210608 Development MINThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting
June 8, 2021
7:30 a.m.
Electronic Meeting MINUTES
Present: Councillor Deb Gilvesy, Andrew Burns, Cedric Tomico, Kirby Heckford, Jesse
Goossens, Mayor Stephen Molnar, Suzanne Renken, Jeff VanRybroeck, Collette
Takacs, Steve Spanjers, Lisa Gilvesy, Randy Thornton
Staff: Kyle Pratt, CAO; Laura Pickersgill, Executive Assistant; Lisa Jibson, Executive
Assistant; Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner
Regrets: Lindsay Morgan-Jacko
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:34 a.m. 2. Introduction of Executive Assistant, Lisa Jibson
Lisa Jibson was introduced to the Committee and she will be filling the Executive
Assistant role during Laura’s maternity leave. 3. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Jeff VanRybroeck Seconded by: Suzanne Renken THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting of June 8, 2021, be adopted.
Carried 4. Adoption of Previous Minutes
Resolution #2
Moved by: Councillor Deb Gilvesy Seconded by: Andrew Burns THAT the Minutes as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting of May 11, 2021, be adopted.
Carried 5. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared. 6. Presentations
7. General Business & Reports 6.1 Monthly Projects Update
Cephas provided an overview of the monthly projects update. 6.2 VanNorman Innovation Park- Street Naming
Cephas provided an overview of options for naming of the two streets in VanNorman
Innovation Park. Opportunity was provided for members to provide feedback on naming options.
Resolution #3
Moved by: Randy Thornton Seconded by: Councillor Deb Gilvesy THAT the Economic Development Advisory Committee recommends to Council that the names “Innovation Way” (currently named Clearview Drive South) and “Progress
Drive” (Future Street A) be the established road names for the two roads being developed inside of Van Norman Innovation Park.
Carried
6.3 Economic Development Strategy Update- Streamlining & Next Steps
Cephas will complete this update and send to the group in the coming days. This will be placed as item one on the next agenda.
6.4 Gas Station on Oxford Street (bridge by Tillson Ave)- Councillor Gilvesy
There was a discussion held regarding difficulties experienced for this property to be sold from the current owner. Staff to review this issue with the Town Building
Department and bring back options at a future meeting on potential courses of action
to mitigate this issue. There may be funding available through FCM for property
clean up resources. 6.5 Circulation: Application for Official Plan Amendment & Zone Change- File #
OP 21-04-7 & ZN 21-04 (circulated May 27 by email)
Staff are finalizing how the circulation process for these types of applications will operate.
Opportunity was provided for members to give feedback and comments on this specific application. The following comments were received:
• Concerns about already very limited affordable housing options in the Town and how restricting ground floor retail, even if in the downtown, could
exacerbate this.
• Consider exemption for new development as, presumably, it would have gone through an approval process
• Supportive that this application allows for upper floor residential living in the
downtown core
• Restricting ground floor residential from being permitted on Broadway
(extending the current zone south to London St) is of primary importance, but
less concerned about side streets
• While this may be an extra step or red tape for members of the public, important to remember that even if rezoned, specific developments could
seek exemptions to the restriction through a rezoning.
• Although there may be pressures to convert existing commercial/retail space to residential, it is important protect downtown retail space to allow for future commercial and retail growth. There has been significant new businesses
that have opened during the pandemic that have replaced some that have
shut down and overall the BIA believes there has been net growth over the
past year. Randy Thornton and Jeff VanRybroeck left the meeting at 8:51 a.m. 6.5 Tillsonburg Hydro Inc.
No new updates. 6.6 Town Hall Task Force
Staff will be reviewing quotes for an updated space needs study consultant and
bringing them to Committee to follow through next steps. 6.7 Physician Recruitment & Retention Committee
No new updates. 6.8 Community Strategic Plan
The drafted Community Strategic Plan is on schedule to go to Council for final
adoption at the end of June.
Mayor Molnar left the meeting at 9:04 a.m. 8. Community Organization Updates 7.1 Downtown Business Improvement Association 7.1.1 Monthly Report
Cedric provided some additional background information on the tax adjustment issue
the BIA is currently experiencing. 7.2 Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber, along with many business owners, participated in a very interactive
discussion yesterday with the Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction
that allowed for local and direct comments and concerns to be brought forward. The rapid antigen kits have been ordered and will be distributed once received.
The Awards of Excellence voting process will begin soon. 7.3 Tillsonburg District Real Estate Board
7.3.1 Listings & Statistics There were no comments regarding this item. 9. Round Table
There have been four land sales in Van Norman Innovation Park. 10. Next Meeting
July 13, 2021 7:30 a.m. 11. Adjournment
Resolution #4 Moved by: Cedric Tomico
Seconded by: Suzanne Renken THAT the June 8, 2021 Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting be
adjourned at 9:19 a.m. Carried