What do you consider the centre of St. Thomas? Ask 20 people, and you may get 20 different answers. Some might point to City Hall as the centre of our politics and civic life. Others might look at a map and choose somewhere around Wellington and First. And, depending on the time of day, there are probably a few who would nominate the Walmart parking lot. But Wil Zufelt, CEO of the St. Thomas Railworks Coalition, believes the Elgin County Railway Museum, CASO Station and surrounding railway lands have the potential to become something much more important: the heart of the city. “The Museum is an important part of the fabric of our city,” says Wil. “It’s the place that we celebrate our rail history.” And that history can be a springboard for the future. Wil sees the evolution of the railway lands, stretching through the downtown core and connecting areas around the museum, CASO Station, and the Horton Market, as an opportunity to create an identifiable centre for St. Thomas. “We are the Railway City,” he says. “It is a great opportunity… incorporating the beautiful feature of the historic CASO Station and the museum into one big community that really creates an identity for our town.” The Elgin County Railway Museum is currently closed because of structural concerns, but the long-term vision isn’t simply about reopening the doors and returning to what was there before. “We’re adapting to what tomorrow looks like,” Wil says. Perhaps more importantly, it means continuing to rethink what a museum can be.
In recent years, the building has hosted weddings, community events, Christmas celebrations, banquets and activities for children. Wil points out that young people have embraced the unique industrial space, often discovering the museum’s railway
Re-Elect Jim Herbert for City Councillor Passionate About St. Thomas. Committed to Getting the Details Right.
With years of experience serving on City Council, I have worked tirelessly to help shape a stronger St. Thomas. During my time on council, our community has celebrated major milestones, including the opening of Hospice care, securing our own MRI, attracting new industries and jobs, supporting families with our new childcare centre, and building strong partnerships with organizations like the YWCA (Project Tiny Homes) and Indwell to create housing stability. My priorities for the next term include: • Organizing a task force to guide St. Thomas’ continued economic growth • Listening to and supporting our senior citizens • Conducting an in-depth review of the Transportation Master Plan • Continuing critical infrastructure improvements
• Advancing the City’s Climate Action Plan • Supporting our emergency responders • Continue to advocate for a reasonable tax rate Monday, October 26th, Vote Jim Herbert for City Council
Page 8 Hometown St. Thomas • September 2026
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