Community Profile

The urban centre of our area is St. Thomas (www.stthomas.ca). St. Thomas is well-connected.  The city is just south of London and Highway 401. Driving time between the London/St. Thomas city limits is only seven minutes or approximately 25 minutes between the centers of both cities. Five major Canada – U.S. border crossings are within easy reach. The Sarnia, ON / Port Huron, MI border gateway is only 110 km. (68 miles) away to the west. The Detroit/Windsor border point is southwest of our location,185 km. (114 miles) from us, and the Buffalo/Fort Erie border is 215 km. (133 miles) to our east.

In the last national census (2016), population within the city limits was 38,909. 2019 population is estimated at 43,276 and growing at an annual rate of 0.52%. The 5-year growth rate between the 2011 - 2016 national census was 2.6% Including the immediately adjacent suburban areas, the local population is approximately 56,000. The average age of persons living here is 40.7 years, nearly identical to the national average of 40.6 years.  St. Thomas is part of the London Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), the 11th largest market in Canada.  Total population in the CMA in the 2016 census was 494,069.

St. Thomas ranks 48th in size among over 440 municipalities in Ontario.

St. Thomas was exclusively an agricultural centre before the arrival of railroads and, later, manufacturing industries.  Being close to the north shore of Lake Erie and midway between Detroit and Buffalo, St. Thomas became a transportation hub connecting the Windsor – Niagara region of Canada via rail links to the northeastern United States. In the one hundred years between 1856 and 1957, St. Thomas saw over 25 million railway passengers come to, from and through the community, plus an equally huge quantity of freight.  In 1914, eight railways were here and more than 100 trains per day brought jobs and economic prosperity.  Today, our railway history is the focus of tourism in addition to service provided to local manufacturers.  Dieselization of the railways brought a decline in employment and activity that coincided with work to see the community become a centre for manufacturing.

St. Thomas remains focused on being a manufacturing leader. Marketing and promotion efforts by the municipal government, St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation, Elgin County Economic Development & Tourism,  and numerous community partners including the Chamber of Commerce showcase the quality and skills of the local workforce and the geographic advantages of St. Thomas’ location for both access to materials and distribution of finished products.  Many of our major employers are well-known world leaders. Our community is enthusiastic, able, skilled and caring – and extremely talented when it comes to making anything a little bit better, faster and stronger.

AREA: St. Thomas City – 8,834 acres (35.75 sq. km.) Approximately 1,600 acres in the northeast section of the City is zoned and serviced to accommodate existing and future industries.  Elgin County covers 725 square miles (1,160 square kilometres).

Municipality of Central Elgin (www.centralelgin.org)  (2016 census population – 12,607)  Central Elgin is most of the area south and east of St. Thomas and incorporates the villages of Belmont and Port Stanley plus and area that was known, until 1998, as the Township of Yarmouth.  Central Elgin includes a concentrated suburban population adjacent to St. Thomas’ city limits. A strong agricultural industry is present and includes a mix of livestock producers along with growers of beans, corn, wheat, orchard fruits, cash crops, other staples and specialty items.  Water sports, commercial and recreational fishing, and tourism are an expanding part of the economic base, especially at Port Stanley, along the Lake Erie shoreline that is the municipality’s southern edge.

Township of Southwold (www.southwold.ca)  (2016 census population – 4,421) Southwold is home to the communities of Shedden and Fingal, as well as a significant population of agricultural and related enterprises. Shedden is a quiet country town with many interesting shops and boutiques.  Fingal is home to municipal offices and services. Nearby, for the historically inclined explorer, Southwold ‘earthworks’ is an ancient settlement where stone axes and other remnants of the stone age have been discovered. Similarly, the ‘War to Roses’ Walking trail, a former World War II training facility (now the Fingal Wildlife Management area) create unique combinations of history and natural beauty.

• Most primary and secondary schools in our area are operated by the Thames Valley District School Board (call 519-452-2000) and the London District Catholic School Board (call 519-663-2088). In and around St. Thomas there are 18 Elementary schools and 6 Secondary Schools.  There are a small number of private schools that operate independently.
• Fanshawe College (St. Thomas/Elgin Regional Campus) – This state-of-the-art facility provides a wide range of services including post secondary and apprenticeship education, continuing education, customized training services, counselling, & upgrading programs. Opened in January 1997, popularity and market demand for Fanshawe’s local campus continues to grow with campus space now over 45,000 square feet. For details on Fanshawe’s programs and services call 519-633-2030.  
• St. Thomas Adult Learning Centre – This St. Thomas-based location is operated year round by the Thames Valley District School Board featuring a variety of retraining and upgrading programs, counselling and assessments for adults.  Call 519-633-3242
• 3 Private Alternative Elementary Schools.
• Numerous private & public Nursery Schools/Child Care Centres & Early Learning Centres.
• The University of Western Ontario and Fanshawe College’s Main Campus are both within easy commuting distance in London.

• Joe Thornton Community Centre – St. Thomas’ largest facility offers twin professional-sized ice rinks. The main ice surface incorporates stadium and floor level seating for up to 3,500 people. Other features include a combined multi-purpose auditorium/gymnasium with bleacher style seating, event rooms with licensed capacity of 150 to 400 people, and an indoor walking/running track.  

• Douglas J. Tarry Sports Complex – This site includes one of southern Ontario’s best baseball tournament complexes with 5 fully illuminated ball diamonds, a parking area, playground, field house, food services and a park/picnic area.

• St. Thomas – Elgin Memorial Arena – multi-purpose, 2,600 seats, ice surface (hockey, skating, etc.) separate auditorium and meeting room(s). Auditorium capacity of 275 persons.

• Jaycees Pool – offers community outdoor recreational swimming and lessons from the end of June to the first weekend of September.

• Pinafore Park – 90 acres, featuring bird aviary, wildlife sanctuary, children’s play area and splash pad, food concessions, a bandshell, covered pavilions for picnics, memory garden etc., lighted ball park with grandstand, washrooms, dressing rooms, etc.; 20 acres of formal gardens.

• Waterworks Park (W.A. Allan Waterworks Park) – 100 acres, rustic bridges joining flower-lined bridle paths through a network of lily ponds, ornamental gardens, and a unity peace labyrinth. A variety of playground equipment, a splash pad and picnic shelter space is available.

• Golf Courses & Facilities

–        St. Thomas Golf & Country Club – 18 hole (private)

–        Iron Creek Country Club – 18 hole (public)

–        Kettle Creek Golf & Country Club – 18 hole (semi-private)

–        The Bluffs Golf Club – 12 hole (public)

–        Redtail Golf Club – 18 hole (private)

–        Belmont Golf Club – 18 hole (public)

• TransCanada Hiking Trail – The world’s longest recreational trail winds through Elgin County and St. Thomas. A comprehensive guide to the local route and trail features is available at various community locations.     

• Family YMCA Recreation Complex – Full-service community fitness & recreation facility, including a junior Olympic indoor pool. The YMCA completed a $2 million renovation in late 2010 adding a therapy pool, a new fitness area and a child-minding centre.

• Private Clubs – St. Thomas has several private clubs and facilities for fitness, exercise and leisure activities.  

• St. Thomas Curling Club – a Members’ club with facilities that may be available for private functions at limited times through the year.

• Baseball, Soccer & Tennis – variety of sites throughout the community.

• Elementary, Secondary School & Church - gymnasiums and auditoriums

• Dalewood Conservation Area – 700 acres with camping, hiking/nature trails, canoeing & swimming pool.

• Neighbourhood playgrounds – St. Thomas residents enjoy access to more than 300 acres of parklands & playgrounds.

Over 530 not-for-profit, sports, recreation and community service agencies and organizations serve St. Thomas & the surrounding district. On-line, check the Business Directory pages of the Chamber’s website at www.stthomaschamber.on.ca.

Those listed here are municipal/not-for-profit/general use facilities:

• St. Thomas Seniors’ Recreation Centre (programs for those aged 50+); board & multi-purpose rooms are available for use by the general public

• CASO (Canada Southern) Railway Station – one of the most historic structures in our region is now a multi-use commercial and special events facility with meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, etc.

• Elgin Business Resource Centre – multi-purpose meeting rooms, various sizes, on-site A/V equipment

• Columbus Club of St. Thomas- multi-purpose, meeting rooms, banquets, etc.

• St. Anne’s Centre – multi-purpose auditorium, capacity 700 persons; meeting rooms

Churches – There are over 50 denominational and community churches within the immediate St. Thomas area. Faith groups represented include Roman Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian, United, Baptist, Lutheran, Reformed, Salvation Army, Latter Day Saints, Pentecostal, Mennonite, 7th Day Adventist, Jehovah’s Witness, Missionary, Evangelical, Ba’hai and others.

Elgin Association For Community Living – A social service agency providing support and services to people who have a developmental disability. Their administration office is located at 400 Talbot Street. Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call 519-631-9222.

For referral to physicians, surgeons, dentists, etc., contact the St. Thomas – Elgin Medical Association, 189 Elm Street, St. Thomas ON    N5R 5C4 or telephone 519-631-1450.

• Southwestern Public Health – provides numerous Public Health programs and services across Elgin to support, promote and protect the health of area residents; 24-hour response. Local office location in St. Thomas at 1230 Talbot Street, call 519-631-9900.

• St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital – 157 acute and chronic care beds, full-service; 24-hour emergency unit; staff of over 850 persons.  189 Elm Street. Call 519-631-2020. The hospital has recently completed a major, multi-million dollar expansion and renewal project that includes new emergency care facilities, a new suite of surgical and operating room facilities, and urgent-care psychiatric/mental health facilities.

• Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care – A branch of St. Joseph’s Health Care, this forensic care facility opened in 2013, It is located on Sunset Drive, south of the city limits. Call 519-646-6100.

• Medical Clinics & Support Services – privately-owned walk-in medical clinics provide physicians’ services during non-traditional hours, including weekends and evenings. A number of rehabilitation, therapy and counselling facilities provide extensive services.  Call the Chamber of Commerce office for referrals or see the Chamber’s on-line Business Directory.

Public Transportation

Municipal buses serve all areas of the City, Monday through Saturday. All in-city routes converge through a hub at the front of the Walmart parking lot. Route and schedule details are available at City Hall or from the downtown St. Thomas Bus Depot, 614 Talbot Street. St. Thomas Para-Transit operates on a six-day schedule. Para-Transit riders must be registered users. Applications are available at the Environmental Services Department, St. Thomas City Hall, 545 Talbot Street.  City Hall hours are Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Taxi, Patient Transfers, Limousine & Delivery/Courier Services   Two taxi operators and 3 limousine/charter services provide ground transportation in the St. Thomas area and there are a number of local courier & delivery services offering specialty services for individuals, businesses and industries. All major national and international courier companies including UPS, Purolator, CanPar, FedEx, DHL, etc. serve the St. Thomas region daily. 

Rail & Airline Services

London International Airport, which is approximately 35 minutes’ drive from St. Thomas, is served by a variety of connector services to Toronto & Detroit airports plus a growing number of direct flights to major centres in eastern and western Canada and vacation destinations.  Air Canada, WestJet, United Airlines, Sunwing, Sunquest and Transat Holidays provide regular service. See www.londonairport.on.ca  Frequent ground transportation to Toronto and Detroit airports is also available. VIA Rail passenger service is accessible from the downtown London train station on York Street.

St. Thomas Municipal Airport serves industry and the public and has the capacity to handle most corporate jets as well as the largest aircraft used by the Canadian Armed Forces.  St. Thomas Airport is the home of a major aviation show and exposition – The Great Lakes International Airshow.

The airport is open seven days a week. After hours call-outs on request. For information, call 519-633-5866. Facilities include:

• 5,050 foot main runway, 3 runways, 4 IFR approaches

• full fuel service including jet fuel, 24-hour cardlock access

• flight schools (fixed wing & helicopter), professional/commercial/private license training

• aircraft maintenance and repair facilities, crew rest area

• Canada Customs & Immigration services (CANPASS Site)

Police

• St. Thomas Police Services – the municipal police service provides for all the community’s law enforcement and emergency needs and is responsible for the operation and administration of a broad range of services including the St. Thomas Crime Stoppers program, Crime Prevention & Community Service programs. Telephone 519-631-1224 for administration or 519-631-8477 to reach Crime Stoppers. In case of emergency, call 911.

• Ontario Provincial Police (Elgin Headquarters/St. Thomas Detachment) – this detachment serves an area of 525 square km. adjacent to St. Thomas including Central Elgin, Southwold, South Dorchester and Malahide Townships. This office co-ordinates all OPP administrative work for Elgin County including Dutton detachment. For administration information call 519-631-2920. In case of emergency, call 911.

Fire

• St. Thomas Fire Department – the City of St. Thomas provides full-time, professional firefighting and emergency paramedical/rescue services from two stations.  The department administrates a variety of safety, education and community service programs.  Business office telephone 519-631-0210, In case of emergency, call 911.

• Volunteer (full-time/part-time) Fire Services provide service to all areas of our region beyond St. Thomas’ city limits. In case of emergency, call 911.

Ambulance & Paramedic Services

• Elgin-St. Thomas EMS serves St. Thomas and neighbouring municipalities throughout all of Elgin County, using 10 ambulances and 2 emergency response vehicles, working from 5 bases located in St. Thomas (2), Aylmer, Dutton and Rodney. The team provides 24 hour, 7 days a week service.

St. Thomas and area have a number of facilities, sites & attractions, and organizations offering daily services and special events.  Among them are:

Public Libraries (St. Thomas Public Library and Elgin County Library)

Elgin Military Museum & Duncombe House Heritage Centre

Elgin County Museum

St. Thomas Elgin Public Art Centre

Elgin Theatre Guild/Princess Playhouse

Jumbo Monument 

Elgin County Railway Museum

Port Stanley Terminal Rail

CASO (Canada Southern) Railway Station and North America Railway Hall of Fame

Port Stanley Festival Theatre

This area is recognized for many outstanding examples of Victorian architecture.  Maps and brochures suggesting walking tours and points of interest are distributed at various locations.

St. Thomas & District offers a broad choice in residential housing at all levels. The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce will provide referrals to builders, licensed real estate professionals and property managers with listings our Buyer’s Guide directory which can be accessed and searched from the main page of the Chamber’s website.

myFM Radio 94.1 St. Thomas – 519-633-6936

St. Thomas Times-Journal – daily (Tuesday to Saturday) newspaper – 519-631-2790

London Free Press – daily (6 days/week) newspaper – 519-679-1111

Aylmer Express  – weekly community newspaper – 519-773-3126

Elgin County Market – weekly advertising tabloid – 519-631-3782

Hometown St. Thomas - monthly magazine - geoff@villagerpublications.com

Port Stanley News.com – On-line news source – 519-782-7893

This Month in Elgin – monthly news and business news magazine – 519-773-3126

The Echo - bi-weekly newspaper focused at rural communities throughout Elgin County - 519-660-9540

City of St. Thomas – The program for individual residences includes weekly garbage removal plus bi-weekly curbside removal of “Blue Box” and “Grey Box” recyclables and compostable materials on alternating weeks. The City also operates the Community Recycling Centre (CRC) on Edward Street for disposal of recyclables, construction waste, furniture, electronics and hazardous waste materials that are not eligible for curbside pick-up. The Community Recycling Centre is open 5 days per week, Tuesday to Saturday. See the CRC webpage - click here.

District Municipalities – Waste collection & recycling services differ in each municipality outside St. Thomas.  For specific information contact the administrative staff of the municipality in which you reside.

The St. Thomas region has a number of not-for-profit and government-sponsored agencies and services that work to better the economic health by providing assistance to individuals in the workforce and/or investors wishing to establish or expand here.

St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce – Part of the largest business network in the world, the local Chamber is a specialist in business and community information.