Take Back Tillsonburg, a new community organization, is urging the council to take stronger measures to tackle homelessness in the area.
Sep 23, 2025 • Last updated Sep 23, 2025 •
Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy. File
Take Back Tillsonburg, a new grassroots citizens’ group, has called on council to do more to address homelessness in the Oxford County town.
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Speaking for the group, Rick Aarnoudse addressed the council during its meeting on Sept. 22 and shared some low-cost suggestions to help improve the situation.
“I’m not here to look down on those struggling. Homelessness, addiction and mental health issues are real, and those suffering deserve real help,” he said. “True compassion means moving people into safer, structured environments while also restoring dignity and order to our public spaces.”
In a letter sent to council, the group requested that some of the funds set aside for a new town hall be “redirected toward solutions that directly address homelessness, such as housing initiatives, mental health and addiction services, and stronger supports for individuals in need.”
Aarnoudse mentioned that some residents of Tillsonburg are living in “chaos.” He recounted stories about a shirtless man staggering outside the library in the middle of the day, another man who was passed out near Bulk Barn with his belongings stuffed into a stolen grocery cart, and someone notorious for yelling at passersby in the Canadian Tire parking lot. Facebook pages are filled with reports of people urinating and defecating in alleys behind downtown shops.
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“That is not the Tillsonburg any of us want to live in,” said Aarnoudse as he pointed out that a homeless encampment was recently found in the conservation area close to Memorial Park. “What used to be a place where families could hike, fish or spend a quiet afternoon has become a dangerous zone where parents now hesitate to bring their kids.
“This isn’t just unpleasant; it’s unsafe. It undermines the sense of security our families and business owners need to thrive and it erodes pride people feel in our community.
“The longer we wait, the harder it will be to regain control.”
Aarnoudse proposed several potential solutions including declaring a state of emergency which would prompt additional support from within the region; enforcing existing bylaws; and boosting patrols by both bylaw officers and OPP officers.
“None of those steps require massive spending. They require resolve , coordination , and clear messaging -Tillsonburg will not accept disorder as a new normal,” he said
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“Allowing chaos on public streets isn’t compassion – true compassion is restoring order , connecting people with help , and keeping our town safe and welcoming.”
Coun. Chris Parker stated he “shares similar concerns” as Aarnoudse but also highlighted that The Town of Tillsonburg app offers an option for reporting suspicious activity that might fall outside police jurisdiction.
“That’s something our staff has worked hard on developing over these past couple years , and it’s an excellent tool,” he said.
Coun. Kelly Spencer suggested members of Take Back Tillsonburg review the recently released Oxford County Homelessness Response Strategy -a detailed document available on the county website.
“I think everyone shares these concerns,” Spencer remarked.
A report from staff regarding loitering bylaws will soon be presented before council , she added , which may assist defining terms better for further enforcement.
While there are numerous local programs available aimed at helping those facing homelessness or struggling with mental health or addiction issues , Mayor Deb Gilvesy acknowledged that some community members don’t utilize them.
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The next paragraph begins here: You cannot force individuals into housing; you cannot force treatment upon them either-it’s illegal,” she said.
Saying foot patrols have increased significantly lately, Gilvesy mentioned changes were forthcoming-specifically, a Heart Hub facility being established in Woodstock providing forty recovery beds along with ten crisis beds plus another ten transitional beds designated for those needing assistance. Additionally, shelter capacities tend towards being underutilized across both Woodstock &Tillsonburg most days.
The leading three reasons reported behind instances concerning homelessness according her findings include factors like:Mental Illness, Addiction, &Intimate Partner Violence. “Many assume affordability plays key role instead-which actually ranks lower among contributing causes,” she stated.
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The next paragraph begins here: You cannot force individuals into housing; you cannot force treatment upon them either-it’s illegal,” she said.
Saying foot patrols have increased significantly lately, Gilvesy mentioned changes were forthcoming-specifically, a Heart Hub facility being established in Woodstock providing forty recovery beds along with ten crisis beds plus another ten transitional beds designated for those needing assistance. Additionally, shelter capacities tend towards being underutilized across both Woodstock &Tillsonburg most days.
The leading three reasons reported behind instances concerning homelessness according her findings include factors like:Mental Illness, Addiction, &Intimate Partner Violence. “Many assume affordability plays key role instead-which actually ranks lower among contributing causes,” she stated.
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