Tillsonburg council briefs

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Van Norman Innovation Park expanding

Tillsonburg council adopted several recommendations from its Economic Development Advisory Committee in regards to expansion of the VanNorman Innovation Park.

At its Sept. 23 meeting, council was presented with the recommendations:

• The cost/benefits of an access from Phase 2 of the VanNorman Innovation Park to Highway 3 at John Pound Road be investigated;

• Consideration for more general industrial zoned and some commercially zoned lots; •

• Ensuring rail-serviced sites are made available within Phase 2;

• The immediate marketing and consideration of sale opportunities for proposed lot 1.

Surplus assigned to reserves

A $1.68-million surplus from 2023 will be assigned to various reserves and previously-committed initiatives.

Council received and approved a report from Renato Pullia, interim director of finance/treasurer, about the funds. His report outlined that council had previously committed $305,325 for IT programs, $290,325 for Tillsonburg Community Centre renovations and putting funds in the Tax

Rate Stabilization Reserve.

The report suggested transferring $331,050 to the fire equipment reserve, $171,825 to the fleet and equipment reserve, $155,843 to the tax rate reserve, and several smaller allocations.

Town to look at expanding community centre facelift

Council directed staff to look further at façade updates for the Tillsonburg Community Centre.

Mayor Deb Gilvesy brought forward a notice of motion asking staff to investigate the cost of updating the entrance at the Lion’s Den. She said it “looks sad” and that wood is warped. Saying it was a small project that could improve the visual impact of that side of the community centre, Gilvesy asked an estimate be prepared for consideration in the 2025 budget.

Coun. Pete Luciani said he noticed the same thing.

“At some point in time it would be relevant to take a look at the whole building envelope on the older side so it’s going to match up with the pristine side when it’s done,” he said.

Coun. Kelly Spencer asked Andrea Greenway, manager of recreation programs and services, if there had been investigation into this previously. Greenway answered some of the work was included in future capital budgets and it may require some shifting if it was done in conjunction with the renovation.

An amended motion to look at updating the entire exterior was passed by council.