The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg

Council Meeting

MINUTES

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LPRCA
4 Elm St
Tillsonburg
ATTENDANCE:
  • Mayor Gilvesy (Chair)
  • Deputy Mayor Beres
  • Councillor Luciani
  • Councillor Parker
  • Councillor Parsons
  • Councillor Rosehart
  • Councillor Spencer
Staff:
  • Kyle Pratt, Chief Administrative Officer
  • Renato Pullia, Director of Finance/Treasurer
  • Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner
  • Laura Pickersgill, Acting Deputy Clerk
  • Carlos Reyes, Director of Operations and Development
  • Andrea Greenway, Director of Recreation, Culture and Parks
  • Amelia Jaggard, Acting Clerk
  • Graig Pettit, Hydro Operations Manager

The meeting was called to order at 4:36 p.m. with Mayor Gilvesy presiding.

  • Resolution #2025-455
    Moved By:Councillor Parsons
    Seconded By:Councillor Luciani

    THAT Council move into Closed Session to consider the following:

    2.1 Communications from an Identifiable Individual CAO-CLD-25-008

    239 (2) (b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees

    2.2 Offer to Purchase - Portion of Ground Lease Lands (Harvey) - CLD-EDM-25-015

    239 (2) (c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board;

    239 (2) (f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose

    2.3 Tillsonburg Customer Service Centre Design Building Renovation - CLD-OPD-25-001

    239 (2) (i) a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the municipality or local board, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization

    239 (2) (k) a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board

    2.4 Transfer of Tillsonburg Hydro Employees - CLD-CAO-25-007

    239 (2) (d) labour relations or employee negotiations

    Carried

2.1
Adoption of Agenda

 

2.2
Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof

 

2.3
Adoption of Closed Council Minutes

 

2.4
Reports

 

2.4.1
Communications from an Identifiable Individual - CLD-CAO-25-008

 

2.4.2
Offer to Purchase - Portion of Ground Lease Lands (Harvey) - CLD-EDM-25-015

 

2.4.3
Tillsonburg Customer Service Centre Design Build Renovation - CLD-OPD-25-001

 

2.4.4
Transfer of Tillsonburg Hydro Employees - CLD-CAO-25-007

 

2.5
Back to Open Session

 
  • Resolution #2025-456
    Moved By:Councillor Parker
    Seconded By:Councillor Parsons

    THAT Council reconvenes open session at 6:00 p.m. and reports the following from the Meeting Closed to the Public:

    1. That Council reconvenes open session at 6:00 p.m. and reports the following from the Meeting Closed to the Public:
    2. That the Council received for information report CLD-OPD-25-001, Tillsonburg Customer Service Centre Design-Build Renovation, and direct staff to report back in Open Session at a future meeting with a comprehensive report including detailed costing and the proposed design for a Customer Service Centre Design-Build renovation; and
    3. That the Council received for information report CLD-CAO-25-008 Communications from an Identifiable Individual; and
    4. Report CLD-EDM-25-015 Offer to Purchase – Portion of Ground Lease Lands (Harvey); and
    5. Report CLD-CAO-25-007 Transfer of Tillsonburg Hydro Employees; and
    6. That Council provided direction to staff.
    Carried

    Councillor Spencer joined the meeting at 6:02 p.m.


  • Resolution #2025-457
    Moved By:Councillor Parsons
    Seconded By:Councillor Luciani

    ​THAT the Agenda as prepared for the Council meeting of Monday, December 8, 2025, be adopted.

    Carried

Mayor Gilvesy left the Chair and Councillor Luciani assumed the Chair.

Mayor Gilvesy declared a pecuniary interest on the following item:
1. Item 13.8.1 with the reason being that her husband owns a building in the downtown core.

Deputy Mayor Beres declared a pecuniary interest on the following item:
1. Item 13.8.1 with the reason being that his son owns a building in the downtown core.

Councillor Rosehart declared a pecuniary interest on the following item:
1. Item 13.8.1 with the reason being that her son owns a building in the downtown core.

No other disclosures of pecuniary interest were declared.

Mayor Gilvesy assumed the Chair.

  • Resolution #2025-458
    Moved By:Councillor Luciani
    Seconded By:Councillor Parker

    ​THAT the minutes of the Council meeting of November 24, 2025, be approved.

    Carried

Rob Fiddler, Regional Manager Southwestern Ontario, Intact Public Entities, provided information on municipal insurance coverage and additional risk management services they can provide.

Opportunity was provided for members of Council to ask questions.

  • Resolution #2025-459
    Moved By:Councillor Parker
    Seconded By:Councillor Rosehart

    THAT Council receive the presentation regarding 'Understanding Coverage and Premium' by Rob Fiddler of Intact Public Entities as information.

    Carried

This item was dealt with following item 8.2.

Amy Hartley, Development Planner, provided an overview of the report.

Opportunity was provided for members of Council to ask questions.

  • Resolution #2025-461
    Moved By:Councillor Rosehart
    Seconded By:Councillor Spencer

    THAT Council advise Oxford County that the Town supports a one-year extension of draft approval for a plan of subdivision submitted by Lindprop Corp., for lands described as Part of Lots 4 & 5, Concession 10 (Dereham), Town of Tillsonburg, to April 12, 2027, to grant additional time to satisfy the conditions of draft plan approval and register the draft plan of subdivision.

    Carried

This item was dealt with following item 7.1.

Amy Hartley, Development Planner, provided an overview of the report.

Opportunity was provided for members of Council to ask questions.

  • Resolution #2025-460
    Moved By:Councillor Parker
    Seconded By:Councillor Parsons

    THAT Council advise Oxford County that the Town supports a two-year extension of draft approval for a plan of subdivision submitted by Gene Sandham, for lands described as Part of Lot 1606, Plan 500, Concession 5, NTR, Parts 3 & 4, 41R-9612, in the Town of Tillsonburg, to January 11, 2028, to grant additional time to satisfy the conditions of draft plan approval and register the draft plan of subdivision.

    Carried

This item was dealt with following item 8.1.

Amy Hartley, Development Planner, provided an overview of the application.

David Roe, agent for applicant, and Theo Bouwheer, applicant, were in attendance and spoke in favour of the application.

No other members of the public appeared before Council in favour or in opposition of the application.

Opportunity was provided for members of Council to ask questions.

  • Resolution #2025-462
    Moved By:Councillor Parsons
    Seconded By:Councillor Luciani
    1. THAT Council advise County Council that the Town supports the application to amend the Official Plan (File No. OP 25-18-7), submitted by TVDSB (Hope Reformed Church) for lands legally described as Part of Lot 3, Concession 10 (Dereham), in the Town of Tillsonburg to facilitate the creation of a lot and development of a community facility (church) on the subject lands;
    2. And further, that Council approve in principle the zone change application (File No. ZN 7-25-09) submitted by TVDSB (Hope Reformed Church) for lands legally described as Part of Lot 3, Concession 10 (Dereham), in the Town of Tillsonburg, to rezone the lands to ‘Major Institutional Zone (IN2)’ to facilitate a place of worship on the subject lands;
    3. And further, that Council advise the Oxford County Land Division Committee that the Town supports the Application for Consent B25-49-7, submitted by TVDSB (Hope Reformed Church). for lands described as Part of Lot 3, Concession 10 (Dereham), in the Town of Tillsonburg, subject to the following conditions:
      1. The Owner(s) shall covenant and agree to satisfy all requirements financial and otherwise, of the Town of Tillsonburg regarding the installation of services and drainage facilities to the satisfaction of the Town of Tillsonburg. Any work being done in the Town’s right-of-way will require an Encroachment Permit and full-time inspection by the Owner(s) consultant for the entire duration of any work being completed in the Town’s right-of-way.  The Owner(s) shall agree to submit a sealed letter to the Town of Tillsonburg from the consulting engineer stating that all servicing and restoration work has been completed to the Town of Tillsonburg Development Guidelines and Design Criteria.
      2. The Owner(s) shall submit a Lot Grading Plan and Site Servicing Plan for the proposed severed lot to the satisfaction of the Town of Tillsonburg Engineering Services Department.
      3. The Owner(s) shall submit a Surveyor’s Real Property Report to confirm lot sizes and building setbacks, to the satisfaction of the Town of Tillsonburg.
      4. The Owner(s) shall provide payment of cash-in-lieu of parkland to the Town of Tillsonburg for the lot to be severed as per the Tillsonburg Rates and Fees By-Law as amended, to the satisfaction of the Town of Tillsonburg Engineering Services.
      5. The Clerk of the Town of Tillsonburg advise the Secretary-Treasurer of the Land Division Committee that all requirements of the Town of Tillsonburg have been complied with.
    Carried

Matt Kennedy, Skyline Energy, attended before Council to provide further updates on the proposed battery energy storage system project and follow up items from the November 10, 2025, Council meeting.

Opportunity was provided for members to ask questions.

Graig Pettit, General Manager of Hydro Operations, provided information on capacity restraints.

  • Resolution #2025-463
    Moved By:Councillor Parker
    Seconded By:Deputy Mayor Beres
    1. THAT Council receive the delegation from Matt Kennedy and Bo Castellan of Skyline Energy regarding the proposed battery energy storage system as information. 
    2. AND THAT Council is not willing to be a host community at this time. 
    Carried
  • Resolution #2025-464
    Moved By:Councillor Parker
    Seconded By:Councillor Rosehart

    THAT Council receives the following items as information:

    12.1 Association of Ontario Road Supervisors Fall Update

    12.2. Kettle Creek Conservation Authority - Conservation Authority Consolidation

    12.3 Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing - Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025

    12.4 Ontario Energy Board - Notice of Hearing - Enbridge Gas

    Carried

Renato Pullia, Acting Director of Corporate Services, provided an overview of the report and answered questions from members of Council.

  • Resolution #2025-465
    Moved By:Councillor Rosehart
    Seconded By:Councillor Spencer
    1. THAT report CS 25-019 titled “2025 General Insurance Report” be received as information; and
    2. THAT the insurance program presentation by Intact Public Entities be received as information.
    Carried
  • Resolution #2025-466
    Moved By:Councillor Rosehart
    Seconded By:Councillor Parsons
    1. THAT report CS 25-035 titled “Establishment of a By-Law Appeals Committee” be received as information.
    2. THAT Council authorize the establishment of a By-Law Appeals Committee to hear appeals in accordance with the Statutory Powers Procedure Act and relevant Town by-laws, and adopt the corresponding establishing by-law; and,
    3. THAT the necessary amendments to the Animal Control By-Law 2021-013, Business Licensing By-Law 3666, and Property Standards By-Law 2023-049, be brought forward, removing outdated committee structures, referencing the By-Law Appeals Committee, and aligning appeal submission timelines for consistency; and,
    4. THAT the following three (3) members of Council be appointed to the By-Law Appeals Committee: Councillor Parker, Councillor Parsons, and Councillor Luciani.
    Carried
  • Resolution #2025-467
    Moved By:Councillor Parsons
    Seconded By:Councillor Luciani
    1. THAT report CS 25-036 titled “Report on the Town Crier Appointment By-Law and Remuneration” be received as information;
    2. AND THAT the Town crier be paid $150 for each approved function beginning January 1, 2026, and that the stipend be adjusted annually in accordance with the Consumer Price Index.
    Carried
  • Resolution #2025-468
    Moved By:Councillor Luciani
    Seconded By:Councillor Parker
    1. That report CS 25-037 titled “BIA Board of Management Appointments” be received as information; and
    2. That Staff be directed to present a By-Law to amend By-Law 2023-017, being a by-law to appoint Directors to the Board of Management of the Tillsonburg Business Improvement Area (BIA).
    Carried

Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner, provided an overview of the report.

  • Resolution #2025-469
    Moved By:Councillor Parker
    Seconded By:Councillor Rosehart
    1. THAT report EDM 25-037 titled “VIP Plan of Subdivision – Lifting of 1 Foot Reserve and Dedication as a Public Highway” be received; and,
    2. THAT the 1 Foot Reserves described as Blocks 11 and 12, Plan 41M-381, be lifted; and,
    3. THAT a Bylaw be brought forward to dedicate Blocks 11 and 12, Plan 41M-381, as a public highway; and,
    4. THAT the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute any documents required to effect the lifting of the reserve and subsequent dedication as a public highway.
    Carried

Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner, provided an overview of the report.

  • Resolution #2025-470
    Moved By:Councillor Rosehart
    Seconded By:Councillor Spencer
    1. THAT report EDM 25-038 titled “Offer to Purchase - Clearview Drive (former Rail Lands)” be received; and,
    2. THAT a by-law be brought forward authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to enter into an Agreement of Purchase and Sale with Future Transfer Co. Ltd. and E&E McLaughlin Ltd. and to execute any documents required to effect the sale and transfer of former Railway Lands, described as Part 1, Plan 41R-7672; and,
    3. THAT the net proceeds from the sale be transferred to the Economic Development Reserve.
    Carried

Cephas Panschow, Development Commissioner, provided an overview of the report.

  • Resolution #2025-471
    Moved By:Councillor Luciani
    Seconded By:Councillor Parsons
    1. THAT report EDM 25-039 titled “Offers to Purchase – Portions of Otter Lane” be received; and,
    2. THAT by-laws be brought forward authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to enter into Agreements of Purchase and Sale and to execute any documents required to effect the sale and transfer of portions of Otter Lane as follows:
      1. Diane Kleer and Walter Kleer for approximately 35 feet of the southerly Otter Lane frontage lands; and,
      2. Cameron McKnight and Cynthia McKnight for approximately 5 feet of the northerly Otter Lane frontage lands;

        save and except for an easement registered in favour of the Town of Tillsonburg; and,

    3. THAT the Purchasers be responsible for the Town’s valuation, survey, legal costs payable in addition to the purchase price; and
    4. THAT the proceeds from the sale be transferred into the Town Hall Reserve.
    Carried

13.4

 

Renato Pullia, Director of Finance/Treasurer, provided an overview of the report.

  • Resolution #2025-472
    Moved By:Councillor Parsons
    Seconded By:Councillor Luciani
    1. THAT report titled “Creation of Town Hall Reserve” be received as information; and
    2. THAT the Director of Finance be authorized to create a Town Hall Reserve, and transfer all funds earmarked for the construction of, or pertaining to, a Town Hall into such reserve, as outlined in report FIN-25-039; and
    3. THAT Reserve Policy 5-005, being Schedule A of By-Law 2020-008, be brought back to Council at a future date, incorporating the creation of the new Town Hall Reserve, plus any other adjustments proposed by the Director of Finance.
    Carried
  • Resolution #2025-473
    Moved By:Councillor Spencer
    Seconded By:Councillor Luciani
    1. That report titled “Downtown Tillsonburg BIA Follow up” be received as information;
    2. Whereas the audit has confirmed that all payments reviewed relating to the six businesses named in an anonymous letter, were properly accounted for, and that no financial irregularities or wrongdoing were identified within the Downtown Tillsonburg BIA Board of Management Town audit;

    Therefore be it resolved that:

    1. Council acknowledge and accept the audit findings as presented;
    2. Council direct staff to prepare and publicly issue a statement summarizing the audit’s conclusions, reaffirming that the concerns raised in the anonymous letter were unfounded based on the independent audit;
    3. Council further state its continued confidence in and support for the Downtown Tillsonburg BIA Board of Management; 
    4. Council classify the anonymous letter as vexatious in nature, given that the allegations were investigated and determined to be without merit; and
    5. That this letter be posted on social media and on the Town website.
    Carried
  • Resolution #2025-474
    Moved By:Councillor Parker
    Seconded By:Councillor Rosehart
    1. THAT report FIN-24-044 titled “WSIB Rebate” be received as information; and
    2. THAT the Director of Finance be authorized to transfer the Town’s 2023 and 2024 WSIB rebates to the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve.
    Carried

Renato Pullia, Director of Finance/Treasurer, provided an overview of the report.

  • Resolution #2025-475
    Moved By:Councillor Rosehart
    Seconded By:Councillor Spencer
    1. THAT report FIN-25-046 titled “Strong Mayor Powers and 2026 Budget Update” be received as information; and
    2. THAT in order to fulfil its role pursuant to section 224 of the Municipal Act, 2001 and to exercise its authority to: (1) make amendments to the Mayor’s proposed budget, and/or (2) potentially override the Mayor’s veto of any Council amendments, Council requests from the Town Clerk the 2026 draft budget by December 15, 2025, pursuant to R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 823, Section 3 (2) of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
    Carried

Renato Pullia, Director of Finance/Treasurer, provided an overview of the report.

  • Resolution #2025-476
    Moved By:Councillor Luciani
    Seconded By:Councillor Parsons
    1. THAT report FIN-25-047 titled “Sale of Fleet Assets to Tillsonburg Hydro Inc.” be received as information; and
    2. THAT the Bill of Sale Agreement between the Town of Tillsonburg and Tillsonburg Hydro Inc. for the sale of Fleet assets, effective December 31, 2025, be approved, with the Director of Finance authorized to affix his signature thereto; and
    3. THAT $265,000 of the $600,000 be transferred to the Fleet Reserve, earmarked to pay the remaining principal and interest on debt of sold assets, and $335,000 be transferred to the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve earmarked for future THI purposes.
    Carried

Richard Sparham, Manager of Public Works, provided an overview of the report and answered questions from members of Council.

  • Resolution #2025-478
    Moved By:Councillor Luciani
    Seconded By:Councillor Parker
    1. THAT report OPD 25-062 titled “Accessible Curb Cut Installation – Quarter Town Line at Trans Canada Trail” be received as information; and
    2. THAT Council supports the installation of a Pedestrian Crossover Level 2 Type B including a curb cut; and
    3. THAT Council recommends the funding of $60,000 for the installation of a Pedestrian Crossover Level 2 Type B, including a curb cut, funded from the Linear Infrastructure Reserve, for the Mayor’s consideration for the 2026 budget.
    Carried

Carlos Reyes, Director of Operations and Development, answered questions from members of Council.

It was requested that this by-law be added to a future Traffic Advisory Committee meeting agenda for review.

  • Resolution #2025-479
    Moved By:Councillor Parker
    Seconded By:Councillor Rosehart
    1. THAT report OPD 25-063 titled “Municipal Right-of-Way By-Law - Follow-Up” be received as information; and
    2. THAT a by-law to regulate the use of the municipal right-of-way in the Town of Tillsonburg be presented to Council for consideration.
    Carried
  • Resolution #2025-480
    Moved By:Councillor Rosehart
    Seconded By:Councillor Spencer
    1. THAT report OPD 25-065 titled “Assumption By-Law for Potters Gate Subdivision Phase One” be received as information; and
    2. THAT Council assumes public services/right-of-way within the Registered Plan 41M-272, more particularly described in the Subdivision Agreement between The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg and York Hop Corporation dated December 21, 2011; and
    3. THAT a by-law to “assume municipal works and services in Registered Plan 41M-272” be presented to Council for consideration.
    Carried
  • Resolution #2025-481
    Moved By:Councillor Parker
    Seconded By:Councillor Parsons
    1. THAT report OPD 25-051 titled “Assumption By-Law for Potters Gate Subdivision Phase Two” be received as information; and
    2. THAT Council assumes public services/right-of-way within the Registered Plan 41M-272, more particularly described in the Subdivision Agreement between The Corporation of the Town of Tillsonburg and Oxnard Developments (2385667 Ontario Limited) dated March 12, 2019; and
    3. THAT a by-law to “assume municipal works and services in Registered Plan 41M-272” be presented to Council for consideration.
    Carried

Carlos Reyes, Director of Operations and Development, provided an overview of the report and answered questions from members of Council.

  • Resolution #2025-482
    Moved By:Councillor Parsons
    Seconded By:Councillor Luciani

    THAT report OPD 25-066 titled “Kinsmen Bridge Replacement Project Progress Update” be received as information.

    Carried

Mayor Gilvesy, Deputy Mayor Beres and Councillor Rosehart declared a pecuniary interest in this matter and abstained from voting or discussing this matter. Mayor Gilvesy left the Chair at 7:51 p.m.

Councillor Luciani assumed the Chair.

Andrea Greenway, Director of Recreation, Culture and Parks, provided an overview of the report.

  • Resolution #2025-483
    Moved By:Councillor Parsons
    Seconded By:Councillor Parker
    1. THAT report RCP 25-052 titled “BIA Memorandum of Understanding” be received as information; and
    2. THAT Council approve in principle the proposed 2026-2028 BIA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as attached to report RCP-25-052; and
    3. THAT the proposed 2026-2028 BIA MOU be deferred to the 2026 budget deliberations.
    Carried

    Mayor Gilvesy assumed the Chair at 7:53 p.m.


  • Resolution #2025-484
    Moved By:Councillor Parker
    Seconded By:Councillor Rosehart

    THAT Council receive the following advisory committee minutes as information:

    • Youth Advisory Council, November 5, 2025
    • Museum, Culture, Heritage and Special Awards Committee, November 19, 2025
    Carried
  • Resolution #2025-485
    Moved By:Councillor Rosehart
    Seconded By:Councillor Luciani

    THAT Council receive the Downtown Tillsonburg Board of Management minutes, dated October 29, 2025.

    Carried
  • Resolution #2025-486
    Moved By:Councillor Rosehart
    Seconded By:Councillor Parsons

    THAT Council receive the Oxford OPP Detachment Board minutes dated October 15, 2025, as information.

    Carried

18.

 
  • Resolution #2025-487
    Moved By:Councillor Luciani
    Seconded By:Councillor Parker

    THAT the following By-Laws be read for a first, second, third and final reading and that the Mayor and Clerk be and are hereby authorized to sign the same, and place the corporate seal thereunto:

    • By-Law 2025-106, a by-law to establish a By-Law Appeals Committee in the Town of Tillsonburg
    • By-Law 2025-107, a by-law to authorize an agreement of purchase and sale with Walter and Diane Kleer
    • By-Law 2025-108, a by-law to authorize an agreement of purchase and sale with Cameron and Cynthia McKnight
    • By-Law 2025-109, a by-law to authorize an agreement of purchase and sale with Future Transfer Co. Ltd. and E&E McLaughlin
    • By-Law 2025-110, a by-law to regulate the use of the Municipal Right-of-Way in the Town of Tillsonburg
    • By-Law 2025-111, a by-law to lift 1-foot reserves described as Blocks 11 and 12, Plan 41M-381, and dedicate them as a public highway
    • By-Law 2025-112, a by-law to assume municipal services in Potters Gate Subdivision - Phase One, Registered Plan 41M-272
    • By-Law 2025-113, a by-law to assume municipal services in Potters Gate Subdivision - Phase Two, Registered Plan 41M-272
    • By-Law 2025-114, a by-law to amend by-law 2023-017, being a by-law to appoint Directors to the Board of Management of the Tillsonburg Business Improvement Area
    Carried
  • Resolution #2025-488
    Moved By:Councillor Parker
    Seconded By:Councillor Rosehart

    ​THAT By-Law 2025-115, to Confirm the Proceedings of the Council Meeting held on Monday, December 8, 2025, be read for a first, second, third and final reading and that the Mayor and the Clerk be and are hereby authorized to sign the same and place the corporate seal thereunto.

    Carried

This portion of the meeting is not recorded.

  • Resolution #2025-489
    Moved By:Councillor Rosehart
    Seconded By:Councillor Spencer

    ​THAT the Council meeting of Monday, December 8, 2025, be adjourned at 8:01 p.m.

    Carried
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