Tillsonburg Gets Investment From The Province For Industrial Park

Tuesday, 18 August 2020 at 04:58

The Town of Tillsonburg is getting help from the Province to develop the Van Norman Innovation Park. Ontario is investing $1.2 million dollars in the project that is designed to attract more industry to the town.

TILLSONBURG - The Ontario Government is investing $1.2 million for the Van Norman Innovation Park in the Town of Tillsonburg.

The investment required accounts for over 50% of the Town’s average annual capital budget and this has created a barrier for the Town - a small urban centre in the heart of Southwestern Ontario. Mayor Stephen Molnar says the support being provided by the Ontario Government will mean that the Town will be able to proceed with the required infrastructure investments while also providing assurance for investors that are considering the park for their advanced manufacturing operations.

“Having pre-serviced, shovel-ready land available is key to attracting new investment to our community, and the Ontario Government’s support will enable us to move our community forward. This investment will help launch our community’s economic rebound and contribute to Ontario’s pandemic recovery.”

Economic Development Commissioner Cephas Panschow says Tillsonburg’s location in the centre of Ontario’s business and industrial heartland further strengthens the park’s value proposition.

“The park is ideally suited for companies in the advanced manufacturing, information technology and food processing sectors. Tillsonburg’s low industrial taxes and its locally-owned hydro utility mean lower operating costs for businesses as well.”

Mayor Molnar says they cannot announce any businesses at this time that will be moving into the new VIP park, however he did invoke a line from a Field of Dreams, "if you build it, they will come."

"I can confirm there is very interested parties, but as is the tradition with this municipality, we respect the people who are showing a continued interest in the town, until they are ready on their terms to make an announcement."

Named for Tillsonburg’s enterprising Van Norman family, the a 37-acre business park is located on the south side of Highway 3, at Clearview Drive. Thousands of vehicles pass the site daily, and available amenities include access to gigabit broadband, as well as water, sewer, hydro and natural gas service. Molnar explains why they chose to name the park after the Van Norman family.

“The Van Norman name is synonymous with innovation and industry in Tillsonburg. Joseph Van Norman came to this region in the 1800s where he established Ontario’s first ironworks at Normandale in partnership with Tillsonburg’s founding father and namesake, George Tillson. Van Norman’s brother, Benjamin, was also involved in a number of manufacturing ventures in Tillsonburg including a grist mill. It’s really an inspiring story.”