230214 Economic Development Committee Minutes 1
The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting
MINUTES
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
7:30 AM
Council Chambers
200 Broadway, 2nd Floor
ATTENDANCE: Suzanne Renken
Dane Willson
Cedric Tomico
Deb Gilvesy, Mayor
Lisa Gilvesy
Andrew Burns
Randy Thornton
Gurvir Hans
Randi-Lee Bain
Steve Spanjers
Jesse Goossens
Kirby Heckford
Regrets: Councillor Bob Parsons
Staff: Kyle Pratt, Chief Administrative Officer
Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner
Laura Pickersgill, Executive Assistant
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1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:34 a.m.
2. Adoption of Agenda
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Resolution # 1
Moved By: Lisa Gilvesy
Seconded By: Jesse Goossens
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory
Committee meeting of Tuesday, February 14, 2023, be adopted.
Carried
3. Orientation
Laura Pickersgill provided a brief orientation to the Committee.
Opportunity was provided for members to ask questions.
4. Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
Resolution # 2
Moved By: Cedric Tomico
Seconded By: Dane Willson
THAT Jesse Goossens be elected as the Chair and Andrew Burns be elected as
the Vice-Chair for the duration of the term of the Economic Development
Advisory Committee.
Carried
5. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
No disclosures of pecuniary interest were declared.
6. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting
Resolution # 3
Moved By: Dane Willson
Seconded By: Cedric Tomico
THAT the minutes of the Economic Development Advisory Committee of January
17, 2023, be approved.
Carried
7. General Business and Reports
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7.1 Monthly Activity Update
Cephas Panschow provided an overview of the Monthly Activity Update.
It was suggested that a consultant review the hydro capacity and utility
placement prior to the release of the RFP for Phase 2 of VanNorman
Innovation Park.
7.2 2023 Economic Development Business Plan
Cephas Panschow provided an overview of the 2023 Economic
Development Business Plan. There will be a priority setting meeting in
March or April. There will be a Community Strategic Plan report coming to
the next Council meeting. Staff looking into lands for Project Big Swing.
Resolution # 4
Moved By: Kirby Heckford
Seconded By: Randy Thornton
THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee supports Council's
decision to have the Boundary Adjustment Committee be a subcommittee
of the Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Carried
7.3 Strathallen Lease (verbal update)
There was a discussion regarding the Strathallen lease. Documentation
related to this item will be collected and sent out two weeks prior to the
next scheduled meeting date.
8. Planning Items Circulation
9. Community Strategic Plan
9.1 Town Hall Update
The environmental site assessment is to be complete by the end of this
month. Staff will be reviewing this item at the Council Priority Setting
meeting.
9.2 Affordable and Attainable Housing Committee
Council approved the re-designation and re-zoning application for the 31
Earle Street property. There will be an eight-week temporary homeless
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shelter at Avondale United Church managed by Operation Sharing and
food will be provided by the Mill restaurant.
9.3 Boundary Adjustment Committee
There were no further updates on this item.
9.4 Health Care Committee
It was noted that the Community Health Care Committee met on February
7th and drafted updated Terms of Reference. It was noted that three new
physicians were recruited in 2022 and one new recruitment in 2023 so far.
The TDMH CEO to be invited to a future meeting.
10. Community Organization Updates
10.1 Downtown Business Improvement Association
10.1.1 Report from BIA Chair
Cedric Tomico provided a brief summary of highlights from the
report. There will be a discussion on shortage in patio spaces at the
next meeting.
10.2 Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber welcomed five new directors to its' membership including:
new President, Keith Agnew. The WSIB Policy has complete. The
Chamber is looking to get a co-sponsor on issues identified with the
Ontario Residential Tenancies Act. The Business After Five events are
booked for the whole year. Nominations for the Awards of Excellence will
be circulated soon. The Chamber is organizing a Mayor's Breakfast.
It was suggested that the Chamber use their network to advocate for
simplifying the new Underused Housing Tax (UHT) requirement on
income tax filing.
10.3 Woodstock, Ingersoll, Tillsonburg and Area Association of Realtors
10.3.1 Monthly Statistics
Dane provided a brief summary of the statistics.
11. Round Table
Members were reminded of the handy new Town of Tillsonburg app available.
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The Community Centre will be closing on March 25th for renovations.
Renovations will begin as soon as possible at the Lake Lisgar Waterpark
Building.
12. Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on March 21, 2023.
13. Adjournment
Resolution # 5
Moved By: Dane Willson
Seconded By: Cedric Tomico
THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting of Tuesday,
February 14, 2023 be adjourned at 10:04 a.m.
Carried