Tillsonburg Town Council Approves New AI Guidelines

The Town of Tillsonburg has officially approved its first artificial intelligence policy.

Jun 22, 2026  •  Last updated Jun 22, 2026  • 

A clock tower in Tillsonburg, Ontario. Photo by Brian Thompson /Brian Thompson/The Expositor

The Town of Tillsonburg has officially approved its first artificial intelligence policy.

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Peter Raji, the manager of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives, presented a document to council on June 15 that outlines guidelines for using AI by both staff and council members.

“As we know, everything we do in today’s world is starting to revolve more and more around AI,” Raji said. “We want our staff to know the right way to interact with this software, to know when it’s OK to use these tools and the best way to use them because, as with anything technology-wise, there are inherent risks.”

The town will be using Microsoft Co-Pilot while training staff to identify clear guidelines for everyone involved and address the software’s potential “blind spots”.

The policy permits staff to summarize presentations and documents as well as create public-facing content and manage general productivity tasks. It specifies that all AI-generated material must be reviewed and confirmed by a staff member before being used.

“Town staff and members of council are trusted with confidential constituency data, public records, and proprietary information,” Raji wrote in a report. “A disjointed regulatory approach could create vulnerabilities.”

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Raji mentioned that using Microsoft helps ensure “our information stays within an environment that we trust.”

“The most important thing is it’s internal, and it’s enclosed so (confidential) documents aren’t just out there somewhere,” added Mayor Deb Gilvesy.

The policy gives CAO Kyle Pratt the authority to make “administrative changes” so that the document can stay current.

“We want to provide some flexibility for employees and ourselves to ensure that we can move with the pace of that technology,” Raji continued.

Opid Technologies receives grant for downtown move

The town will offer up to $13,000 in grants to Opid Technologies Incorporated through the Community Improvement Plan.

The company has acquired the property at 92 Broadway St., intending to renovate and expand its business from its current location at 35 Harvey Street. Opid Technologies specializes in developing software applications for businesses.

The property at 92 Broadway was previously home to the Tillsonburg Pawn Shop along with a residential apartment on the second floor. The company plans on transforming the interior into a two-storey open concept office space along with about 2,000 square feet of shared workspace available for lease/use on a membership basis for working professionals.

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“It’s right on our main street; they’re going to be improving how the building looks while enhancing community value,” said Cephas Panschow, Tillsonburg’s Development Commissioner.

Former Peavy Mart set for redevelopment

The old Peavy Mart building in Tillsonburg is set for a significant renovation.

Council has agreed to provide a grant of up to $9 ,000 from Community Improvement Plan funds as Kermar Properties Inc. undertakes revitalization efforts on this property.

Their proposal includes converting what was once a single-user space into a multi-use plaza designed with retail storefronts and restaurant areas.

Kermar Properties was also granted approval under the Strategic Level of the Tax Increment Grant Back Program which offers tax rebates based on incremental increases: they get back 100 percent in year six ,80 percent in year seven ,60 percent in year eight ,60 percent in year nine , and only pay full taxes after ten years.

“A commercial project is really needed in this community,” stated Cephas Panschow again as he emphasized development needs.

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“This developer has proven themselves through high-quality developments like their one on North Broadway; they’re eager about doing more projects here too.”

Development charges cut down

Town council decided on reducing residential development charge rates by half over three years.

The group instructed staff not proceed with any reductions until an agreement regarding payment is finalized.

Council also empowered Finance Director/Treasurer Renato Pullia along with CAO Kyle Pratt , and town solicitor Duncan Linton LLPto prepare necessary amendments or agreements regarding development charges including retroactive adjustments needed following permits issued after March30th2018.

Rokeby Sideroad construction contract awarded

An Ontario Limited company (Euro-Ex Construction) from Woodstock secured Rokeby Sideroad Reconstruction project worth just over $1 million.

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Total estimated cost stands at $1 ,044 ;116 (post refundable HST );$162k covers budget shortfall funded via town linear infrastructure reserve.

This entails full reconstruction & upgrading approx.550 m road width standard required excluding sidewalks/storm sewers etc.; removal existing asphalt surface followed paving new hot mix asphalt surface together electrical/streetlighting sections curbing ditching water mains storm pipes/structures thereby work expected last twelve weeks including traffic control measures closures detours where necessary.

A recent council report highlighted allocated funds totalled $850 ;292 towards project completion plus maximum contribution Norfolk County reaching limit up-to$250 ;000 remaining financed Linear Infrastructure Reserve Fund.

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