<![CDATA[St. Thomas Economic Development

<![CDATA[St. Thomas Economic Development - Mega Site Updates]]>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:01:55 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[St. Thomas: leading the way on housing stability - From the Beehive E138]]>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 19:00:00 GMThttps://www.st-thomas.org/megasite/st-thomas-leading-the-way-on-housing-stability-from-the-beehive-e138

Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development chats with Danielle Nielsen, Acting Director of Social Services for the City of St. Thomas and Elgin County, to discuss the new 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan currently being developed for our community.

Filmed on location at 230 Talbot Street, this conversation covers the transition from the 2014-2024 plan into the upcoming 2026-2036 cycle, what makes St. Thomas a recognized leader among Canadian communities in its response to homelessness, and the four pillars guiding the next decade of work: End Homelessness, Build Housing, Sustain Stock, and Lead Collaboratively.

Danielle also speaks to the cross-sector collaboration that has helped St. Thomas achieve something many communities are struggling to do right now: actually reducing homelessness, even as other cities see numbers climb.

Want to have your say? Community input is still being collected.

1. Public Open House / Information Centre:
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 4 – 6 p.m.
St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services Building 230 Talbot Street,
St. Thomas Community Room (main floor, Talbot St. entrance)

2. Online Feedback Form Available March 25 – April 15, 2026
Review the additional information, complete the public survey, and make your voice heard in this important planning process.

]]><![CDATA[Yarmouth Yards Pumping Station Update: From the Beehive E137]]>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:00:00 GMThttps://www.st-thomas.org/megasite/yarmouth-yards-pumping-station-update-from-the-beehive-e137

Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development is back on-site at the Yarmouth Yards Pumping Station with another construction update, and this time he's joined by Nishant for a closer look at what's happening underground.

Since the last visit, this project has transformed from an open excavation into a serious feat of engineering. Nishant walks us through what this pumping station actually does (hint: it can move up to 200 litres of water per second), why the walls of the wet well are a full three feet thick, and how the construction team has broken the concrete pour into three carefully staged phases.

With two of those pours already complete and the final stage underway, commissioning is on track for October of this year, at which point the station will be ready to accept flows from the Yarmouth Yards industrial development site.
It's a big build, a bigger capacity, and a critical piece of infrastructure for one of the most exciting development projects St. Thomas has seen in years.

Thanks for watching! If you found this update helpful, hit the like button and subscribe so you don't miss what's coming next from the Beehive.

Learn more about how the sewage treatment process works in St. Thomas.

]]><![CDATA[Talbot Street Improvements: What to Expect in 2026 | From the Beehive E136]]>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:00:00 GMThttps://www.st-thomas.org/megasite/talbot-street-improvements-what-to-expect-in-2026-from-the-beehive-e136

Construction season is just around the corner in St. Thomas, and this week on From the Beehive, Mike is joined on Talbot Street by Dan Koppert to talk about one of the City’s most visible infrastructure projects of the year.

Beginning this April, crews will start work on a major deep sewer upgrade along Talbot Street between First Avenue and Fairview. The project will replace the existing sewer with a larger one to support St. Thomas’ continued growth and development. Along the way, the work will also include a new water main, street repairs, widening, and safety improvements along this busy corridor.

While construction of this scale always comes with some disruption, Talbot Street will remain open throughout the project with one lane of traffic in each direction. Drivers should plan for slower travel times through the area while work is underway.

Mike and Dan also give a quick overview of several other infrastructure projects happening across the city this year, including work on Woodworth Avenue, Alma Street, St. George Street, and Pearl Street as part of the City’s broader capital program. Infrastructure projects like these may happen underground, but they play a critical role in preparing St. Thomas for future investment, development, and growth.

📍 Project Location: Talbot Street (First Ave. to Fairview Ave.)
🗓 Estimated Timeline: April – October 2026
🚧 Traffic: Reduced to one lane in each direction during construction

Watch the full update to learn what’s coming and how the work will help support the future of St. Thomas.

Stay updated on the project on the project page.

]]><![CDATA[From the Beehive E 135 - Burwell Pumping Station Update]]>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:00:00 GMThttps://www.st-thomas.org/megasite/from-the-beehive-e-135-burwell-pumping-station-update

Construction is moving full steam ahead at the Burwell Pumping Station — and yes, it was another cold one on site. ❄️

In this update, Mike chats with Mike Brix to talk about the critical upgrades happening as part of the continued development of the Yarmouth Yards Industrial Park in St. Thomas.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this video:
• Why the Burwell Pumping Station needed to be upsized
• How the City identified sewer capacity bottlenecks during early Yarmouth Yards planning
• What a “wet well” is and how it works
• How sewage flows from the gravity sewer to the pumps and back into the system
• The project timeline, from spring 2025 through commissioning at the end of 2026

As the community continues to grow, infrastructure investments like this one ensure that we have the capacity to support new industry, protect surrounding areas, and build for the future. It’s not always the most glamorous work — but it’s some of the most important.

Thanks for watching. Be sure to like the video and subscribe to follow along as we continue sharing updates from across St. Thomas — where possibilities live.

]]><![CDATA[Progress at Woodworth Ave. Pumping Station - From the Beehive E134]]>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 20:00:00 GMThttps://www.st-thomas.org/megasite/progress-at-woodworth-ave-pumping-station-from-the-beehive-e134

Work is ramping up on Woodworth Avenue — and it’s more than just road construction.

In this update, Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development is joined by Meredith to walk through a major infrastructure project that will:
✔ Reconstruct the Woodworth Pumping Station
✔ Install two new force mains
✔ Increase sewer capacity north of Highway 3
✔ Connect flows to the new Dalewood Water Reclamation Facility
✔ Add sidewalks for improved active transportation
✔ Separate stormwater and sanitary systems

This project is a critical step toward expanding wastewater capacity to support growth in north St. Thomas, including residential, commercial, and industrial development. It also modernizes the corridor by urbanizing the road cross-section, installing stormwater pipes, and improving pedestrian access.

🚧 What to Expect:
• Work begins in early March
• Limited local traffic during construction
• Separate MTO-coordinated work to install services under the highway
• Completion anticipated by early August

By upsizing pipes and improving conveyance capacity, the City is creating operational flexibility between the existing Sunset Drive plant and the new Dalewood facility — ensuring long-term reliability, environmental responsibility, and room for future growth.

Infrastructure like this may happen underground, but it’s foundational to where St. Thomas is headed.

]]><![CDATA[A Winter Site update from PowerCo at Yarmouth Yards - From the Beehive E133]]>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 20:00:00 GMThttps://www.st-thomas.org/megasite/a-winter-site-update-from-powerco-at-yarmouth-yards-from-the-beehive-e133

Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development is back on the PowerCo site with another construction update, and this one marks a visible milestone.

Joined once again by Alan Gad from PowerCo, the team takes a walk through what’s happening right now on site, including the first steel going up in the CP cell production area. It may be cold, snowy, and very much winter, but progress is still moving forward.

In this update, Alan explains:
What “first steel up” means for the project
How winter construction actually works, including snow management, heated concrete, and extra safety measures
What the public can expect to start seeing next as more steel, concrete, and rebar go into place
How work will continue through the winter and into spring, when walls and other major elements will start to take shape

It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how a large-scale industrial project keeps momentum even in challenging weather, and a glimpse of how this site will continue to transform in the months ahead.

Thanks for watching. If you’re enjoying these on-site updates, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and stay tuned for more progress from the PowerCo project in St. Thomas.

While Mike was on-site, he was also joined by Tegan Versolatto to film her PowerCo update, Watt's Up! Be sure to tune in to PowerCo's social media for that update, too!

]]><![CDATA[Fairview is Open for Traffic - From the Beehive E132]]>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:00:00 GMThttps://www.st-thomas.org/megasite/fairview-is-open-for-traffic-from-the-beehive-e132

We’re braving the cold at Talbot Street and Fairview Avenue for a quick on-site update on a major milestone for St. Thomas infrastructure.

In this video, Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development is joined by Dan to talk about the newly reopened Talbot & Fairview intersection and what’s changed since the last time drivers passed through.

You’ll learn:
• Why the intersection is safer and easier to navigate
• How new sight lines and opposing left-turn lanes improve traffic flow
• What’s coming next for Talbot Street, including a major sanitary sewer upgrade
• When to expect construction impacts later this year

This project is an important step in preparing St. Thomas for future growth, including increased industrial activity, while improving everyday safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. We know construction isn’t always fun while it’s happening, but the long-term benefits are worth it.

Thanks for watching, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow along for more local updates from around the city.

]]><![CDATA[St. Thomas Sports Spectacular Supports Special Olympians- From The Beehive E131]]>Wed, 21 Jan 2026 20:00:00 GMThttps://www.st-thomas.org/megasite/st-thomas-sports-spectacular-supports-special-olympians-from-the-beehive-e131

In this week’s update from City Hall, Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development ducks inside to escape the cold and sits down with Dave Kerr to talk about something that truly warms the community—Special Olympics in St. Thomas.

Dave shares his role as a regional co-coordinator and longtime coach, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the wide range of sports programs available locally and their impact on athletes across all seasons. With nearly 50 Special Olympians participating in St. Thomas, the programs go far beyond competition—building confidence, leadership, friendships, and a strong sense of belonging.

We’re also joined by Julian, a Special Olympian, who speaks candidly about his experiences in basketball, bowling, and soccer, the friendships he’s made along the way, and what representing St. Thomas means to him. His story is a powerful reminder of why these programs matter—not just to athletes, but to the entire community that cheers them on.The conversation wraps up with a look ahead to Sports Spectacular, a one-of-a-kind event that brings together Special Olympians, their families, community supporters, and professional athletes for an unforgettable evening in support of Special Olympics.

If you haven’t experienced Sports Spectacular before, this is the year to check it out! Get Tickets today while you still can as tomorrow is the spectacular event!

]]><![CDATA[From the Beehive E130: Big Hole Big Purpose- Wastewater capacity expansion in St. Thomas]]>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 20:00:00 GMThttps://www.st-thomas.org/megasite/from-the-beehive-e130-big-hole-big-purpose-wastewater-capacity-expansion-in-st-thomas

What you’re looking at may just seem like a giant hole in the ground—but it’s actually one of the most important projects supporting the future of St. Thomas.

In this update, Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development is joined by Pat Anckaert at the site of the Dalewood Water Reclamation Facility (D-WRF) to explain why the City needs a second wastewater treatment facility, how it works, and what’s being built right now.

As St. Thomas continues to grow, the existing facility near Sunset and Bush Line is approaching capacity. To support new homes, schools, hospitals, and continued community growth, Dalewood WRF is being constructed to handle future wastewater needs—using a modern, multi-step treatment process.

In this video, Pat walks through:
✅Why the Dalewood Water Reclamation Facility is needed

✅The seven-step wastewater treatment process, from screening and settling to bioreactors, filtration, and UV disinfection

✅How microorganisms are used to naturally break down harmful substances

✅What happens to solids, and how nutrients are returned to the natural cycle as reusable fertilizer

✅What the massive excavation on site represents, including secondary clarifiers, bioreactors, and underground conduits

✅How landscaped berms may improve aesthetics, reduce odours, and even support future recreational trails

✅The importance of using local contractors from across Southwestern Ontario

This is a three-year build, with construction underway now and first flows expected around mid-2029. It’s a project most people don’t think about—but one that plays a critical role in modern life and long-term community resilience.

Interested in learning more about how wastewater is safely returned to the environment?

]]><![CDATA[From the Beehive E129 - Looking ahead at 2026]]>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:00:00 GMThttps://www.st-thomas.org/megasite/from-the-beehive-e129-looking-ahead-at-2026

As we kick off 2026, Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development is back with a forward-looking update on what’s ahead for St. Thomas, Yarmouth Yards, and the broader region.

After reflecting on a milestone-filled 2025, this episode looks to the momentum building this year — from major industrial construction to critical infrastructure upgrades that will support growth for decades to come. On the industrial side, construction is accelerating at Yarmouth Yards. PowerCo continues to move quickly, with extensive concrete, rebar, and upcoming steel signalling a fast-paced build. Nearby, Vianode is preparing to begin construction of its ViaTwo graphite facility, with internal servicing underway and local staffing ramping up.
Learn more about Vianode.

Major city-led infrastructure projects are also set to start in 2026. Work begins on the Dalewood Water Reclamation Facility (D-WRF), a transformative wastewater treatment project on the city’s north side designed to meet current needs and support future growth. We’ll be on site soon with Pat Anckaert to walk through what’s coming — including renderings and early construction milestones.
Learn more about Wastewater in St. Thomas and the D-WRF.

Across Yarmouth Yards, you’ll continue to see progress at the southeast pumping station, expanded rail infrastructure (including the long-anticipated golden spike), and the development of a large, photo-worthy Yarmouth Yards sign along Highbury Avenue. Power capacity is also expanding as Hydro One advances substation work and transmission connections that will serve both the industrial park and the city. Beyond Yarmouth Yards, several projects will impact daily life in St. Thomas. Sewer and water upgrades along Talbot Street, continued work at the Woodworth Pumping Station, and coordinated servicing under Highway 3 — alongside ongoing widening by the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario — are all essential investments in long-term reliability, even as the City works to minimize traffic impacts.
Learn more about MTO's HWY 3 project.

Together, these projects represent a significant year of building — laying the groundwork for economic growth, infrastructure resilience, and improved connectivity across the region.

Thanks for watching. If you enjoy these updates, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and stay tuned for more From the Beehive as we follow these projects throughout 2026.

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