Tilbury is a charming town of 4,687 whose roots lie in both the agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Located on the western edge of Chatham-Kent, the community straddles Highway 401 with 2 interchanges for easy highway access and is only 25 minutes away from the Windsor/Detroit border crossing.
Historic downtown Tilbury is home to many unique boutique stores and restaurants. The town's long history is represented by the 175-year-old clock that sits at the heart of the town and by the painted murals that decorate the main street. There is a strong francophone presence in the Tilbury area, and the town has been designated a French-language service area under the provincial French Languages Service Act.
Major industrial companies located in Tilbury include Autoliv Canada and Mahle Automotive. The Tilbury Automall is the destination of choice for buyers from all over the province seeking a great deal for cars, trucks, and recreational vehicles.
Tilbury locals are active year-round with outdoor activities. Known as "The Light between the Lakes," the town is minutes away from both Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair, which are popular for boating and fishing. Tilbury has a number of easily accessible parks, a splash pad, athletic and skateboard parks, an outdoor pool, and walking trails. It is home to the Tilbury Golf Club, Tilbury Arena, The Alley Pub & Grill and bowling alley, and The Lincoln Grille. In the fall, you'll find families from across the region visiting the Tillbillly Halloween Adventure Farm for hayrides, pumpkin picking, and halloween activities.
Families often send their children to the Tilbury public schools, Tilbury Area Public School for primary years and Tilbury District High School for secondary students. Other options for education are available throughout Chatham-Kent as well, for youth and adults. The Tilbury Public Library is also centrally located to serve individuals and families throughout the year.
Tilbury has a dynamic, close-knit community that enjoys organising and hosting events. In the past, ATV and snowmobile enthusiasts gathered in Tilbury for the Puddlejump and Mudbog, which was featured on CBC's Mercer Report. More recent events include Art in the Park, the annual Santa Claus parade, and in 2020 the Tilbury Lion's Christmas Light Show.
