Council will review Report EDM 26-014, which proposes launching a Level 3 Public Engagement Strategy to gather public input on conceptual plans involving the future development of a sports field complex on lands at 67 Mall Road, as well as long-term possibilities for the Annandale Diamonds property at 160 Concession Street East.
The report before council does not seek approval for any land use changes, housing developments, redevelopment plans, surplus land declarations or construction projects. Instead, staff are requesting direction to begin a public engagement process that would allow residents to help shape future options for both sites.
If approved, the Town would release conceptual drawings and supporting information and begin several months of consultation through public information centres, advisory committee meetings, stakeholder sessions and an online survey.
Mayor Deb Gilvesy says the process is intended to help the municipality understand community priorities as it plans for future recreation, housing, greenspace and municipal services.
The initiative stems from recommendations contained in the Town's Recreation Master Plan, which identified a need for additional sports field capacity to meet future demand. The study found Tillsonburg will require the equivalent of one additional hardball diamond and four additional softball diamonds. While improvements at existing facilities could provide short-term benefits, the Annandale Diamonds site offers limited opportunities for expansion.
As a result, the Town is studying the potential for a larger and expandable sportsfield complex at 67 Mall Road that could accommodate future recreation needs through phased development.
The planning process is also examining long-term possibilities for the Annandale Diamonds property. Concepts being explored include housing opportunities, expanded greenspace, improved trail connections, landscape buffering and other community-oriented uses, all of which would be subject to future public consultation, planning approvals and council direction.
Chief Administrative Officer Kyle Pratt says the Recreation Master Plan and the Town's Strategic Plan both emphasize the importance of active living and planning for future recreational infrastructure. He says community input will be essential in balancing recreation, housing opportunities, neighbourhood character and financial sustainability.
The groundwork for the project dates back to 2023 when council updated its Community Strategic Plan to reflect priorities identified during the 2022 municipal election. Those priorities included recreation amenities, greenspace preservation and managing community growth. The opportunity to purchase the property at 67 Mall Road emerged soon afterward, and following servicing reviews, planning analysis and consultations with Norfolk County, the Town completed the acquisition in April 2024.
Since then, municipal staff have undertaken studies and developed conceptual designs for both properties. Landscape architecture firm The MBTW Group has also been retained to provide expertise in park planning and urban design.
Development Commissioner Cephas Panschow says the project offers an opportunity to address several priorities at once, including recreation capacity, housing needs, greenspace connections and the efficient use of municipal assets, adding that community feedback will help guide future recommendations.
The Town has allocated $6.3 million toward land acquisition, investigations and development costs associated with the Mall Road property. Municipal officials say the planning process is intended to ensure infrastructure and land assets are used efficiently while supporting long-term growth and maintaining financial sustainability.
Should council approve the recommendation, the Town will establish a dedicated project webpage containing conceptual plans, background documents, frequently asked questions and opportunities for public participation. Consultation will also involve several advisory committees, including groups representing recreation, housing, accessibility, economic development, parks, traffic and youth issues.
At least two public information centres will be held, along with meetings involving sports organizations and nearby residents. An online survey will also be launched to collect feedback on recreation priorities, housing considerations, greenspace, traffic, neighbourhood compatibility and long-term community planning.
Following completion of the consultation process, staff will return to council with a report outlining the feedback received and potential next steps. Subject to council approval, the full report and conceptual plans will be released following tonight's meeting.
