St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services has released a draft new St. Thomas-Elgin 10-Year Housing & Homelessness Plan (2026–2036), titled “On Track.” The plan is now open for public review and feedback ahead of its submission to the Province of Ontario by May 29, 2026.
Ontario’s Housing Services Act requires every Housing Service Manager in the province to have an up-to-date 10-Year Housing & Homelessness Plan. St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services serves as the designated Service Manager for the City of St. Thomas and Elgin County and has prepared this updated plan to reflect the community’s evolving housing needs, provincial priorities, and the lessons learned from the previous decade of work.
Review the draft here: On Track: St. Thomas-Elgin 10-Year Housing & Homelessness Plan 2026-2036
The previous plan, “Taking Stock, Working Together” (2014–2024), achieved significant results through strong community collaboration. Key outcomes included:
• 272 new affordable and supportive housing units invested in across 14 developments in St. Thomas, Aylmer, and Dutton-Dunwich
• Over 8,000 households supported in accessing services they needed
• A functional end to Veteran Homelessness achieved in February 2023 – and sustained
• 745 people experiencing homelessness housed through the By-Names Data system since 2021
• Over $6 million in Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative funding directed to client-centred supported housing
“St. Thomas is increasingly seen as a model for how communities across Canada should approach housing and homelessness, and that's something our whole community should be proud of,” said Mayor Joe Preston. “This new plan makes sure we stay that way – meeting the needs of today while planning for the growth that's coming.”
“As the rural partner in St. Thomas–Elgin, we know housing and homelessness looks different across our communities, from our villages and hamlets to our agricultural areas and small towns,” said Elgin County Warden Dominique Giguère. "This plan recognizes that reality. And, with an evidence-based approach, reliance on good data and clear targets, the plan will ensure that people living in rural Elgin have access to housing options and supports close to home. As our region grows, these solutions will reflect both our urban and rural needs, and will keep us moving in the right direction, together.”
Affordability Challenges Remain
Despite the progress made, housing affordability continues to be a significant challenge. The combined St. Thomas-Elgin area – now home to more than 100,000 residents – is experiencing rapid growth fuelled by major new employment opportunities. Average home prices and rents have outpaced incomes, with an annual household income of approximately $70,000 now required to afford the average market rent in St. Thomas. With the area forecast to grow to approximately 130,000 residents by 2036, demand for affordable housing solutions will only increase.
The New Plan: Four Strategic Focus Areas
The 2026–2036 Housing & Homelessness Plan, “On Track,” was developed through extensive community engagement involving over 198 participants and informed by St. Thomas and Elgin County Housing Needs Assessments, provincial directives, and the expertise of dozens of local partner organizations. The plan is organized around four strategic focus areas:
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END Homelessness – Functionally End Homelessness and Sustain It Build on the progress made to achieve and sustain a functional end to homelessness through expanded supportive housing, prevention and diversion strategies, and multidisciplinary wraparound supports.
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SUSTAIN Housing – Preserve, Adapt and Invest in Existing Housing Protect and strengthen the existing housing system by investing in capital repairs, increasing rent supplements, preventing evictions, and maintaining community housing assets for the long term.
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BUILD More – Create New Affordable Housing Supply Accelerate the creation of new affordable housing across the full continuum – from supportive and non-market housing to attainable rental and ownership options – through municipal land, partnerships, financial incentives, and planning tools.
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LEAD Collaboratively – Advance Partnerships to Deliver Housing Solutions Lead with shared accountability across governments, service providers, health systems, and the private sector – using data-driven decision-making, advocacy, and meaningful community engagement to keep people at the centre of this work.
Public Feedback Opportunities
The City of St. Thomas and St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services are inviting residents, community organizations, and stakeholders to review the draft plan and share their feedback.
Opportunities to participate include:
1. Public Open House / Information Centre:
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 4 – 6 p.m.
St. Thomas-Elgin Social Services Building
230 Talbot Street, St. Thomas
Community Room (main floor, Talbot St. entrance)
2. Online Feedback Form
Available March 25 – April 15, 2026
Click here to access the form.
The draft plan will be refined based on public and council feedback before a final version is submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing by May 29, 2026. A final plan will then be brought to City Council for approval.
To download the full media release, click here.