210112 Development MINThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting
January 12, 2021
7:30 a.m.
Electronic Meeting MINUTES
Present: Cedric Tomico, Councillor Gilvesy, Jesse Goossens, Lisa Gilvesy, Randy
Thornton, Mayor Molnar, Suzanne Renken, Andrew Burns, Lindsay Morgan-Jacko
Staff: Kyle Pratt, Chief Administrative Officer; Cephas Panschow, Development
Commissioner; Laura Pickersgill, Legislative Services Coordinator
Regrets: Collette Takacs, Steve Spanjers, Kirby Heckford, Jeff VanRybroeck
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:36 a.m. 2. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1 Moved by: Deb Gilvesy
Seconded by: Cedric Tomico THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee
meeting of January 12, 2021, be adopted. Carried 3. Adoption of Previous Minutes
Resolution #2 Moved by: Suzanne Renken Seconded by: Cedric Tomico
THAT the Minutes as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee
meeting of December 8, 2020, be adopted. Carried 4. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared. 5. Closed Session
Resolution #3 Moved by: Lisa Gilvesy Seconded by: Randy Thornton
THAT the Economic Development Committee move into closed session to discuss:
-a proposed or pending acquisition of land by the Town Carried 6. General Business & Reports 6.1 Monthly Projects Update Report
Cephas provided an overview of the Monthly Projects Update.
Cephas and Suzanne will connect offline regarding potential inclusion of Systemair
in post-secondary education enhancements. 6.2 Tillsonburg Hydro Inc.
No updates 6.3 Town Hall Task Force
Kyle noted that the Committee met last year and the planning worksheet is currently
being updated. 6.4 Physician Recruitment & Retention Committee
The next meeting is scheduled for February 4. It was noted that $35,000 for
physician recruitment was passed in the 2021 budget. 6.5 Community Strategic Plan
Boulevard Strategy Group appeared as a delegation to Council last evening to
introduce the launch of the strategic plan project. Kyle noted that the next steps include engaging Senior Leadership Team members and Council members through one-on-one interviews. Kyle also noted that there will be opportunities for public
engagement upcoming
7. Community Organization Updates 7.1 Downtown Business Improvement Association 7.1.1 BIA Report ED01-01
There were no questions received regarding this report. 7.2 Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce
Suzanne noted that there will be an economic outlook session held on February 24
at 12:00 p.m. The online food bank drive ended up with $1,460 in donations received. There will be upcoming webinars and mentorship programs in partnership
with the other Oxford County Chambers of Commerce and Community Futures Oxford. 7.3 Tillsonburg District Real Estate Board 7.3.1 January 2021 Commercial Listings 7.3.2 December 2020 Statistics
Lindsay noted that the year over year average sale price was up by 26% which was well above the national average of sale prices for 2020. It was noted that predictions for 2021 indicate that inventory will remain low and prices will
continue to rise. It was suggested that the buyers are coming from various areas including buyers from the GTA, local and from smaller cities. It was suggested that sellers leaving the area be asked as to why they are selling and relocating.
Lindsay to look into getting statistics from Hayhoe Homes. It was encouraged that new residents be identified as a group for engagement in the strategic plan.
Randy Thornton left the meeting at 8:34 a.m.
8. Round Table
Staff will circulate an interesting article from the Cape Breton Post.
The Tillsonburg news office is no longer located in Town since the merge of Norfolk and the Tillsonburg newspaper. The virtual ROMA conference will be held on January 25-26, 2021. Mayor Molnar
will be present representing Oxford County and will be providing emphasis on local initiatives such as the short line rail.
Council approved the 2021 business plan and budget yesterday. There will be a net
reduction in the 2021 budget. The water and waste water rates have been reduced for 2021. 9. Next Meeting
February 9, 2021 at 7:30 a.m. 10. Adjournment
Resolution #4
Moved by: Cedric Tomico
Seconded by: Andrew Burns THAT the January 12, 2021 Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting be adjourned at 8:58 a.m.
Carried