220112 Recreation and Sports Advisory Committee MinutesPage 1 of 4
The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Recreation & Sports Advisory Committee
January 12, 2022
5:30 p.m.
Electronic
MINUTES
Present:
Scott Gooding, Kim Sage, Carrie Lewis, Taylor Campbell, Dace Zvanitajs,
Absent with Regrets:
Susie Wray, Jeff Vanrybroeck, Christian Devlin
Also Present:
Chris Parker, Andrea Greenway, David Drobitch, Margaret Puhr
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Scott Gooding
Seconded by: Carrie Lewis
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Recreation & Sports Advisory Committee
meeting of January 12, 2022, be adopted.
Carried
3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
4. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared.
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5. General Business and Reports
5.1. Vandalism at facilities – David Drobitch – introduction by Chris Parker. Dave
joined the meeting to bring forward discussion about the ongoing damage and
graffiti issues around parks, facilities and other town locations. This has a big
impact on our facilities: repairs, cleaning and staff time which is costly and time
consuming. Parts for fixing things like damaged outdoor rink heater can be
delayed due to supply chain problems right now. These issues don’t represent
the citizens of Tillsonburg but still need to be addressed. The problems have
been discussed with OPP and By-law, however, there is no parks use bylaw in
town. This by-law could set some ground rules and be a tool in protecting and
managing some of the issues at town facilities. At this time, because there is no
by-law, the OPP and By-law cannot enforce rules which are in existence. A by-
law could assist in reducing loitering after hours in the parks and allow town staff
and the police to be more effective in enforcement.
Committee members expressed surprise that there isn’t such by-law already, as
most municipalities have them in place. Members discussed how disheartening
it is to see the damages at the parks and facilities.
Resolution #2
Moved by: Dace Zvanitajs
Seconded by: Taylor Campbell
THAT the Sports and Recreation Advisory committee supports that staff prepare
and bring to council a parks use bylaw for the Town of Tillsonburg for
consideration.
Carried
5.2. Staff update – the community centre is currently closed as per covid mandate;
the first session of winter programs had to be cancelled due to restrictions,
people are slowly re-registering. When the community centre reopens, a QR
code will be required for admittance, including from those with medical
exemptions. All registered users were informed by email and it is being
advertised on our social media. SWPH has added more vaccine clinics in
Tillsonburg in January and February. Figure skating won’t be able to return until
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February, waiting to hear from minor hockey - the ice season may need to be
extended again.
5.3. TCC addition presentation to council – this presentation was made to council on
December 13, as provided in shared materials. There will be a new customer
service area, accessible and gender free bathrooms, accessible ramp into the
pool, a new entrance from ground level on West side and a new ice melt pit
among some of the new features. The renovation make the centre more open
and accessible overall. The pool is scheduled to close for the summer with water
park remaining open, for approximately 8 months. This is in addition to the new
splash pad project, scheduled for construction early spring.
5.4. Kinsmen Pedestrian Bridge – Chris Parker asked for this to be added to the
agenda as council is looking for input on this project. The infrastructure needs to
be replaced and repaired or demolished, as per four options provided to council.
Committee members were confident that the bridge is a necessity and well used
piece of infrastructure in town, an important connection link for pedestrians. The
members also noted that this is a point of interest and beautiful landmark that
makes the town special and unique. The price point is a big part of arriving at the
decision for council, however, the town does have options for financing without a
large immediate impact on taxpayers.
Resolution #3
Moved by: Carrie Lewis
Seconded by: Scott Gooding
THAT the Recreation and Sports Advisory committee recognizes the importance
of kinsmen pedestrian bridge as a connecting pedestrian link in Tillsonburg and
that Option 1 in the proposal to council be removed from consideration and
options 2, 3 and 4 be considered for implementation.
Carried
6. Next Meeting
February 9 at 5:30p.m., electronic format.
7. Adjournment
Resolution #4
Page 4 of 4
Moved by: Carrie Lewis
Seconded by: Kim Sage
THAT the January 12, 2022 Recreation & Sports Advisory Committee meeting be
adjourned at 6:16 p.m.
Carried
Please contact the Staff Liaison listed below to gain access to this electronic
meeting:
Contact
Margaret Puhr
mpuhr@tillsonburg.ca
519-688-3009 ext.4202