A group of residents is asking Tillsonburg Town Council to reconsider its plans to split and sell land at 31 Earle St. for development.
Nov 11, 2025 • Last updated Nov 11, 2025 •
The Town of Tillsonburg has postponed a zoning change that would have allowed the construction of a four-storey, 47-unit apartment building. Photo by Town of Tillsonburg
A group of residents is asking Tillsonburg Town Council to reconsider its plans to split and sell land at 31 Earle St. for development.
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“We want our community facilities to get better, but I really think there’s a more suitable way forward that reflects proper planning, public safety, and aligns with the town’s Parks and Rec Masterplan,” Lori Van Opstal said during the council meeting on Nov. 10.
Together with several fellow residents, Van Opstal talked about two parcels of land (three acres), part of which is designated for a 47-unit multi-residential apartment building that includes affordable housing options.
In a report presented to the council, Amy Hartley, the development planner, noted that “the proposal will increase the housing supply to help meet various affordability needs and will assist the town in providing homes that adapt to changing market demands and support a diverse and growing population in both the town and surrounding area.”
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In 2019, this land was intended for a long-term care facility before plans changed. The town bought this space earlier this year.
The group of citizens urged council to keep the property as is, redesignate it as parkland, and expand its current play area to include a walkway corridor measuring between 25 to 30 meters as active open space.
“This will enlarge the existing park and provide a safe pathway connecting Cedar St. and Tillson St., ensuring this area remains available for recreation and active transportation,” Van Opstal explained.
“Doing so will help meet the town’s service level goals, improve tree canopy coverage, and align with parks and rec as well as climate action objectives.”
The group also asked council to prioritize traffic safety concerns in this area.
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Van Opstal mentioned that a traffic study related to this project “underestimated traffic volumes” while “ignoring cumulative developments nearby,” noting that despite poor results from the study no upgrades were suggested for the area.
“Those who live here deal with these issues every day,” she added. “Drivers turning left from Cedar onto Simcoe often have to inch out into traffic just to see past parked cars or signs frequently found in nearby parking lots which can force downhill traffic to brake suddenly or swerve.”
Van Opstal stated she has seen “countless near misses” due to conditions not being addressed regarding pedestrian safety or routes leading up to schools. There are no sidewalks or curbs on Cedar St., Earle St., or Pine Ave., leaving families pushing strollers or walking dogs along road edges instead.
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