LOCAL HEADLINES

Tillsonburg council approved the 2026 budget with a 1.8 per cent increase, plus another 1.84 per cent to cover court-mandated policing costs, for a total increase of 3.64 per cent, with only one amendment.

A combined investment of $10.4 million by two Tillsonburg companies and a Norwich company will boost local manufacturing and create 32 new jobs.

Tillsonburg residents will see a few changes to Blue Box pick-up, with larger changes in store a year away.

A new town hall, repairs to the clock tower, new pickleball courts and addressing homelessness were a few of the many topics touched on by Mayor Deb Gilvesy in her annual address at the Mayor’s New Year’s levee.

Budding young artists from Glendale High School are displaying their artistic vision at the Station Arts Centre.

Norwich Merchants coach Derek Partlo was pleased with a four-point January 3/4 weekend, featuring wins over the PJHL South Doherty Division-leading Woodstock Navy Vets and a bounce-back victory against the Tavistock Braves.

One could say the Tillsonburg Gemini girls’ hockey team played to a familiar tune through a 4-3 Thames Valley Regional Athletics Southeast loss to the visiting Woodstock Huron Park Huskies Thursday, Jan. 8 at the Memorial Arena.

Oxford County Paramedic Services (OCPS) and partners have been awarded an Ontario Health System Quality and Innovation Award.

Although many Tillsonburg residents are already grumbling about the cold weather, the bright spot ahead is the Coldest Night of the Year.

Oxford County Council approved the 2026 Business Plan and Budget in late December, authorizing a total budget of $406.1 million that includes a $278.2 million operating budget and $127.9 million in capital projects.

The first draft of the town’s 2026 budget is sitting at a 1.8 per cent hike, plus a retroactive court-mandated policing increase, for a total tax increase of 3.64 per cent.

It’s not often that good news comes out of municipal government budget discussions, but this is one tidbit - the water and wastewater rates for Tillsonburg residents won’t be increasing.

Reverend Thomas Stradwick is settling in at St. John's Anglican Church and finding his way around town, socializing with the people he meets and marvelling over the amenities.

As he turned 100, a surprise celebration for Tillsonburg resident Leighton Ronson honoured his achievements within the Legion and the Masons.

Planning is underway for the Shriners annual Fish Fry and Elimination Draw.

Tillsonburg councillors received an insight into how the town’s insurance rates are set during a recent meeting.

Subdivision agreements extended

The Tillsonburg Gemini junior girls’ volleyball team started their Thames Valley Regional Athletics match well against the Woodstock St. Mary’s Warriors Tuesday, Dec. 16 at Glendale.

Splitting a pair of weekend games brought the Thunder within two points of Elora and Dunnville, which are tied for sixth in the South Conference of the OEHL.

Tillsonburg may be closer to seeing the design of a new town hall after the last council meeting.