Jeff Helsdon, Ontario OUT OF DOORS Magazine Journalist Profile

Articles

Tillsonburg asks for pause on strong mayor powers

1 week ago | granthaven.com | Jeff Helsdon

By Jeff HelsdonLJI ReporterTillsonburg council asked for a pause on the province’s move to implement strong mayor powers. The province released a proposal on April 9 to expand strong mayor powers to the heads of council in 169 additional municipalities, including Tillsonburg, effective May 1, 2025 to help deliver on provincial priorities, such as building more homes, transit and other infrastructure across Ontario.
Council questions zoning update changes

2 weeks ago | thespec.com | Jeff Helsdon

What could be called housekeeping updates to Tillsonburg’s comprehensive zoning bylaw raised some questions at council. The question if the new zoning for emergency care establishments should be permitted in certain zoning types was the big question highlighted in the report. It was suggested this zoning be restricted to not include properties fronting on Broadway.
Tillsonburg supports Buy Canadian movement

2 weeks ago | thespec.com | Jeff Helsdon

A motion passed by Tillsonburg council throws the town’s support behind the Team Canada movement and calls for the town to buy Canadian whenever possible. Introduced by Coun. Kelly Spencer, and seconded by Deputy Mayor Dave Beres, the motion speaks to the impacts of American tariffs on Canada, and that the municipality can assist combating tariffs by supporting Canadian businesses in its procurement for capital and infrastructure programs.
Station View Developments given green light by council

2 weeks ago | thespec.com | Jeff Helsdon

A downtown development that initially resulted in pack council chambers was given the go-ahead by town council at the March 24 meeting with less fanfare. Station View Developments, which the BMI Group owns, is proposing a development that will fill the block between Venison Street West, Bridge Street West, Rolph Street and Bidwell Street. It will consist of several buildings with a mix of residential and commercial uses and a courtyard in the centre.
Tillsonburg supports Buy Canadian movement

2 weeks ago | pentictonherald.ca | Jeff Helsdon

A motion passed by Tillsonburg council throws the town’s support behind the Team Canada movement and calls for the town to buy Canadian whenever possible. Introduced by Coun. Kelly Spencer, and seconded by Deputy Mayor Dave Beres, the motion speaks to the impacts of American tariffs on Canada, and that the municipality can assist combating tariffs by supporting Canadian businesses in its procurement for capital and infrastructure programs.
Council questions zoning update changes

2 weeks ago | pentictonherald.ca | Jeff Helsdon

What could be called housekeeping updates to Tillsonburg’s comprehensive zoning bylaw raised some questions at council. The question if the new zoning for emergency care establishments should be permitted in certain zoning types was the big question highlighted in the report. It was suggested this zoning be restricted to not include properties fronting on Broadway.
Station View Developments given green light by council

2 weeks ago | therecord.com | Jeff Helsdon

A downtown development that initially resulted in pack council chambers was given the go-ahead by town council at the March 24 meeting with less fanfare. Station View Developments, which the BMI Group owns, is proposing a development that will fill the block between Venison Street West, Bridge Street West, Rolph Street and Bidwell Street. It will consist of several buildings with a mix of residential and commercial uses and a courtyard in the centre.
Gala to celebrate Hospital’s 100th

3 weeks ago | granthaven.com | Jeff Helsdon

The 100th year of the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital (TDMH) and TDMH Volunteer Association will be celebrated with several events through the year, but the big one will be the “A Century of Caring Gala” on May 10. From the left, Loralee Heemskerk, Gerry Dearing and Nadia Facca, hold tickets for the event, which will be available from the TDMH and TDMH Foundation offices. (Jeff Helsdon Photo).
Station View Developments given green light by council

3 weeks ago | granthaven.com | Jeff Helsdon

(BMI Group Image). By Jeff HelsdonLJI ReporterA downtown development that initially resulted in pack council chambers was given the go-ahead by town council at the March 24 meeting with less fanfare. Station View Developments, which the BMI Group owns, is proposing a development that will fill the block between Venison Street West, Bridge Street West, Rolph Street and Bidwell Street. It will consist of several buildings with a mix of residential and commercial uses and a courtyard in the centre.
Cleaner water not always better: perch study

3 weeks ago | oodmag.com | Jeff Helsdon

A perch-focused study examines water quality and fisheries tradeoffs in a changing Lake Erie climate. Dr. Stuart Ludsin, a professor at Ohio State University and co-director of the school’s Aquatic Ecology Laboratory, co-authored the study, which compared commercial perch harvest with nutrient levels in the lake and the size of the dead zone. The latter refers to an area with little oxygen at the lake bottom, driven by algae decay and warmer waters.