210914 Development MINThe Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Economic Development Committee
September 14, 2021
7:30 a.m.
Electronic
MINUTES
Present: Councillor Deb Gilvesy, Andrew Burns, Cedric Tomico, Kirby Heckford, Jesse
Goossens, Suzanne Renken, Collette Takacs, Steve Spanjers and Lisa Gilvesy.
Absent with Regrets: Mayor Stephen Molnar, Jeff Van Rybroeck and Randy Thornton.
Also Present:
Kyle Pratt, CAO
Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner
Ann Wright, Executive Assistant/ Records & Legislative Coordinator
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:33 a.m.
Introduction - Tillsonburg & District Real Estate Board Representative (Dane Wilson)
2. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Deb Gilvesy
Seconded by: Collette Takacs
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Economic Development Committee meeting
of September 14, 2021, be adopted.
Carried
3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Resolution #2
Moved by: Kirby Heckford
Seconded by: Suzanne Renken
THAT the minutes of the Economic Development Committee meetings of July 13
and August 5, 2021, be adopted.
Carried
4. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
No disclosures of pecuniary interested were declared.
5. General Business and Reports
5.1. Monthly Projects Update
An update was provided and a brief discussion regarding Innovation Park.
5.2. Circulation of Planning items:
5.2.1. Application for Zone Change - ZN 7-21-10 (Landmark Homes Inc.)
5.2.2. Applications for Official Plan Amendment, Draft Plan of Subdivision and
Zone Change - OP 21-11-7, SB 21-06-7 & ZN 7-21-09 Ambrus)
5.2.3. Applications for Draft Plan of Subdivision and Zone Change - SB 21-07-7
& ZN 7-21-11 (Lindprop)
5.2.4. Application for Zone Change - ZN 7-21-13 (Town of Tillsonburg Non-Profit
Housing)- 31 Victoria St
No discussion regarding specific applications.
There was a general discussion on receiving Planning applications.
There was also a general discussion on perceived issues in regard to some of the
newer, denser developments within the Town, such as: parking and emergency
vehicle access, lot coverage, lack of green space, etc and also the ongoing lack of
affordable housing.
It was noted that all these issues are to be considered and addressed in the Site
Plan process.
5.3. Economic Development Strategy Update- Streamlining & Next
The Development Commissioner provided a brief overview of the action items
contained in the strategy as compared to the priorities of the Community Strategic
Plan.
Concerns were expressed around the red tape that developers have to get through
these days.
It was requested that the summary be updated with a proposed implementation
schedule.
A general discussion on what the role of the Committee is, why are we here, what
is out purpose. It was asked that the Terms of Reference be circulated with the
next agenda.
5.4. London Increases Industrial Land Prices - Link to London Free Press Article
It was recommended that an RFP be done to get fair pricing, proper uses and a
marketing plan and that the request for RFP go out as soon as possible, Council
did pass a resolution to get this done.
It was suggested a Press Release go out stating that the price is being held as is.
The Development Commissioner will get it advertised.
5.5. Truck By-Pass Route
Cedric noted that a citizen had been in contact with him to get info on what the
process is for the Truck by-law route.
It was noted that it is included I the Strategic Plan that was just adopted by
Council, and that a report is to come back to Council from Staff.
The Council resolution is to be distributed and the CAO to bring back an update
when it comes back to Council.
5.6. Tillsonburg Hydro Inc.
A general update was provided on Tillsonburg Hydro. The Interim Hydro General
Manager is Graig Pettit, however the new Hydro GM, Ravi Baicham is to start on
October 12th. Once he has time to settle in Ravi can come provide updates to the
Committee.
5.7. Town Hall Task Force
The Town Hall Steering Committee is moving forward with the New Town Hall
project. Fabrik Architects of Cambridge has been retained to update the Town Hall
Space Needs Study. An RFP for a Town Hall Design and IT Modernization
Strategy has also been issued and results will come on that soon.
5.8. Physician Recruitment & Retention Committee
The Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee met on September 7th
and is collecting baseline metrics for the current supply and the needs of the
Tillsonburg Community.
Two new Doctors have recently been recruited: Dr. Inculet and Dr. Jada, both
are General Surgeons.
5.9. Community Strategic Plan
CAO Kyle Pratt provided an update on the Strategic Plan, that Council passed on
June 28th, 2021. A rollout report was taken to Council last night to help ensure
the plan stays active and implemented. An update report will be going to Council
in October/November.
5.9.1. Affordable & Attainable Housing Committee
This item was added to the agenda so that updates can be provided in
the future.
5.9.2. Boundary Adjustment Committee
This items was also added to the agenda for future updates. The
Boundary Adjustment Committee has now met twice and at this point, are
educational meeting to understand the process.
6. Community Organization Updates
6.1. Downtown Business Improvement Association
A status report from Downtown Tillsonburg was provided as information.
6.2. Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce
Suzanne provided an update on behalf of the Tillsonburg Chamber of
Commerce. They are busy with preparing for the Awards of Excellence event,
COVID rapid tests have been picked up, and the Chamber has taken the lead
to apply for some funding and was successful in that application and will share
more on that when it is released publicly.
6.3. Tillsonburg District Real Estate Board
Reports from the Tillsonburg District Real Estate Boards were provided as
information.
7. Roundtable
Cephas, Development Commissioner noted that a reports had gone to Council last
evening regarding Building Stats for 2021 and we are expecting to exceed out records.
Kyle Pratt, CAO noted that attendance at the Committee might be a topic to discuss,
specifically absenteeism
8. Next Meeting
Tuesday October 12, 2021.
9. Adjournment
Resolution #3
Moved by: Collette Takacs
Seconded by: Steve Spanjers
THAT the September 14, 2021 Economic Development Committee meeting be
adjourned at 9:31 a.m.
Carried