for health care and support services has been identified by respondents as a top future priority. Although lowering taxes for small businesses wasn’t selected as often as some other priorities, it was consistently identified as a top priority when it was selected. Conversely, while maintaining Tillsonburg’s “small town” feel had the second-most total number of selections, it was consistently identified as a priority of relatively lower importance. Exhibit 8 - Future Priorities Results
Future Priority No. of Times Selected Pairwise Totals
Ensure adequate support and resources for health care and support services 188 17
Maintain Tillsonburg’s “small town” feel 167 9
Create a clear, strategic future outlook and ensure implementation 166 16
Diversify retail offerings in the downtown 166 13
Educational and training opportunities related to industry 160 16
Educational and training opportunities related to professional occupations 157 15
Create more public transit options 140 7
Strengthen and diversify programming at Fanshawe College 133 13
Lower taxes for small businesses 132 17
More teen-focussed activities 129 15
Improve communication between Town Council and the community 127 8
Provide more opportunities for youth decision-making 112 10
Ensure that more public space and greenspace are incorporated into the downtown 111 5
Marketing of Tillsonburg to other communities 105 7
Enhance trails and pathways throughout the community 103 1
Develop more affordable rental units 99 7
Strengthen existing and create new connections to other towns 96 1
Focus on arts and culture programming and recognition 74 7
Leverage the presence of the airport 74 1
Improve roll-out of Oxford County programming 64 3
MEMO
100 Commerce Valley Drive West, Thornhill, ON L3T 0A1 | t: 905.882.1100 | f: 905.882.0055 | w: www.mmm.ca
Subject: Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan Summary of Community Engagement Sessions Held April 29, 2014 Date: June 2014
We are pleased to present you with a summary of the community engagement sessions and Public
Open House held on April 29, 2014 related to the Tillsonburg Community Strategic Plan. Sessions
were held with Town staff, Development Committee, and two focus groups comprised of key stakeholders. The following summary is organized into the key topics that were discussed at these
events: Tillsonburg’s long-term vision and implementation ideas for the Community Strategic Plan.
A Vision for Tillsonburg
Participants in each community engagement session were asked to describe how they envisioned
Tillsonburg after successful implementation of the Community Strategic Plan’s directions. There were
several key themes and “vision key words” that emerged across each of the groups that were
consulted in the sessions.
Leadership in Local Government
Participants envisioned a local government that is accountable, financially responsible, and
collaborative. Many discussions focussed on the perceived communication problems in local government. A number of participants envisioned better communication of what the town offers such
as events, recreational groups, and volunteer opportunities, as well as a central contact point at the
Town for citizens with questions or concerns. Participants envisioned stronger leadership in local
government and strong, effective, and efficient municipal services.
Demographic Balance
Participants envisioned a community that is demographically balanced, with opportunities for young
people while still supporting the aging population. Full local medical services and long term care
facilities would support seniors while a thriving economy and recreational opportunities would attract a
younger population and encourage young professionals to stay in Tillsonburg.
Economic Diversity
A diverse economy was also identified as a priority. Diversified industries and jobs would ensure
economic stability and vibrancy. Many participants envisioned diverse retail establishments,
particularly with the addition of women’s clothing and children’s needs stores to encourage residents to
shop locally.
Engaged Community
Participants envisioned an engaged, motivated community. Community pride and an active citizenship
would result in more local spending and volunteer work. There was discussion about returning to the
“can-do” positive attitude that was common in Tillsonburg in the past. Youth engagement was
highlighted as a priority, although many participants wanted to focus on engaging all demographics.
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Education, Training, and Industry Emphasis was placed on education and training in Tillsonburg. Participants envisioned a well-educated community with a new focus for industry and a variety of job opportunities, in both trades and professional industries. Sustainable
Participants viewed Tillsonburg’s small town, “country” feel as a strength and envision its preservation and enhancement in the future. The future Tillsonburg would have ample green space, trails, and
active people. Mobility was emphasized; participants envisioned better transportation options including
promoting active forms of transportation such as walking and cycling. Tourist Destination Many participants wanted to promote Tillsonburg as a tourist destination. Key vision words that
emerged were unique and differentiated. This would be achieved through maintaining Tillsonburg’s
small town feel while modernizing and becoming economically vibrant. Much of Tillsonburg’s appeal would also come from its safe and family-oriented nature.
Implementation Ideas
Participants were asked to share their ideas to ensure successful implementation of the Community Strategic Plan. A number of ideas pertaining to specific goals emerged, as follows:
Becoming a better educated community:
o Offer a trades program in high school
o Invest in Tillsonburg’s Fanshawe College campus
o Motivate youth through telling the story of some of Tillsonburg’s successful residents
Leadership in local government:
o Implement a communication strategy for Town staff, offering a central communication point for residents with questions or concerns
o Develop a visible Town website for ongoing input, ideas, and questions
Economic vitality:
o Take advantage of Tillsonburg as a centre for agricultural activities; promote a local
agri-food industry
o Offer proactive business development incentives
Health care services:
o Offer full medical services locally
o Invest in long term care
Community engagement:
o Youth engagement should be considered more broadly under community engagement
o Use mandatory high school volunteer hours to get youth involved in community initiatives
Participants also discussed their frustrations with past Community Strategic Plan implementation issues, and many ideas emerged to ensure the success of this Plan. Key ideas that participants
generally agreed upon are as follows:
As the Plan is implemented, a “quick win” is needed to immediately build momentum. This
would take the form of an implementation action that is achieved within six months to one year;
Find some action items that don’t need money. Don’t miss out by focusing on the bigger items;
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Hire someone dedicated to the Community Strategic Plan and to coordinate the volunteer effort. Identify champions in various areas. Tillsonburg has champions, and passion and trust needs to be built; Chairs of each advisory committee need to communicate regularly – link initiatives, find relationships, work together where appropriate and beneficial; Keep people involved and engaged. The Community Strategic Plan should be fun, and we should get people excited about it.
Additional Comments
In addition to the topics discussed above, the following topics and concerns were discussed at the community engagement sessions and open house:
Balance between present and future generations – Is Tillsonburg a seniors’ community? Do we want to attract younger people?
Transit issues – Although there was a transit initiative tested by the Town, it failed because did not receive enough support from the public. In particular, getting out of Tillsonburg is difficult
without a car;
Issue of young people going to university and not returning to Tillsonburg because of the lack of professional jobs. There is also the issue of youth who live in Tillsonburg but do not have the
skills or training to find work;
Lots of blue collar jobs in Tillsonburg, but not many professional jobs;
People shop outside of the Town, especially young families for needs of children;
Tillsonburg has an abundance of underutilized industrial land from the loss of jobs in 2008;
People don’t know how to approach Council when they have questions or concerns. Multiple Town staff venues are confusing (Town Hall, Customer Service Centre, etc.) and it’s common
to get redirected around various departments;
Initiatives may be underway, but people have no way of knowing due to poor communication.