221108 Economic Development Advisory Committee MinutesPage 1 of 4
The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Economic Development Advisory Committee
November 8, 2022
7:30 a.m.
Present: Randy Thornton, Steve Spanjers, Dane Willson, Cedric Tomico, Kirby
Heckford, Andrew Burns, Councillor Deb Gilvesy, Jesse Goossens, Lisa Gilvesy
Staff: Kyle Pratt, Chief Administrative Officer; Cephas Panschow, Development
Commissioner; Laura Pickersgill, Executive Assistant/Assistant Clerk
MINUTES
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:33 a.m.
2. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Dane Willson
Seconded by: Randy Thornton
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee
meeting of November 8, 2022, be adopted.
Carried
3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Resolution #2
Moved by: Cedric Tomico
Seconded by: Dane Willson
Page 2 of 4
THAT the minutes as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee
meeting of October 11, 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
5.1. Monthly Activity Update
Cephas Panschow provided a summary of Economic Development activity.
Opportunity was provided for members to ask questions.
5.2. Quarter Economic Development Update
Stephen Molnar joined the meeting at 7:44 a.m.
Cephas Panschow provided an overview of the third quarter Economic
Development and Marketing activity.
Opportunity was provided for members to ask questions.
5.3. Ground Lease Town Centre Mall Discussion
There was a discussion regarding the Town Centre Mall lease. Town staff are
working with consultants to gain clarity on the document and its’ provisions. It
was noted that Strathallen has rights of first refusal of the lands. Suggestions
were provided for options of selling the lands. This to be added to the next
agenda. The appraisal report to be added to the next agenda.
5.4. Application for new term of Council Committees
Laura Pickersgill provided an update on the status of Council Committees. It was
noted that Council could extend a current Committee so they can continue to
meet to finish up outstanding projects.
Page 3 of 4
6. Planning Items Circulation
There were no planning items for circulation.
7. Community Strategic Plan
7.1. Town Hall Task Force
Cephas had provided an update on this in the monthly activity update.
7.2. Affordable and Attainable Housing Committee
Kyle Pratt provided an update on the Committee’s activities including that Oxford
County is reviewing their Housing Master Plan with plans to include the Earle
Street property. Members have met with Indwell to review opportunities for
support in Tillsonburg.
7.3. Boundary Adjustment Committee
A sub-group of the Committee has reviewed the RFP submissions and will be
providing a recommendation to the whole Committee on suggestions to move
forward.
7.4. Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee
Kyle Pratt noted that another family physician has signed on to work in the Town
and Committee action items are speeding up now that the new Tillsonburg
District Memorial Hospital CEO is getting comfortable in her new role.
8. Community Organization Updates
8.1. Downtown Business Improvement Association
8.1.1. Report from BIA Chair ED11-01
The BIA Annual General Meeting is happening on November 23rd. There
have been some façade improvement projects moving forward.
8.2. Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce
Page 4 of 4
Suzanne Renken noted that the Chamber reached their fiscal year end on
October 31st. The Annual General Meeting is happening on January 24th and
they are recruiting for six new board positions. The next ‘Business After 5’ is
taking place at Tillsonburg Garden Gate. Chamber representatives continue to
have meetings regarding the COVID-19 related WSIB claims.
8.3 Tillsonburg District Real Estate Board
8.3.1 October 2022 Statistics
Tillsonburg District Real Estate Board has merged to be the Woodstock, Ingersoll,
Tillsonburg and Area Association of Realtors (WITAAR). Dane Willson provided a
summary of the statistics. Dane will discuss getting the shorter version of statistics
for circulation moving forward.
9. Round Table
Mayor Molnar thanked the members of the Committee for their passion and
dedication on this Committee for this term of Council.
McFarlan Rowlands Company is a finalist for 2022 IBAO Awards of Excellence
Brokerage of the Year- Over 25 Brokers Category.
Thompson Goossens Accountants LLP has be rebranded and will be serving
customers at their Tillsonburg, Norwich and Delhi locations.
10. Next Meeting
December 13, 2022 at 7:30 a.m.
11. Adjournment
Resolution #3
Moved by: Randy Thornton
Seconded by: Kirby Heckford
THAT the November 8, 2022 Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting
be adjourned at 8:47 a.m.
Carried