220712 Economic Development Advisory Committee Minutes
The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Economic Development Advisory Committee
July 12, 2022
7:30 a.m.
Council Chambers
MINUTES
Present:
Jesse Goossens, Andrew Burns, Dane Willson, Councillor Deb Gilvesy, Kirby Heckford,
Lisa Gilvesy, Randy Thornton, Mayor Stephen Molnar, Steve Spanjers, Suzanne
Renken
Staff Present:
Kyle Pratt, Chief Administrative Officer;
Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner;
Gina Armand, Records & Legislative Coordinator
Regrets: Cedric Tomico, Laura Pickersgill, Executive Assistant
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:33 am by Chair Jesse Goossens.
2. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Andrew Burns
Seconded by: Steve Spanjers
THAT the agenda as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory
Committee meeting of July 12, 2022, be adopted.
Carried
3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Resolution #2
Moved by: Councillor Deb Gilvesy
Seconded by: Dane Wilson
THAT the minutes as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory
Committee meeting of June 14, 2022, be adopted.
Carried
4. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared.
5. General Business and Reports
a. Monthly Activity Update
Development Commissioner provided an overview of the June monthly
activity update. Highlights of the update including 42 lead opportunities
year to date, completion of wayfinding signage project, etc.
b. Community Improvement Plan- Updates to support Social Housing
Committee members discussed the changes made to the Community
Improvement Plan regarding support throughout the community for social
housing projects.
Resolution #3
Moved By: Andrew Burns
Seconded By: Steve Spanjers
THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee recommends that the
changes made to the Town’s Community Improvement Plan to support social
housing projects throughout the community be supported.
Carried
It was suggested that Committee Members continue to think about creative ways
to support social housing projects in partnership with the private sector and
provide them to staff for consideration or bring to the next meeting in August for
discussion.
c.Terms of Reference Review
There were no questions or inquiries in regards to the below items.
i.Economic Development Advisory Committee
ii.Affordable and Attainable Housing Committee
iii.Boundary Adjustment Committee
6.Planning Items Circulation
There were no items for circulation on this agenda.
7.Community Strategic Plan
Chair would like to see the Local Terms attached to the next Agenda for
discussion.
a.Town Hall Task Force
CAO provided an update with regards to obtaining an Environmental
Assessment for the site at Brock/Harvey streets. Two quotes were in the
process of being obtained, and the Town will be moving forward with the
Environmental Site Assessment.
b.Affordable and Attainable Housing Committee
Chair requested that the 2021 Census Data be attached to the upcoming
Agenda. Discussion on current CPI and concerns were raised due to the
CPI not reflecting current rates.
i.Oxford County Master Housing Plan
Concerns regarding the Preliminary Report and it not addressing
the current issue at hand. People who currently survive on ODSP
or Ontario Works, appear not to be supported, especially with the
current situation. Where is the line between Provincial and
Municipal help?
Committee Members agreed that they will come back with more
ideas on how to encourage change. Mayor Molnar would like to see
more focus on the Report. Perhaps bringing it to the attention of
County Council.
ii.Height Restrictions Report- Oxford County
Development Commissioner advised the Committee that their
recoomendation investigate the current height restrictions was
passed at last night’s Council Meeting. The Economic Development
Department are now looking at next steps.
iii.Resolution Update- More Homes, More Choices Act
There were no questions or inquiries from Members.
c. Boundary Adjustment Committee
Oxford County Planning has prepared updated estimates of the remaining
land supply and the residential land inventory has decreased to
approximately 25 years. This may decrease even further once current
population growth is factored into an updated study. From an industrial
perspective there does appear to be a need for additional industrial land
within the planning horizon due to the increased absorption. Town
Council approved a recommendation by the Boundary Adjustment
Committee to retain a consultant to review the existing 2020 Study and to
support the Town of Tillsonburg in their review of the future Population,
Household and Employment Forecasts and Employment Lands Study at
their June 27 meeting.
Question as to why cross boarder servicing” is not permitted. It was
advised that it is possible, but requires an Official Plan Amendment.
d.Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee
i.Oxford County Physician Recruitment
Committee Members noted that the lack of physicians in Town is a
major problem. There are lots of residents moving to Town who
can’t acquire a Family Doctor.
There are currently 3 vacancies that could accommodate new
physician recruitments.
1.Recruitment Strategies
Currently, Members are setting up a meeting to speak with a
new family doctor, to gain insights as to how this Committee
can help with the shortage of Family Practitioners in Town.
8.Community Organization Updates
a.Downtown Business Improvement Association
i.Report from BIA Chair- ED07-01
There were no comments or inquiries from Members.
b.Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce
There were no comments or inquiries from Members.
c.Tillsonburg District Real Estate Board
d.June 2022 Statistics
Interest rates have increased, which is affecting the market and prices are
down although. June sales were up. There may be a big shift in the fall.
Recommended having the stats reported month by month.
MLS sales are recorded geographically.
9.Round Table
Development Commissioner provided an overview of the Conditional Sale Report
between the Town of Tillsonburg and Schep’s Bakery Ltd. He also advised the
Committee that the Van Norman Innovation Park is officially sold out. Chair
requested a “Roadmap” to land strategy.
10. Next Meeting
August 9, 2022 at 7:30 a.m.
11. Adjournment
Resolution #4
Moved by: Steve Spanjers
Seconded by: Kirby Heckford
THAT the July 12, 2022 Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting be
adjourned at 9:18 a.m.
Carried