It has been a banner week for St. Thomas. While Trump’s tariff temper tantrum continues to cast economic uncertainty across the country, the former Railway Capital of Canada is forging ahead as the EV Battery Capital of Canada.Earlier this week, we had confirmation from PowerCo that work was proceeding on a trio of major buildings at the Yarmouth Yards industrial park. Foundation and formwork are underway on the first cell production building within the massive facility.
More on that announcement in the following item.
Meantime, on Friday afternoon (Oct. 31) came the announcement that Norwegian company Vianode, a global leader in sustainable battery materials, will build its first North American facility at Yarmouth Yards in St. Thomas. This multi-billion-dollar investment marks a major step forward for Canada’s clean energy and critical minerals strategy.
The facility will produce low-emission synthetic graphite, a key component in lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles.
Synthetic graphite is essential not only for EV batteries, but also for semiconductors, grid-scale electrical storage, nuclear reactors, defence systems, and steel production. As demand accelerates globally, supply chain security is a pressing issue.
We spoke with Sean Dyke, CEO of the St. Thomas Economic Development Corp., immediately following the announcement, and he advised that the federal government, earlier Friday, had indicated St. Thomas is to be the location of the Vianode operation.The firm’s head office is located in Oslo, Norway.
Dyke noted, “It’s not a traditional manufacturing facility. It’s numerous buildings across the site. Here in St. Thomas, they have 140 acres under their control right now for a nearly $2 billion investment in manufacturing here in the city.
“They’re already on the site grading and have been for a little while.”
It is anticipated that production could begin late in 2027.
“So really key to have it here, and hopefully it puts us in a strong position going forward for the rest of Yarmouth Yards.”
Dyke advised that Vianode has been successful in bidding on several GM contracts in the U.S.
Initially, around 300 jobs will be created, with that number potentially increasing to 1,000 jobs with full production.
He continued, “The mayor and our team visited Norway earlier this year, and we had a great tour of their facilities in Kristiansand and meetings in their offices in Oslo.
“They have a plant called Via ONE, which is kind of their first anode graphite plant, which is in Herøya in Norway, and really, really neat technology, and certainly an important part of the battery supply chain.
“So really key to have it here, and hopefully it puts us in a strong position going forward for the rest of Yarmouth Yards.”
Vianode’s new plant to be dubbed Via TWO follows the company’s successful operations at Via ONE. The St. Thomas site will ultimately supply advanced battery materials for up to three million electric vehicles annually by 2030.
“Ontario is home to major manufacturing hubs, with access to world-class infrastructure and a low-carbon electricity grid. The province has all the characteristics we are looking for.”
In a media release, Mayor Joe Preston observed, “St. Thomas has long been a leader in the automotive industry, and now we are leading the charge in the North American EV supply chain.
“Vianode’s decision to invest here is a testament to our city’s talent, innovation, and commitment to a sustainable future.”
Vianode CEO Burkhard Straube said the company chose St. Thomas for its “skilled workforce, world-class infrastructure, and low-carbon electricity grid,” adding that Ontario’s clean energy and manufacturing ecosystem makes it an ideal location for the facility.
“Canada and Vianode are a perfect match,” added Emanuele Tricca, Vianode’s Managing Director in Canada.
“Ontario is home to major manufacturing hubs, with access to world-class infrastructure and a low-carbon electricity grid. The province has all the characteristics we are looking for.
“During our North American selection process, I have seen first-hand a strong shared commitment to closing the strategic gaps in the critical minerals supply chain and creating jobs that will strengthen Canada’s economic resilience.”
The company’s process is designed to have a 90% lower carbon footprint than conventional graphite production, helping Canada advance its clean energy transition while building resilient, domestic supply chains.
A MILESTONE FOR POWERCO
Back in August, PowerCo announced work would shortly begin on Canada’s largest EV battery plant, located in the Yarmouth Yards industrial Park in St. Thomas.
And the company announced on Tuesday (Oct. 28) that construction is underway on three major buildings on the site, totalling 850,000 square feet.
Foundation work is being undertaken by Canadian-owned Magil Construction, involving more than 500,000 square feet of formwork and more than 32,000 cubic metres of concrete.
Steel erection by Canadian partner Steelcon is set to get underway in the coming weeks.“Today marks a big milestone for PowerCo Canada,” advised Frank Blome, CEO of PowerCo SE, “as we officially mark the beginning of construction on our third and largest EV gigafactory worldwide.”
He continued, “We aim to build a global battery champion with a strong footprint in Europe and North America.”
In a conversation with Meredith Gibbons, Chief Procurement Officer for PowerCo Canada, back in August, she advised that the initial phase of construction would focus on the first cell production building incorporated in the massive facility.
“There are six different blocks to the factories. This one is specifically in the first block that we’re building it up right now.
“Our goal is to copy and paste as much as possible in order to maintain efficiencies, but obviously, you learn as you go.”
She stressed PowerCo is primed to weather whatever economic impacts are churned up during President Trump’s tariff war.
“These kinds of things, while impactful, are temporary. And our view is that we’re building this for decades to come, not just for the next few years. So we will weather whatever is going on now because we’re really looking at the big picture and the long-term impact of this project.”According to a media release, once completed, the St. Thomas gigafactory will bring PowerCo’s advanced unified cell battery technology to Canada, supporting a more resilient domestic supply chain and further solidifying Canada’s position as a global EV manufacturing hub.
Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Rob Flack noted, “This is a major milestone for St. Thomas and our entire region. PowerCo’s gigafactory cements our region as a leader in clean technology and the electric vehicle revolution.
“Electric vehicles are the future of the global automotive sector, and we’re proud to spearhead such a significant investment, while positioning Canada at the forefront of innovative EV battery production.”
“It’s a huge win for our local workforce, creating thousands of good-paying jobs and opportunities for businesses across the area.”
St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston added, “The St. Thomas gigafactory is rapidly coming to life and already delivering on its promise of prosperity – supporting hundreds of local jobs and providing a significant boost to our economy right here in our community.”
Blome concluded, “Electric vehicles are the future of the global automotive sector, and we’re proud to spearhead such a significant investment, while positioning Canada at the forefront of innovative EV battery production.”
On Aug. 6, PowerCo launched a hiring campaign with high-quality, well-paying jobs now available.
“So basically what we’re trying to do is now,” advised Norman Wickboldt, Chief Human Resources Officer at PowerCo Canada, “is we are going to have more activity on the actual construction site, and then we will have two, let’s say, locations. One here, we will still use that office here (on Talbot Street in the downtown core), but our focus will then slowly but surely shift to the work that needs to be done at the site.”
COUNCIL CAN’T TAKE A SEAT ON EMSLIE FIELD GRANSTAND REHAB
While London has a gem of a baseball venue in Labatt Park, St. Thomas can likewise boast about Emslie Field in Pinafore Park, which dates back to 1898.
And while the diamond is a thing of beauty, the grandstand is dangerously long in the tooth, as noted in a report to city council for Monday’s (Nov. 3) meeting.
Authored by Cody Montgomery, Manager of Parks and Forestry, the report advises, “Due to ongoing concerns regarding its structural integrity and compliance with AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) standards, the city retained POW Peterman Consulting Engineers to complete a formal structural assessment.
“As no original construction drawings were available, the assessment relied on assumptions based on materials and construction methods typical of the era.”The report continues, “The assessment determined that the structure cannot remain in use without at least partial rehabilitation. One steel beam contains a hole through the web, significantly reducing its shear capacity, while several roof joists are cracked or damaged.
“Even under normal conditions, high wind gusts could cause further displacement or failure. The compromised beam currently relies on an undersized brace to carry its load, presenting a risk of localized failure if the grandstand were occupied to capacity under Ontario Building Code design loads.”
The concrete bleachers are in fair condition, while the roof is in very poor condition and “beyond service life.”
Option 1 would see full rehabilitation of the grandstand at an estimated cost of $1.2 million.
Option 2 would involve minimum structural rehabilitation and AODA upgrades with an estimated price tag of almost $800,000.
“Given the significant financial implications, staff recommend including this project in the capital budget process for 2026 and exploring external funding opportunities such as grants related to heritage preservation, accessibility improvements, and infrastructure renewal.”
Staff further recommend that the Emslie Field grandstand be closed to the public until necessary structural repairs are completed to ensure public safety.
It would appear the diamond itself would be available for use in the coming baseball season.
The report also noted the consultants did not offer a ‘do-nothing’ option, because of the obvious safety concerns.
Budget deliberations, which council will deal with starting at the end of this month, could prove a significant challenge this time around.
GETTING ABOUT THIS ROUNDABOUT
And speaking of challenges, area farmers are expressing concerns about a recently opened roundabout in the city, which has prompted a letter to city council from Greg Fentie, President of the Elgin Federation of Agriculture.
The federation is directing council’s attention “to an urgent road safety concern regarding the transportation of agricultural equipment and transport trucks through the roundabout at Ron McNeil Line and Electric Avenue.
“This location will become a significant challenge for farmers and custom operators who rely on this corridor to move essential farm machinery between fields, storage facilities, and service locations, with harvest approaching.”
Fentie points out, “Agricultural equipment is considerably larger and slower-moving than standard vehicles. Many pieces of equipment extend beyond a single lane and require a wide turning radius to maneuver safely.
“Unfortunately, the current design of the Ron McNeil Line and Electric Avenue roundabout does not adequately support these realities.”
Fentie reminds, “Given the importance of agriculture in this region, it is essential that critical infrastructure such as this roundabout be designed and maintained to support both commercial and agricultural needs.”
And the ask of council is, “That a review be undertaken of the Ron McNeil Line and Electric Avenue roundabout, with specific attention to modifications that would improve safety and accessibility for agricultural vehicles.
“Addressing these concerns would enhance public safety, reduce traffic disruptions, and ensure that farm operators can continue to carry out their essential work without undue risk.”
Is the easy out for council to advise, ‘Sorry, but find another route.’
The dilemma you face when rural meets urban.
THE ECHO CHAMBER
Last week’s item on MP Rob Flack and home ownership drew several responses, including this observation from Brett Longfield.
“The dream of homeownership is dead, given the country’s dependency on property values. Simple as that.”
Tracey Howie wrote in with this request, and, yes, we have requested an interview with Rob Flack.
“Could you please ask Mr. Flack to explain the part in this bill removing all rent controls? I think that will have a huge negative impact on people’s housing affordability.”
And Leslie Koreen directed us to a link, which we followed to a post from Matt Smith.
“Apparently, the ‘Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act’ wasn’t complete without quietly slipping in a little gift to the landlord lobby, because God forbid tenants ever feel safe in their own homes. Nothing says ‘solving the housing crisis’ quite like giving the people causing it even more control.
“Here’s the deal. Right now, Ontario tenants have something called security of tenure. It means you can stay in your home as long as you pay your rent and follow the rules. You can’t be booted just because your landlord wants to chase higher profits. It’s one of the few things standing between renters and total chaos.
“But buried deep in Ford’s announcement is a new plan to ‘consult on alternative options.’
“Translation: they want to let landlords decide who gets to stay and for how long, based on ‘market conditions, personal needs, or business strategies.’ In plain English, your home becomes an investment vehicle. Your stability becomes a quarterly earnings target.
“They’re calling it ‘flexibility.’ Sure, flexibility for landlords to treat housing like Airbnb roulette while tenants get tossed out when ‘market conditions’ shift. Families will get churned through apartments like they’re items in a warehouse because some developer wants a better yield.
And the language is pure Orwell. ‘Unlocking rental stock.’ Every time this government says ‘unlock,’ someone gets priced out of their neighbourhood. ‘Consultation’ means backroom deals with property lobbyists. ‘Efficiency’ means people losing their homes faster.
“Ford isn’t fighting delays. He’s fighting the last remaining protections for ordinary people. This isn’t about building homes faster. It’s about building profits faster. Every policy tweak, every regulatory “update,” every fake consultation is another brick in a wall separating renters from any sense of security.
“Doug Ford keeps bragging that he’s building Ontario. What he’s really building is a playground for landlords, developers, and speculators while everyone else fights to keep a roof over their heads. This government doesn’t want to solve the housing crisis. It wants to monetize it.”
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