Committees

Under the Municipal Elections Act, an elector who is entitled to vote in an election in a municipality and believes on reasonable grounds that a candidate has contravened a provision of the Act relating to election campaign finances may apply for a compliance audit of the candidate's election campaign finances, even if the candidate has not filed a financial statement.

An elector may also apply for a compliance audit relating to the campaign finances of registered third parties. The City Clerk may also provide a report to the Committee if they have determined a contravention on the surface of a candidate’s financial statement.

Within 30 days of receiving an application, the Committee shall consider the application and decide whether it should be granted or rejected, including providing brief written reasons for the decision.

If the Committee grants the application, it shall appoint an auditor to conduct a compliance audit of the campaign finances. If the application is based on a report from the City Clerk and an auditor is not required, the Committee must decide whether to proceed with legal action.

The Committee must then consider the auditor's report and, if it concludes that a provision of the Act has been contravened, decide whether to commence a legal proceeding.

Meeting frequency: As required

Meeting membership: At least three (3) and no more than seven (7) members of the public.

Staff contact: Matt Smale, Legislative Services Coordinator, msmale@stthomas.ca

More resources:

• [Municipal Elections Act]
• [By-law 84-2026 (Terms of Reference)]

The Committee of Adjustment has been appointed by Council to review Minor Variance and Consent applications pursuant to the Planning Act.

Applicants are required to pre-consult with Planning Services staff before their application is circulated to the Committee. The Committee is also provided with a staff report for each application, which includes recommended conditions. The Committee may approve an application with the conditions outlined in the motion, change the conditions, deny the application, or postpone the application to a future meeting if more information is required.

Consent applications must comply with the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS), City of St. Thomas Official Plan, Zoning By-law, and satisfy the criteria of Section 51(24) of the Planning Act.

For Minor Variance applications, the Committee must have regard for the following criteria:

• the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan will be maintained;
• the general intent and purpose of the Zoning By-law will be maintained;
• the variance is desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building or structure; and
• the variance is minor in nature.

Meeting frequency: 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. if there are applications received.

Committee membership: Three (3) community members

Staff contact: Sherry Steadman, Legislative Services Coordinator, ssteadman@stthomas.ca.

More resources:

• [By-law 57-83] (establishes Committee)
• [Planning Act, Section 45] and Section 53 (link)
• Agendas and minutes

The Community Improvement Plan provides policies to enable Council to offer financial incentives to private property owners in the City of St. Thomas. These incentives are intended to encourage property owners to improve the appearance of their lands and buildings in accordance with guidelines adopted by Council. The incentives help offset a portion of project costs related to redevelopment, reuse and rehabilitation of the build environment and brownfield remediation.

The Community Improvement Program Evaluation Committee was first appointed in 2004 to review applications received under the Community Improvement Plan. While Council does not appoint members of the public directly to this Committee, someone appointed to the Municipal Heritage Committee may be selected to be a representative.

Meeting frequency: As required, when applications are received

Committee membership: Two (2) members of Council, two (2) representatives from the Downtown Development Board, two (2) representatives from the Municipal Heritage Committee

Staff contact: Crystal Penney, Planning Programs Coordinator, cpenney@stthomas.ca

More resources:

• [St. Thomas Community Improvement Plan]
• Agendas and minutes

As defined in the Municipal Act, the St. Thomas Downtown Development Board (DDB) is tasked to oversee the improvement, beautification and maintenance of municipally-owned land, buildings and structures in the area beyond that provided at the expense of the municipality generally, and to promote the area as a business or shopping area.

The DDB’s vision is to cultivate a community of all downtown property and business owners and residents, while advocating and actively promoting our businesses and authentic heritage in Downtown St. Thomas.

The DDB’s vision is to engage, inspire and welcome our community and visitors to experience Downtown St. Thomas as a unique destination.

Meeting frequency: 2^nd Wednesday of every month at 8:30 a.m.

Board membership: One (1) member of Council, one (1) Council alternate, at least 8 members being property owners or tenants or their nominees in a prescribed business class property within the area described in Schedule “A” of By-law 20-85

Board contact: DDB, ddb@stthomas.ca

More resources:

• [By-law 20-85]
  
• www.downtownstthomas.ca
• Meeting minutes

Entegrus operates and maintains electricity distribution systems for more than 60,000 customers in Southwestern Ontario. The company provides electricity distribution services and other administrative services, including customer care, billing and collection services.

Entegrus is owned by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, the City of St. Thomas and Corix Infrastructure Inc. The City of St. Thomas appoints one independent representative to the Entegrus Inc. Board of Directors.

Meeting frequency: Quarterly

Board membership: From St. Thomas: one (1) member of Council, one (1) community member

Board contact: customerservice@entegrus.com

More resources: entegrus.com

The purpose of the Committee is to provide local residents with an opportunity to bring forward concerns and questions regarding the operation of the Landfill in their neighbourhood.

Concerns raised by residents have historically included landfill odours, the speed of vehicles travelling to the landfill, refuse on roads caused by garbage haulers and well water quality.

At meetings, Committee members and public guests receive reports from landfill representatives, including an operations update and a summary of complaints received during the quarter. Public guests also have an opportunity to ask questions and receive responses.

A report is also provided to the Committee by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Meeting frequency: Four times per year (March, June, September and December)

Committee membership: From St. Thomas: one (1) community member

Committee contact: Joanne Beaton, PLCSecretary@hotmail.com

More resources:

• [Green Lane Landfill Public Liason Committee Terms of Reference]

The St. Thomas-Elgin Health Recruitment Partnership works to attract and retain family physicians and nurse practitioners to serve our growing community. Its Strategic Plan outlines the Partnership's vision, priorities and actions to strengthen local health care recruitment and help ensure residents have access to the care they need.

The Partnership's mission is to recruit and retain family physicians and nurse practitioners by fostering strong, long-lasting relationships through innovative programs and incentives. It aims to support the health and well-being of the community by welcoming skilled health care professionals to the region.

The Partnership's vision is to cultivate a thriving health care community in St. Thomas and Elgin County by attracting and retaining physicians and nurse practitioners who provide primary health care to local residents. The Partnership works to develop programs, partnerships, resources and supports that make the community a desirable and sustainable place for health care providers to live and practice.

The Health Recruitment Partnership also awards a Medical Student Scholarship annually. The scholarship provides $1,000 per year for up to 10 individuals enrolled in a CFPC-accredited medical school and pursuing a career in family medicine. Applicants must be residents of the County of Elgin or the City of St. Thomas.

Meeting frequency: Every other month

Partnership members: Two (2) members of Council, two (2) members of Elgin County Council, one (1) representative from St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, one (1) physician at large, one (1) physician at large from the Medical Association, one (1) representative from St. Thomas-Elgin Homebuilders

Partnership contact: Matt Smale, Legislative Services Coordinator, msmale@stthomas.ca

More resources:

• [St. Thomas-Elgin Health Recruitment Partnership – Strategic Plan]
• Physician Recruitment and Scholarships
• Agendas and minutes

As required under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee shall:

• advise Council about the requirements and implementation of accessibility standards, the preparation of accessibility reports and other matters on which Council may seek its advice;
• review, in a timely manner, the site plans and drawings described in Section 41 of the Planning Act that the Committee selects; and
• perform all other functions specified in the regulations.

The Committee conducts annual accessibility audit tours of City buildings and properties, makes accessibility-related recommendations to Council and reviews the City's annual Accessibility Plan.

A representative from the Committee also sits on the Special Events Committee to review accessibility considerations for events held on City property.

The Committee also hosts an annual accessibility Open House.

Meeting frequency: Monthly

Committee membership: One member of Council and eight community members

Staff Contact: Matt Smale, Legislative Services Coordinator, msmale@stthomas.ca

More resources:

• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
• [By-law 115-2026 – Terms of Reference]
• Agendas and minutes

The purpose of the Municipal Heritage Committee is to advise and make recommendations to Council on heritage matters brought to its attention pursuant to the Ontario Heritage Act, as amended. This includes the conservation, preservation and restoration of buildings and areas in St. Thomas with historic, cultural and/or architectural significance.

The Committee's work includes researching, assessing and making recommendations to Council on proposals to designate individual properties under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act. The Committee also reviews and makes recommendations on Heritage Alteration Permits for properties in the Downtown Heritage Conservation District.

The Committee also develops education and communications programs and activities to increase public awareness and understanding of local heritage and related issues.

Meeting frequency: Second Wednesday of every month at 5:00 p.m.

Committee membership: One(1) member of Council, eight (8) community members

Staff contact: Sherry Steadman, Legislative Services Coordinator, ssteadman@stthomas.ca

Further Resources:

• Ontario Heritage Act
• [By-law 131-2011 (Terms of Reference)]
• [Heritage Conservation District Plan]
• Agendas and minutes

Under the Police Services Act, every police service in Ontario must have a Police Services Board to provide governance and accountability.

The St. Thomas Police Services Board, together with the Chief of Police, is responsible for policy direction and administration of policing in the City of St. Thomas.

The St. Thomas Police Services Board's duties include:

• Approving strategic plans;
• Approving the hiring and termination of employees;
• Guiding the development of business plans and monitoring their progress;
• Recruiting and appointing the Chief and Deputy Chiefs of Police;
• Determining general organizational objectives and priorities;
• Participating in the bargaining process with the St. Thomas Police Association; and
• Establishing policies and overseeing the ethical conduct of the organization.

Meeting frequency: Fourth Wednesday of the month at 8 a.m., except July and August

Board membership: Two members of Council, two provincial appointees and one community member

Board contact: Tiffany Terpstra, Executive Administrator, 519-631-1224 ext. 4356

More resources:

• Police Services Act
• St. Thomas Police Service website
• Agendas and minutes

Under the City's Property Standards By-law 80-2019, an owner of a property against whom an Order has been made and served, and who is not satisfied with or disputes any term or condition of the Order, may appeal the Order to the Property Standards Committee.

When a Notice of Appeal has been received, the Committee shall hear the appeal within 21 days of the date of the Notice of Appeal.

The Committee has the powers and functions of the Officer who made the Order and may do any of the following, if it is satisfied that doing so would maintain the general intent and purpose of the by-law and Official Plan:

• confirm, modify or rescind the Order; or
• extend the time for complying with the Order.

Meeting frequency: As required

Committee membership: Committee of Adjustment

Staff contact: Sherry Steadman, Legislative Services Coordinator, ssteadman@stthomas.ca

Further Resources:

• [By-law 80-2019]
• Agendas and minutes

The purpose of the St. Thomas Public Art Committee (STPAC) is to provide advice and support to Council and staff on the City's Public Art Policy.

The Committee's work includes:

• providing expert input on the City's Public Art Policy and Procedures;
• promoting awareness and understanding of the importance of public art;
• providing advice to Council and staff on the management and promotion of the City's public art collection;
• working within the guidelines of the Public Art Policy regarding gifts of public art, the deaccessioning of public art and other applicable Council recommendations;
• reviewing the costs and benefits of acquisitions and new projects; and
• maintaining an accurate inventory and record of the City's public art collection.

Meeting frequency: As required, typically a few times per year

Committee membership: One member of Council, two community members, the Director of Parks and Recreation & Facilities, the Manager of Transportation, and one representative from the St. Thomas Public Art Centre

Staff contact: April Gazda, Administrative Assistant, Parks and Recreation, agazda@stthomas.ca

Further resources:

• Council Reports [PR-02-17] and [STPACT-01-17 (Public Art Policy)]
• Agendas and minutes

Pursuant to the Planning Act, all of the land within the corporate limits of the City of St. Thomas, specified in the Site Plan Control Operations By-law 56-2026, are designated as a Site Plan Control area, and require applications be submitted for plans of development.

The Site Plan Control Committee provides technical review of these applications and submits comments and recommendations to the Director of Planning and Building Services, or their designate. The Committee reviews proposed developments to ensure they meet the City’s planning and development requirements and are appropriately designed for the site and the surrounding area. The Committee considers matters such as:

• building layout;
• vehicle and pedestrian access;
• parking;
• servicing;
• drainage;
• landscaping; and
• accessibility

Meeting frequency: As required pending applications received

Committee membership: City Manager, Manager of Planning Services, Director, Environmental Services and City Engineer, Chief Building Official, Director, Parks and Recreation, Fire Chief

Staff contact: Crystal Penney, Planning Programs Coordinator, cpenney@stthomas.ca

More resources:

• [By-law 56-2026 – Site Plan Control Operations]
• [By-law 10-2026 – Operations and Rules – Site Plan Control Committee]
• Agendas and minutes

A special event is an event that is open to the public and takes place on City property. It can also include events held on private property that may affect pedestrian or traffic flow because of a higher volume of vehicles or people in a specific area.

These types of events require an application to the Special Events Committee for review and approval. The City of St. Thomas Special Events Committee works with event organizers to support successful events and help coordinate events while maintaining established standards.

The Committee reports to Council on approved special events and any proposed changes to the Special Events Manual, which supports the Special Events Permit Application.

Meeting frequency: As required

Committee membership: One member of Council, representatives from St. Thomas Police Services, St. Thomas Fire Department, Elgin-St. Thomas EMS, Environmental Services (Roads and Transportation), Parks, Recreation and Facilities, Treasury, Planning and Building Services, Southwestern Public Health, Railway City Tourism, Downtown Development Board, Chamber of Commerce and Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee

Staff contact: Matt Smale, Legislative Services Coordinator, msmale@stthomas.ca

More resources:

• [Special Events webpage]
• Agendas and minutes

The St. Thomas Public Library Board is established under provincial law, the Public Libraries Act. The Board's role includes:

• acting as a spokesperson in support of the Library;
• developing a budget and monitoring expenditures;
• hiring, supervising and evaluating the CEO; and
• developing the policies required for the operation of the Library.

The Board is a governance board and is responsible for ensuring the budget is approved, monitoring expenditures and reviewing and approving policies. The Board is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the Library, except for setting the overall budget and policies.

Meeting frequency: 10 times per year (every month except July and August)

The Library also has a Finance Committee, Personnel Committee and Public Relations and Fundraising Committee, which meet three or four times per year.

Board membership: Two members of Council and seven community members

Staff contact: Aaron DeVries, CEO, St. Thomas Public Library, adevries@stthomas.ca

More resources:

• St. Thomas Public Library
• [Becoming a St. Thomas Public Library Board Member brochure]
• Public Libraries Act
• Agendas and minutes