The Cooling Station was open today. The beach is also open! It opened today at 5am.

The playgrounds, however, are still closed.

Covid-19 testing is available for free, at the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital for anyone who wants to get tested. Call ahead to book an appointment time. Joe Preston – Mayor ST.Thomas Ontario has had a test and can tell you what to expect.

What is happening with the Contact Tracing App? We will look to Southwestern Public Health for more information. This is not something that has been discussed by the City’s Emergency Team.

Shoutout to Southwestern Public Health for the amazing work they’ve been doing during (and before) this Covid-19 Pandemic.

Shoutout to Stephanie Brown, the Mayor’s partner, who is doing 25 pushups every night this week for mental health!

A big topic of discussion in the City is the possibility of high rises going in at the Shaw Valley subdivision. There is a planning meeting happening this Thursday, June 25. St. Thomas is in need of more housing, and apartments are one part of the bigger picture. Mayor Joe states that nothing has been decided yet, and the meeting on Thursday is for information and to find out how people feel about the possibility.

On June 27, there is a very large concrete pour happening at the old Alma College site for a new housing development.

Affordable housing may come in the way of tiny homes for St. Thomas. Mayor Joe has been talking with Doug Tarry Homes about this project. Mayor Joe states that included with affordable housing, there are supports like addiction services, mental health supports, and more, that are integral to the process.

St Thomas Proud backpacks were a hit as gifts for Dads this Father’s Day. Check out https://stthomasproud.com/ for details!

Mayor Joe would like to keep the Community Hotline open, even when the pandemic comes to an end. This hotline has been running through the St. Thomas Public Library. He believes in the benefits of being able to support each other through this hotline, now, and ongoing.

The position of Homelessness Prevention Manager (London, Ontario has this position) has been considered by the City, but it isn’t possible to be a position on it’s own due to the size of our City. Mayor Joe believes that Housing First is an important issue, and will continue to work to make more housing available for more people.

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A message about our sponsors:

Redding Designs Inc – Custom Website Design Studio – is a creative bunch of guys that are passionate about design and functionality. From start to finish your site will be developed by amazing graphic designers and programmers, ensuring that your site will be awesome! They are located at 555 Talbot Street East, Aylmer.

Streamliners Espresso Bar features world renown Las Chicas Del Café coffee and has the sweetest Baristas in town! Their 767 Talbot Street Is open again! Check out their new drink and food menu – they still have your old favourites along with some new features to dazzle your taste buds!

Hush Hair Boutique is devoted to enhancing your overall well-being through a variety of professional services offered in their unique salon environment at 399 Talbot Street. They have now re-opened and you can book online, so head over to their Facebook page for the details and then message them to book an appointment.