A significant number of concerned city residents gathered at the CASO station Wednesday afternoon for a public information centre on the future development of the downtown railway lands (see map) over the next 25 years.

The Preferred Master Plan will identify areas for development and redevelopment, permitted land uses, transportation and mobility connections, parks, public service/community uses, and infrastructure strategies.

All of this while recognizing the historical significance of the railway lands and the Downtown St. Thomas Heritage Conservation District to ensure an appropriate transition of new development to low-rise residential areas.

In part, this is prompted by the recent sale of a parcel of land at the Elgin County Railway Museum to Doug Tarry Homes for a planned residential development.