Join Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development as he is joined once again by Councillor Steve Peters for another deep dive into the history of St. Thomas!
This week, we’re exploring the city’s eastward expansion, the industrial land acquisitions that shaped St. Thomas, and the shift toward automotive growth. 🛤️ From the rise and decline of the railways to the city’s strategic push for industrial development, Steve takes us through key annexations—from 1922 to the modern-day expansion for PowerCo. 🔹 Key Highlights: ✔️ Industrial land expansion starting in 1922 ✔️ Transition from rail to automotive industry ✔️ Major annexations in the 1960s, 1990s, and 2023 ✔️ Steve’s personal connection to the city’s growth 📌 Don’t miss this fascinating look at how St. Thomas evolved into the city it is today!
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You've heard of Hell's Half Acre, but what about Devil's Half Acre?
In this episode, we're back with Councillor "Professor" Steve Peters in front of the historic expansion map of St. Thomas, diving into a pivotal moment in the city's history—the arrival of the railway in 1870. 🚂 When the Canada Southern Railway and Great Western Railway were announced, St. Thomas and Elgin County went all-in, investing heavily to secure their place on the map. But there was one problem—the town didn’t have the land needed to accommodate the railway’s shops and stations. So what happened? Learn all about it along with: 🌳 Street naming and what areas of town were influenced by specific themes 🏢 How Talbot Street became the heart of the city’s commerce and industry 🔥 And what’s the deal with the Devil’s Half Acre, and the infamous Canada Southern Hotel that resisted annexation until 1913? Join us as we uncover the impact of the railway, the continued growth that shaped the city, and the industrial boom that followed. Join Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development and local historian City Councillor Steve Peters for an in-depth dive into the early history of St. Thomas, Ontario!
In this episode, we explore the origins of St. Thomas, from its founding in 1817 to its evolution through the 1800s. Discover how early settlers like Daniel Rapelje and William Mandeville shaped the west end, the importance of the Old English Church (1822–1824), and the vibrant commercial activity along Talbot Street. Learn about key milestones such as: The construction of the London and Port Stanley Plank Road (1844) The incorporation of St. Thomas as a village in 1852 The transformative impact of the London & Port Stanley Railway in 1856 Steve also highlights historic landmarks like the Metcalfe Block (1854) and the city's early fire and police departments. Stay tuned for future episodes where we’ll uncover the impact of the railway on St. Thomas! Join Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development as he takes you to the top of the St. Thomas City Hall clock tower for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the city’s most iconic landmarks! Alongside Steve Peters, we uncover fascinating stories about the clock, the bell affectionately known as "Big Frank," and the rich history of the building.
In this video, you'll discover: 🔔 The origins of "Big Frank," a massive 2,000-pound bell installed in 1900. 🔔 A quirky tale of how a local hotel owner chipped the bell while celebrating a victory. 🔔 The history of the clock mechanism is still ticking after more than a century. 🔔 Insights into the clock faces and a mysterious bullet hole with its intriguing backstory. 🔔 The legacy of the caretakers who once lived in the tower. Enjoy the view from 76 feet above the ground and hear the majestic toll of the bell as it strikes two o'clock. Don't miss this unique journey into St. Thomas's past, with stories that bring history to life. Join Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development as he shares an exciting update on the 2025 Yarmouth Yards industrial park development plans!
In this video, we take a deep dive into the construction staging map for 2025 and cover the following: Road Projects: New connections, including Electric Avenue to Ron McNeil, South Edgeware expansions. Water & Wastewater Infrastructure: From water mains to a new pumping station, see how utilities will support the site. Stormwater Management: Take a peek at the "Uber Pond" and other key elements to effectively managing water flow. Railspur & Bridge Project: Updates on the shunting yard construction and rail infrastructure progress. Hydro and Energy Projects: Details on Hydro One's substation and transmission line advancements. Final Touches: Highbury's topcoat asphalt and finishing touches for a polished road network. With so much on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be another transformative year for the St. Thomas Megasite! Join Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development as he explores the all-new Volkswagen ID. Buzz at Dalmar Motors in South London! 🚐✨
In this walkthrough, Deb from Dalmar Motors dives into the features that make the ID. Buzz a standout electric vehicle:
🎥 Stay tuned for future videos where we’ll take the ID. Buzz for a test drive and explore more exciting Volkswagen EVs! 📍 Visit Dalmar Motors at their new Wharncliffe location or call 519-433-3181 for more details. Join Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development for a special year-end update from the St. Thomas Megasite.
This edition of From the Beehive highlights the incredible progress made in 2024 and gives a glimpse of the exciting plans for 2025. 2024 Highlights Include: ✅ Yarmouth Yards Grading Project: Completion of phases 1-3 and meeting advanced construction standards. ✅ Roads & Servicing: Major progress on Electric Avenue, Powerco Parkway, and South Edgeware, with infrastructure upgrades including storm sewers, water mains, and roundabouts. ✅ Industrial Water Infrastructure: Booster station nearing completion to deliver high-pressure water throughout the park. ✅ Rail Spur & Yard Developments: Significant groundwork laid, with construction planned for 2025. ✅ Downtown Enhancements: The Highbury Ave widening project is nearing completion, and land acquisition for a new water reclamation facility is underway. ✅ Hydro1 Contributions: Substation work advancing and power line pathways secured. ✅ PowerCo Milestones: Over 100 new hires, local engagement, and plans to begin construction in 2025. None of this progress would be possible without the dedication of our incredible partners, including Amico, Infrastructure Ontario, Bluecon, Hayman, Hydro1, PowerCo, and many others. 🎉 As we close 2024, we look forward to an action-packed 2025. Stay tuned for updates as we build a brighter future for St. Thomas and the surrounding area. "Santa" is with us this week to wish you all a very Merry Christmas from the Construction Site!
Enjoy some construction footage from last year set to story time homage to Construction Site On Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker and Illustrated by Ag Ford. Thank you for another great year of From the Beehive! In 2025, St. Thomas will experience big changes as the highly anticipated construction of the PowerCo facility begins. Stay tuned for local updates and community interest stories as St. Thomas launches into an exciting new chapter! 🚧 St. Thomas Megasite Update: Road Tour with Mike 🚦
Take a drive with Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development as he’s joined by Mike Brix to explore the latest road and servicing progress at the St. Thomas Megasite! 🛣️ What You’ll See in This Video: ✅ Freshly Paved Roads: A tour of the newly constructed Electric Avenue and South Edgeware Road. ✅ Roundabouts Galore: Discover the intersections connecting key parts of the Megasite, including access to PowerCo’s development site. ✅ Underground Infrastructure: Learn about the storm sewers, sanitary systems, and water mains beneath the surface. ✅ Bat Conservation: Drive past the woodlot with over 50 bat boxes installed for local wildlife. 🦇 ✅ PowerCo’s Site Progress: Check out entrances, parking lots, and road connections for the upcoming battery plant. ✅ Hydro One Substation: Get an update on this critical power infrastructure under construction. ⚡ With light-hearted moments, fun facts, and progress updates, this video gives you an on-the-ground look at the fantastic work happening at the St. Thomas Megasite. Shout-out to Bluecon Construction for their outstanding work on the roads and servicing projects! 💬 Got a favourite new road name? Comment below and let us know! 🌟 St. Thomas Megasite Update: Progress, Rail Yards, and Workforce Development 🌟
Join Mike from St. Thomas Economic Development and Harrie from AMICO for a behind-the-scenes update on the latest developments at the St. Thomas Megasite! 🚧 In this episode, we discuss: 🔹 Wrapping up a few projects, including the VW plant grading and rail spur work. 🔹 Exciting updates on Battery Boulevard, the Hydro One corridor, and the shunting yard. 🔹 Insights into rail yard construction, including unique design features and progress timelines. 🔹 Upcoming milestones for the rail bridge, including the arrival of structural steel in April 2025. 🔹 Harrie's passion for mentoring young staff and ensuring projects are delivered on time and on budget. |
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