210309 Development MIN
The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Economic Development Advisory Committee
March 9, 2021
7:30 a.m.
Hybrid Meeting- 200 Broadway, 2nd Floor Council Chambers & Electronic Meeting
MINUTES
Present: Cedric Tomico, Collette Takacs, Jesse Goossens, Councillor Gilvesy, Suzanne
Renken, Lindsay Morgan-Jacko, Lisa Gilvesy, Mayor Molnar (joined at 8:03 a.m.) Staff: Kyle Pratt, CAO; Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner; Laura Pickersgill,
Executive Assistant
Regrets: Steve Spanjers, Jeff VanRybroeck, Randy Thornton, Kirby Heckford, Andrew Burns
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:36 a.m.
2. Adoption of Age nda
Res olution #1
Moved by: Collette Takacs Seconded by: Cedric Tomico THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee
meeting of March 9, 2021, be adopted.
Carried
3. Adoption of Previous Minutes
Res olution #2
Moved by: Cedric Tomico Seconded by: Collette Takacs THAT the Minutes as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee
meeting of February 9, 2021, be adopted. Carried
4. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared.
5. Presentations 6. General Business & Reports 6.1 Monthly Projects Update
A wayfinding signage update will be brought forward at our April meeting. 6.2 Economic Development Strategy Update
Cephas Panschow provided an overview of the Economic Development Strategy. There were concerns noted regarding the timing of authoring this plan due to an upcoming population census survey in the spring and a new strategic plan being
released this summer. It was noted that the census data is typically released in tranches one to two years after completion.
It was noted that Tillsonburg could be marketed as a work from home community (to encourage individuals from other areas to move here) however, it has been noted that
there is lack of affordable housing in the Town.
It was suggested that any ideas to celebrate Tillsonburg 150 from this group be forwarded to Collette Takacs to share with the Culture, Heritage and Special Awards Committee.
Staff will create a fillable sheet to allow members to choose their idea of primary goals included in the report.
It was suggested that subcommittees be established to address the unaffordable housing issue and future growth/boundary issue.
The importance of ensuring studies are actioned is important rather than just being
shelved. Members were asked to fill out the form to be circulated by staff in the near future. It
was suggested that these different corporate plans be put into Mind Map for comparison.
Resolution #3 Moved by: Cedric Tomico Seconded by: Collette Takacs
THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee recommends the establishment
a boundary adjustment subcommittee and an affordable housing subcommittee.
Carried
6.3 Letter- Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines
This item was added as an information item. 6.4 FIN 21-08 2021 Development Charge Study Update Report
This item was provided to Council on March 8, 2021 and is subsequently being brought to this Committee for reference. 6.5 Process for EDAC Review of Building/Planning Apps
It was noted that there were concerns brought up regarding the resolution passed by
Council with regards to the items to be included for review by this Committee. It was decided that this Committee will be added to the distribution list that the BIA and Chamber
is a part of to receive information on building and planning applications. This will allow all
members to have the same information.
The Chair and Development Commissioner will further discuss this initiative to refine the process for other types of development applications 6.6 Tillsonburg Hydro Inc.
The subcommittee has requested that a meeting be set up with the Chair of the hydro board to discuss the discrepancy concerns the committee has as a result of the
presentation from the Ontario Energy Board. 6.7 Town Hall Task Force
Kyle noted that the existing space needs survey from 2016 needs to be updated. Staff have developed a draft survey to go out to staff to assist with determining requirements under a revised space needs study. This survey will be finalized at the next Town Hall
Committee meeting and will be subsequently distributed to staff.
There was not consideration given to some departments for spacing needs in the original
study. Kyle also noted that the Town is applying for modernization funding and as a part of this the cost of a revised study will be included in the application.
6.8 Physician Recruitment & Retention Committee
No update. 6.9 Community Strategic Plan
Kyle noted that the consultation process for the Community Strategic Plan is underway.
There will have been three employee focus group sessions held as part of this process. There is an employee survey open until March 19, 2021. There is a public survey open until April 15, 2021. There is a discussion guide available online as well for those who
wish to submit open comments rather than completing the survey. There will be business focus groups held later this month.
Mayor Molnar left at 9:24 a.m. 7. Community Organization Updates 7.1 Downtown Business Improvement Association 7.1.1. March 2021 Report Executive Director, Mark Renaud, appeared before Council on March 8 regarding a request to implement minimum and maximum charges.
7.2 Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce A survey was held from November to January that provided information on
what kind of webinars would be helpful to run. The Mayors Address is scheduled for March 24, 2021 and local restaurant vouchers will be provided to participants.
7.3 Tillsonburg District Real Estate Board 7.3.1 Listings & Statistics 8. Round Table
It was noted that a manufacturing company from British Columbia has purchased the
property on Bell Mill Side Road.
Laura to invite Chair of the Airport Advisory Committee to the next Committee meeting to discuss ways the Committees can work together to better promote the airport and its
services.
9. Next Meeting
April 13, 2021 at 7:30 a.m. 10. Adjournme nt
Res olution #4
Moved by: Cedric Tomico
Seconded by: Collette Takacs THAT the March 9, 2021 Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting be adjourned at 9:30 a.m. Carried