Tillsonburg council briefs

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Town to hire two IT positions

Tillsonburg council approved the hiring of two IT service technicians.

When Deputy Mayor Dave Beres asked if these positions were filled yet, and were told they weren’t, he questioned the possibility of only hiring one person full-time and look at alternatives for the other position. Earlier this year, the town hired an IT manager.

Tillsonburg CAO Kyle Pratt explained with contract the turnaround is higher.

“It’s important we have two to meet the needs of the municipality, the employees of the municipality,” he said.

Town applies for funding to assist with pool renovation costs

Council chose to apply for funding for a new indoor pool roof for its application to the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.

In a report on the fund, the suggestions given by staff for the application were the indoor pool roof replacement, water park repairs or arena change room updates. Cost of the application is $477,000.

More pickle ball courts coming

The number of pickle ball courts in Tillsonburg will increase.

A report from Julie Dawley, acting manager of recreation programs and services, suggested painting pickleball court lines on existing surfaces in the Southridge and Memorial parks would create an option for players to bring their own net and equipment. Estimated cost was $1,500.

Town applies to Housing Accelerator Fund

Tillsonburg will submit an application to the Housing Accelerator Fund to receive up to $7 million in funding, but if successful, the money would come with conditions.

The conditions include: committing to allow four residential units per property, develop initiatives to speed up housing supply and speed up issuance of permits, and commit to an annual housing growth target of at least 10 per cent.

Request for transportation funding

Coun. Pete Luciani submitted a notice of motion requesting the province to continue the Southwest Community Transit funding beyond March 2025.

The funding is scheduled to end next spring and is vital for this inter-municipal transit service to continue.

“It is a valid service that is getting good use and it would be a shame to see with all the investment that’s happened up to this point to see it disadvantaged,” Luciani said.

Mayor Deb Gilvesy said there had also been discussion at SCOR that the transit system is in peril if funding doesn’t continue.

Council endorsed the motion and agreed it should be circulated to other municipalities.