APRIL 2021 EDITION
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S T. T H O M A S , O N TA R I O
Message from DDB by Earl Taylor Chair, Downtown Development Board A long time ago, in a land known as Downtown St. Thomas, flowers bloomed, children played and eager shoppers strolled the streets in search of unique goods and services. Then one day, a fire breathing COVID dragon appeared causing mayhem and destruction, and life changed overnight. But the Downtown St. Thomas merchants didn’t flee or give up. They banded together and vowed to fight since they knew they were stronger than the menace that
plagued the countryside. They knew that the community of St. Thomas would rally around them and support them in their battle. And they did, making #StThomasProud their rallying cry, and that cry never ended. It wasn’t an easy fight. Many said it would only take a few weeks to slay the dragon. But the menace was strong and the fight lasted much longer than anyone ever expected. A glimmer of hope appeared a number of times, events and celebrations were planned, then cancelled, yet merchants and the community fought on. Other dragons joined in the battle, forcing the merchants to retreat time and time again.
Merchants developed new fighting techniques offering curbside pickup, online ordering, free delivery and shipping. And every time, the community joined in the battle against these dragons and fought as one, side by side. Then one day, the sun rose and the dragons had disappeared and the community rejoiced. Being bitten once, Downtown merchants continued to keep a wary eye on the possibility that another dragon would appear. But, they have built their defences, their websites, social media, quality service and community presence and should they need to fight again, they are ready. We are all in this together and together we are stronger.
Vaccinating Downtown How do you vaccinate thousands of people who have as many doubts and questions… who have been living abnormal lives for over a year… who are anxious to get protection against a miserable disease — on short notice, with plenty of rules and regulations to follow? You hope for the best and plan for the worst! On April 1st, the Ontario government announced that it was expanding the C-19 vaccination program to some pharmacies as part of their Phase 2 roll out. As one of two local pharmacies chosen, it was an honour and a daunting task. We had been preparing for this for some time — procedures were developed, scheduling software was in place and tested and we knew we had the right people to get the job done. The response from the public was overwhelming; from the moment the news was released by the Government, our
phone lines were jammed. Everyone who called wanted to make sure their name was on our list and that they could receive a shot. Similarly, the online portal we had set up was extremely active as
people flocked to reserve their spot. All Easter weekend, we learned the system that the Ministry would use to track doses, called Covaxin (R). Physical distancing measures were put in place to ensure that we could protect everyone through the vaccine process. Our team performed dry runs to see if the flow would work and finally, when vaccine arrived on Monday, April 5, we felt ready. Tuesday morning at 9:15, the first client in St. Thomas was checked in to receive her vaccine. Truthfully, there were a couple of minor glitches, but our staff didn’t falter and the day proceeded. After that, we got into a routine. The people of St. Thomas respect the process and we work hard to live up to helping them feel better. by Steve Bond, Pharmacy Manager Yurek Pharmacy 519 Talbot Street
Those Who Create the Vibe
A TASTE OF DOWNTOWN
St. Thomas
by Sarah Noble from the Elgin/ St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre
@SBECinnovation Sam and Dan at the St. Thomas Roadhouse are such people. They both spent years in the industry before the opportunity came up to purchase a restaurant. This opportunity also brought them home to St. Thomas; it brought them a community. They love seeing so many familiar faces at the tables and names on take-out orders. Even while many things have been challenging this last year, the way folks have poured out in the #supportlocal spirit has been heartwarming for Sam and Dan, their families, and staff. It has helped throughout the hurdles the last year has put up, from navigating protocol changes and PPE implementation to boosting mental health. Restaurant staff are family to Sam and Dan, and they recognize and value their team and those who have come out to support them this year.
It’s no secret that the restaurant business isn’t for the faint of heart. More often than not, the folks who tough it out year after year to save for their own spot do it for passion. They are passionate about food and passionate about bringing people together over food.
extensive menu to choose from hrough the Downtown T but offer a few suggestions to get Development Board’s you started! I often ask for my Pop-Up Patio program, server’s menu favourites when The St. Thomas so many things sound and smell Roadhouse was able to amazing. The approach hasn’t let expand dining capacity me down yet. with a patio out front in addition to their Sam’s must-try menu item is parking lot area behind the spinach dip! It’s his recipe their restaurant in 2020 and combines their homemade to help them navigate creamy blend with spinach, the unfolding changes sweet red and green peppers, to protocols. This red onions, a secret blend of program helped bring signature spices and served with some new vibrancy fried pita wedges. But their prime Photo by: GG Photography to the downtown and rib dinner and sandwiches are the offered the added showstoppers, both being best-selling menu personal interaction Sam and Dan love favourites. The sandwich is Sam’s personal so much about owning a restaurant. favourite too. They love getting to know their guests Whether you are a long time customer and strengthening that ever-important and have never tried these options or are community bond. heading to the St. Thomas Roadhouse for the Sam and Dan invite you to be a part of their first time, have these suggestions in mind family and enjoy a meal at the St. Thomas while you peruse the menu either dine-in or Roadhouse. Bring your family, watch a online for a phone ahead take out order. game, or even host an event. They have an
Big Box Store Prices with Small Town Service! Spring is here! It’s almost time to open the windows and let the fresh air in and the tunes out! Century Sound helps you choose the auto and home entertainment systems that best suit your needs! Back in 1992, Century Sound opened its doors at 353 Talbot Street at Elgin Street. Ten years later, it moved from the original 1,000 square foot store to over 4,000 square feet at 930 Talbot Street. It includes an installation bay large enough to accommodate a transport truck and cars. This allowed the business to grow from just a retail store to a business able to install the products they sell and offer repair service for your favourite electronics.
Owner Matt Tyson and his staff listen to what you are looking for and provide you with the right solution to satisfy your needs for auto and home entertainment, whether you are a commercial or residential customer. In fact, their residential service is for both new construction with pre-wiring right through to final installations. More than just a job, Matt shares a passion for the electronics industry with his team of friendly and knowledgeable sales and service staff at Century Sound. A huge bonus is the relationships they have built and maintained with their customers over 35 years in the industry. Matt says,
“It’s surreal when you have taken care of three generations of loyal customers.” No wonder Century Sound attracts customers from different areas to our Downtown! Let Matt and his team help you with all your auto and home entertainment needs and help support local businesses – a key focus for Matt! (Just check out Century Sound on Facebook!)
Meet Andrew Gunn, a St. Thomas Native and a Friend of the Downtown
Friends of the Downtown
He operates Andrew Gunn Consulting, a boutique, mobile firm that has facilitated philanthropic donations to help enrich the lives of the people in our community. For instance, as the Trustee of the Estate of Dorothy Palmer and through consulting on the Estate of Donna Bushell, Andrew was tasked with distributing funds to support local community projects.
In 2018, Andrew hired a group of teenagers to continue the work they had started in a STEAM Centre course. They are the young journalists who make up the young & free press. With Andrew’s guidance, they cover news and events in Southwestern Ontario, and
explore arts and culture, food and drink, local businesses, high school and postsecondary life, urban issues, and much more! The photos below are examples of what Andrew and the young & free press have done for Downtown St. Thomas: Andrew Gunn & Emily Stage of young & free press stand alongside artist MEDIAH in the alleyway at 632 Talbot that has been transformed with a spectacular new mural. MEDIAH painted the piece, titled ‘WILLOWSHEEN’, throughout September and October 2020, part of the ‘Track to the Future’ mural project.
Andrew Gunn & Maddie King of young & free press at the site of the new Westlake-Evans Civic Park, which will be established next to the St. Thomas Public Library later this year.
Emily Stage & Andrew Gunn of young & free press sit on the outdoor patio at Streamliners Espresso Bar in downtown St. Thomas in fall 2020.
Maddie King of young & free press holds the sign produced to acknowledge all the sponsors of the on-street patio program Development Board in 2020.
Maddie King & Julie Couwenberghs of young & free press in August 2020 on the first night of artist Andrew Lewis painting the ‘Heroes’ mural at 9 Princess Ave. along with assistants Jessica Thornton and Asha Hall.
Our thanks go out to Andrew, a true friend of the downtown, who is not only helping to enhance our community but is mentoring a talented group of young people to become future Friends of the Downtown.
Art and Soul Much More Than a Furniture Store Jennings Furniture & Design store is Canada’s second oldest furniture store located right here in St. Thomas! Since 1885, Jennings, located at 432 Talbot St., has been a fixture of downtown St. Thomas. service or with membership in Club Jennings (which also offers other perks) an in-home design service, where Renee’s team of professionals will assist you in designing and choosing the best options for your dream house or room. Their good-betterbest options will provide you the best value for your budget and their ability to customize all upholstery and woodwork will bring your vision to life!
Originally a cabinet and furniture manufacturer, present owner Renee Carpenter has grown the business to include not just quality living, dining, sleeping and office furniture, but also custom window treatments and blinds, mattresses, area rugs, lighting, accessories and a complete Linen Boutique! No longer do you need to travel to London or Toronto to create the house of your dreams! Jennings Furniture & Design is here to help you fulfil those dreams from start to finish! Jennings offers an in-store design
Dan Reith
But building or renovating your house is not the only reason to visit
Jennings, you can also find the perfect accessory for your home, find the perfect linens for your bedroom or the perfect wedding or anniversary gift. Jennings will ship from the Linen Boutique across Canada and offers delivery throughout most of the Southwestern Ontario area. Come and visit in-store or on-line at jenningsfurniture.com for excellent one-onone customer service from start to finish and quality products designed to last. Satisfying customers and seeing the vision come to fruition is what makes the work all worthwhile for Renee and her team. Isn’t it time for you to LOVE where you live?
Darren Reith
Discover the Reith Advantage™: advice your way. That is why 97% of our clients renew their policies every year.
St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston Happy Spring! Now that the warmer weather is upon us and the snow has melted, the discarded trash is more noticeable. I am challenging residents, businesses, schools and groups to participate in our Community Clean Up. From April 1- May 31, 2021, I encourage all business owners to take 20 minutes and clean up around your business. If you are a high school student and need community hours to graduate, please register online at www.stthomas.ca and we will supply trash bags and gloves and pick up trash at a predetermined curbside location.
We look forward to working with you! 519.631.3862 | ReithAndAssociates.com
Some exciting things have been taking place during the past couple of months. On March 29, 2021 Local Motion – Railway City Transit officially launched. This service provides longer hours from Monday – Saturday, new Sunday service and expanded service in our industrial area. You can experience the Local Motion FREE during the month of April. On the housing front, the 16 micro apartments above the transit station are well under way. These supportive housing units will be ready for occupancy by August. This is the first of many affordable units that are planned to be completed by the end of 2022. We appreciate your patience as we work on housing and supports for our most vulnerable citizens.
Produced by St. Thomas Downtown Development Board — downtownstthomas.ca