Dear City of St. Thomas by Mayor Joe Preston
As we approach 2026, I want to share my thoughts on the year ahead and the exciting opportunities that await our community. This coming year promises to be one of progress, growth, and continued investment in the people, neighbourhoods, and businesses that make St. Thomas such a special place to call home. One of the most significant developments shaping our city is the ongoing growth of the industrial lands at Yarmouth Yards, which will be home to PowerCo and, as recently announced, Vianode. These transformative projects will bring hundreds of high-skilled jobs, support local suppliers, and strengthen St. Thomas’ role in Ontario’s clean-technology sector. In 2026, residents will continue to see construction activity on the industrial lands, along with the long-term economic and training opportunities these projects create. Supporting this growth is our continued focus on critical municipal infrastructure. In the new year, City staff and Council will advance projects such as long-term water and wastewater planning, transportation upgrades, and neighbourhood road and sidewalk improvements. These projects are essential to ensuring that our city grows responsibly while maintaining affordability and quality services for all residents. Housing remains a top priority. In 2026, work will continue with new developments in subdivisions such as Harvest Run and Shaw Valley in southeast St. Thomas, alongside infill developments, rental units, and supportive housing. Collaborating with builders, nonprofit partners like Indwell and YWCA St. Thomas–Elgin, and senior levels of government, we are committed to providing safe, attainable housing for
families, seniors, and newcomers. We look forward to the redevelopment of Balaclava Street School by the end of 2026.
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Page 12 Hometown St. Thomas • Jan-Feb 2026
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