Local group seeks solutions for rising homelessness in Oxford County
:
Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, LJI reporter
Oct 13, 2025 •
A newly formed citizens’ group in Tillsonburg is urging local governments to take stronger action against the increasing homelessness crisis. (Postmedia Network file photo) Photo by Brian Thompson /Brian Thompson/The Expositor
A member of a new citizens’ organization is calling on Tillsonburg’s town council to take more effective steps to tackle the escalating issue of homelessness.
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Representing Take Back Tillsonburg, resident Rick Aarnoudse highlighted various troubling incidents involving the town’s homeless population. He pointed out instances of people passed out on Broadway, someone shouting in downtown parking lots, needles found in public areas, and individuals urinating and defecating on the streets.
<p“That's not the Tillsonburg any of us want to live in,” he remarked.
During his address, Aarnoudse expressed that he doesn’t look down on the homeless community but instead recognizes the genuine challenges many face in the area.
“Leaving people to live in chaos in alleys and parks and encampments is not compassion,” he stated. “True compassion is moving those people into safer, structured environments while also restoring dignity to public spaces.”
Aarnoudse acknowledged that this problem isn’t limited to Tillsonburg and referred to Barrie city council’s recent declaration of a state of emergency regarding its homelessness situation.
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Saying we can’t accept this situation as normal since it negatively affects businesses, residents, and even those without homes, Aarnoudse proposed several strategies to help alleviate the local crisis. These included actively enforcing existing bylaws related to indecency, trespassing, loitering, and public intoxication.
“Laws without consistent enforcement are meaningless,” he emphasized. “Ignoring them only encourages more rule-breaking.”
Aarnoudse mentioned that Tillsonburg can’t handle this crisis alone and suggested forming a partnership with Oxford County.
He also stressed the need for improved community reporting systems while referring to Alberta’s 311 service as an example. He proposed developing a web or app solution along with implementing trespass orders for repeat offenders.
After Aarnoudse’s presentation, Coun. Chris Parker noted that he shares many concerns but pointed out that there’s already an app in place for residents to report issues within Tillsonburg.
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“That’s a tool we have at our disposal. It’s a great app,” Parker said. He added that while the town can’t collect taxes specifically for addressing homelessness directly; Oxford County does manage human services in this region.
Coun. Kelly Spencer clarified that anyone witnessing open drug use should contact police rather than using the app. She mentioned that Oxford County is tackling homelessness through multiple initiatives like the upcoming Homeless and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub set to open soon in Woodstock along with transitional services and addiction support programs.
The Mayor Deb Gilvesy serves as Tilsonburg’s representative on county council explained they haven’t set an exact opening date for HART Hub yet but confirmed it will be coming soon. The county is also considering establishing a low-barrier extended-stay shelter project.
“One reason some won’t enter shelters is due to pets or other issues,” she elaborated about how this new shelter would feature private rooms with lockers allowing pets too.
</ Article Article Article This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. ‘ ‘ “” “, ” , ” ” ” The overnight shelter located in Tillsonburg offers spaces during winter months along with another year-round shelter available in Woodstock.
“Here lies our challenge: you can’t force people into housing or treatment,” Gilvesy remarked.
Additionally,, she mentioned outreach programs are active informing homeless individuals about available services while providing essentials like toothbrushes; other efforts include meals served daily each week alongside a police unit dedicated solely towards outreach coupled with increased foot patrols. Gilvesy indicated how recently legislation made it illegal consuming drugs publicly emphasizing some provinces changed regulations allowing compulsory admission into shelters stating it’s something needing discussion together MPPs since changes require provincial legislative action. Jeff Helsdon is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter with the Woodstock-Ingersoll Echo. The Local Journalism Initiative Reporter receives funding from Government Canada.Source link
</ Article Article Article This has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. ‘ ‘ “” “, ” , ” ” ” The overnight shelter located in Tillsonburg offers spaces during winter months along with another year-round shelter available in Woodstock.
“Here lies our challenge: you can’t force people into housing or treatment,” Gilvesy remarked.
Additionally,, she mentioned outreach programs are active informing homeless individuals about available services while providing essentials like toothbrushes; other efforts include meals served daily each week alongside a police unit dedicated solely towards outreach coupled with increased foot patrols. Gilvesy indicated how recently legislation made it illegal consuming drugs publicly emphasizing some provinces changed regulations allowing compulsory admission into shelters stating it’s something needing discussion together MPPs since changes require provincial legislative action. Jeff Helsdon is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter with the Woodstock-Ingersoll Echo. The Local Journalism Initiative Reporter receives funding from Government Canada.Source link
