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Tillsonburg POST
OCTOBER 16, 2025
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VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 5
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Celebration planned for 200 years since town’s founding JEFF HELSDON Editor
A birthday bash is planned to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Tillsonburg’s founding on Oct. 18. “We’re excited to celebrate the town going from a two-room shack to a town of over 20,000 people,” said Kathleen Watkin, Culture and Heritage Programs Coordinator with the town. “It’s a great opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate our 200 years of shared history,” added Kate Bakos, Cultural Heritage Manager/Curator. Memorial Park is the main venue for the events, which will commence with a land acknowledgement at noon, greetings from dignitaries, and the singing of O’Canada. A performance by the Ingersoll Pipe Band will follow. The Great Canadian Lumberjack Show will provide a preview of some of the skills required to clear the land 200 years ago. It will take the stage at 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. Show participants will compete in chainsaw carving, axe throwing, chainsaw cutting, wood chopping, cross-cut sawing, and log rolling. The log rolling in particular, will be a test of the dexterity of the competitors. An overall theme throughout the day is a look back at some of the ways people lived 200 years ago. The Pioneer Experience Zone is for the young and young at heart. A petting zoo, pottery demonstrations, woodworking, and forging demonstrations will be available. Patrons will also have the opportunity for a wagon ride, courtesy of Ewart McLaughlin, who will provide rides with his wagon and heavy horses, located near the John Street entrance. CONTINUED TO PAGE 5
LITTLE FIREFIGHTER
(JEFF HELSDON PHOTO)
The Tillsonburg Fire Department’s annual open house opportunity for youth to put out a simulated fire is always a popular part of the event. Michael McDonald, five, of Courtland receives assistance to handle the hose from firefighter Dean Townsend. See more photos on Page 19.
About 50 people turn out to hydro merger information sessions JEFF HELSDON Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Concerns about changes to monthly electricity bills were the largest concern among the 50 people who attended the two open houses held about the possible merger between Tillsonburg Hydro Inc. (THI) and ERTH Power. The possible merger was announced on Sept. 9, and would see Tillsonburg Hydro merge with ERTH, which is a collaboration of local utilities, if it proceeded. Tillsonburg would be the second-largest partner within ERTH,
and would still have a say on local decisions if the merger moves forward. The number of utilities in Ontario has been reduced dramatically since the passage of the Electricity Act, 1998, through either mergers or sales to Hydro One. One factor in THI’s board considering a merger is the need for $29 million in upgrades to the town’s transformer station to increase capacity. Two open houses, one on Sept. 29 and the second on Oct. 6, were held to explain the process, garner feedback, and answer any questions the public may have. CONTINUED TO PAGE 2