St. Thomas, Ontario, is a city in southwestern Ontario, Canada, that gained its city charter on March 4, 1881. The city is the seat of Elgin County, although it is independent of the county. As of the 2021 Census, the population of St. Thomas was 42,918.

 

The land around St. Thomas was originally home to the Attawandaron or Neutral First Nations tribe in the 1500s-1600s. In the early 19th century, the area was settled and named after Thomas Talbot, who helped promote regional development. 

 

St. Thomas became the seat of the new Elgin County in 1844 and was incorporated as a village in 1852, a town in 1861, and finally a city in 1881.

 

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, several railways were constructed through St. Thomas, making it an important railway junction. 

 

By 1914, 8 different railways operated in the city, with over 100 trains passing through daily, earning it the title of the "Railway Capital of Canada." 

 

This history is celebrated today with the revitalization of the original train station and Elgin County Railway Museum.

 

The railway industry declined in the mid-20th century, but automotive manufacturing emerged as the leading employer for the next 50 years. 

 

Major employers included Ford, Magna International, and Sterling Truck. However, the 2008 recession hit St. Thomas hard, with the closure of the Sterling Truck and Ford plants resulting in the loss of around 1,400 jobs.

 

Today, St. Thomas is working to diversify its economy beyond automotive manufacturing. In 2019, a $32 million plant for cross-laminated timber was announced, providing over 60 jobs.

 

The city has also attracted film productions, with the former psychiatric hospital on Sunset Drive serving as a filming location for shows like The Boys and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.

 

In April 2023, it was announced that PowerCo, a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, would build a battery plant in St. Thomas. The plant is expected to employ 3,000 people and be one of the largest VW plants in the world.

 

As a former railway hub and county seat, St. Thomas has many pre-1914 heritage buildings. Notable examples include the St. Thomas Town Hall (1899), Elgin County Courthouse (1898), St. Thomas Carnegie Library (1904), and several historic churches. 

 

The city also has a tragic history with the death of P.T. Barnum's famous elephant, Jumbo, struck by a train in St. Thomas in 1885.

 

Despite challenges, St. Thomas has persevered and is well-positioned for future growth by diversifying its economy and cultivating its arts scene. The city celebrates its unique history and heritage as it looks to the future.

 

History of Saint Thomas, Ontario, Canada

St. Thomas, Ontario, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century:

• The land around St. Thomas was originally home to the Attawandaron or Neutral First Nations tribe in the 1500s-1600s.
• Colonel Thomas Talbot received a 5,000-acre land grant in 1803, which led to the Talbot Settlement. The first settlers, Daniel Rapelje and David Mandeville, arrived in 1810.
• St. Thomas, named after Colonel Thomas Talbot, was incorporated as a village in 1852, a town in 1861, and finally a city in 1881.
• Several railways were constructed through St. Thomas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making it an important railway junction. By 1914, 8 different railways operated in the city, with over 100 trains passing through daily, earning it the title of the "Railway Capital of Canada."
• In 1824, Charles Duncombe and John Rolph established the first medical school in Upper Canada in St. Thomas under the patronage of Colonel Thomas Talbot.
• Jumbo, P.T. Barnum's famous circus elephant, was killed in St. Thomas in 1885 after being struck by a train.
• The railway industry declined in the mid-20th century, but automotive manufacturing emerged as the leading employer for the next 50 years. However, the 2008 recession hit St. Thomas hard, with the closure of major plants resulting in significant job losses.

 

Today, St. Thomas is working to diversify its economy, cultivate its arts scene, and celebrate its unique railway heritage. The city continues to evolve while preserving its historical character.

 

Geography of Saint Thomas, Ontario, Canada

St. Thomas is located in southwestern Ontario, Canada, approximately 29 km (18 miles) south of London. It is situated at the intersection of two historical roads and on Kettle Creek, just north of Lake Erie. 

 

As of the 2021 Census, the city has a total land area of 35.61 km2 (13.75 sq mi) and a population density of 1,190/km2 (3,082/sq mi). 

 

St. Thomas is the seat of Elgin County, although it is independent of the county. It is part of the London Census Metropolitan Area, which had a total population of 494,069 in the 2016 Census. 

 

The city is well-connected, with five major Canada-U.S. border crossings within easy reach. It is just south of Highway 401, a major transportation corridor and the driving distance between St. Thomas and London is only about 25 minutes. 

 

Historically, St. Thomas was an important railway junction, earning it the "Railway Capital of Canada" title in the early 20th century. Today, its railway heritage is a focus of tourism in the city. 

 

St. Thomas is strategically located in southwestern Ontario. It has good transportation links and a history as an important railway and industrial center. Its proximity to Lake Erie and the U.S. border has also shaped its development.

 

Demographics of Saint Thomas, Ontario, Canada

Population:

• As of the 2021 Census, the population of St. Thomas was 42,840, an increase of 10.1% from 2016.
• The population density is 1,203.2 people per square kilometre.
• St. Thomas is the 122nd largest city in Canada and the 52nd largest in Ontario.

 

Age:

• The median age in St. Thomas is 40.7 years, slightly higher than the national average of 40.6 years.
• 7,155 residents (16.7%) are under the age of 15, while 26,570 (62.0%) are between 15-64 years old.

 

Immigration:

• 4,400 residents (10.4%) are immigrants, with the largest proportion arriving before 1980.
• 125 residents (0.3%) are non-permanent residents.

 

St. Thomas has seen steady population growth in recent years and has a demographic profile similar to the national averages for Canada. The city continues to attract new residents and maintain its position as an important regional center in southwestern Ontario.

 

Economy of Saint Thomas, Ontario, Canada

The economy of St. Thomas, Ontario, has evolved but has faced significant challenges in recent decades:

• Historically, St. Thomas was an important railway hub, earning it the title "Railway Capital of Canada" in the early 20th century. By 1914, 8 different railways operated in the city, with over 100 trains passing through daily.
• In the mid-20th century, automotive manufacturing emerged as the leading employer in St. Thomas, with major plants operated by Ford, Magna International, and Sterling Truck.
• However, the 2008 recession hit the auto sector hard, leading to the closure of the Sterling Truck and Ford plants and the loss of around 1,400 jobs. This had a domino effect on other auto parts suppliers in the city.
• In recent years, St. Thomas has attracted new industries to diversify the economy. In 2019, a $32 million plant for cross-laminated timber was announced, providing over 60 jobs.
• The city has also focused on attracting film productions, with the former psychiatric hospital serving as a filming location for shows like The Boys and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.
• In April 2023, it was announced that PowerCo, a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, would build a battery plant in St. Thomas. The plant is expected to employ 3,000 people and be one of the largest VW plants in the world.
• Other key industries in St. Thomas today include agribusiness, tourism, the creative economy, entrepreneurship, and business diversification.

 

Despite the challenges, St. Thomas is working to restore growth and prosperity by diversifying its economic base and leveraging its strategic location and heritage assets. The city remains focused on being a manufacturing leader and attracting new investment.

 

Education in Saint Thomas, Ontario, Canada

St. Thomas has a mix of public, Catholic, and independent schools:

• The Thames Valley District School Board operates public schools. The main high schools are Arthur Voaden Secondary School, Central Elgin Collegiate Institute, and Parkside Collegiate Institute.
• The London District Catholic School Board operates Catholic schools. The main Catholic high school is St. Joseph's Catholic High School.
• Two independent Christian elementary schools are Kings Academy and St. Thomas Community Christian School.

 

Post-Secondary Education

• Fanshawe College has a regional campus in St. Thomas, offering diploma and certificate programs.
• Western University's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry previously had a distributed education program in St. Thomas, but this has since been discontinued.

 

Historical Education

• In 1824, Charles Duncombe and John Rolph established the first medical school in Upper Canada in St. Thomas under the patronage of Colonel Thomas Talbot.
• Several historic school buildings still stand in St. Thomas, including Wellington Street Public School (1898), Balaclava Street School (1898), and Arthur Voaden Vocational School (1925).

 

St. Thomas has diverse educational options, from elementary and secondary schools to post-secondary programs through Fanshawe College. The city's history also includes some notable early educational institutions.

 

Transport System in Saint Thomas, Ontario, Canada

St. Thomas' public transit system is called Railway City Transit, operated by Voyageur Transportation under contract with the city:

• The system includes both conventional city buses and paratransit vehicles.
• Five regular bus routes serve the city, with service hours on weekdays from 7:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and weekends from 9:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. 
• An after-hours on-demand service is also available. 
• The system was rebranded as "Local Motion - Railway City Transit" in March 2021. 
• The Ontario government has provided additional funding to support expanding and improving public transit services in St. Thomas. 

 

Inter-Community Transit

In April 2024, a new inter-community public transit service called Middlesex County Connect was launched, connecting St. Thomas to other regional municipalities. 

 

Road Network

• St. Thomas is located just south of the major Highway 401 corridor, and it takes only about 25 minutes to drive to London. 
• The city has good access to five major Canada-U.S. border crossings. 

 

Railway Heritage

• St. Thomas was historically known as the "Railway Capital of Canada" in the early 20th century, with over 100 trains passing daily on eight different railways. 
• The city's railway heritage is now a tourism focus, with the historic train station preserved. 

 

St. Thomas has a well-developed, recently modernized public transit system and good road and rail connections that support the city's economy and transportation needs.

 

Living in Saint Thomas, Ontario, Canada

• St. Thomas offers significantly more affordable housing than larger urban centers, with homes typically costing 25% less than nearby cities like London. 
• This affordability makes St. Thomas attractive for homebuyers and real estate investors. 

• St. Thomas is strategically located just 29 km (18 miles) south of London, Ontario, providing easy access to a larger city's amenities while maintaining a small-town feel. 
• The city is also close to Lake Erie's shores and the popular beach town of Port Stanley, which offers recreational opportunities. 
• St. Thomas has excellent transportation connections, including quick access to Highway 401 and five major Canada-U.S. border crossings. 

• St. Thomas has a friendly, small-town charm with a strong sense of community. 
• The city hosts many popular annual events celebrating its railway heritage, arts, and holiday traditions. 
• Recreational facilities in St. Thomas include the Joe Thornton Community Centre, Jaycees Pool, and the St. Thomas-Elgin Memorial Arena. 

 

St. Thomas offers an appealing blend of affordability, convenience, community, and access to natural amenities, making it an attractive place to live in southwestern Ontario. The city's history and economic diversification also contribute to its growing appeal.

 

Healthcare in Saint Thomas, Ontario, Canada

St. Thomas, Ontario, has a well-developed healthcare system with several key facilities and services:

 

St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH)

• A 179-bed fully accredited hospital serving St. Thomas and Elgin County, with over 800 staff including 200 professionals.
• Offers a full range of services, including outpatient care, diagnostic imaging, emergency, and post-acute care.
• It was designated as one of the "Best Places to Work 2022" by Human Resources Director Canada.
• Awarded Accreditation with Exemplary Standing by Accreditation Canada (2019-2022).
• Home to a satellite cancer clinic of London Health Sciences Centre and one of four designated Stroke Centres in the South West region.

 

Community Health Centres

• Central Community Health Centre serves St. Thomas, Central Elgin and Southwold.
• Staffed by family doctors, nurse practitioners, social workers, mental health therapists, dietitians and more.
• Provides primary care, health promotion, illness prevention and community development services.

 

Family Health Teams

• Three family health teams in St. Thomas-Elgin provide coordinated access to multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals.

 

Other Healthcare Facilities

• Southwestern Public Health provides health education, immunization clinics, prenatal support, smoking cessation programs and more.
• St. Thomas Walk-In Medical Clinic offers convenient care for non-emergency issues.
• Talbot Family Health Organization and Primacy Family Care Centre are other primary care providers.
• Yurek Pharmacy & Home Healthcare provides pharmaceutical and home health services.

 

St. Thomas also strongly supports healthcare careers, with many job opportunities available in the sector. The city's healthcare system ensures residents access various quality services and facilities.

 

Tourist places in Saint Thomas, Ontario, Canada

Here are some of the top tourist attractions and things to do in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada:

 

Parks and Green Spaces

• Pinafore Park - A large park with walking trails, picnic areas, a bandshell, and a small amusement park. It hosts many events and festivals.
• Waterworks Park - A scenic park along Kettle Creek with walking trails, a playground, and picnic facilities.
• St. Thomas Elevated Park - A unique privately-owned public park 95 feet above Kettle Creek Valley, with walking trails and views.

 

Railway Heritage

• Elgin County Railway Museum - Showcases the city's railway history with exhibits and a collection of vintage rail cars and locomotives.
• CASO Railway Station - The original train station, now home to the North America Railway Hall of Fame. It's Ontario's longest small-town train station.

 

Historic Sites

• Jumbo the Elephant Memorial - A monument to the famous circus elephant killed by a train in St. Thomas in 1885.
• Old St. Thomas Church - A historic Anglican church built in 1824 with beautiful architecture.
• Elgin County Museum - Housed in a former psychiatric hospital, the museum explores the history of Elgin County.

 

Annual Events

• Iron Horse Festival - A popular annual festival celebrating St. Thomas' railway heritage with rides, music, vendors and more.
• Santa Claus Parade—This annual event kicks off the holiday season with floats, marching bands, and Santa's arrival.

 

With its mix of parks, railway history, architecture and annual events, St. Thomas offers a variety of attractions for visitors to explore the city's unique character and heritage. The city's location in the heart of Elgin County also makes it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding region.

 

Local Food of Saint Thomas, Ontario, Canada

St. Thomas has a diverse array of locally owned and operated restaurants:

• Shebaz Indian Cuisine - A highly rated Indian restaurant that serves authentic dishes.
• Plaza Sushi - Fresh and delicious Japanese/sushi restaurant.
• Café Siam - Popular local spot for Thai cuisine.
• Bella Jack's - Family-owned Mexican restaurant.
• Harry's Charcoal Broiled - Long-standing local burger joint.
• Braxton's Restaurant & Bar - Upscale dining focusing on local ingredients.
• St. Thomas Roadhouse - Casual dining focusing on local and regional fare.

 

Farmers Markets

• Horton Farmers' Market - One of Southwestern Ontario's largest and oldest farmers markets, operating since 1867.
• Elgin Harvest Wood-Fired Pizzeria - Uses locally sourced ingredients to make wood-fired pizzas.

 

Breweries

• Railway City Brewing - Local craft brewery celebrating St. Thomas' railway heritage.
• Caps Off Brewing - Another popular local craft brewery.

 

The local food scene in St. Thomas showcases the city's agricultural roots, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients from nearby farms and producers. Residents and visitors can find various cuisines, from classic Canadian fare to international flavours, all with a local twist.

 

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