Public input approved for new sports fields

A conceptual drawing of the residential development that could be built on the ball diamond property if the diamonds move to the town’s property on Mall Road. (Town of Tillsonburg drawing)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

Council gave the go-ahead to town staff to start a public engagement process on a proposal to relocate the four Annandale ball diamonds to new town land on Mall Road.

The proposal would also include selling the property where the diamonds are currently located for residential development, with more green space than other developments. Proceeds from the sale would be used to offset the purchase price of the Mall Road property and diamond development.

The motion passed by council was to proceed with the public input process to relocate the diamonds to 67 Mall Road. This would include consulting with members of all town committees, user groups, and hosting two public information sessions. The development is in the consultation phase, and is not moving ahead yet.

A report from Development Commissioner Cephas Panschow stated that, during the 2022 campaign trail, council members heard that more green space and recreational amenities were needed in town. When the property on Mall Road, which is in Norfolk County, became available, it was seen as an opportunity to expand recreational facilities.

The town purchased the 36-acre property for $6.2 million in April 2024. A consultant was hired to complete the plans for what was known as Project Big Swing. The first phase of the development would have four softball diamonds, with lights. With more parking than the present facility, Panschow told council it would open up possibilities for hosting tournaments, which would bring revenue to town.

A second phase could add additional soccer fields to the development, but is not finalized, as is the case with the third phase. A walking track would be built around the perimeter of the property, which is behind the cemetery.

“We know we can’t add to the Annandale diamonds right now, and what’s going to happen if we added a third site is we would be spreading out staff ,and it wouldn’t be as efficient in terms of vehicle and people movement,” Panschow said.

The proposal for Annandale is a mix of townhomes and four-storey residential buildings that will retain as much green space as possible. It will be developed in partnership with a private-sector developer in the future and will be what Panschow called “fairly priced”.

“In many aspects, the town is at a crossroads,” he said. “Important decisions need to be made about enhancing future services. We can’t ignore the growth across every sporting segment in town, so this proposal is exciting and timely in what we are considering.”

Deputy Mayor Dave Beres asked if there are restrictions to keep higher apartment buildings out of the area.

“I love this, perhaps for the next 10 years as long as I’m around, that would be beautiful, but I’m looking at the long run and the growth projections what our population could be we could require higher-density level,” he said.

Panschow said the proposal is for a mixture of medium-density residential that is a mix of townhouses and two four-storey apartment buildings.

“If we’re looking at skyscrapers in the future, that’s not the ideal location,” Beres said.

“Having played ball for 30-some years and being on the executive, I’m sure people there will be happy to never see another baseball in their yard,” said Coun. Kelly Spencer.

She noted the recreation master plan noted the need for more baseball diamonds, but she asked how replacing four with four is an increase.

Panschow said the new diamonds will be more modern and efficient and have lighting. He added that the soccer fields are conceptual only and could be replaced by more baseball diamonds.

“At this point, we’re looking to double capacity by adding lighting,” he said.

Coun. Chris Rosehart asked why taller apartment buildings weren’t being considered, given that there are already taller buildings in the area.

“I’m trying to understand why this isn’t more than less,” she said.

Panschow said medium density was settled on after considering the area's infrastructure.

After reading the motion, Coun. Chris Parker called this an exciting project.

“It’s great we are going out to get this type of public engagement,” he said

Mayor Deb Gilvesy agreed, adding, “No decisions have been made, and that’s why we are going out to the public to get feedback.”