The City of St. Thomas has launched a new online hub where residents can weigh in on everything from long-term planning to road projects. The platform, called Speak Up, St. Thomas, went live on June 22, 2026, and offers a single place to learn about city work, ask questions, and give feedback at any time.
Built with software from Social Point, the site is meant to make it easier for people to follow decisions that affect their daily lives and speak up before choices are final. “Engagement is essential to strong, responsive local government,” Mayor Joe Preston said in a statement. “Speak Up, St. Thomas gives our residents a convenient, inclusive way to share their perspectives and play an active role in shaping the future of our city.”
The hub arrives as the community faces several big changes at once. Work is already underway on the St. Thomas 2051 Official Plan update, which launched May 11, 2026, and will guide how the city grows to a population that could nearly double from approximately 65,100 to over 80,000 residents. Much of that expected growth is tied to the new PowerCo electric vehicle battery plant, a $7-billion project that is forecast to bring 3,000 direct jobs.
On the roads, construction is set to begin this month on the long-planned twinning of Highway 3 and the Talbotville bypass, with much of the work expected to wrap up in 2026. And with the municipal election scheduled for October 26, 2026, a new mayor and council will be chosen to steer those projects. Mayor Preston announced in February he will not run again, and at least four candidates have already filed to replace him.
City Manager Lisa Higgs, who took the role in December 2024, said the platform helps council hear directly from the people it serves. “Speak Up, St. Thomas allows us to better understand residents’ needs and priorities while providing clear, consistent updates on City projects,” she said. “It’s an important tool that strengthens trust and helps ensure our decision-making is informed by the people we serve.”
Right now, the site features three open topics: the city’s new 10-year infrastructure capital plan, regular construction updates, and the Official Plan review. Residents can visit speakupstthomas.ca to take part.
