Downtown Ingersoll

The Ingersoll Downtown BIA has a NEW Website!
For detailed information about our Downtown Businesses and Events please visit us at:
www.downtowningersoll.ca

Save the Date!

Lighting of the Lights - “A Canadian Christmas”
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Heritage Park, Gazebo
Thames St.Tree Lighting at 7 pm

Ingersoll Pipe Band 6:45 pm, Stores Open Late – offering special sales/promotions, Santa and Mrs. Claus photo ops, Poutine Mobile Truck, the Lion’s Club is offering free hot chocolate, apple cider, and s’mores. Donations Welcome.

Join our local businesses as we kick off the holiday season in true Canadian style. Wear your Canadian colors, whether red and white or buffalo plaid, perhaps moose or beaver print is your style, toques, snowshoes, the choice is yours. Let’s show our Canadian pride!

Stroll downtown and visit the local businesses that have their windows dressed in true Canadian splendor and vote on the best display on our new website downtowningersoll.ca

Christmas Madness in Downtown Ingersoll
Thursday November 20 - November 22, 2025

Visit our amazing downtown businesses during these crazy days of Christmas promotions and deals. For individual business promotions and deals check our new website for the Downtown business directory.

Enjoy a stroll downtown and view the local businesses with windows dressed in true Canadian splendor, then vote for your favorites on our new website downtowningersoll.ca

Shop Canada, Shop Local, Shop Ingersoll!

Pizza Fest 2025: A Success

Best Pepperoni Pizza: Domino's Pizza

Best Creative Pizza: Gino's Pizza

Board of Management:

Jessica Quesnel, Vice President, The Olde Bakery Cafe
Mike Bowman, Town Council Representative
Christopher Radford, PB Fries, Representative
Adam Funnell, The Cooperators
David Cripps, All Celebrations
Lisa Janssen, Brooks & Co. Decorating Centre, Representative
Andrew Purdom, Brooks & Co. Decorating Centre
Daniel Destine, PB Fries
Maurice Van Egdom, Belle Vie
Muhammad Saeed

Curtis Tighe, Staff Liaison, Director of Economic Development and Tourism
Virginia Armstrong, BIA Coordinator

News

News Release for Ingersoll Downtown Monday November 11, 2024 Remembrance Day on Veteran's Crosswalk

News Release for Ingersoll Downtown Monday February 27, 2023 BIA Ingersoll Downtown Art Projects

Downtown Art Installations

Artist Statement

"As a young aged artist born and raised Woodstock, I spent a large percentage of time growing up in Ingersoll. Encouraged through local classes, contests and competitions, I’ve been an aspiring artist my whole life. Illustration eventually gave way to a passion for music; over the years photography and graphic design took hold and made me into the artist I am today. Currently owning and operating Highlander Studios in Woodstock I’m focused on the production, promotion, and preservation of all matters art related within Oxford County."

- Duane Kumala-Thomas

Work Concept

"While being approached to create a piece commemorating Black history in Ingersoll I did a deep dive into Oxford County’s Black history. I came to the understanding that the “Once Upon a Time” narratives of the Black American experience are much like a sideview mirror; events being closer than they appear. Buildings, towns, cities; places I’d frequented my whole life suddenly came to life as the stuff movies were made of. The rich tapestry of history that is Ingersoll, is Oxford, is Southwestern Ontario, is Upper Canada, stretches through the soil and deep into the roots. Furthermore, it became apparent that when historical events happened, they effected the plight of everyone in town, not only those involved. With that in mind, it became difficult to separate Black history from history and that's when the concept for the sculpture took shape.

Using the familiar theme of the Underground Railroad as a focal point, the sculpture aims to represent Ingersoll’s involvement in accepting, aiding and growing amongst a new and increasing Black population in the 1800’s and beyond. The visual of train tracks breaking through the soil and springing up into the Ingersoll air will present viewers with the emphatic feeling of a journey travelled in discretion and concluded where/when in this place, travellers came up for air, settled and planted new roots. As history would have it, Ingersoll had a part to play in forming the landscape throughout the years. Consequential dates fixed to the railroad ties commemorate Ingersoll history and folklore, the top most railroad tie reading “NOW”, signifying that we are always making history; creating tomorrow’s heritage today."

- Duane Kumala-Thomas

Artist Biography

Benji Nova (Benjamin Tran)

Benji Nova (Benjamin Tran) is a multidisciplinary artist and mindfulness teacher from London, Ontario. He approaches his art with a focus on process, and incorporates mindfulness into his creation process.

In addition to his Master of Science in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences from Western University, he is also a certified facilitator of the Mindfulness Ambassador Program.

He works with a range of mediums, including woodburning, paint, inks, and digital tools, to create emotive and expressive pieces.

Benji aims to promote mindfulness and open-awareness through his art.

Artist Statement

"I painted a large mural on the ITOPA (Ingersoll Theatre of Performing Arts) building using spray-paint as my primary medium. My goal was to create a bright, colorful, and playful scene that celebrates the performing arts and includes a variety of characters and references to theatre. Inspired by stained-glass art, I incorporated a stained-glass effect and contrasting colors to capture the impressive changing of scenes in a play. I wanted to create a whimsical and attractive landscape that could be seen from a distance, as well as attract people to the theatre."

To see more of Benji Nova's work, please may visit:

Website: www.benjinova.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/benji.nova

Facebook: www.facebook.com/benjinovaart

More links: www.linktr.ee/benji.nova

Picture of Indigenous Crosswalk

This project was funded through the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund through FedDev Ontario and Southwestern Ontario Tourism Corporation (SWOTC)

Ingersoll Indigenous Crosswalk Description by Patricia Marshall

This design incorporates seven (7) stripes to represent the seven generational teachings we see in many Indigenous cultures.

The red comes first to symbolize Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit peoples (MMIWG2S+).

This colour is represented first since MMIWG2S+ people were one of the first major issues Indigenous people faced on Turtle Island when colonial peoples landed on these shores. We put them first to make a statement that they are not forgotten and to show the spirits our tribute to them.

The blue represents the need for clean water in Indigenous communities and to bring awareness to how Indigenous Canadians are disproportionately affected by a lack of basic needs being met. A lack of clean water is an issue that goes largely unnoticed; however, it has been affecting communities like Nesktantga First Nations for over a quarter of a century and closer communities like Onieda First Nations also deal with a lack of clean water. There are many other needs such as lack of housing and adequate food resources that affect Indigenous Canadians daily, both on reserve and even in our major metropolises.

The orange stripes are tribute to the children and families affected by the horrific legacy left in the wake of residential schools. A legacy that includes 100 years of legalized oppression, abuse and misuse of powers. Over the last few years, thousands of children have been unearthed who were buried in both marked and unmarked graves. Thousands of families grieving losses that were continuously denied by both religious and political institutions until now. The unearthing’s did spark our nation into action.

The orange and blue stripes are alternating in the centre to represent the interconnectedness of the issues that plague Indigenous people.

The red stripe closes the design to bring to the attention that MMIWG2S+ is an issue that is still affecting Indigenous families to this day.

The symbols floating within the coloured stripes give a tangible example of the issue they represent:

The dress in the red stripe represents MMIWG2S+
The handprint in the orange stripe represents of Every Child Matters
The water droplet in the blue stripe represents the need for clean water in Indigenous Communities

The design of this crosswalk was carefully thought out and planned to bring awareness, show solidarity and represent hope. This crosswalk represents the resilience, dedication and creativity of First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples.

The design and original concept of this project was done by local Métis mother Patricia Marshal, founder and co-organizer of IISAN (Ingersoll’s Indigenous Solidarity and Awareness Network).

Final digital artwork is done by Deb Campbell of ICAC (Ingersoll Creative Art Centre).

"The BIA worked closely with Patricia Marshall, Founder and Co-organizer of IISAN (Ingersoll’s Indigenous Solidarity and Awareness Network) and local artist, Deb Campbell, Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre, to complete the Indigenous Crosswalk in Downtown Ingersoll."

Virginia Armstrong, BIA Coordinator

Map of BIA Boundary

Contact Us

Mailing Address:

130 Oxford Street (2nd Floor),

Ingersoll, ON N5C 2V5

Email Address: downtownbia@ingersoll.ca

Phone: (519) 532-0241

Ingersoll BIA Facebook

Ingersoll BIA Instagram

To view BIA meeting agendas & minutes click here

Oxford County Resources

Southwestern Public Health

Oxford Connection

The Small Business Centre

Community Futures Oxford

Council Adopts Downtown Enhancement Plan

The Downtown Enhancement Plan (DEP) was adopted by Council on Monday, November 24, 2025, marking an important milestone in shaping the future of downtown Ingersoll. We sincerely thank all community members who participated in surveys, attended open houses, and shared ideas throughout the consultation process. Your input has been invaluable in guiding the priorities and objectives of this plan.

Download the Downtown Enhancement Plan (DEP)

Strategic Pillars of the Downtown Enhancement Plan

The plan focuses on priority areas that will strengthen and enhance downtown Ingersoll:

Champion Small Business Growth: Supporting local businesses and attracting new investment.
Preserve Charm, Build Identity: Maintaining the unique character of our downtown while creating a strong sense of place.
Build Our Brand: Strengthening the town’s identity and marketing to attract visitors and investment.
Placemaking with Purpose: Creating vibrant, inclusive spaces for community life.
Support Residential Intensification: Encouraging residential growth in the downtown core.
Align and Activate Existing Resources: Leveraging existing resources, partnerships, and programs for maximum impact.

These goals will be achieved through collaboration and strong partnerships with the BIA, local businesses, community groups, and support organizations. The DEP provides a clear framework for action over the short, medium, and long term, ensuring that our downtown remains a vibrant, welcoming, and economically resilient hub.

Why is the Town Undertaking the Downtown Enhancement Plan Project?

Ingersoll’s downtown core has long been the heart of the community, offering a blend of heritage, culture, and opportunity. As the town continues to grow and evolve, there is a clear need to ensure that the downtown remains a vibrant, inclusive, and economically resilient hub.

This project is designed to enhance the downtown area, strengthen its business environment, and create a dynamic space for residents and visitors alike.

The Town of Ingersoll has identified downtown revitalization as a strategic priority in its Corporate Strategic Plan. The goal is to support existing businesses, attract new investments, and increase visitor spending—all of which are essential to the long-term growth of the community.

Project Background

In April 2022, the Town of Ingersoll approved its Corporate Strategic Plan, which highlighted downtown revitalization as a key priority for economic development. This initiative aligns with the Town’s commitment to enhancing its business environment and creating a welcoming space for the community.

In October 2024, the Town issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a consulting partner to develop the Downtown Enhancement Plan. After a thorough review process, Urban Insights, in partnership with Durrell Communications, was chosen to lead the development of this important project.

Community Engagement & Consultation Process

The consultation process is now complete, having offered numerous opportunities for community members to share their vision and ideas for the future of Downtown Ingersoll. The Open House was held on January 27, 2025, and it was a great success! Town staff received invaluable feedback from participants, helping to shape the ongoing process. The public survey closed on February 10, 2025.

Your feedback has been crucial in shaping the Downtown Enhancement Plan’s priorities and objectives.

Your input has helped guide the decisions for the future of our downtown. Thank you.

For more information about the Downtown Enhancement Plan, please contact:

Jordan Minor
Economic Development and Tourism Officer
Town of Ingersoll
E: business@ingersoll.ca
T: 519-485-0120 x 6224

Aerial view of the Town of Ingersoll's main street and surrounding areas

Patio Encroachment Pilot Program Guidelines
Temporary Patio Encroachment Pilot Program Application Form

Town of Ingersoll
130 Oxford Street (2nd Floor), Ingersoll, ON, N5C 2V5, Map this location
Phone: 519-485-0120, Email Us

Downtown Ingersoll

Downtown Ingersoll

Save the Date!

Pizza Fest 2025: A Success

Board of Management:

News

Downtown Art Installations

Black History Sculpture - Corner of Oxford St. and Charles St. W.

ITOPA Mural - 88 Thames St. S

Indigenous Crosswalk - King St. E.

Map of BIA Boundary

Contact Us

Oxford County Resources

Downtown Enhancement Plan

Council Adopts Downtown Enhancement Plan

Why is the Town Undertaking the Downtown Enhancement Plan Project?

Project Background

Community Engagement & Consultation Process

Patio Encroachment Program

Contact Us