After opening the doors to the human side of Animal Services in Part One—where compassion, teamwork, and community connection shape every day at the shelter—it’s time to look ahead to the physical future of that work. The current facility has served its purpose well beyond its years, but as the city continues to grow, so too must the space that supports its animals and the people who care for them. In this next chapter, we’ll explore the plans, challenges, and community efforts behind the construction of St. Thomas’s new animal shelter—a long-awaited project built on the same heart and dedication that drive the team inside it.

Nestled on the upper level of the Joe Thornton Community Centre is the St. Thomas Wall of Fame, where photographs and brief bios of St. Thomas teams and individuals are displayed and celebrated for their impacts and achievements. Join us as we dive deeper into the stories and people behind the photographs.

Joe Thornton is a globally recognized name throughout all levels of professional hockey and an incredible local legend who we are #stthomasproud of. From his impressive time with the St. Thomas Stars to the OHL's Soo Greyhounds, to being drafted first overall in the 1997 NHL Draft by the Boston Bruins, "Jumbo Joe" has earned his place in many hockey fans' hearts. ​

When you think of a community hero, your mind might not immediately go to an animal shelter. But at St. Thomas Animal Services, their work for animals and their people is nothing short of extraordinary. From reuniting lost pets with frantic owners to caring for wildlife in need, this team is the heartbeat of animal welfare in our city.

With a new shelter on the horizon for St. Thomas, fundraising efforts are in full swing to support the construction and effective outfitting of the new facility. We wanted to step into the current facility to learn more about what the team at Animal Services does, their current limitations, and glimpse what the future holds for the furry residents of our community.

The City of St. Thomas has been a designated Bee City since 2023, but our Parks and Forestry department has been working on bringing bees and other pollinators back to the forefront in the city for more than a decade. With 43 parks and over 700 acres of parkland, our Parks and Forestry department's work is vital in creating and maintaining sustainable urban planning where people, pollinators, and nature can live together and live well!