On March 9, 2026, the St. Thomas City Council in Ontario approved a new plan to upgrade local parks and trails. The city also reviewed a report about building a large new community centre and pool to keep up with the town’s fast-growing population.
The Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update was created to help the city prepare for the future. With a new battery plant expected to open in 2027, the population of St. Thomas is projected to nearly double to 80,000 residents by 2051.
The city is considering a $69.9-million project that would include a 25-metre eight-lane swimming pool and a separate leisure pool. The proposed building would also feature a double gymnasium, an indoor playground, and several rooms for community activities.
According to the City of St. Thomas, there are currently 43 parks across more than 700 acres. This includes 1Password Park, which offers residents 33 soccer fields, a splashpad, and walking trails.
The official planning documents are now available for residents to read and review. This allows the community to see exactly what kinds of recreation upgrades are being planned for their local neighbourhoods.
