Town increases support for golf course event centre

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The town’s support for a new events center planned at The Bridges golf course through its Community Improvement Program grew after a presentation at the Sept. 14 council meeting.

Cierra Huigenbos spoke to council as a deputation, saying she chose to stay in Tillsonburg when many young people left.

“I stayed because I love the community; I love our seniors are valued here; I love the culture of youth sports that fill our arenas, soccer fields and baseball fields. I love walking into the grocery store and recognizing familiar faces,” she said.

But she noted that loving a town means having the courage to speak up when it's headed in the wrong direction. She pointed out generous people in the town have supported the town’s hospitals, charities, and sports teams. She said the owners of the Bridges proposed an events center, which could be a wedding and event venue the town didn’t have.

“The money spent here stays here,” she said. “It circulates through our economy, it creates jobs, it strengthens the community we all say we want to build.”

The town previously approved the Community Improvement Plan support for the events centre at the high level, not the strategic level. Huigenbos said this was reduced by council because work on the project started before a building permit was issued, which was addressed through the enforcement process.

“The purpose of the incentive is to encourage growth, not address matters that were already resolved,” she said.

The high level of support in the Tax Increment Grant Back Program provides a 50 per cent rebate of the tax increase from the development (not the entire taxes for the property) for the first six years, which then decreases by 10 per cent annually until year 10. The strategic level has 100 per cent relief from the tax increase from the development, which then decreases by 20 per cent per year until year 10.

Huigenbos said she wasn’t asking to be above the rules, but was asking for respect. She asserted there is a perception of a lot of red tape associated with building in Tillsonburg, including waiting and paying for permits.

“You’re going to be sent from one process to another. Eventually, some people decide that isn’t worth it,” she said, adding that a young person wanting to build a home or business should be excited, not wondering if their business should be taken elsewhere.

Coun. Kelly Spencer told Huigenbos she appreciated the conversation and said it was spectacular that a young person brought this forward.

“Retention and attraction of young people is essential to this town,” she said.

Deputy Mayor Dave Beres agreed and asked the clerk what the procedure would be to reconsider the decision.

He was told someone who voted in favour of the original motion must put a motion to reconsider on the floor. If accepted, an alternate motion can be brought forward.

The original motion was then brought forward, and council defeated it. Beres then brought forward a motion that the town support the events centre at the strategic level. Mayor Deb Gilvesy suggested an amendment to the motion, which was accepted, that staff complete an internal review of the planning process to shorten timelines. This motion passed.