The town has decided to increase its backing for a new events center at The Bridges golf course, following a presentation during the council meeting on Sept. 14.
Cierra Huigenbos addressed the council as a speaker, sharing why she chose to stay in Tillsonburg while many young people moved away.
“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.
However, she pointed out that loving a town also means having the courage to voice concerns when things aren’t going well. She highlighted how generous individuals in the community have supported local hospitals, charities, and sports teams. She mentioned that the owners of The Bridges have proposed an events center that could serve as a wedding and event venue that’s currently lacking in the area.
“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.”
Previously, the town had approved support for the events center at a high level via their Community Improvement Plan but not at a strategic level. Huigenbos explained that this was lowered by council because work on the project began before receiving a building permit, which was handled through enforcement processes.
“The purpose of the incentive is to encourage growth, not address matters that were already resolved,” she said.
<p class= " z i Sk x m P A M C D O B E Z U J X Y W G R C M E L K D K W Y Z T Q J O K P R Z U R A O B E W L G C O G H O S A H X A D V B J U L S F F X M Q Z T Y M Q T V P D K O Z J C D X H R L E I F G B S V W C W K Q I K Huigenbos explained that under this high level of support from their Tax Increment Grant Back Program there’s a rebate of 50 percent on tax increases from development (not total property taxes) for six years; after this period it decreases by ten percent each year until reaching year ten. Conversely, if supported at strategic levels there's full relief on tax increases due to development for ten years with reductions of twenty percent per year afterwards.
Councillor Kelly Spencer expressed her gratitude towards Huigenbos’ comments and noted how wonderful it is for someone young to bring such issues forward.
“Retention and attraction of young people is essential to this town,” she stated.
Deputy Mayor Dave Beres agreed with this sentiment and asked about what steps would be needed to revisit their decision.
He learned that someone who voted in favor initially would need to make a motion for reconsideration so an alternative proposal can be presented if accepted.
Afterward, they brought forth their original motion again but it got defeated by council members instead. Following this outcome Beres put forward another motion supporting full strategic-level backing for The Events Center project while Mayor Deb Gilvesy suggested an amendment ensuring staff conduct an internal review focusing on expediting planning timelines which ultimately passed successfully.
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