Tillsonburg Update - October 17
Mayor's Message: Ensuring Drinking Water Quality
Last week was a trying week for all of us as a boil water advisory affected a significant portion of our community. To reiterate, Southwestern Public Health issued the boil water advisory as a precaution. While inconvenient, boil water advisories ultimately help keep the public safe while additional water quality testing can be completed. It is a standard protocol whenever routine testing reveals potential issues.
Drinking water samples are collected every week from all wells/treatment plants within Oxford County’s water system. Samples are also collected within each community. The sampling sites in Tillsonburg are varied in order to provide a fulsome picture of overall water quality. Of the 11 water samples collected the week of October 7, only one showed a trace amount of bacteria; the other 10 samples were clear. This problematic sample was taken from the Tillsonburg Community Centre (TCC). Oxford County immediately notified Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) of the adverse results, and a boil water advisory was issued.
During a boil water advisory, the Town of Tillsonburg’s role is to amplify and spread information. The County tests the water, the results are shared with SWPH, and the Town takes its direction from both these partners as to required next steps. With multiple stakeholders involved, sometimes communication is not as efficient as we would like. Please be assured that our Emergency Management Team will be reconvening to debrief this incident and make improvements wherever possible.
In terms of Tillsonburg’s response, signage was posted immediately at TCC, and the Southwestern Public Health media release was shared on both the Town and County websites. Local media, including radio stations, were contacted. Posts were shared on Facebook and X. Pop-up notices and alert banners were placed on the Town website. 300 notices were delivered to the affected area, including multi-residential and seniors complexes. A push notification was sent to users of the Town of Tillsonburg App. Town staff also contacted local stakeholders, including the BIA and Chamber. In short, we used every communication method at our disposal to try to get the message out quickly to affected residents and businesses. Meanwhile, local crews worked late into the night on October 9 to flush 62 hydrants in the affected area. This action was in addition to the semi-annual water system flushing program already in progress.
There are many reasons water may test positive for bacteria. These reasons can include a watermain break, or issue with the chlorination system. In this case, no watermain breaks were found, and the chlorine levels were tested and found adequate throughout the incident. With all systems confirmed to be functioning properly, the bacteria may have been introduced during the sampling process or resulted from standing water at the sample site.
I want to thank Oxford County staff for their technical support during this incident, and say a special thanks to the Town staff who didn’t rest for two days until this situation was resolved. Let me also acknowledge the citizens who shared information with neighbours, friends and family during this trying time.
Remember, emergencies can happen any day, at any given time. To ensure you always have the latest Town information at these times, please download the Town app. It’s available for all smartphones, free of charge (Android and iOS). Allow push notifications in your app settings and your cell phone will automatically alert you any time Tillsonburg is facing an emergency situation. If you don’t have a cell phone, please sign up to receive Town of Tillsonburg news via e-mail, or follow the Town on social media (Facebook and X).
Again, I thank you for your patience and understanding this past week.
Job Postings
The Town of Tillsonburg is currently hiring for the following positions:
- Aquatics Supervisor
- Assistant Lifeguard/Instructor
- By-Law Enforcement Officer
- Chief Operator - Temporary Full Time
- Culture & Heritage Manager/Curator
- Customer Service Representative
- Facilities Custodian - Casual
- Information Technology Technician
- Lifeguard & Swimming Instructor
- Manager of Parks & Facilities
- Manager of Recreation Programs and Services
For full details, visit careers.tillsonburg.ca
VIBE Youth Drop-In Program
Are you 14-18 years old in Oxford County looking for a space that’s FREE to attend? How about a space where you can show up as your authentic self, without fear of judgment?
The Town of Tillsonburg presents VIBE. This youth social space will run Thursdays, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the library (2 Library Lane). There will be a mix of free time and optional structured programs every week. Plus FREE snacks/meals!
Mailing Address Reminder
Please be advised that all mail for the Town of Tillsonburg should be addressed to:
Tillsonburg Customer Service Centre
10 Lisgar Avenue
Tillsonburg, Ontario
N4G 5A5
Zoning Bylaw Review
A comprehensive review of the Zoning By-law is currently underway in Tillsonburg. The review will look at all property uses including residential, commercial, industrial and institutional to ensure the new by-law is consistent with current legislation, policy and trends.
Public Information Centre
October 29
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tillsonburg Community Centre (Lions Den)
45 Hardy Ave.
Learn more by visiting www.tillsonburg.ca/zoningreview
Fall Water System Maintenance
The Town of Tillsonburg will be conducting water system maintenance in the eastern half of Tillsonburg from September to November. Flushing will take place Monday to Friday (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) in the following areas:
October 14-18
Areas south of Concession Street and north of Bloomer Street/Oxford Street; between Broadway and West Town Line
October 28-November 1
Areas south of Simcoe Street and east of Bloomer Street
Residents may notice temporary cloudy or discoloured water when watermain flushing occurs. Do not do laundry during the day if your area is being flushed. You can help clear your line of discoloured water by simply turning on the cold water after flushing occurs. Run tap until water runs clear.
A map of the flushing area is available at online at www.tillsonburg.ca/fallflush