Registration is closing for a St. Thomas forum that brings together business owners, community leaders, and government officials to tackle social issues affecting the local economy. The St. Thomas & District Chamber of Commerce is hosting “Social Issues are Business Issues: Connection is the Opposite of Addiction” on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at CASO Station. The June 9 Green Mail newsletter warned it is the last chance to sign up, with in-person tickets costing $50 plus HST and free online access available.
The day-long symposium runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. and optional walking tours at 3:15 p.m. It features a fireside chat with Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack, who will discuss the province’s housing priorities and their connection to local business. Pete Bombaci, founder of GenWell, will act as master of ceremonies, focusing on how human connections can help solve social challenges.
National Post journalist Adam Zivo will explain why addressing homelessness and addiction requires data-driven strategies. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce will present research showing that the cost of not acting on social issues—through emergency services, lost productivity, and repeated crises—now outweighs the cost of reforming the system.
Mayor Joe Preston, who announced in February he will not seek re-election in October, will take part in “The St. Thomas Success Story” panel. The city has seen a 6.5 percent drop in homelessness occurrences in 2025 compared to the year before, with further decreases expected in 2026. The walking tour will highlight four local housing projects: Railway City Lofts, The INN emergency shelter, Project Tiny Hope, and Balaclava Crossing.
