This post is sponsored by The Town Of Tillsonburg

Tillsonburg, ON.

Incorporated as a town – 1872

Pop. 15,872 (2016)

 

Clearing a wide path…

In 1836 the village was renamed Tillsonburg in honour of its founder, George Tillson. It was also in this year that the main street, Broadway, was laid out to its full 100-foot (30 m) width. Because Tillsonburg was predominantly a logging and wood product centre, the street was built to accommodate the turning of three-team logging wagons. This width is now unique to Ontario and has become a benefit toward handling the pressures of modern-day traffic by providing angled parking. The extension of Broadway north was called Plank Line and is now known as Highway 19.

 

The Tillson Block, a series of three-story brick buildings built by E.D. Tillson on the west side of Broadway (between Baldwin Street and Brock Street) still stands today and is one of the most recognizable commercial properties in Tillsonburg.

 

Lake Lisgar Waterpark had its start in 1946 as the Kinsmen Outdoor Pool—opened to prevent drownings in Lake Lisgar. Today, the facility has been remodeled to include a beach entry and spray features. A new giant twister water slide was installed in 2020.

 

The Rotary Clock Tower, which stands at the northern gateway to Downtown Tillsonburg, was built in 1994. Drawing inspiration from the architecture of the Tillsonburg Post Office (demolished in the 1950s), the Tower showcases the clock from that building, as well as a 3,000 pound bell that was removed from the Town Hall (demolished in 1979). Community fundraising paid for the project.

In 1981, the Kinsmen Club installed a $12,000 wood deck on the former CNR railroad trestle over O’Neil Park (now known as Participark). The project created a walkway linking the downtown to Quarter Town Line Road. The bridge is now part of the Town’s extensive trail network.

Some other places and things to check out:

  • Annandale National Historic Site is the restored Victorian home of Tillsonburg’s first mayor and site of the Tillsonburg Museum.
  • The Carroll Trail surrounds The Bridges Golf Course and features scenic views and challenging hills.
  • Lake Lisgar is located in the heart of Tillsonburg and is beautiful in any season. Enjoy fishing, paddling, scenic walks and more.

Stompin’ Tom made Tillsonburg’s agricultural history famous, but if you really want to experience Tillsonburg, you’ll want to check out their many historical sites, attractions, events and local merchants.

Find more details and plan your day HERE.