171 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 10 T I LLSONBURG , ONTARIO with a growing food processing sector. Economic Diversification Economic Development & Marketing Commissioner Cephas Panschow emphasizes Tillsonburg’s unique strengths within this “manufacturing heartland” pointing to the harmonious blend of rural and urban elements in the region. Notably, one-third of jobs in Tillsonburg are in the manufacturing sector with a significant presence in the automotive industry. The last decade has also seen a promising surge in food processing, including notable companies like Tillsonburg Custom Foods and Shaw’s Ice Cream setting up operations, with more investments to be announced. “Certainly, the surrounding agricultural area produces many of the products that go into our food processing value chain,” Panschow remarks. “Second to that, we have that rural mindset concerning work. So, not being afraid to get your hands a little bit dirty, to put in a good day’s work, but also being rewarded by having a good lifestyle. You can work, earn a good income, and also enjoy your lifestyle by taking advantage of the natural amenities, including the Lake Erie shoreline, which we call Ontario’s south coast.” Moving forward, the town is committed to attracting more investment in the Food & Accommodations sector to complement the growing experiential tourism trend in the area. “With Tillsonburg’s strong population growth ranking us as the 3rd fastest growing community in Canada, according to the 2021 Census conglomerations, our strong industrial growth and more tourism happening, we see the conversation around Tillsonburg shifting” adds Panschow. Housing Development Evidence of this growth can be seen in the residential construction happening throughout the community, as Renato Pullia, Director of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives boasts, “Between 2020
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