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Tillsonburg POST
AUGUST 21, 2025
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Council makes accommodations for closed walkway JEFF HELSDON
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Tillsonburg council passed two separate initiatives at its Aug. 11 meeting to assist Hickory Hills residents with the inconvenience of the closing of the Kinsmen Bridge during construction. The bridge is closed until December for replacement. It sees between 250 and 500 people per day cross it, and connects Hickory Hills and other subdivisions on the west side of town to the downtown at Rolph Street. The bridge was built in 1888, and was part of the Great Western Railway connecting Tillsonburg Junction to Brantford, until it was converted to pedestrian use after the removal of the rails. The first suggestion, outlined in a report from Carlos Reyes, Director of Operations and Development, was to offer free TGo bus service from two stops (Wilson and Hickory) during the construction period. The detour walking to Bidwell because of the bridge closure was estimated at 1.5 kilometers in length, instead of the 350-meter length between Wilson and Bridge Streets via the bridge. “This significant increase in travel distance may pose challenges for pedestrians, particularly seniors, youth, and individuals with mobility limitations,” he wrote. The only question from council was from Mayor Deb Gilvesy, who asked what residents should do if they are struggling with understanding the bus schedule. She was told anyone needing assistance should contact the customer service centre. CONTINUED TO PAGE 2
(STUART BLOWER PHOTO)
The Tillsonburg Fair was called a success by organizers after the three-day event over the weekend. The 13-ride midway helped to draw people, and there was an increase in sales of midway ride bracelets. See more fair coverage inside today’s paper.
Fair organizers deem the event a success JEFF HELSDON
Editor
The 171st edition of the Tillsonburg Fair is in the books, and organizers are deeming it a success. Joan Weston, a member of the Tillsonburg Tri-County Agricultural Society that presents the fair, explained the final numbers aren’t calculated yet. Still, she estimated at least 6,000 people paid to come through the gates, and possibly as many as 7,000. Add in those under five years of age, who are no charge, and that number could stretch to 8,000. “This year we thanked Mother Nature,” said fair board vice-president Rosemary Dean. “We had three great
days. Pretty hot, but it still brought people out.” She said the demolition derby track got “a little sloppy” after rain overnight Saturday, but that didn’t keep cars or people away. Between Saturday and Sunday, there were 83 derby cars in the events. There was a lot on the line for the Tillsonburg fair this year after a tornado warning and heavy rain throughout the weekend negatively impacted attendance. Gate receipts were down $14,000 from the previous year, but were back on track this year. “If this was another bad year, we don’t know what next year would look like,” Dean said, joking that perhaps paying tribute to Mother Nature in the fair’s theme this year may have helped the cause. CONTINUED TO PAGE 2