At an announcement on Wednesday afternoon at the city’s social services hub at 230 Talbot Street, St. Thomas was the recipient of over $640,000 in funding to tackle what was referred to as “an all-hands-on-deck” opioid crisis.The investment, over two years through Health Canada’s Emergency Treatment fund, will support community-led initiatives that expand access to mental health, substance use, and addiction services.
It will also enhance local service capacity and improve culturally safe support for those most affected.
Deanna Huggett, Executive Director of the Elgin Ontario Health Team, stressed the funding builds on an already existing “strong foundation to further reduce barriers to care.”
“Health and mental health, substance use, addictions and homelessness are all deeply connected, and we can’t address one without addressing all of those together.
“Our community has shown extraordinary leadership in this space, taking bold action to end chronic homelessness, strengthening shelter and housing supports, expanding outreach and navigation to the local community and building systems of care that treat people with dignity, respect and compassion.
“This investment from the Government of Canada builds on our strong foundation to further reduce barriers to care, provide stronger outreach and faster support and better connected pathways to healing.”
Specifically, the funding will:
- Facilitate shelter site modifications at The INN to enhance its role as a service hub and expand outreach efforts to connect people to services.
- Provide training to local providers and peer supporters to offer “one-at-a-time” counselling and brief action planning for faster access to mental health and addictions counselling.
- Train local providers and peer supporters in trauma-informed approaches to support safer, more responsive care, and initiate a Community of Practice to move learning into action.
- Enhance local capacity for culturally safe approaches to healing and wellness for guests at The INN who identify as Indigenous.
Mayor Joe Preston advised, “The opioid crisis is a challenge felt in every corner of our community.”
He continued, “Thank you for all that the people in this room do on working together collectively to bring us to great announcements like this. We’ve proven our mettle, if you will, at the provincial and federal level to say, well, ‘let St. Thomas try it. They’ll show you how to maybe do it.’ Thank you for doing that.”
“I think strong municipal leadership is important and strong leadership from civil society and the social services sector is crucial because you are all on the front lines and know directly what the needs are in very community-specific ways better than anyone in Ottawa or Toronto.”
Peter Fragiskatos, London Centre MP, pointed out, “We see St. Thomas thriving in economic terms, but there are social challenges that need to be addressed.
“I think, in particular, about the breakdown of families that continues to happen. And, of course, the strain on services that we see, especially in our hospitals.
“And so the fact that we have community-based partners from all these sectors who understand this very well and who are working hand-in-hand to collaborate to put in place an informed response, an evidence-based response
“All of these things make a tremendous difference, and I’m here to help in any way. We can do more, and we will do more as I said at the outset. So thank you again to everyone for the continued work
Elgin-St. Thomas-London South MP Andrew Lawton stressed how disruptive the opioid crisis has become.
“I think strong municipal leadership is important and strong leadership from civil society and the social services sector is crucial because you are all on the front lines and know directly what the needs are in very community-specific ways better than anyone in Ottawa or Toronto.”
Lawton continued, “The opioid crisis is incredibly, incredibly difficult and destructive to families, to communities, and we see the ripple effects of this as an economic challenge, a social challenge, a law and justice challenge.
“These investments really show the intersection between homelessness as a housing issue, but also as a mental health and addiction crisis that’s happening within our medical fields today.”
“I’m glad that we have all levels of government represented in this room. And I’m glad we have recognition of this from all parties, which is, I think, crucially important as well. So thank you for your work, and let’s see what you do with this and keep fighting for solutions.
“I think the people we have here today is indicative of the fact that this is an all-hands-on-deck issue.”
And Brian Elliot, director of the city’s emergency shelter, The INN, noted, “This funding will allow us to expand our role as a service hub and better meet the complex needs of the people we serve.
“The opioid crisis isn’t going to get solved by one organization on its own; it takes the work of many, and The INN is so pleased to be part of an initiative that will add resources and focus to the most vulnerable in our community, the homeless and those even living just precariously.
“And we are also going to enhance culturally safe care and local capacity to support our Indigenous guests at The INN on their healing and wellness journeys. These are the kinds of community-driven actions that change outcomes.”
“To find longer-term solutions in addressing the opioid crisis will not only make homelessness a much easier thing to solve, which is our goal in St. Thomas, but also make our community that much stronger. These investments really show the intersection between homelessness as a housing issue, but also as a mental health and addiction crisis that’s happening within our medical fields today.
“So thank you once again for an investment in providing a better future for those most afflicted by the opioid crisis. And thank you to our partners who will stand together with us as we look to make meaningful change in St. Thomas.”
In closing out the announcement, Huggett said, “This investment will help us bring care and support closer to where people are, in ways that are safe, responsive and grounded in community.”
She continued, “Because of this investment, we have the opportunity to strengthen The INN as a community service hub and expand outreach so that people can connect and get to help where they are without additional barriers. We will be able to make it easier for people to talk to someone when they need support most through faster, flexible, one conversation-at-a-time counselling and coaching, focused on what matters to them in the moment.
“We may only get one opportunity to speak with people, and we want to maximize that opportunity. We are also going to put more local helpers with training in compassionate trauma-aware care. So every interaction feels safe, no matter what the circumstances, and people feel heard and respected.
“And we are also going to enhance culturally safe care and local capacity to support our Indigenous guests at The INN on their healing and wellness journeys. These are the kinds of community-driven actions that change outcomes.
“One person, one conversation, one act of support at a time. So we’re very excited about that work. This work is already underway and will continue with the support of many of our partners.”
LEARNING TO SWIM THROUGH RED TAPE
She normally can be found in her backyard pool, calming youngsters en route to learning water safety.
However, Monday evening, Joy Dawdy was most definitely out of her element during a public meeting to deal with Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw amendments that would allow her to continue offering swimming classes in her backyard on Philip Street.
Something she has been doing for more than three decades.
In that time, it had been calm water until five years ago, when she received an anonymous letter complaining about noise and parking, in what the individual described as an illegal business operating out of her home.
Since then, she has had conversations with the city and sought legal advice.
City staff advise that an amendment to the existing zoning bylaw, which does allow home-based businesses, would be required.
Hitting Dawdy with a $1,500 bill.
The matter was raised at the Oct. 14 council meeting, where members received a report related to a zoning bylaw amendment to deal with the home-based business.
The report notes home-based businesses are allowed; however, they “must be carried out entirely within a dwelling unit.”
The report advises, “Staff are concerned that the proposed amendments do not conform to the intent and purpose of the Official Plan and do not represent good planning.”
Furthermore, “Based on these concerns, it is likely that staff will be recommending refusal of the Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications due to issues of compatibility with the surrounding residential neighbourhood.”
For Dawdy to continue with her swimming lessons will require an Official Plan Amendment.
So, no pressure on her Monday (N0v. 10) as she stood before members of council and a gallery packed with well-wishers to implore them to allow her to promote water safety through her swimming lessons.
Here is a portion of her presentation to council.
“It is not just my livelihood. It is my passion. Over the years, I’ve seen many adults, children, and babies thrive in this program. It’s impossible to calculate how many lessons have been learned for how to stay safe in, on, and around the water.
“This is also seasonal programming running mid-June to mid-September.
“There are many current and past neighbors over the years who have chosen to participate in this program. There are current members of council who have had their children participate in my program.”
“I’ve helped many students achieve the qualifications needed to become instructors themselves. Many of them work or have worked in the community for the YMCA and Jaycees pool and surrounding areas.”
Dawdy noted, “There are at least a half dozen programs that I am aware of in the community that are doing the same programming that I am. Clearly, there is a need.
“Many students come from St. Thomas. I also have students who come to visit family from Calgary, and they always incorporate lessons during their visit.
“Also from Dutton, Rodney, Dorchester and London. For a time, I had a family that came to visit family in St. Thomas from England. They always incorporated lessons while they were here.
“I had one young man visiting family in Port Stanley who wanted to get a swimming qualification so that he could teach in Brussels. I helped him through that. I also worked with a current firefighter whom I will not name to help him achieve his swim level recommended to him by the department. He is now employed by the department.
“We live in a community with many water opportunities. Some in residences, to community opportunities, streams, ponds, and two lakes that are within driving distance. The need I feel is going to increase with new residents arriving all the time and the opening of the (PowerCo) battery plant.”
Dawdy advised, “I have a petition with 3,883 signatures on it. I also have just under 300 letters of support, which I’m happy to share if need be.
“A concern was expressed in 1998 about the additional parking in the neighbourhood. They were concerned that emergency vehicles would not be able to get down the street. I discussed a solution with the neighbours at that time of having people park at the high school parking lot (Central Elgin Collegiate Institute) across the field from my home. I’ve never had a concern expressed by the school.
“Save Joy Dawdy’s swimming school, not because it’s easy, but because it’s the right thing, and because this is St. Thomas, and we take care of our own. Thank you.”
“I want to clarify a point that (Manager of Planning Services) Michelle Knieriem made, saying that students are dropped off. It’s not allowed. It’s right in my policies that everybody walks from the school. I will have people who have mobility issues. I permit them to park in my driveway if there’s a space or directly across the street. I am not impacting any other neighbours.
“My Philip Street neighbours, and there’s some up in the gallery here, are in support of my program. There are some present who would like to have the opportunity to speak as well.
“Our homes are all located near two schools and the YMCA, where there are children playing during school times and day camps all summer.
“I am uncertain how this is any different. Not all children fit into traditional classes. I teach a lot of children with special needs. I also have a lot of parents who want their children to have a more one-on-one approach for their children.
“Classes are a 5:2 ratio. Baby classes are a 6-2 ratio. Classes begin at 9 and break no later than 1 in the afternoon. They resume at 4 and are done by 7. That leaves a three-hour window of peace and quiet in the yards.
“There are many current and past neighbours over the years who have chosen to participate in this program. There are current members of council who have had their children participate in my program.
“I was pretty disappointed to hear that one of those council members is opposing my request.
“Swimming is a life skill. St. Thomas promotes open doors for new and existing citizens, yet you want to put restrictions up. Please look beyond the bylaw and let this be an exemption for this life-saving service to the entire community.”
Dawdy concluded, ” The community need is great and there’s insufficient availability provided by the city. Let’s make as many citizens as safe as possible. It is my deepest hope that you will grant me to continue.
‘I have taught at my current home for 35 seasons. I truly hope I get to do 36, 37, 38 until this old body quits on me. Thank you for your time.”
Numerous members in the public gallery were afforded time to contribute to the discussion.
One individual, Callie, a former swimming student, cut to the chase.
“Save Joy Dawdy’s swimming school, not because it’s easy, but because it’s the right thing, and because this is St. Thomas, and we take care of our own. Thank you.”
Yesterday, we touched base with Lou Pompilii, the city’s director of planning and building, who advised that the next step will be a staff report to council summarizing some of the comments and questions.
Likely to be included in this report are recommendations for council’s consideration, including refusal of the application, approval of the application or possible options open for consideration.
That report could be presented to council as early as next month.
One option put forward more than once was to have Dawdy tweak her hours of operation slightly, particularly an earlier finish in the evening, to allow residents to enjoy their backyards.
Surely, this can be a case of all sides finding common ground to support the continuation of these valuable and popular water safety courses.
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IF IN DOUBT, CONSOLIDATE
You wouldn’t be faulted for believing the Doug Ford government is not a fan of conservation authorities. The Premier has chipped away at their mandate for some time.
The latest assault is a move to consolidate the province’s 36 conservation bodies down to a compact seven.
Included in the agenda for Monday’s (Nov. 17) meeting is a letter from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks requesting feedback on ways “to improve conservation authorities.”
The letter notes, “We are seeking feedback on proposed boundaries for the consolidation of Ontario’s 36 conservation authorities into regional conservation authorities, and the criteria applied to inform the proposed boundaries.”
Furthermore, “The province’s decision on the number and configuration of regional conservation authorities will be finalized following further technical analysis and consideration of the feedback received during this consultation phase. The province is also planning to consult further, at a future date, on potential amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act and regulations under the Act, to enable the consolidation of conservation authorities.”
Photo courtesy Catfish Creek Conservation Authority
The letter assures that “the new regional conservation authorities would remain independent organizations operating with municipal governance and oversight, in accordance with requirements under the Conservation Authorities Act, as administered by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
“In addition, the important work that conservation authorities do to protect people and property from the risks of flooding and other natural hazards will not change. Regional conservation authorities would continue to deliver provincially mandated programs.”
Of note, “Existing conservation authority board members would continue to serve until the expiration of their terms next year, with changes to governance and structure to be initiated following municipal elections in October 2026.”
And in conclusion, “This proposal is part of broader action that Ontario is proposing to take to improve the conservation authority system to reduce duplicative costs, free-up resources, and better align the work of conservation authorities with provincial priorities on housing, infrastructure, the economy and climate resilience.
“These actions include the creation of the Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency to provide centralized leadership and oversight of conservation authorities, proposed by the Government on November 6, 2025, in Bill 68, Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2025.”
Centralized leadership. Isn’t that a concept being proposed for the province’s school boards?
The consolidation of services hasn’t always been the answer in Ontario, and you have to look no further than school boards and regional governments.
It was just last year that the province announced key services in the Region of Peel would be transferred to a municipality, in this case, the City of Mississauga.
We will have comments from both the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority and the Catfish Creek Conservation next week in this corner.
POINT TO PONDER
At Monday’s (Nov. 17) meeting, members of council will be asked to approve the provision of free transit service again this New Year’s Eve.
The service will begin at 5:45 p.m. on Dec. 31 and operate until 2:45 a.m. on Jan. 1, using two city transit buses.
There is no denying the value of providing a no-cost, safe alternative to celebrating the arrival of the new year at a bar/restaurant or house party in the city.
However, it is disappointing to note that only 34 individuals took advantage of this service last year, most of them hopping aboard after midnight.
Is this a case of fewer people going out to celebrate?
Or does the city need to beef up promotion of the courtesy transit rides and/or increase the attractiveness of the service itself?
THE ECHO CHAMBER
Reader Dave Mathers emailed us in response to an item on Nov. 1 dealing with a recently opened roundabout in the city, which prompted a letter to city council from Greg Fentie, President of the Elgin Federation of Agriculture.
“The roundabout at Ron McNeil Line and Electric Avenue is, without a doubt, the most poorly designed of any that I have ever seen.
“I understand they didn’t want to intrude on the farm field to the north, but the design makes one think that it was created by summer interns. The double ‘esses’ should be removed to correct the problem(s).”
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