Tillsonburg, Ontario

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Township of Tillsonburg
Motto: A Place to Build Your Future
Location of Tillsonburg in relation to the Province of Ontario
Location of Tillsonburg in relation to the Province of Ontario
Coordinates: 42°52′00″N, 80°44′00″W
Country Canada
Province Ontario
County Oxford County
Settled 1825 as a village
Incorporated 1872 as a town
Government
 - Governing Body Tillsonburg Town Council
 - Town Mayor Stephan Molnar
 - Deputy Mayor Mark Renaud
 - Councillors Fred Lewis
Brian Stephenson
Chrisona Rosehart
Samuel Lamb
Dave Beres
Area
 - Town 22.34 km²  (13.87 sq mi)
Elevation 270 m (885 ft)
Population (2006)[1]
 - Town 14,822
 - Density 663.6/km² (1,718.7/sq mi)
  source: Statistics Canada
Time zone EST (UTC-5)
 - Summer (DST) EDT (UTC-4)
Postal code N4G
Area code(s) (226/519)
Website: http://www.tillsonburg.ca/

Tillsonburg, Ontario is a town in Oxford County of Ontario, Canada.

Tillsonburg is a town of 14,822[1] located about 50 kilometres southeast of London, on Highway 3 at the junction of Highway 19 the closest route to Highway 401 at Ingersoll, Ontario. Although the town population is listed as 14,822, the town is a regional hub for business, industry, health care, education, agriculture and government services which serves an area of nearly 100,000 people.

Contents

[edit] History

George Tillson
George Tillson

The area was settled in 1825 by George Tillson and other immigrants from Massachusetts. A forge and sawmill were erected, roads built which led to the establishment of this small community called Dereham Forge. In 1836 the village was renamed Tillsonburg in honour of its founder. It was also in this year that the main street, Broadway, was laid out to its full 100-foot width. Because the village was predominantly a logging and wood product centre, the street was constructed wide enough to accommodate turning of three team logging wagons. This width now is unique to Ontario and a tremendous asset toward handling pressures of modern day traffic, by providing the benefits of angle parking. As a logging villiage, what is now called Broadway, as well as Highway 19, was originally called Plank Line.

The mid 1800s proved to be the first step in the industrialization of this municipality. A water system was devised to not only supply pure water for domestic use, but also to provide water power to such industries as a sawmill, planing mill, grist mill, spinning mill, pottery and a tannery. Many of these new establishments were either owned, started, or financed by George Tillson.

E.D Tillson
E.D Tillson

1872 witnessed the incorporation of the village as the Town of Tillsonburg, with E.D. Tillson elected as its first Mayor. The Town of Tillsonburg reached a population of 2,000 in 1885, experienced its first church dedication, and had its first telephone installation established. Electric power was first utilized in 1912 and automobiles began to appear on the market.

In 1915, a Public Library was built with funds provided by the Carnegie Foundation, and the town's Memorial Hospital came into existence in 1925.

In the 20s, major enterprises included milk production, manufacture of shoes, tractors, textiles and an increased production of tobacco. The Tillsonburg Livingston's Basketball Team (representative of Tillsonburg's largest industry) won the Canadian Championships in 1952 and represented Canada in the Olympics at Helsinki, Finland. CKOT Radio began broadcasting operations in 1955 and the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Marketing Board opened its new auction exchange 3 years later. The Town's Centennial Year (1972) saw the opening of the new $1,000,000 Community Recreation Complex by the Governor-General of Canada, as well as the opening of the Tillsonburg Museum in the old community centre on the shores of lovely Lake Lisgar. A new 8,000 square foot Library was completed in 1975, and a second indoor skating rink was built in 1977, funded completely by donations from industry, commerce, service clubs, citizens and Wintario. In 1979, the hospital built a $7,000,000 addition for offices, improved x-ray and emergency departments, and an expanded Intensive Care Unit. A fire hall was constructed in 1979, replacing the old building which was demolished to make way for a downtown mall.

Tillsonburg Town Centre Mall
Tillsonburg Town Centre Mall

The controversial Tillsonburg Town Centre Mall opened in 1980, where the former Town Hall once stood. The mall, a joint effort of the Town and Trottier Investments, was built primarily to meet competition from out-of-town malls and keep more of the shopping dollar in town.

Annandale House
Annandale House
Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre
Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre

In 1983, two important buildings - Annandale House (built by the founding Tillson family) and the Hale Street railway station became public buildings. The former would be restored as a house museum, while the latter would become The Station Arts Centre.

A major residential development geared for seniors - Hickory Hills - was announced in 1985. The development significantly added to the Town's population as well as increased the pool of volunteers for local non-profit agencies.

In 1991, a Food Bank had to be established for the community's needy and continues to be operated on a volunteer basis.

Throughout the early 1990s, volunteers were also busy on the Lake Lisgar Renaissance Project, which sought to revitalize the Lake, and make the park around the Lake more attractive with the construction of a gazebo, water fountain and walkways into the Lake.

That same period saw the closing of two major entertainment outlets: the Skylark Drive-In and the Strand movie theatre, victims of the video store arrival. To the relief of many, big screen movies came back in Tillsonburg in 1996 with the opening of Broadway Cinemas. The original angled marquee architecture of the Strand Theatre is still intact. The old theatre became a TD Bank location for a short period of time but the marquee currently displays the Pizza Pizza logo which now inhabits the building.

In 1994, the downtown area was significantly enhanced with the construction of the Rotary Club Clock Tower, which incorporated a clock from the town's former Post Office, and a bell from the demolished Town Hall. Soon, it became a community tradition (sponsored by the Rotary Club) for local residents to gather at the Clock Tower to ring in the New Year with fireworks, hot apple cider and the dropping of a ball.

Further development of residential senior's focused development began in 2001 with the Baldwin Place subdivision located on the western periphery of the town. This development which is currently in Phase 8 will have approximately 300 homes when completed.

The Tillsonburg Community Centre was refurbished in 2004 with renovations and enlargement of the main ice surface to NHL size. The project's scope of work included keeping the whale-back roof as a key architectural feature as well as to increase seating and provide for new recreation and health club facilities.

Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital
Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital

A major fundraising campaign was undertaken to fund the equipment for a dialysis unit at Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital. This became operational during 2006.

Recent residential development includes the re-urbanization of the former railway lands on Bridge Street East which is the site of Tillson Landing condominium, the first such highrise construction in more than a decade. Tillson Landing was completed in January of 2006.

Another major subdivision containing nearly 400 homes, The Oaks, will begin construction shortly. This subdivision is located in the south-central area of town on the east side of Quarterline Road between Concession and Baldwin Streets.

[edit] Government

Tillsonburg is one of eight municipalities that make up the County of Oxford. The Mayor also represents the Town as a County Councillor. The County administers social programs, ambulance & paramedic services, planning, water & wastewater services, garbage & landfill operations and the County road system.

Tillsonburg is governed by an elected Mayor, Deputy Mayor and five Councillors. Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month in the Council Chambers in the Corporate Municipal Office. They oversee staff and set policy for the various operations and services provided by the Town.

The council of the Town of Tillsonburg was inaugurated and took the oath of office on December 4th, 2006 following the municipal election held on November 13.

The town also owns and operates:

  • Tillsonburg Municipal Airport
  • Lake Lisgar Water Park
  • Tillsonburg Public Library
  • Tillsonburg Special Events Centre

[edit] Health care

  • The town has one hospital accredited through the Ontario Ministry of Health. Tillsonburg and District Memorial Hospital is located in the downtown area on Rolph Street. The TDMH serves the town and region. The hospital has an emergency room open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

[edit] Education

[edit] Elementary and secondary schools

Tillsonburg elementary and secondary schools are under the control of two school boards, the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) and the London District Catholic School Board (LDCSB).

[edit] Annandale School

  • Established: 1950
  • Population: ~320
  • Grades: 7 - 9
  • One of the last remaining middle schools left in Ontario

[edit] Glendale High School

  • Established: 1959
  • Population: ~800
  • Grades: 10 - 12

[edit] Maple Lane Public School

  • Established: 1965
  • Population: ~300
  • Grades: JK - 6

[edit] Monsignor J.H. O'Neil Catholic School

  • Established: 1978
  • Grades: 5 - 8

[edit] Rolph Street Public School

  • Established: 1913
  • Population: ~340
  • Grades: JK - 6

[edit] South Ridge Public School

  • Established: 1981
  • Population: ~440
  • Grades: JK - 6

[edit] St. Joseph's Catholic School

  • Population: ~320
  • Grades: JK - 4

[edit] Special service schools

[edit] Adult Basic Literacy Program

  • Established: 1995
  • Literacy instruction is provided to any adults free of charge. Students are encouraged to purchase their books.

[edit] Tillson Avenue Education Centre

  • Established: 1995
  • Adult Day School offering credit courses, independent learning courses, basic literacy, English as a second language (ESL) and driver education.

[edit] Industry and economy

Tillsonburg serves a regional tri-county area of almost 100,000 people at the confluence of Oxford, Elgin and Norfolk counties. The industrial base has become quite diverse during the decline of the once prominent tobacco industry. The area is home to several branch plants of major US-based automotive suppliers including Guardian Industries, TRW - 2 plants, and Johnson Controls. 2006 saw the opening in September of Ottawa Fibre Inc., OFI, which recycles consumer glass into home insulation. There are many service-related industries and home-grown success stories including Verspeeten Transport, and Marwood Metal Fabrication Ltd.

The town has a very strong downtown core area which includes the Tillsonburg Town Centre mall, built in 1980 and the recently opened big box stores including Canadian Tire, Shopper's Drug Mart and Staples Business Depot.

All of the major Canadian chartered banks have branches in the town and there is also one Credit Union.

The town is well served with 2 grocery stores, Sobey's and A&P, both of which are open 24 hours.

The town has been positively impacted by the CAMI plant in Ingersoll, 22 kilometres north of the town, which opened in 1986. The CAMI plant, jointly owned by Suzuki of Japan and General Motors of Detroit, Michigan, produces the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent SUVs.

The announcement of a new Toyota plant in Woodstock, 30 km northeast of Tillsonburg, will have a similarly positive impact on the development of Tillsonburg. In preparation for the increased traffic demands in the County of Oxford, Highway 19 has been upgraded and completely rebuilt north of the town to Highway #401.

The area also has a strong agricultural community with cash crops, hog farming, milk production, tobacco, ginseng and various tertiary crops.

The town is the fastest growing community in Oxford County, was chosen as one of the top places to live in Canada and is the fastest growing town of it's size anywhere in Southwestern Ontario.

[edit] Tourism

  • In January 2006 the National Post listed Tillsonburg as number 75 on the top 100 places to visit in Canada.[1]
  • Tillsonburg is home to one of the "Large Canadian Roadside Attractions," an electric guitar. The guitar was once accompanied by a piano that functioned as a roadside advertisement for the music store on the same property. Today, the piano portion of the sign and the music store itself are gone. The building is now a residence but the electric guitar remains.[2]
  • Annandale House is a Canadian National Historic Site since 1997.[3]
  • The Station Arts Centre with an art gallery and several workshops, features the works of various local artists.
  • The town owns the Tillsonburg Municipal Airport, located 7 kilometers north of the town. The airport is the only aviation facility with a paved runway in Oxford and Norfolk Counties. The airport has 3 runways with the primary asphalt runway being 4002 feet long.
  • The town owns the Tillsonburg Special Event Centre located in the Forest Hill industrial park. This facility is the largest of its kind in Southwestern Ontario. The building is over 50,000 square feet and can host events from dinners to car shows to exhibitions.
  • The first ever Purina National Canadian Dog Show will be held in 2007 in Tillsonburg at the Tillsonburg Special Event Centre on March 10-11th.
  • Creative Metal-Fest is an annual festival celebrating the art of metal and metal-design which is held every May at the Tillsonburg Special Event Centre.
  • There are 2 hotels and several bed and breakfasts located within the town limits.
  • Camping is available north of town at Casey's Park located on Highway #19 north of Mount Elgin.
  • There are many restaurants in the town including Dairy Queen, Burger King, McDonald's, Tim Hortons, Swiss Chalet, Kelsey's, Harvey's, Subway and various independents.
  • There are several golf courses in the area including The Tillsonburg Golf and Country Club which is soon being expanded to 18-holes.
  • Lake Lisgar, a small lake located in the centre of town, has been re-habilitated and is home to fishing, Tillsonburg Rowing Club and the Lake Lisgar Water Park.
  • Coyle's Country Store is a unique store which sells fresh roasted nuts, baking supplies, and spices from around the world. It is located 10-15 minutes north of Tillsonburg.

[edit] Demographics

All statistics are based on the 2001 census by Statistics Canada.

[edit] Age

Tillsonburg's Population By Age Compared To Oxford County
Tillsonburg Oxford County
Age Total Male Female Total Male Female
Total - All Persons 14,055 6,705 7,345 99,270 48,865 50,405
0 - 4 720 400 320 6,210 3,220 2,995
5 - 14 1,655 840 815 14,390 7,375 7,005
15 - 19 895 465 430 7,230 3,715 3,515
20 - 24 825 420 405 5,740 2,910 2,825
25 - 44 3,680 1,815 1,865 28,015 13,935 14,075
45 - 54 1,735 850 885 13,505 6,815 6,690
55 - 64 1,455 670 785 9,260 4,580 4,685
65 - 74 1,580 705 880 7,785 3,630 4,155
75 - 84 1,195 445 750 5,395 2,155 3,240
85+ 305 90 215 1,730 515 1,215
Median Age 41.4 38.9 43.6 37.7 36.6 38.7
% Over 15 83.1 81.4 84.5 79.2 78.3 80.2

[edit] Marital status

Tillsonburg's Population By Marital Status Compared To Oxford County
Tillsonburg Oxford County
Marital Status Total Male Female Total Male Female
Total - Population 15 years and over 11,675 5,465 6,210 78,670 38,265 40,405
Single 2,885 1,580 1,300 20,065 11,135 8,930
Married 6,355 3,175 3,180 45,020 22,525 22,495
Separated 430 185 240 2,645 1,250 1,395
Divorced 875 370 510 5,200 2,340 2,865
Widowed 1,130 155 975 5,740 1,020 4,720

[edit] Languages

Tillsonburg's Population By Language(s) Understood Compared To Oxford County
Tillsonburg Oxford County
Language Total Male Female Total Male Female
Total - All Persons 13,890 6,665 7,225 97,965 48,455 49,505
English Only 11,740 5,580 6,160 86,700 42,820 43,875
French Only 200 85 115 960 460 495
Both English And French 15 10 0 60 40 20
Other Languages 1,930 985 945 10,250 5,140 5,110

[edit] Ethnicity

Tillsonburg's Population By Ethnicity Compared To Oxford County
Tillsonburg Oxford County
Ethnicity Total Male Female Total Male Female
Total - All Persons 13,890 6,665 7,230 97,965 48,455 49,505
Visible Minority Population 435 235 200 2,045 1,085 960
Chinese 85 35 50 215 100 110
Black 20 10 10 520 300 220
Filipino 40 25 15 145 55 95
Latin American 10 0 0 125 70 60
Southeast Asian 265 150 115 480 265 215
Korean 20 10 10 80 30 50
Japanese 10 0 0 105 65 35
All others 13,455 6,430 7,025 95,920 47,370 48,545

[edit] Religion

Tillsonburg's Population By Religion Compared To Oxford County
Tillsonburg Oxford County
Religion Total Male Female Total Male Female
Total - All Persons 13,890 6,665 7,225 97,965 48,460 49,510
Catholic 3,765 1,830 1,935 19,610 9,630 9,975
Protestant 7,650 3,530 4,130 59,485 28,595 30,885
Christian Orthodox 50 35 15 380 200 180
Other Christian 230 105 120 1,950 975 980
Buddhist 130 65 70 335 180 155
Eastern religions 15 10 10 55 15 35
Other religions 30 10 20 75 30 45
No religious affiliation 2,020 1,090 935 15,725 8,660 7,060

[edit] Transportation

[edit] Road and rail

Though not directly on the route, Highway 401 passes close to the town, and is served by Highway 19. Greyhound has weekly bus service to and from Tillsonburg. There is currently no transit system (Tillsonburg Transit folded in 2001 after a 6 year lifespan), however there are 2 taxi cab companies to make up for this.

Passenger train services are provided by Via Rail stations in nearby Ingersoll or Woodstock.

[edit] Air

The town is served by the Tillsonburg Municipal Airport which is located 7 kilometers north of the town in Southwest Oxford Township. The airport is home to several aviation-related businesses. The airport has 3 runways, with the primary runway being 4002' long, constructed of asphalt. The airport is used by corporate aircraft including jets. Regular users of the airport also include the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association, Air Ambulance, Canadian Coast Guard, the Ontario Provincial Police and other government agencies.

Scheduled airline passenger service is available at 3 airports within a 1 hour drive from Tillsonburg.

The Region of Waterloo International Airport offers daily passenger service to Detroit with connections around the world. During the winter months, non-stop passenger service from Kitchener-Waterloo to Mexico and the Dominican Republic is available as is winter service non-stop to Mont Tremblant.

The John C. Munro International Airport in Hamilton, offers daily domestic service to Calgary, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal and seasonal service to the UK and Caribbean.

The London International Airport offers daily non-stop service to Winnipeg, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Detroit, Michigan. Seasonal service to Halifax and Vancouver as well as the Caribbean are also offered from London.

[edit] Recreation

  • The town has many ravines throughout. These areas are planned to have a trail system constructed during the next few years.
  • Curling is available at the Tillsonburg and District Curling Club.
  • Golf is available in and near town with several courses, both 9 and 18 holes.
  • Lake Lisgar is home to the the Lake Lisgar Water Park which is open from May 24th to Labour Day.
  • The Tillsonburg Senior's Centre, located at the Tillsonburg Community Centre Complex, offers more than 2 dozen activities including a woodworking shop, aerobics, handcrafts, a library, card playing including a bridge club and seasonal activities.
  • Hockey and ringette programs are offered at the Tillsonburg Community Centre Complex.
  • The Tillsonburg Vipers, Senior AAA hockey club, play at the Memorial Arena located at the Tillsonburg Community Centre Complex.
  • The Tillsonburg Soccer Park is one of the best such facilities anywhere in Ontario, with a land area of 14 achres. Opened in 2000, this facility draws regional tournaments and players from across the region. The park also includes a full clubhouse with meeting and catering facilities.
  • Winter tobagganing is available at the Tillsonburg Golf and Country Club.
  • Area 51 Sportsfield [2] has a large 60 acre (243,000 m²) [[paintball] field which offers private games for patrons aged 12 and up.

[edit] Media

[edit] Radio

[edit] Television

[edit] Internet

  • High speed DSL service is available from Bell, Primus and Rogers.

[edit] Newspapers

  • The Tillsonburg News, a tri-weekly newspaper, first published in 1863
  • Lake Shore Shopper

[edit] Neighbourhoods

  • Brookside: One of the newer areas located off Quarterline Road near the Tillsonburg Soccer Park. This area of larger single-family homes has recently been connected with Broadway Acres via the long-awaited extension of Glendale Drive. Monsignor O'Neill and Glendale High School are located nearby.
  • Broadway Acres: A neighbourhood immediately adjacent to Broadway with homes built as far back as the 1960s until today.
  • Westmount: Originally part of the former Township of Dereham, this neighbourhood boasts a large park and homes spread out over very large lots dating back to 1970.
  • Hickory Hills: The first of the retirement subdivisions in the town. Planned in the late 1980's this neighbourhood has quaint small homes, all one-storey with attached garages. The residents have their own residents association and community centre.
  • Baldwin Place: Modelled largely after the successful Hickory Hills subdivision, this neigbourhood also features one-storey homes.
  • Rolling Meadows: also was annexed by the Town of Tillsonburg in the 1970's and features larger homes on sizeable lot frontages. This neighbourhood is in the north end of town with convenient access to Highway #19.
  • Southridge
  • Annandale
  • Cadman
  • Trottier
  • Riva Ridge
  • VanNorman Drive

[edit] Notable Tillsonburgers

[edit] A-D

[edit] E-H

[edit] M-P

[edit] Q-T

[edit] Popular culture

  • Irish playwright Malachy McKenna has written an award-winning play entitled "Tillsonburg".
  • Canadians Stompin' Tom Connors as well as The Cash Brothers have written songs entitled "Tillsonburg".

[edit] Clubs and organizations

[edit] Scouting

Tillsonburg was once home to six Scouting groups in Ontario, however currently only two are left in existence.

[edit] 2nd Tillsonburg

2nd Tillsonburg - the oldest scout group left in town - meets at St. Pauls United Church on Bidwell Street. As a member of Scouts Canada it offers scouting to ages five through twenty-six.

[edit] 5th Tillsonburg Alliance

Founded by Gordon Collins in 1993, 5th Tillsonburg Alliance was a member of Scouts Canada until 2002 when it refused to renew its charter and joined the Baden-Powell Scouts instead. Now known as the 5th Tillsonburg Alliance BPSC, it offers a traditional scouting program to everyone with ages ranging from five to adult. Meetings are held at the Tillsonburg Alliance Church on Quarterline Road. It is the largest and newest scout group in town, and was the first all-age BPSC group in Ontario.

[edit] Other

  • Tillsonburg and District Chamber of Commerce
  • Tillsonburg Lion's Club
  • Tillsonburg Optimist Club
  • Tillsonburg Kiwanis Club
  • Tillsonburg Shriner's Club
  • Tillsonburg Rotary Club
  • The Tillsonburg Linux Users Group [3]
  • The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Romanada, M. "Canada's top 100 trips (and you don't need a passport)", National Post, January 07 2006.
  2. ^ Large Canadian Roadside Attractions. Retrieved on January 9, 2007.
  3. ^ Directory of Designations of National Historic Significance of Canada. Retrieved on January 9, 2007.

[edit] External links

[edit] Further reading

  • Scholtz, Matthew (1995). Tillsonburg Diary: A Chronological History 1824-1994. 
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