211109 Development AGDPage 1 of 2
The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Economic Development Advisory Committee
November 9, 2021
7:30 a.m.
Electronic
AGENDA
1.Call to Order
2.Adoption of Agenda
Proposed Resolution #1
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee
meeting of November 9, 2021, be adopted.
3.Minutes of the Previous Meeting
October 12, 2021
Proposed Resolution #2
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the Minutes as prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee
meeting of October 12, 2021 be adopted.
4.Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
5.General Business and Reports
5.1. Tillsonburg Hydro – Introduction and Overview (Ravi Baichan, General
Manager)
5.2. Monthly Projects Update
(ATTACHED)
(ATTACHED)
Page 2 of 2
5.3. 2022 Economic Development & Marketing Business Plan
5.4. Planning Items Circulation
6.Community Strategic Plan
6.1. Town Hall Task Force
6.2. Affordable & Attainable Housing Committee
6.3. Boundary Adjustment Committee Physician Recruitment & Retention Committee
7.Community Organization Updates
7.1. Downtown Business Improvement Association
7.2. Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce
7.3. Tillsonburg District Real Estate Board
8.Round Table
9.Next Meeting
December, 14, 2021
10. Adjournment
Proposed Resolution #2
Moved by:
Seconded by:
THAT the November 9, 2021 Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting
be adjourned at _____ p.m.
(ATTACHED)
Page 1 of 4
The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg
Economic Development Advisory Committee
October 12, 2021
7:30 a.m.
Electronic
MINUTES
Present: Andrew Burns, Councillor Deb Gilvesy, Lisa Gilvesy, Jesse Goossens, Kirby
Heckford, Mayor Stephen Molnar, Suzanne Renken, Randy Thornton, and Cedric
Tomico.
Absent with Regrets: Jeff Van Rybroeck, Steve Spanjers, Collette Takacs and Dane
Wilson.
Also Present:
Kyle Pratt, CAO
Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner
Amelia Jaggard, Deputy Clerk
Kennedy Atkinson, Acting Executive Assistant
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:34 a.m.
2. Adoption of Agenda
Resolution #1
Moved by: Andrew Burns
Seconded by: Kirby Heckford
THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Economic Development Committee meeting
of October 12, 2021, be adopted.
Carried
3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Page 2 of 4
Resolution #2
Moved by: Kirby Heckford
Seconded by: Suzanne Renken
THAT the minutes of the Economic Development Committee meeting of September
14, 2021, be approved.
Carried
4. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest declared.
5. General Business and Reports
5.1. Monthly Projects Update
Development Commissioner provided a monthly projects update.
5.2. Circulation of Planning items
5.3. Ministry letter RE: Site Plan Control Guide
Staff noted that the Town is applying for modernization funding to review
planning services at the County level.
5.4. Economic Development Committee Terms of Reference
Members are encouraged to review the Terms of Reference.
5.5. Committee Attendance
There was discussion regarding attendance requirements.
5.6. Economic Development Strategy Update – Comparison to Community
Strategic Plan
An implementation strategy will be brought forward when the annual business
plan is brought forward for review.
5.7. Tillsonburg Hydro Inc. Update
There was discussion regarding the purpose of this agenda item.
Staff to invite the new General Manager of Hydro Operations to the January
meeting for introductions and to request an update on hydro operations.
Agenda item to be removed. Staff to share hydro operational updates as
appropriate.
Page 3 of 4
5.8. Town Hall Steering Committee Update
Staff provided an update. A new space needs study is to be completed and
presented at an upcoming Council meeting.
5.9. Affordable & Attainable Housing Committee Update
Staff to share updates from this committee when appropriate.
5.10. Boundary Adjustment Committee Update
Staff to share updates from this committee when appropriate.
5.11. Physician Recruitment & Retention Committee Update
6. Community Organization Updates
6.1. Downtown Business Improvement Association
Member Tomico provided an update.
There was discussion regarding homelessness. Staff to circulate staff report
CLK 20-11 Emergency Shelter in Tillsonburg.
6.2. Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce
There was additional discussion regarding agenda item 5.1. Monthly Projects
specifically the clock tower project and how a downtown master plan could help
identify priorities. Town of Tillsonburg Central Area Design Study to be shared.
Member Renken provided an update. The Tillsonburg District Chamber of
Commerce Awards of Excellence will be taking place on Thursday, November
18, 2021.
6.3. Tillsonburg District Real Estate Board
Staff to circulate Building Department third quarter results report when available.
Staff to request rental stats from Canadian mortgage and housing corporation.
7. Roundtable
Randy Thorton left at 9:10 a.m.
8. Next Meeting
Tuesday November 9, 2021 at 7:30 a.m.
9. Adjournment
Page 4 of 4
Resolution #3
Moved by: Suzanne Renken
Seconded by: Kirby Heckford
THAT the October 12, 2021 Economic Development Committee meeting be
adjourned at 9:14 a.m.
Carried
Monthly Project Update – (November 2021)
Prepared for the Economic Development Advisory Committee
Project Name/Reference Status
Downtown Business Development BIA Staff leading recruitment efforts. Town staff to prepare a marketing
profile based on data from the retail study to support retail recruitment
efforts.
Economic Development Strategy
Update
Proposed streamlining of 31 action items brought forward to at July
meeting. Comparison to Community Strategic Plan brought forward at
the September 14 meeting. Bring forward after review of 2022 business
plan with proposed implementation schedule.
Future Industrial Growth Council approved resolution regarding listing the VIP lands. Next steps
prepare RFP and release. This is a priority.
High Tech Manufacturing Sub-
cluster Action Plan
Implementation plan and model being updated. Kick-off event being
planned with preparation work, including webpage, launch video, etc,
continuing. Exploring collaboration with Burlington based MTech Hub
(www.mtechhub.ca)
Pandemic Recovery Town and BIA preparing applications to the My Main Street program with
Town submitting for Community Activator funding and the BIA submitting
for Local Business Accelerator funding.
Post-Secondary Education
Enhancements
Working on supporting increased engagement between high school and
local businesses through enhancements to Career Studies courses.
Debriefing re past year held. Seeking speakers for in various
occupations as requested by students.
Town Hall Project Town Hall and Operations Space Needs Study prepared by Fabrik
Architects have been received by Council. Space Needs Design and IT
Modernization has been awarded with work initiated.
Van Norman Innovation Park Servicing contract achieved substantial completion on September 9.
Electrical Servicing by THI has been initiated with pole installation nearly
completed.
Wayfinding Signage Update Council awarded contract to Joker FX and provided funding for both
Phase 1 (updates to existing signs) and Phase 2 (addition of new signs)
to proceed immediately. Final design being completed with installation
to follow.
2 Simcoe St Staff reviewed this issue with Building Department and with various
options being considered. Will bring forward.
Discover Tillsonburg Fall magazine has been sent to printers with anticipated publication by
Nov 20
Town Of
Tillsonburg
2022 Business
Plan
Economic Development & Marketing
November 29, 2021
2
2022 Business Objectives
2022 Business Plan | Economic Development & Marketing
Project Community Strategic Plan Lead
Accountability
Project Cost Anticipated
Completion
Community Improvement
Plan (Downtown Façade)
Goal –Community Growth
Strategic Direction –Continue to offer relevant, leading
incentives for revitalization and diversification in the
downtown and throughout Tillsonburg
Priority Project-Not applicable
Business
Improvement
Association
$35,000 Ongoing
Community Improvement
Plan (Applications)
Goal –Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion
Strategic Direction –Instill an “open for business” culture
across the corporation that prioritizes economic
development and business attraction
Priority Project-Continued support for BIA and town-wide
businesses during COVID-19 recovery
Development
Commissioner
$20,000 Ongoing
Updated Economic
Development Strategy
Implementation
Goal –Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion
Strategic Direction –Multiple
Priority Project-Multiple
Economic
Development &
Marketing
$5,000 Ongoing
Enhanced Business Processes
(Apps)
Goal –Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion
Strategic Direction –Instill an “open for business” culture
across the corporation that prioritizes economic
development and business attraction.
Priority Project-Marketing and build out of Van Norman
Innovation Park
Increase diversity in manufacturing and other key sectors
Economic
Development &
Marketing
$5,000 Q1
3
2022 Business Objectives
2022 Business Plan | Economic Development & Marketing
Project Community Strategic Plan Lead
Accountability
Project Cost Anticipated
Completion
Van Norman Innovation Park
(Ontario Certification)
Goal –Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion
Strategic Direction –Continue to streamline and expedite
the building approval process
Priority Project-Marketing and build out of Van Norman
Innovation Park
Economic
Development &
Marketing
$2,000 Q2
Chamber Awards –Grant Goal –Customer Service, Community & Engagement
Strategic Direction –Position Tillsonburg as a leader in the
municipal sector
Priority Project-Not applicable
Chamber of
Commerce
$4,000 Q3
Chamber Awards –
Sponsorship
Goal –Customer Service, Community & Engagement
Strategic Direction –Engage community groups, including
advisory committees and service organizations, in shaping
municipal initiative
Priority Project-Not applicable
Economic
Development
Advisory
Committee/
Chamber of
Commerce
$4,000 Q3
Community Video Production Goal –Community Growth
Strategic Direction –Not applicable
Priority Project-Not applicable
Economic
Development &
Marketing
$10,000 Q3
Bridges to Better Business Goal –Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion
Strategic Direction –Not applicable
Priority Project-Not applicable
The Small
Business Centre
$1,000 Q3
4
2022 Business Objectives
2022 Business Plan | Economic Development & Marketing
Project Community Strategic Plan Lead
Accountability
Project Cost Anticipated
Completion
Youth Robotics Challenge Goal –Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion
Strategic Direction –Develop a “made in Tillsonburg”
approach to education, training and development based
on the workforce needs of current and prospective
employers
Priority Project –Not applicable
Oxford Youth
Invitational
Challenge
$1,000 Q3
Discover Tillsonburg (Magazine)Goal –Lifestyle and Amenities
Strategic Direction –Increase opportunities to enjoy
culture, events and leisure activities in Tillsonburg.
Priority Project-Not applicable
Economic
Development &
Marketing/
Communications
$8,000 offset
by revenue of
$6,000
Ongoing
Pandemic Business Recovery
(My Main Street)
Goal –Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion
Strategic Direction –Not applicable
Priority Project-Continued support for BIA and town-wide
businesses during COVID-19 recovery
Development
Commissioner/Re
creation,Culture
&
Parks/BIA/Workin
g Group
$2,000,but
TBD Subject to
grant funding
approval
Q4
Town Hall Project Support Goal –Customer Service, Communication & Engagement
Strategic Direction –Position Tillsonburg as a leader in the
municipal sector
Priority Project-Consolidated Town Hall initiative
Town Hall
Steering
Committee/ CAO
Not applicable Ongoing
Continue to facilitate
discussions and networking
with potential partners to
review additional opportunities
for Short Line Rail connectivity
within the Town of Tillsonburg.
Goal –Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion
Strategic Direction –Not Ensure adequate supply of
“shovel ready” land for business attraction and expansion
Priority Project-Increase diversity in manufacturing
and other key sectors
Economic
Development &
Marketing
Not applicable Q4
5
2022 Business Objectives (Prior CapEx)
2022 Business Plan | Economic Development & Marketing
Project Community Strategic Plan Lead
Accountability
Project Cost Anticipated
Completion
Van Norman Innovation Park
–Clearview Dr Extension &
SWM Pond Construction
Goal –Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion
Strategic Direction –Ensure adequate supply of “shovel
ready” land for business attraction and expansion
Priority Project-Marketing and build out of Van Norman
Innovation Park
Development
Commissioner
N/A Q4
Engineering Design Services
for Rokeby Road Property
Goal –Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion
Strategic Direction –Instill an “open for business” culture
across the corporation that prioritizes economic
development and business attraction
Priority Project-Increase diversity in manufacturing and
other key sectors
Operations
Department/
Development
Commissioner/Co
nsultant
$265,000 with
offsets per
Report DCS 20-
22
Q3
Wayfinding Signage Goal –Lifestyle and Amenities
Strategic Direction –Increase opportunities to enjoy
culture, events and leisure activities in Tillsonburg.
Priority Project-Not applicable
Economic
Development &
Marketing
$53,649 per
Report EDM
21-27
Q4
Consultations for Mall Parking
Lot Reconfiguration
Goal –Community Growth
Strategic Direction –Not applicable
Priority Project-Enhanced development standards that
benefit the community (including tree planting, affordable
housing, walkability, livability, connectivity
Enhanced public engagement in planning policies and
placemaking
EDM/Building/
Communications
$10,000 Q4
6
2022 Business Objectives (New)
2022 Business Plan | Economic Development & Marketing
Project Community Strategic Plan Lead
Accountability
Project Cost Anticipated
Completion
VIP Phase 2 Conceptual Plan
Development
Goal –Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion
Strategic Direction –Continue to streamline and expedite
the building approval process
Priority Project-Marketing and build out of Van Norman
Innovation Park
Development
Commissioner
$250,000
(funded by
reserves)
Q4
High Tech Manufacturing
Action Plan (Hub
Development)
Goal –Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion
Strategic Direction –Develop a “made in Tillsonburg”
approach to education, training and development based
on the workforce needs of current and prospective
employers
Priority Project-Increase diversity in manufacturing
and other key sectors
Development
Commissioner/
Industry/
Associations
$5,000 Ongoing
CF Oxford Partnership
(Pop-up)
Goal –Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion
Strategic Direction –Support local businesses in
post-COVID-19 recovery
Priority Project-Continued promotion and facilitation
of COVID-19 business support programs
Development
Commissioner
$5,000 Q4
7
2022 Business Objectives (New)
2022 Business Plan | Economic Development & Marketing
Project Community Strategic Plan Lead
Accountability
Project Cost Anticipated
Completion
Project Big Swing Goal –Lifestyle and Amenities
Strategic Direction –Update municipal sports facilities
consistent with modern standards
Target new programs, services, amenities and attractions
that will be a magnet for young families
Work with Oxford County and community partners
to ensure an adequate supply of affordable, attainable
housing options.
Priority Project-New playgrounds construction, Affordable
housing collaboration with Oxford County
Development
Commissioner/
Recreation,
Culture & Parks
TBD Ongoing
County Surplus Rail Lands Goal –Lifestyle and Amenities
Strategic Direction –Provide an expanded, accessible
network of parks and trails.
Priority Project-New playgrounds construction
Goal –Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion
Strategic Direction –Increase diversity in manufacturing
and other key sectors
Priority Project-Not applicable
Development
Commissioner/
RCP/Industry
TBD Ongoing
8
Risks
•Each of the business plan categories (strategy,
investment, support, downtown, Van Norman
Innovation Park, partner engagement,
promotion, pandemic support, infrastructure,
etc) support the ongoing development of the
town as a more complete community and not
supporting these comprehensive actions will
detract from the goals identified for the Town
2022 Business Plan | Economic Development & Marketing
9
Opportunities
2022 Business Plan | Economic Development & Marketing
•Investment in the Van Norman Innovation Park,
the downtown, and business to support the growth
and diversification of the Town’s economy
•Enhance promotion through ongoing production of
magazines and community videos, signage, digital
marketing, and chamber awards
•Use updated strategy and high tech manufacturing
action plan to build resilience into local economy
•Maintain partnerships to support visitors, chamber
of commerce, youth, and entrepreneurs through
key sponsorships
10
Future Departmental Directions: 3 year outlook
•2023
•Explore Accredited Economic Development Organization
(AEDO) program
•Update Industrial Land Strategy
•Implementation of updated Economic Development Strategy
•2024
•Complete sale of lands in Van Norman Innovation Park
•Potential Acquisition of additional Industrial Lands
•Implementation of updated Economic Development Strategy
•2025
•Implementation of updated Economic Development Strategy
2022 Business Plan | Economic Development & Marketing