Some tinkering with the proposed 2026 property tax levy, but the result is still a hike in the range of six per cent for St. Thomas ratepayers

Round 2 of 2026 city budget deliberations is on tap for Monday’s (Dec.8) council meeting.
Several amendments are being presented by the city’s Director of Finance, Adam Boylan; however, they will not lower the projected six per cent hike to the municipal property tax levy next year.
A major consideration is the rescoping of the Emslie Field grandstand project.
Boylan notes city staff are exploring a ‘fresh start’ approach that would entail demolition of the grandstand, to be replaced by “modern, accessible amenities at a significantly reduced cost.”
These would include new, concrete bleacher pads, accessible bleachers, a barrier-free ramp, equipment storage, replacement player benches and protective netting.
The approximate price tag is $600,000, well below the original estimate of $1.2 million to fully rehabilitate the grandstand.

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‘We create the environment for people to succeed’ – PC MPP-elect Rob Flack

Calling it a great night for himself, his family and the people of Elgin-Middlesex-London, PC MPP-elect Rob Flack (shown below being hugged by MP Karen Vecchio) basked in the adoration of his supporters Thursday night at the CASO station in St. Thomas.
His win in the provincial election – the fifth straight PC win in the riding – was part and parcel of Doug Ford’s third consecutive majority government, something not witnessed since the 1950s.
“We worked really hard,” acknowledged Flack. “Again, we knocked on over 14,000 doors.
“If you really want to learn what somebody thinks or people think, knock on their door and ask them. So we’ve learned that in a big way.”

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The second EML candidates forum hosted by the Elgin Federation of Agriculture generated plenty of food for thought

As was the case last week with the Chamber of Commerce candidates meeting at the CASO station, only four of the seven individuals seeking to represent Elgin-Middlesex-London at Queen’s Park were on hand this past Wednesday for a similar forum hosted by the Elgin Federation of Agriculture.
A near-capacity crowd filed into the Old Town Hall Theatre in Aylmer for the event.
Rob Flack of the Progressive Conservative Party is looking to win a second term and is being challenged by Doug Mactavish, Liberal Party; Amanda Stark, Green Party; Brian Figueiredo, New Blue Ontario Party; Stephen R. Campbell, None of the Above Party; and Cooper Labrie, Ontario Party.
Amanda Zavitz, the NDP candidate, was not present and announced the following day that she was dropping out of the race. More on that situation is in the item below.

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ONCE AGAIN A CROWDED FIELD IN THE ELGIN-MIDDLESEX-LONDON PROVINCIAL ELECTION RACE

As in the 2022 provincial vote, there is a crowded field of candidates in Elgin-Middlesex-London.
With the deadline for filing nomination papers closed on Thursday of this past week, seven hopefuls are looking to represent the riding at Queen’s Park.
Rob Flack of the Progressive Conservative Party is looking to win a second term.
He will be challenged by Doug Mactavish, Liberal Party; Amanda Zavitz, NDP; Amanda Stark, Green Party; Brian Figueiredo, New Blue Ontario Party; Stephen R. Campbell, None of the Above Party; and Cooper Labrie, Ontario Party.
Four candidates appeared at a forum on Tuesday of this week, hosted by the St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce.
Zavitz and Stark were unable to attend while Labrie had yet to file his papers.

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