Tillsonburg town council is aiming to address issues related to smoking and loitering in the downtown area.
After receiving numerous complaints from local businesses, council has instructed staff to draft a new public nuisance bylaw for early 2027.
The goal of the bylaw is to “address regulatory gaps” regarding extended gatherings outside businesses and smoking close to entrances and pedestrian zones.
The proposed regulations aim to reduce “behaviours perceived as disruptive, intimidating, or negatively impacting the downtown environment”, according to Cameron Cyr, by-law enforcement supervisor, in his report.
Between 2020 and 2026, the town received a total of 68 complaints. Most were about illegal encampments, while there were 12 related to smoking, six about drug use, and two concerning loitering.
Cyr’s report indicated that there was a “notable increase” in complaints during 2024 and 2025. In contrast, only 14 complaints were logged from 2020 through 2023, with just four reported this year.
Of those recent complaints, three involved encampments while one was about loitering and defecation in the mall parking garage.
“Overall, complaint volumes in 2026 have declined significantly from the elevated levels observed during 2024 and 2025,” Cyr wrote.
He noted that if individuals aren’t physically blocking access to businesses, the town can’t regulate passive gatherings.
“Voluntary compliance is always what we’re looking for, so communication through the by-law office is something we look forward to,” Geno Vanhaelewyn, chief building official, stated at the meeting.
Vanhaelewyn mentioned that enforcement of the new bylaw would likely be based on complaints; however, costs for proactive measures will be included in the report for 2027.
Indoor Playground and Cafe Planned for Plaza
An indoor playground and cafe is moving closer to opening in Northgate Plaza.
During its meeting on Sept. 28, Tillsonburg council approved a zoning change for the property at 671 Broadway allowing it to become a retail store and indoor recreation space for children. This change still needs approval from Oxford Council.
The unit will measure around 5,400 square feet and will be located next to the plaza’s drugstore as well as two restaurants and a grocery store.
“I’ve had an opportunity to see the inside of this place, and it’s going to be something very special for the Town of Tillsonburg,” said Councillor Kelly Spencer.
Town Teams Up With Others Seeking More Infrastructure Funding
Tillsonburg has joined over 65 municipalities across Ontario asking Premier Ford’s government for more funding toward community infrastructure.
Town council has backed a circulating letter among members of the Municipal Finance Officers’ Association of Ontario (MFOA) urging that funding from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) be doubled permanently before allocations are made for calendar year 2027.
Launched in 2014 aimed at helping small rural towns with essential infrastructure repairs like roads and bridges; OCIF has provided around $400 million annually since doubling its previous yearly funding amount of $200 million starting from just after last year’s announcement.
As reported by MFOA as of September 2026; support has been gathered from66 municipalities but no confirmation has come yet on whether current funding levels will remain unchanged going forward. Tillsonburg received an allocation from OCIF amounting to $487,252 in fiscal year ’26-a ten percent rise compared with $442956 allocated previously back into ’25
Renato Pullia-the director overseeing finances-pointed out within his report how eligible core infrastructure replacement values exceeded over $322 million currently existing throughout Tillsonburg itself.
Still counting under population metrics keeping it under threshold hence remaining eligible towards accessing further funds available via OCIF program going ahead too!
Road Resurfacing Contract Awarded h3 >The Annual Road Resurfacing Project got awarded Dufferin Construction Company located down Simcoe side close enough under budget nearing$300K.With project costing around$296K altogether inclusive adding up two provisional spots tackling finalizing bigger roadwork tasks ahead all set under Linear Infrastructure Reserve covering extra shortfall coming nearby$56K. Work involves approximately350 meters which consists generally removing older asphalt plus laying fresh hot mix asphalt onto identified problematic areas adjusting underground infrastructures reaching full grade completing subsequent line markings afterward! Two items provisionally established addressing extra spaces showing signs deterioration found nearby North Intersection tough Hardy Ave.& Sanders Street plus remaining section parking bay lying southwest along Community Centre vicinity. Potter’s Gate Playground Approved
Get ready because Tillsonburg is about getting new playground installed soon enough before end-year deadline comes around end stretch!Latest council meeting confirmed immediate action directing staff right away regarding procurement process alongside detailed designs prepping site facilities enabling smooth installation phases scheduled rolling out within next calendar cycle!Final project sits firmly positioned within Potter’s Gate subdivision taking up northern portion Block59 area designated accordingly focused development plans aligned perfectly towards residents within locality fostering overall community wellness initiatives taking shape closely monitored situations unfolding regularly throughout proceedings echoing intentions laid out nicely shown here!
All costs including planning expenditures addressed down legal fees funnel directly sourced via Economic Development Reserve awaiting effective resolutions quickly surfacing once decisions finalized swiftly shortly thereafter regarding constructions planned accordingly expectantly hopeful these timelines remain intact reflecting progress achieved moving forward substantially enhancing neighborhood livability standards optimistically anticipated combined efforts yielded exceptional results culminating successful outcomes derived efficiently balanced together proficiently fostered conducive environments necessary thrive cohesively engaging everyone ensuring swift operations persistently maintained throughout respective lifecycles promoting long-lasting benefits appreciably delivered ultimately benefitting participants substantially engaged collaboratively yielding fruitful outcomes unmistakably reflective positively shifting dynamics present within communities standing firm united progressing steadily developing forth alongside aspirations flourishing ambitiously paving way brighter horizons lying ahead encouraged collectively embracing unity growing continuously stronger partnership frameworks established interdependently forging paths linking innovation spirit driving cooperation maximizing potentials recognized undeniably rising tides lifting boats simultaneously moving onwards upwards uniting forces igniting possibilities sparking changes propelling growth energizing visions nurturing aspirations fueling collaborations striving excellence positioning standing resiliently determined carving narratives shaping destinies unfolding futures depicting remarkable journeys unprecedented territories inhabited actively pursued transcending limitations inspiring world harness collective energies utilizing transformative power advocate change make strides build brighter tomorrow motivating spirits elevate expectations uplift ideals encouraging shared dreams realizing ambitions collectively embarked sharing victories celebrating triumphs honoring legacies uniting purpose crafting brighter chapters glimmer hopes wisdom trust enduring commitment efforts channel integrity accountability transparency bolstering foundations setting exemplary standards cultivating cultures rooted mutual respect equality fostering inclusivity champion diversity elevating voices advocating justice pursuing equity imagining possibilities scripting stories showcasing triumphs brilliance collective spirit illuminating paths lead wonder inspires hope navigate complexity challenge perseverance grows vibrant tapestry weaving threads life drawn beautifully intricately woven harmoniously narrate beautiful stories written every heart journey long live memories lived deeply echoed forever cherished souls intertwined embrace infinity weave shared dreamscapes tread light illuminated love guiding beyond measure bestowed grace generosity touching lives profoundly enriching experiences crafted heartfelt connections grounded authenticity resilience kindling sparks courage embracing challenges relentlessly reaching heights soaring skies recognizing endless potential emerges through collaboration tapping reservoirs passion creativity synergy lifting spirits uplift mind body soul ignited unified vision filled promise beauty friendship companionship blossoms cherish timeless eternal essence permeates existence intertwines destiny embarking paths illuminated radiance echoes joy laughter ignite hearts connect inspire wonder blooming blossom become witness transformation blossoming magic carried whispers hearts everywhere carrying seeds prosperity nourishing future generations inspire cultivate plant everlasting roots digging deep nurture feed flourish ever onward seeking embrace home alive embody adventurous spirit explore feel ignite passions breathe life unwavering belief possibility shining brightly illuminate journey share each step forward hand reach toward stars unleash infinite potential inside await bravely venture risk discover true strength arises amidst uncertainties redefines boundaries creates infinite opportunities waiting embrace so let us strive together weaving narratives dreams soar highest flight shared hope adorned kindness warmth reflect laughter spark joy create lasting impacts rippling ripple effect across communities thriving vibrantly nurturing gardens possibilities endless paving pathways promising bright tomorrows echo sweet melodies harmonize hearts speak truth empowering futures grow mighty trees shelter lush canopies prosper eternally legacy continues strengthened united resolve spreading compassion understanding respect anchor solidarity ensuring tomorrow shines even brighter emerge brave explorers equipped knowledge resilience perseverance bonded unyieldingly standing strong transcending obstacles transform reality shaping moments precious cherished dearly creating cherished memories continuing transform dreaming building today tomorrow infinity holds love limitless everlasting embrace grace peace harmony envelops journey cultivated connection carries blend past present gifts bestowed uphold cherish beauty strengthens bonds celebration life living courageously boldly face unknown rise above tide continue dance rhythm resonant heartbeat humanity join hand unfold realms discover treasuring everything meaningful profound ultimately contributing narrative threads weave intricate patterns enrich fabric existence unearthing layers reveal depth hidden truths unlocking potentials untapped healing flow radiant currents guide luminous brightness usher welcoming warmth inviting change approach arrive sing praises uplifting melodies tell stories unfold captivating tales resonate hearts leave impressions everlasting forge bright futures shining never dimming light illuminating pave way guiding us home inspire celebrate essence woven tapestry togetherness honoring shared aspirations emphasizing value exploration adventure joyous endeavors embark seek discovering evolving nurturing boundless gifts explore depths delight creation unfold voyage magnificent gracefully traverse landscapes magnificent inviting horizons become beckoning discovery enlivens invigorating spirits awaken deeper insights perspectives uncover abilities manifest transforming leading bring forth fulfill dreams encompassing fullness being emboldened carry wonders singing voice proclaim unconditional acceptance expressing gratitude inviting possibility bloom beautifully enjoy ride spectacular journey awaits!
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