City Councillor, Steve Wookey by Peri Hayes
City Councillor, Steve Wookey, has taken an interest in politics since childhood. He reminisces about watching Walter Cronkite read the news on his family’s television: “I always wanted to know what was going on in the world.” Born and raised in St. Thomas, Steve studied at Central Elgin Collegiate Institute before attending UWO where he was immersed in courses of economics and history. He ultimately shifted his focus from law to education, thereafter teaching at East Elgin Secondary School for five years before returning to his Central roots. While educating economics, history, law and philosophy, Steve also enjoyed coaching basketball and leading student trips to Europe. He retired in 2019, just before the pandemic. Meanwhile, Steve has been on Council since 2014 and seized an opportunity to run for Mayor in 2018. Asked what inspires Steve’s political pursuit, he responds, “The city doesn’t belong to me, I belong to it. With that, I want the city to be as good as it can be. My connections in St. Thomas are like an extended family. We live in a lovely community where everyone knows your name.” Furthermore, Steve expresses, “There is a commitment and resolve on Council, with strong leadership, compassion and compromise. We are working together professionally, and we get along very well – I feel a part of this team.” Steve intends to continue his involvement on Council in October, voicing, “I will remain appreciative to the people of St. Thomas if they show the trust in me to bring me back”.
Presently, Steve sits on the following Boards: Valleyview Home – Board of Management; Community & Aquatic Centre Steering Committee; Court of Revision - Drainage Petitions; Entegrus Inc. Board – Powerlines and Parent Company; St. Thomas Public Art Committee. Asked what Steve considers to be a significant milestone during his time on Council, he responds, “When the concrete and steel began at PowerCo. This is big for the community; creating an immense variety of work opportunities, allowing people to live and work in the city.” Steve is particularly passionate about offering healthy outlets in the community. “One of my core beliefs is that every human being has the capacity for growth and change. On Council, it is our responsibility as municipal government to provide local infrastructure and programming to help foster that growth and
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR FREE DENTAL CARE?
Eligible Ontario seniors* (65 and over) may qualify to receive free, basic dental care, including: check-ups, cleanings, x-rays, fillings, treatment for gum disease, infection and pain, removal of teeth or abnormal tissues. Prosthontic service including dentures will be partially covered. For more details, call the Southwestern Public Health Oral Health team at 1-800-922-0096 or visit www.swpublichealth.ca/seniorsdental The Ontario Seniors Dental Care Program is a government funded program for low-income seniors.
*Income will be verified to determine eligibility.
Page 10 Hometown St. Thomas • May 2026
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