160509 Beautification Working GroupTown of Tillsonburg
Beautification Working Group
Report from the meeting of May 9, 2016
1. Attending
Christine Nagy, Matt Fenn, Corey Hill, Paul DeCloet, Sue Saelens, Penny Esseltine, John
Kirkland
Regrets/Absent: Wendy Cameron
Resignation from Committee: Marian Smith
Chair Christine Nagy called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
2. Demonstration Urns
Matt has ordered eight black urns at his cost of about $220 each. He is anticipating a June 1
placement of the urns on Broadway with plantings being done on location because of the
final weight of the urn once fully planted. The urns are 30” high by 36” in diameter.
Four urns will be placed on the corners at Broadway and Ridout Streets, a donation from
Tillsonburg Garden Gate (per Matt Fenn) as well as four at the Broadway and Brock Street
intersection corners pending funding from the Knights of Columbus (confirmed May 10,
2016 per Brian Stephenson).
It is anticipated that the watering and maintenance of the urns will be contracted out by the
B.I.A. The B.I.A. currently contracts a company to water the hanging baskets on Broadway
and John will investigate to see what the additional cost would be for them to water and
fertilize the urns. The hanging baskets are a B.I.A. project with support ($1000) from the
Tillsonburg Horticultural Society.
3. Oxford Street and Broadway Parkette
The existing parkette at Oxford and Broadway Streets was a town project to support the
south end of Broadway. The original funding for this project came from the proceeds of the
sale of land to Kelsey’s at the north end of downtown Broadway. The project was overseen
by the South End Task Force. John recalls that the original plan was for an aerating
waterfall but in the end plans were changed from an aerating waterfall to a bubbling rock.
Corey says that keeping the water and the rock from turning green is an ongoing problem.
There was some discussion about the rock being changed to a fountain or perhaps a
gazebo. The rock could be reused in a different area.
Suggestions from Fanshawe students included more trees to create a canopy. Currently
there are under-story ornamental pear trees which are pretty when in spring bloom but are
not large enough to create a canopy. Walkways directed toward the downtown shops,
lighting, planter boxes, and seating areas for parkette visitors to relax are also
recommended. The B.I.A. heritage style benches and garbage receptacles will be in place in
the parkette soon. The committee has some illustrations from Fanshawe students with
different design concepts as well as recommendations form the Central Area Design Study.
Paul suggests that if we are to choose one kind of tree for the area he would recommend
the Sycamore. Sue provided a list of potential trees for the downtown area from her
research of recommended species for planting between curbs and store fronts, as a
resource for the committee.
Corey and Matt will make enquiries through their contacts about potential landscape design
plans with associated costs for this project.
Recommendation:
Moved by Sue, seconded by Matt, that for 2017 the committee work toward
developing proposals for an improved Broadway and Oxford Parkette including a
fountain or gazebo feature and large tree canopy as well as plans for the Rotary Clock
Tower Amenity Area.
Carried
4. Rotary Clock Tower Parkette
Corey brought forward information about the extent of town-owned land in the vicinity of the
Rotary Clock Tower. Plans show that the town owns land west of the Clock Tower Parkette
through to Bidwell Street and it currently serves as a parking lot. Taking in some of this
parking space to enlarge the existing Rotary Clock Tower amenity area would have
significant advantages for area residents, shoppers, and visitors. This would fit with the
Central Area Design Study recommendations and we have design concepts from Fanshawe
students for that area as well. Plans for this area could include increased tree canopy,
seating, walkways and lighting or lighted pavers, and it could serve as a public square.
5. Grant Applications
Christine is monitoring potential funding for beautification projects including grant application
processes and time requirements.
6. Other Business
Street art and pianos on the street (the BIA has a collection of these) are potential
considerations for development.
Street and Sidewalk lighting as well as Tree Infrastructure and Storm Water
Management were not discussed at this meeting and will be held over until Director of
Operations Kevin DeLeebeck is available to attend a meeting to share municipal
planning information about these topics.
7. Date of Next Meeting
At the call of the Chair.
Chair: Christine Nagy
Recorder: Penny Esseltine
05/016/16