Tillsonburg council briefs

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Voting method determined

When Tillsonburg voters cast their ballots in next year’s municipal election, they will again be doing it electronically.

Deputy Clerk Amalia Jaggard came to council asking for approval to continue the online and telephone voting used in 2018 and 2022, saying with early approval a better price could be sought through joint procurement of a service provider.

“The method offers increased accessibility, voter convenience, cost savings and quicker and more accurate results,” she said.

Deputy Mayor Dave Beres asked if there will be paper ballots for people who are technologically challenged. Jaggard said just the two methods, but did say there will be assistance available for people struggling with the technology.

Hall of fame scoring criteria updated

Tillsonburg council adopted updated scoring criteria for its Sports Hall of Fame as recommended by the Recreation and Sports Advisory Committee.

The committee recommended updates to the application process to make it simpler. A scoring matrix for applicants was adopted from other municipalities

To be selected as an athlete, a person “must have competed successfully in a local, regional, provincial, national, international, amateur, sanctioned, or non-sanctioned sport, having performed in such a way as an individual or member of a team to bring special honour to Tillsonburg.”

There was also criteria for a team which achieved a high level of recognition within a year. Coaches, officials, executive members, teachers, administrators or sponsors can be recognized as builders for their efforts on building sports in Tillsonburg.

The number of nominees in a year will be limited to two builders, two teams and four individuals.

Town’s first quarter finances favourable

Reports to council at the May 12 meeting showed the town is in a favourable financial position at the end of the first quarter.

Treasurer Renato Pullia’s report showed a favourable variance of $348,235. He did caution council that “this preliminary figure is not a certain indication of what may be expected as the year progresses.”

Record industrial building

The first quarter was mixed news for Tillsonburg in terms of building permits.

The good news is the first quarter’s $50.5 million worth of industrial construction was a record. The next closest for industrial construction value was 2022 with $5.6 million.

The good news continues in all sectors, except institutional, saw growth as compared to 2024. The bad news is the overall number of residential permits was only 17, compared to the record of 84 in 2021. This resulted in a slight deficit from the budgeted amount for permit value for the first quarter.

Lightweight Gym receives grant

Lightweight Gym, at 146 Tillson Ave., will receive A $5,000 grant through the town’s Community Improvement Plan.

An application was before council for the funding to cover renovations to add a second floor to the facility to host fitness classes. Council endorsed the application.

Animal control rates increased

Rates for animal control services in Tillsonburg increased with a two-year contract.

Hillside Kennels Animal Control Ltd., which previously provided this service in Tillsonburg, was the successful bidder in a request for quotations. The rates increased slightly and are based on a per-service fee. The fees provided were service calls, euthanasia dog, euthanasia cat and setting a trap. All went up $5 except for euthanasia cat, which went up $15 to $75.

Town adopts management of policies policy

The Town of Tillsonburg has a new policy to control its adoption of new policies.

Deputy Clerk Amelia Jaggard explained the policy will formalize how the town develops, reviews and approves policies.

“The policy distinguishes between corporate and administrative policies, outlines approval criteria, and sets a four-year review cycle,” the report on the matter stated. “It promotes consistency, transparency and alignment with the Municipal Act 2001, helping to reduce risk and improve accountability across the organization.”

Station Arts MOU amended

The Memorandum of Understanding between the Station Arts Centre and the town was amended to allow the construction of the Community Pantry.

Building such a facility was suggested by the Station Arts Centre in conjunction with the local Rotary Club, and was approved by council. The amendment puts all responsibility for the Community Pantry on the Station Arts Centre, and ensures that all town and health regulations are followed.

BIA proposed expansion

Coun. Chris Rosehart reminded local businesses who are tenants to have their say in the BIA expansion.

As reported in an earlier version of the Post, Tillsonburg BIA is proposing to expand the boundaries of the BIA outside of the downtown core. If passed, this will mean businesses in the expanded area will have access to BIA promotions, but will have to pay an annual BIA levy as part of their taxes. Businesses vote on if they want to see this occur.

Rosehart said during the public interest session that she has been getting a lot of calls on the matter. She was concerned letters about the expansion will only go to the property owner, and tenant businesses may be unaware.

“The tenants should get a letter from the owner of the building so they can also vote on this and a lot of that hasn’t been happening,” she said.

Poop and scoop reminder

During the items of public interest session at council, Coun. Chris Parker reminded the public that baseball is in full swing. He said there are people who are using ball parks as a dog park and not cleaning up their pet’s waste.

“The ball park is not the place for dogs,” he said. “It becomes disgusting at times.”