In recognition of her leadership over the past three years, and with a nod to the Golden Globes Awards held Sunday night, Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy received a mini-Oscar during her new year’s levee.
“I think we all feel quite confident in where we’re going,” said Deputy Mayor Dave Beres as he humorously handed Gilvesy the replica golden statuette on Sunday afternoon. “She represents the rest of council very well – and the Town of Tillsonburg.”
Gilvesy, who took office as mayor in 2022, is now completing her first term.
“It’s hard to believe that this council is now entering the final stretch of its four-year term,” she told a large crowd gathered at the Annandale House National Historic Site for the annual levee. “It has truly been an honour to represent our beautiful town – locally, provincially and at the upper levels of government.”
According to Gilvesy, celebrating Tillsonburg’s 200th anniversary will be “undoubtedly” the biggest milestone in 2025. The year will also mark 100 years since Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital opened and 70 years since Community Living was established.
The mayor mentioned that growth continues to be a key focus for the town, which is putting pressure on infrastructure and services. However, she noted a change has occurred with residential growth slowing significantly while industrial and commercial development hits record highs.
By the end of Q3 2024, residential building values totaled $63 million, compared to just $22 million at this time last year.
The value of industrial buildings by Q3 in 2025 reached $50.7 million, up from $14 million in 2022.
Gilvesy indicated that managing assets remains one of the town’s biggest hurdles; thus council’s ongoing commitment to its ten-year plan for funding improvements is vital.
“These funds help address tens of millions needed for facility and infrastructure repairs – costs that were unfortunately not properly planned for decades ago.”
The mayor highlighted that one major expense will be upgrading the aging fire hall.
“The next priority is addressing sediment buildup,” said Gilvesy. “The 2026 budget includes funding for crucial remediation work to ensure our cherished lake remains healthy and vibrant for many years ahead.”
Other projects planned for 2026 include:
Replacement of decking and indoor ceiling tiles at Gibson House; Replacement of perimeter chain-link fencing at the waterpark; Roadwork repairs on Verna Drive; Pine Avenue from Verna to Earle; and Duncan Street; Kinsmen Bridge and Cranberry Road reconstruction; and Replacement of 18 streetlight poles in Annandale subdivision.
Tillsonburg’s budget for 2026 was publicly released on January 2nd, featuring a tax rate increase of 1.8 percent along with a policing increase of 1.84 percent, totaling 3.64 percent overall.
Gilvesy explained that police costs rose due to retroactive pay awarded by courts to public service workers affected by the provincial one percent wage freeze, with provinces capping police increases at eleven percent for 2026.
“The good news is we are now caught up with retro pay expectations, so future increases should be more moderate. The cost per household for OPP policing stays very competitive compared to municipalities using private police forces,” she added.
The mayor also mentioned several other initiatives:
Upgrades at Annandale House including an accessible washroom door and operator, new kitchen cabinetry and sink, new fencing, plus a $250,000 passenger elevator; Removal of overhead covering along with drainage and concrete work at Library Lane.; An additional dressing room at Community Centre; Three more pickleball courts; and A new park featuring playground equipment in Potters Gate subdivision.
“As we look ahead to 2026, this truly is a year focused on finishing strong – enhancing essential assets, moving forward important community projects while setting up success for next council,” said Gilvesy.
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