Confusion results from reports on boundary adjustment

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A potential boundary adjustment that would bring the Norfolk Mall within the Town of Tillsonburg limits has resulted in some confusion in the media.

A press release issued from the office of Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy on Friday stated, “There have been some misconceptions circulating regarding 400 Simcoe Street (The Norfolk Mall) regarding recent discussions surrounding a potential boundary adjustment. These discussions have been mentioned in both the press and on social media, and it is important that the facts are clearly understood.”

The press release recounts the circumstances around the requested adjustment, where the owners of 400 Simcoe Street asked that their property be brought into the town limits at the Oct. 14 meeting. The letter with the boundary adjustment request also stated a Winners store was coming to the site in July 2026. Tillsonburg council then passed a motion referring the request to Oxford County.

“It is important to note that the County of Oxford provides the water and sewer infrastructure servicing this property, and any significant growth or redevelopment on this site is limited unless it falls within the county’s jurisdiction,” the press release stated. “Because the town does not own the water and sewer infrastructure for this property, the matter has appropriately been referred to the county for comment and review.”

Contacted Monday, Gilvesy said she had no further comment on the issue. The facts above were as reported in the Oct. 23 edition of the Post.

On Oct. 28, Norfolk County issued a press release assuring residents no municipal boundary changes are being considered by Norfolk County at this time. It also assures no discussions have taken place and states “Discussion and negotiation about any municipal boundary change occurs between willing parties and requires agreement from both parties. Often, considerable financial compensation is considered for the municipality giving up land.”

“The recent boundary adjustment reported in the media involving the Town of Tillsonburg underscores the importance of protecting Norfolk County’s commercial/employment assessments,” Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin said in the release. “I want to assure the residents of Norfolk County that I would fiercely defend the retention of employment land to our provincial partners. Norfolk County takes pride in governing based on facts—not rumours—and is committed to ensuring residents have accurate information before drawing conclusions."

In her release, Gilvesy credited Norfolk for the accuracy of what was released. “I would also like to thank Norfolk County for their press release on this matter, which accurately represented the facts. To be clear, no formal application has been submitted by the property,” she wrote.

Paul Michiels, Director, Community Planning for Oxford County, said any correspondence from municipalities is published in county council agendas, and a letter from Tillsonburg about the boundary adjustment hasn’t yet been on the agenda. The next agenda is due to be released on Nov. 7.

He provided more detail on the boundary adjustment process through the provincial Municipal Act, explaining, “The municipalities involved must develop a proposal that outlines the details of the proposed restructuring. They must then hold at least one public meeting to get feedback from the public before seeking approval to submit the proposal to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for approval. The proposal can only be submitted to the province for approval if it receives support from all municipalities involved.”

As of Monday, a representative of Norfolk confirmed no correspondence on this matter have been received yet.