What do you feel are the two most important opportunities and two most important issues facing the City of St. Thomas?
That was one of several questions posed to participants of three town hall meetings held in September and October of this year to garner input on the refresh process of the city’s strategic plan.
Climb Consulting has been retained by the city to undertake this plan update.
The meetings attracted those who live, work and access services in St. Thomas.
The information is contained in a report before council for Monday’s (Nov. 6) meeting.
Looking at the city’s strengths, participants lauded the strong sense of community and pride in St. Thomas.

This included the sense the city was a safe and secure community with a small-town friendly culture but also access to bigger city amenities and services.
High marks from the community for the city’s awesome parks and green space preservation.
You have to look no further than Pinafore, Waterworks and the St. Thomas Elevated Park to confirm this.
Not to mention the growing trail network in the city.
Praise for the excellent amenities here including recreational, cultural, educational and institutional facilities like the hospital.
According to participants, there is a sense this is a revitalized and growing community, particularly with the EV battery plant on the way.
Mention was made of the caring community services such as the innovative housing measures introduced by the city and Indwell.
There was support for Hospice of Elgin with construction expected sometime next year.
And the observation that the city “is trying hard to address the social issues in St. Thomas. Organizations like the police, Indwell, community agencies, The Inn, churches, etc. are making a difference.”
However, to get real, constructive value from this report, you have to delve into the perceived limitations and concerns.
There are many hard-hitting insights in this section, like those listed under trust and communications issues.

“We need to ensure that there is a multi-faceted approach to how communication happens that addresses the different needs of people.”

There are trust issues with government and council – transparency issues related to communication and engagement.
This is particularly the case with the Volkswagen EV battery plant.
According to feedback, more transparency related to decisions about new growth and companies coming into St. Thomas.
We need transparency in how decisions are being made that will significantly impact the city and the residents.
There is a need for more information about the VW plan and what is going to happen, the timelines, how it will be funded, etc.
How will we ensure there are no safety issues at the new plant?
Disclosure about pay rates and the types of jobs that the plant will create.
In general, some of the town hall participants did not feel they had a voice at city hall and that “there is not an accessible process for sharing concerns and engaging in discussions and decision-making.”
Related to that, there are concerns from residents that the communications strategy employed by the city does not fully meet the needs of residents.
“We need to ensure that there is a multi-faceted approach to how communication happens that addresses the different needs of people.”
There was a significant amount of feedback on infrastructure in the city, in general, there must be a long-term plan for how the city will grow and develop the available land.
There are some fascinating suggestions put forth by participants including the need for commercial hubs in all parts of the city so residents have easy access to what they need.

“Develop a plan for sustainable community development – what does the next 25 years look like? What kind of city do we want St. Thomas to be?”

There is a need for a community centre with a pool and more schools to support growth.
And the belief the animal shelter is “embarrassing and out of date.”
Looking at social issues, there is a concern St. Thomas is losing its affordability and it is not what it used to be.
In particular, “Concerns about police and paramedic response time and impact due to the rising social issues in the city.”
Public safety is a concern. “Spirit of fear exists among older residents, especially in downtown and west end.”
There is concern “about drug addicts causing issues in parks, public spaces and downtown, which impacts
the quality of life and safety for residents.”
And feedback from residents about absentee landlords “not taking care of their properties for tenants – slum lords – accountability. Landlords need to be held accountable for looking after their properties.”
Plenty of input on the city’s transit system or lack of it. This extends to the absence of regional transit.
A powerful observation from some individuals on the city’s growth and development.
“Develop a plan for sustainable community development – what does the next 25 years look like? What kind of city do we want St. Thomas to be?”
That should be the ultimate mandate of the strategic plan itself.
And, looking at community engagement, “It is important to increase engagement of our city residents to work together to tackle social issues and challenges facing the city.”

“25% less snow . . . 20 minutes to the beach, 2 hours to Detroit, 2 hours to Toronto . . . sweet spot.”

This extended to concerns “that we do not fully value and utilize the skills and abilities of community members in a positive manner.”
As to the top priorities of those who participated in the town hall meetings, there is a need for strategic planning for positive city growth and urban development.
We should expand our policing and emergency services capacity.
Bring back the downtown. Residents want a thriving Talbot Street.
Significantly improve and expand social services for homelessness, including wraparound and supportive
services to keep the homeless successfully housed and sheltered.
What about the vision for St. Thomas moving forward?
There is the feeling we are “A growing city – we have everything we need within the City of St. Thomas i.e., great restaurants, schools, hospital, amenities, infrastructure, etc.”
Or as one enthusiastic participant acknowledged, “25% less snow . . . 20 minutes to the beach, 2 hours to Detroit, 2 hours to Toronto . . . sweet spot.”
Those who live, work and access services in St. Thomas have provided valuable input.
Something that needs to be reflected in the strategic plan going forward.

A HOSPICE IS ESSENTIAL, WHEN WILL SHOVELS BREAK GROUND?

The design for Hospice of Elgin was officially revealed this past Thursday at Wildflowers Farm, south of St. Thomas.
At first glance, the front entrance design board and floor plan look almost identical to what was available for council and residents to view on May 15 of this year when interim executive director Laura Sherwood appeared at a public meeting to deal with draft official plan and zoning bylaw amendments required for the hospice location overlooking Waterworks Park.
No indication of any changes over the intervening months.

Because of its ‘nature-centric’ design, the 10-bed hospice is to be known as the Cottage.
And, it will be about more than end-of-life care, explained Sherwood at Thursday’s presentation.
“And what is unique in our design that most people are surprised to hear is that hospice is not just a place where you will go to spend your final moments.
“Hospice, or the Cottage as we are referencing, will be a place where people will come in to get access to care so they can continue to stay at home.”
Hospice of Elgin will be a 17,000 sq. ft., one-floor facility with a heavy emphasis on wood and stone to complement the natural setting overlooking Waterworks Park.
Sherwood stressed the design and feel of the hospice is to allow for outstanding end-of-life care for individuals and their families.

“So, it is on the immediate horizon. We’ve completed the design and that starts to propel us to get that shovel in the ground.”

“Hospice of Elgin will be intentionally designed to have a cottage-like feel. So, we’re actually saying welcome to the Cottage, a really wonderful space that will connect nature, that will allow family and friends to gather and receive outstanding care at end of life.”
Once it opens, Hospice of Elgin is expected to provide care to about 500 individuals and families each year, at no cost.
It will be a hub for care, with some individuals accessing a variety of services including respite, caregiver programs and counselling but continue to stay at home.
The start of construction is imminent, advised Sherwood.
“So, our goal is a sense of urgency, getting that shovel in the ground, and we are months away from that.
“So, it is on the immediate horizon. We’ve completed the design and that starts to propel us to get that shovel in the ground.”
Let’s pause for a moment.
Compare that answer to the council meeting of Oct. 16 when Sherwood appeared before members asking them to consider a $550,000 gift, in addition to the land donated by the city two years ago.
When asked three weeks ago about shovels in the ground, Sherwood indicated they are “almost ready.”
Rewind to May of this year at the public meeting and Sherwood suggested construction could begin later this past summer.
Adding to the uncertainty, on one of the display boards Thursday, was the notation “with construction expected to start in late 2023.”
At the October council meeting, Sherwood pointed out “Market conditions have placed significant growing pressures on the project.”
She also hinted Thursday that Mother Nature is a factor.
That doesn’t seem to be hindering the rapid growth underway elsewhere in the city.
On the City Scope Facebook page on Feb. 22, 2020, reader Leith Coghlin observed, “the Hospice of Elgin proposal is problematic and the math needs to be re-examined.
“Their concept is very expensive from a hospice vantage point and hasn’t been situated, at least not in their documents outlining their approach, about how sustainability will be achieved.
“There are alternatives but there needs to be some flexibility on concept.”
In January of 2020 in a presentation to city council, Sherwood indicated construction costs for Hospice of Elgin would be in the range of $5.2 million, with an additional $1.6 million required for development costs, contingency fund, furnishings and equipment.
At that same special meeting of council, it was noted the capital fundraising goal was $9.5 million with an ask of $1.6 million from the city.
Construction would be completed in a two-year phase.
The projected annual operating costs would be in the range of $1.6 million, with the province committing $840,000 toward that figure.
A reminder, the campaign goal now is approximately $17 million.
As Leith Coghlin stressed, “the math needs to be re-examined.”

POINT TO PONDER

A what-if scenario for you.
What if MP Karen Vecchio chose not to seek re-election in the next federal vote?
Now we’re not suggesting this will be the case.
Remember it’s a what-if question.
Who would be a leading candidate to represent the Conservative Party in Elgin-Middlesex-London?
Would it be Central Elgin Mayor Andrew Sloan?

WE DON’T NEED NO ROUNDABOUT

Karen Rivers has collected over 200 names that she has presented to council members in the form of a petition.
If you are not familiar with Karen, she is the owner of Dixie Dairy Bar and Tackle Shop. She has worked at the St. Catharine Street shop for 20 years and owned the business for the past two years.
According to her, the business is the oldest continuously run grocery store in St. Thomas, having opened in 1880.
Now to the nitty-gritty.

She writes, “Now the City of St. Thomas has decided to put in a roundabout right on the corner of St. Catharine and Kains Street.
“A roundabout is completely unnecessary in this location and will create phenomenal hardship for the Dixie.”
She continues, “Parking is already at a premium in this location but we can work with it as it is.
“We get some very large boats and trailers parked at the shop as you can well imagine people getting their licences and snacks for a day on the water.
“Manoeuvring through a roundabout can be extremely difficult when you have a large rig.
“Just ask the transport truck drivers.”
She poses the question, how is the store going to get its deliveries every day?
“They now park right by the store,” she explained, “where there are cameras to protect their load and deliveries.
“And yes, we have stopped thieves from getting to the truck a few times.”
Karen offered a proposal.
“. . . adding two more stop signs to make it a four-way stop right on the corner of St. Catharines and Kains streets.”
This will be an emotional issue in the neighbourhood.

POINT TO PONDER 2

Do the St. Thomas Police Service, the Volkswagen EV battery plant, the City of St. Thomas and the Lynhurst community have anything in common?

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And a reminder, I can be heard weekday afternoons as news anchor and reporter on 94.1 myFM in St. Thomas. As always, your comments and input are appreciated.