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Community
Profile
The City of St. Thomas is
part of the Great Lakes region, in the center of Southwestern Ontario.
Our community consists of five municipalities that, together, form a market
area containing over 65,000 people. Our area forms the core of Elgin County
with total population of 84,500 (2006 census). St. Thomas & Elgin
are forecast to have the highest growth of all Southwestern Ontario
communities over the next 15 years. The Ontario government expects 25-28%
growth overall by the year 2016.
St. Thomas is a leader in job creation, housing starts and economic
activity. In the last 5 years, more than $375.7 million has been invested in
new industrial, commercial and residential developments. In 2006, St. Thomas
set a 17 year record for housing construction, with 369 new single family
homes erected. The reasons are simple... great location, superb
facilities, safe, friendly communities and a quality of life that is second
to none.
No community is more strategically positioned, just moments from the
401/402 corridors and just 28 km. (18 miles) south of London, one of
Ontario’s major urban centres. The location is a major transportation
hub, with easy access to Toronto, Hamilton and New York state to the
east, Windsor/Detroit and Sarnia/Port Huron to the west. In driving
times, all are one to two hours away, while Port Stanley and the Lake
Erie shoreline is just 14 km. (9 miles) to the south. Numerous invest-
ments have recently been made in community facilities – health care,
education, sports, leisure and transportation services are all first
class, an ideal and safe environment for families.
Population within the city limits was registered at
36,115 in the latest census (June 2006), and is
estimated today at 39,000. The median age of
persons living here is 38.8 years, slightly younger
than the national average of 39.5 years. There are
approximately 15,800 households (12,850 detached
or semi-detached units; 2,950 apartment/condo
units). More than 1,400 businesses operate within
the municipal limits. An Official Plan and zoning by-
laws for the City and adjacent municipalities are in
force. St. Thomas ranks 25th in size among 912
Ontario municipalities and is the 63rd largest community
in Canada. It is part of the London Census
Metropolitan Area, the 10th largest market in
Canada. Total local retail spending in St. Thomas and Elgin is
currently estimated at over $820 million annually.
St. Thomas was exclusively an agricultural centre before the coming of
railroads and associated industries. Today, both agriculture and
manufacturing remain extensive throughout the region. Our central
location between the US/Canada borders allow convenient and easy
access to and from all parts of northeastern Canada and the United
States. Its proximity to Port Stanley, the only deep-water harbour
shipping facility on Lake Erie’s north shore, combined with convenient
access to arterial highways, rail lines and all other forms of transport-
ation, have caused the community to be recognized by businesses as
an ideal location. Many major employers are well-known world leaders.
Magna’s subsidiary, Cosma International is located here with two
plants, Presstran Industries and Formet Industries, a facility that is the
largest automotive frame manufacturing plant in the world. Other well
known manufacturing names include Timken Canada, Steelway Build-
ing Systems, Gorman Rupp and North Star Windows & Doors.
AREA: City 8,834 acres (35.75 sq. km.) Approximately 1,600 acres
in the northeast section of the City is zoned to accommodate existing
and future industries.
Elgin County covers 725 square miles (1,160 square kilometers).
MEAN HEIGHT ABOVE SEA LEVEL: 760 feet
WEATHER: Average summer temperature 25.3 degrees C (77.5 degrees
F)
Average winter temperature 2.0 degrees C (35.6 degrees F)
The annual volume of precipitation in our area is considered moderate.
Average annual rainfall amounts to 939 mm (36.9 inches).
Average annual snowfall is minimal at 108 cm (42 inches).
Neighbouring Communities
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- Municipality
of Central Elgin:
(2006 Census population 12,725) Formed January 1, 1998, Central Elgin is most of the area south and
east of St. Thomas and is the result of amalgamation of the former Villages
of Belmont and Port Stanley and the Township of Yarmouth. Central Elgin
includes a concentrated suburban population adjacent to St. Thomas'
city limits. A strong agricultural industry has evolved a mix of a wide
variety of livestock producers and growers of beans, corn, wheat and
other staples plus wineries and producers of specialty items. Water
sports, commercial & recreational fishing, and tourism are an expanding
part of the economic base, especially at Port Stanley harbour, the municipalities'
southern edge.
- Township
of Southwold: (2006 Census population 4,725)
Southwold is the site of the Ford Motor Company's St. Thomas Assembly
Plant as well as a significant population of agricultural and related
enterprises.
Education Facilities
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- Public primary and secondary
schools are operated by the Thames
Valley District School Board and the London District Catholic
School Board. In and around St. Thomas, the two boards combined,
operate a total of 14 elementary schools and 6 secondary level
schools.
- Fanshawe College
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. Popularity
and market demand for Fanshawe's local campus continues to
grow with campus space now totalling 45,000 square feet.
Fanshawe serves a population of approximately 500 full-time and
1,200 part-time students this year. Visit www.fanshawec.ca or call
519-633-2030 for details about programs and services.
- St. Thomas Adult Learning
Centre: This St. Thomas-based location
is operated year round by the Thames Valley District School Board,
offering a variety of retraining and upgrading programs, counsel-
ling and assessment for adults. Call 519-633-3242.
- 3 Alternative Private Elementary
Schools
- Numerous Private & Public Nursery
Schools/Day Care Centres
- The University of Western Ontario and
the Fanshawe College
Main Campus are both within easy commuting distance in London.
The school term for all primary and secondary students begins in September
and ends in June. Under Ontario law, inoculations are required for students
for diphtheria, polio, tetanus, measles, mumps and rubella. School textbooks
are supplied free of charge to all primary and secondary students, except
in a limited number of special or advanced courses. Bus transportation
is provided for all students living outside of walking distance as well
as for all developmentally disabled students.
Recreation Facilities
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-
ST. THOMAS TIMKEN COMMUNITY COMPLEX –
St. Thomas’ newest facility offers twin professional-sized ice rinks. The main surface incorporates
stadium and floor level seating for up to 3,500 people. Other features
include a combined multi-purpose auditorium gymnasium with blea-
cher 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. This complex has been the site of the 2005
and 2009 Canadian Sr. Men's Fastball Championships and the 2001
Canada Summer Games baseball competitions.
-
ST.THOMAS-ELGIN MEMORIAL ARENA
- multi-purpose, 2,600 seats, ice surface (hockey, skating, etc.)
separate auditorium and meeting room(s), Auditorium AGCO licensed
capacity is 275 persons.
-
NORTHSIDE SWIMMING POOL offers
community outdoor recreational swimming and instruction for children
from the end of June to the first weekend of September. Site incorporates
a 25m. pool and separate diving well.
-
SKATEBOARD PARK Intermediate
level recreational skateboarding surface, located just off Talbot
Street near the Ross Street underpass
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PINAFORE PARK 90 acres, featuring
bird aviary, wildlife sanctuary, children's play area and St. Thomas
Rotary splash pad, food concessions, 2 bandshells, covered pavilions
for picnics, memory garden etc., lighted ball park with grandstand,
washrooms, dressing rooms, etc.; 20 acres of formal gardens.
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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.
Playground equipment, splash area, supervised wading pool and picnic
shelters are also available.
- GOLF COURSES:
St. Thomas Golf & Country Club 18 hole (private)
Port Stanley Bluffs Golf Course 9 hole (public)
Kettle Creek Golf & Country Club 18 hole (semi-private)
Pleasant Valley Golf & Country Club 18 hole (public)
Redtail Golf Club 18 hole (private)
Belmont Golf Course 9 hole (public)
- TransCanada Hiking Trail
The world's longest recreational trail (www.tctrail.ca) 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
and recreational facility, including junior Olympic size swimming
pool.
- Various private clubs & facilities
for fitness, exercise, etc.
- St.
Thomas Curling Club Members club with facilities may be available
for private functions at limited times through the year.
- BASEBALL, SOCCER & TENNIS
numerous sites
- DALEWOOD CONSERVATION AREA:
700 acres featuring camping facilities, hiking trails, canoeing, swimming
pool.
- 23 NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYGROUNDS
Community Services & Facilities
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- CHURCHES:
There are over 50 denominational and community churches within our region.
Roman Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian, United, Baptist, Lutheran, Reformed,
Salvation Army, Latter Day Saints, Pentecostal, Mennonite, 7th Day Adventist,
Jehovahs Witness, Missionary, Evangelical, and Bahai faith groups
are all represented.
- COMMUNITY FACILITIES:
Numerous commercial/professional facilities are available. Contact
the Chamber office for full listings including private sector and other
recreation/cultural facilities not listed here. Also, check the Business
Directory pages of the Chamber’s website at stthomaschamber.on.ca.
Those listed here are municipal/not-for-profit/general use facilities:
St. Thomas Seniors' Recreation Centre: board & multipurpose rooms are available
for use by the general public (programs for those aged 50+)
HI-RO Shrine Club: multipurpose, meeting rooms, food service, etc.
Oddfellows Hall: multipurpose, meeting rooms, banquet facilities,
etc.
Elgin Labor Centre: multipurpose, meeting rooms, banquets, etc.
Columbus Club: multipurpose, meeting rooms, banquets, etc.
Royal Canadian Legion Hall: branches in St. Thomas & Port Stanley:
multipurpose, meeting rooms with kitchens, etc.
St. Anne's Centre: multipurpose auditorium, capacity 700 persons;
meeting rooms
- ELGIN ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY
LIVING: A social service agency providing support and services to
people who have a Developmental disability. Administration Office
400 Talbot Street, Hours Monday Friday 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. 631-9222.
- SERVICE CLUBS & COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
St. Thomas has many national, international, civic and fraternal groups.
The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce
also publishes a complete list of service clubs and community organizations.
For information about these, contact the Chamber at: mail@stthomaschamber.on.ca
or call 519-631-1981
Medical Services
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- For referrals to physicians, surgeons, and medical
specialists, contact the St. Thomas-Elgin Medical Association, 189 Elm Street, St. Thomas
ON N5R 5C4 or telephone 519-631-1450
- ELGIN-ST. THOMAS PUBLIC HEALTH
provides numerous public health programs and services across Elgin to
support, promote and protect the health of area residents; 24hour response.
Main office location in St. Thomas, 99 Edward Street, 631-9900.
- ST. THOMAS-ELGIN GENERAL HOSPITAL:
166 acute and chronic care beds, full-service; 24-hour
emergency unit; staff of 900 persons. 189 Elm
Street. Call 519-631-2020
- REGIONAL MENTAL HEALTH CARE, ST.
THOMAS:
(formerly St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital) A
branch of St. Joseph ’s Health Care, with a staff
of 500+ persons. Serves Elgin, Kent, Essex and
Lambton Counties and the Norfolk Region. A
24-7 operation, located on Sunset Drive, south
of city limits. Call 519-631-8510.
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MEDICAL CLINIC & SUPPORT
SERVICES: Privately-owned walk-in medical clinics
provide physicians' services during nontraditional hours, including
weekends and evenings. A number of rehabilitation, therapy and
counselling facilities provide extensive services. Call the Chamber of
Commerce for referrals or consult the Chamber's on-line and/or
published Business Directory.
Transportation Services
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- ST. THOMAS TRANSIT
SERVICES:
Municipal buses serve all areas of the City,
Monday through Saturday. All in-city routes converge through a hub at
the front of the Wal-Mart parking lot. Route and schedule details are
available at City Hall or from the city's contract operator, Aboutown
Transit Inc. Inter-city bus connections are made at 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 Environmental Services Depart-
ment, St. Thomas City Hall, 545 Talbot Stree
- TAXI & 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, Federal Express, etc.
serve the St. Thomas region daily.
- RAIL & AIRLINE SERVICES:
London International Airport,
which is approximately 30 min-
utes’ 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 Jazz, Westjet, Northwest Airlink, United Airlines, Sunwing,
Sunquest and Transat 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:
5,050 foot main runway, 3 runways, 4 IFR approaches, full fuel service
including jet fuel, fixed wing single & multiengine charters flight
school, professional/ commercial/private license training aircraft maintenance
and repair facilities, Canada Customs & Immigration services. The
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. The airport is open seven days a
week, 8:00 a.m. to dusk. Other times upon request. Call 519-633-5866.
Emergency Services
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- PROTECTIVE SERVICES EMERGENCY:
CALL 911
- POLICE SERVICES
St. Thomas City Police:
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 Crime Stoppers
program and various Community Crime Prevention programs. Phones: 631-1224 (Administration) 911 (Emergency)
631-8477 (Crime Stoppers)
Ontario Provincial Police: (Elgin Headquarters/St. Thomas Detachment)
This detachment serves area of 328 square miles adjacent to St. Thomas
including
Central Elgin, Southwold, South Dorchester and Malahide Townships. This
office also coordinates all OPP administrative work for Elgin County including
Dutton and Tillsonburg detachments. Emergency 911.
- FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES
St. Thomas Fire Department: The city of St. Thomas provides a
comprehensive full-time professional firefighting and emergency
paramedical/rescue services. The department administrates a variety of
safety, education and community service program. Water pressure at outlying distribution points is 34 lb.
to 50 lb. (750 g.p.m.) at hydrants. Phones: 631-0210 (Business Office)
Fire Emergency calls 911.
Composite (professional/volunteer) Fire Services provide service to all areas of our region
beyond St. Thomas' city Limits. Emergency call 911.
Elgin-St.Thomas EMS (Emergency Medical
Services)Elgin-St. Thomas EMS is operated by Thames EMS Serving St.Thomas
and neighbouring municipalities throughout all of Elgin County, using
9 ambulances and 1 emergency response vehicle, working from 5
bases located in St. Thomas (2), Aylmer, Dutton and Rodney. The team
includes 44 full-time and 30 part-time primary care paramedics, 5
management/support staff and provides 24 hour, 7 days a week
service.
Cultural Facilities
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Housing & Utilities
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- Private homes
Local single-family dwellings are sold in all price ranges. The current average selling prices in our market for
semi-detached dwellings range upward from approximately $140,000. Average rental price for a modern, two-bedroom unit
in a multi-storey building is $800 per month, plus utilities. St. Thomas offers a broad choice in multi-family units,
apartment buildings, geared-to-income units, semi-detached housing, etc. The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce
will provide referrals to licensed real estate professionals.
- RESIDENTIAL UTILITY COSTS
Average monthly residential electricity
consumption for a typical household (2.5 people) costs $90 - $100.
The present residential monthly average water bill is approximately 20
cubic metres at $65, including all system & fire charges.
Telecommunications: Single line residential telephone service
averages $28.00 per month plus long-distance charges, service options,
etc. Bell Canada serves most of the region, excepting the Aylmer area.
An independent carrier, Amtelecom, provides service to most of Aylmer
and East Elgin. Business and residential
telephone service includes toll-free local calling throughout the entire
London/St. Thomas/Aylmer Region. Local Area Code is 519. A full selection of digital services
is available in all local exchanges for all forms of voice and data transmission
Television: Cable television or satellite service costs range
from $25 per month for basic services to $60 per month for services
offering 250+ channels.
Heating: Average season home heating costs (natural gas) approximately
$1210.
Media
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- St. Thomas Times-Journal
daily (Tuesday to Saturday) newspaper 519-631-2790.
- London Free Press daily (6 days/week)
newspaper 519-631-3414.
- Aylmer Express weekly broadsheet
newspaper 519-773-3126
- Elgin County Market weekly
advertising tabloid 519-631-3782
- St. Thomas/Elgin Weekly News weekly
519-633-1640
- Lake Erie Beacon bi-weekly communitity newspaper
519-782-4563
- Port Stanley News.com online news source
519-782-7893
- Television:excellent off-air reception on 14 channels (Canadian & US).
\ Satellite, cable TV, wireless, high-speed and dial-up internet services available in all communities within our area
- Radio Stations: There are 11 AM and FM radio stations based in the London/St. Thomas
region incorporating a wide variety of formats.
Full access to all satellite radio services are also available
Environmental Services
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-
City of St. Thomas: The program for individual residences includes
weekly garbage removal plus bi-weekly curbside removal of “Blue Box”
recyclables and compostable materials on alternating weeks. All
municipal waste services are managed for the City of St. Thomas by
BFI Canada. For program information or for an information kit, new
residents may reach them directly at 519-681-4040, Ext. 227.
-
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.
Need More Details?
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The St. Thomas region has a number of
not-for-profit or 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 St. Thomas
& District Chamber is a specialist in business and community information
serving the needs of over 700 local businesses registered as Members.
The Chamber of Commerce manages an active calendar of special events;
works to assist and inform new, potential and existing businesses; and
maintains the most extensive collection of data on commerce in the region.
Numerous publications including maps and business directories are available
from the Chamber office.
- ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION:
The St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation provides assistance,
for companies looking for land/buildings, in which to establish their
business in St. Thomas and Central Elgin. As agent for the City of St.
Thomas, the E. D. C. has available a wide range of serviced industrial
building lots under the ownership of the municipality as well as the
Corporation for purchase. They maintain a detailed inventory of industrial buildings available for either lease or purchase.
The E.D.C. is also able to, in consultation with a client, prepare confidential, custom information packages detailing local
opportunities. Telephone 519-631-1680 Extension 4132. Website: www.st-thomasedc.on.ca
- ELGIN BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTRE:
Formerly known as Elgin Community Futures Development Corp. Or ECFDC, this is a community based, non-profit organization which strives to assist small
and medium-sized businesses in St. Thomas and Elgin County. Operating for over 20 years, the management and staff at the centre work to assist entrepreneurs
in the start-up and growth of successful business operations. They provide business loans, training and mentoring services, seminars and numerous other
business development resources. Visit their website at www.elginbusinessresourcecentre.com or call them at 519-633-7597.
- EMPLOYMENT SERVICES ELGIN:
This agency brings together a variety of Federal, Provincial and Municipal
programs and services for employer and worker clients. Various employer and/or employment programs of Service Canada, Community Living Elgin,
the Youth Employment Counselling Centre, Fanshawe College and YWCA are administered from their offices located at 400 and 408 Talbot Street,
St. Thomas. Call 519-631-5470. For services in the Aylmer area call 519-765- 2082, and in West Elgin contact 519-768-0020
- COMMUNITY INFORMATION
St.Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce
555 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON N5P 1C5
Telephone: 519-631-1981 FAX: 519-631-0466
Email: mail@stthomaschamber.on.ca
Office Hours: Monday Friday 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.
The Chamber office provides referrals to the public on local businesses
and services, and maintains extensive information on community services,
programs, and activities. When making any request for information from
us, please feel welcome to request material in the format most convenient
for you.
- Ask for these other publications produced or distributed by the
Chamber of Commerce:
Discovery Guide & Street Maps (includes St. Thomas and neighbouring communities)
Elgin County 911 Maps
St. Thomas & Area Manufacturers & Distributors Directory
St. Thomas & Elgin County Community & Social Services Directory
St. Thomas & Area Service Clubs/Recreation Organizations Listing
St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce Membership & Buyers
Guide
St. Thomas/Elgin Visitors Guide
Restaurant and Hospitality Guide
Business Start-Up Contacts List
Business Start-Up Checklist
Media Information and Contacts
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