Central Elgin Hospital Lands Redevelopment

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Over the next several years, Central Elgin is poised for significant new residential and employment growth following a historic investment by the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario to establish Volkswagen’s first overseas electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility. The facility, set to open in 2027, will create up to 3,000 direct jobs and as many as 30,000 indirect jobs across the region, including Central Elgin.

The new jobs will drive up demand for housing, making speedy provision of housing a priority. The former hospital lands are well situated to accommodate the bulk of this growth within a new mixed-use community. Fully built out, the new community could almost double the current population of Central Elgin.

To support this economic opportunity, anticipated population growth and the accompanying demand for a full range of housing options, the Municipality of Central Elgin is proactively planning for a complete, mixed-use community that will meet the needs of current and future residents.

About the Project

The Municipality of Central Elgin is planning a new community on the former Psychiatric Hospital Lands - a rare opportunity to build a complete, thriving, and inclusive community.

This future community will:

  • Provide a range of housing options to support affordability and meet provincial housing targets
  • Create space for new residents and respond to population and housing pressures connected to regional job growth
  • Support Central Elgin's strategic goals of sustainability, affordability, and liveability
  • Include a vibrant main street, parks, community facilities, and cultural heritage features

Where We Are Now

On Monday, April 13, Central Elgin Council approved the Hospital Lands Official Plan Amendment (OPA), marking a significant milestone in the long-term planning and development of the Hospital Lands.

With Council’s formal adoption, the Municipality has advanced the OPA to Elgin County for approval.

At the same meeting, Council also endorsed the preferred water and wastewater servicing strategies identified in the Hospital Lands Feasibility Study, marking an important step toward supporting future development. Staff have been directed to initiate an RFP for the design and construction of key water infrastructure, including a booster pumping station, a trunk watermain connection to the Elgin Area Primary Supply Line, and a water storage facility.

The Municipality's Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify potential development partners to help deliver a complete community on the former St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital lands has closed. Council will consider the submissions at a meeting in June.

Over the next several years, Central Elgin is poised for significant new residential and employment growth following a historic investment by the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario to establish Volkswagen’s first overseas electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility. The facility, set to open in 2027, will create up to 3,000 direct jobs and as many as 30,000 indirect jobs across the region, including Central Elgin.

The new jobs will drive up demand for housing, making speedy provision of housing a priority. The former hospital lands are well situated to accommodate the bulk of this growth within a new mixed-use community. Fully built out, the new community could almost double the current population of Central Elgin.

To support this economic opportunity, anticipated population growth and the accompanying demand for a full range of housing options, the Municipality of Central Elgin is proactively planning for a complete, mixed-use community that will meet the needs of current and future residents.

About the Project

The Municipality of Central Elgin is planning a new community on the former Psychiatric Hospital Lands - a rare opportunity to build a complete, thriving, and inclusive community.

This future community will:

  • Provide a range of housing options to support affordability and meet provincial housing targets
  • Create space for new residents and respond to population and housing pressures connected to regional job growth
  • Support Central Elgin's strategic goals of sustainability, affordability, and liveability
  • Include a vibrant main street, parks, community facilities, and cultural heritage features

Where We Are Now

On Monday, April 13, Central Elgin Council approved the Hospital Lands Official Plan Amendment (OPA), marking a significant milestone in the long-term planning and development of the Hospital Lands.

With Council’s formal adoption, the Municipality has advanced the OPA to Elgin County for approval.

At the same meeting, Council also endorsed the preferred water and wastewater servicing strategies identified in the Hospital Lands Feasibility Study, marking an important step toward supporting future development. Staff have been directed to initiate an RFP for the design and construction of key water infrastructure, including a booster pumping station, a trunk watermain connection to the Elgin Area Primary Supply Line, and a water storage facility.

The Municipality's Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify potential development partners to help deliver a complete community on the former St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital lands has closed. Council will consider the submissions at a meeting in June.

  • Central Elgin Council Approves Hospital Lands Official Plan Amendment

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    Central Elgin Council has approved the Hospital Lands Official Plan Amendment (OPA), marking a significant milestone in the long-term planning and development of the Hospital Lands.

    The Hospital Lands OPA establishes a long-term vision and policy framework to guide future development and transform approximately 370 acres of underutilized land into a vibrant, complete community that will support residents, businesses, and the long-term future of Central Elgin.

    “The hospital lands represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Central Elgin,” said Mayor Andrew Sloan. “This is the only time in our Municipality’s history that we have been able to plan an entirely new community of this scale. This project is about more than accommodating growth and financial stability. It provides the opportunity to support a broader range of housing options, including affordable, accessible, and mixed-use development.”

    The OPA provides a comprehensive and implementable policy framework to guide the long-term development of the Hospital Lands. It establishes land use designations and permissions, and includes policies related to housing mix and density, transportation, servicing, parks and public spaces, cultural heritage and archaeology, and sustainability. It also supports phased and coordinated development, identifies the role of future zoning, subdivision, and site plan approvals, and outlines required studies and agreements to support development applications.

    Together, these policies provide clarity, predictability, and flexibility as the lands are developed over time, while maintaining appropriate oversight through future statutory approvals.

    “I’m pleased to see Central Elgin taking this important step to plan for future growth in a thoughtful and coordinated way,” said Rob Flack, MPP Elgin-Middlesex-London and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “By establishing a clear vision for the Hospital Lands, the municipality is creating the conditions to support a diverse mix of housing, attract investment, and build a complete community with the services and infrastructure people need to thrive both today and in the years ahead.”

    OPA Development and Consultation Process

    Work to develop the OPA began in early 2025 with Council’s adoption of the Vision and Guiding Principles, establishing a clear foundation for future planning.

    Guided by this framework, the project team developed the Draft Policy Directions and Land Use Map. In September 2025, Council approved these materials for public and stakeholder consultation, inviting community members to share feedback and help shape the future of the Hospital Lands.

    Following the first round of engagement, Council endorsed the Policy Directions and Land Use Map in February 2026 and directed the project team to undertake a second round of community and stakeholder consultation, which took place between January and April 2026.

    The Municipality thanks all community members and stakeholders who participated in the consultation process. Feedback received helped refine policy directions, adjust the land use plan, and strengthen the overall planning framework, ensuring the OPA reflects the perspectives and priorities shared by the community. A summary of engagement activities and feedback is available on the project website.

    “This milestone reflects the meaningful input we’ve received from our community throughout this process,” added Mayor Andrew Sloan. “We appreciate the time and insight shared by residents, which has helped ensure this plan supports a complete, inclusive, and sustainable community for years to come.”

    With Council’s formal adoption, the Municipality will advance the OPA to Elgin County for approval.

    At the same time, the Municipality has launched a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process to identify potential development partners to help deliver a complete community. The RFP is open until Monday, May 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Interested proponents can access the RFP documents through the Municipality’s Bids & Tenders portal.

    Last week, Council also endorsed the preferred water and wastewater servicing strategies identified in the Hospital Lands Feasibility Study, marking an important step toward supporting future development. Staff have been directed to initiate an RFP for the design and construction of key water infrastructure, including a booster pumping station, a trunk watermain connection to the Elgin Area Primary Supply Line, and a water storage facility.

    Council’s adoption of the OPA enables the Municipality to advance subsequent planning approvals and support timely development of the lands in alignment with anticipated growth in the region.

    Central Elgin Council has approved the Hospital Lands Official Plan Amendment (OPA), marking a significant milestone in the long-term planning and development of the Hospital Lands.

    The Hospital Lands OPA establishes a long-term vision and policy framework to guide future development and transform approximately 370 acres of underutilized land into a vibrant, complete community that will support residents, businesses, and the long-term future of Central Elgin.

    “The hospital lands represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Central Elgin,” said Mayor Andrew Sloan. “This is the only time in our Municipality’s history that we have been able to plan an entirely new community of this scale. This project is about more than accommodating growth and financial stability. It provides the opportunity to support a broader range of housing options, including affordable, accessible, and mixed-use development.”

    The OPA provides a comprehensive and implementable policy framework to guide the long-term development of the Hospital Lands. It establishes land use designations and permissions, and includes policies related to housing mix and density, transportation, servicing, parks and public spaces, cultural heritage and archaeology, and sustainability. It also supports phased and coordinated development, identifies the role of future zoning, subdivision, and site plan approvals, and outlines required studies and agreements to support development applications.

    Together, these policies provide clarity, predictability, and flexibility as the lands are developed over time, while maintaining appropriate oversight through future statutory approvals.

    “I’m pleased to see Central Elgin taking this important step to plan for future growth in a thoughtful and coordinated way,” said Rob Flack, MPP Elgin-Middlesex-London and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “By establishing a clear vision for the Hospital Lands, the municipality is creating the conditions to support a diverse mix of housing, attract investment, and build a complete community with the services and infrastructure people need to thrive both today and in the years ahead.”

    OPA Development and Consultation Process

    Work to develop the OPA began in early 2025 with Council’s adoption of the Vision and Guiding Principles, establishing a clear foundation for future planning.

    Guided by this framework, the project team developed the Draft Policy Directions and Land Use Map. In September 2025, Council approved these materials for public and stakeholder consultation, inviting community members to share feedback and help shape the future of the Hospital Lands.

    Following the first round of engagement, Council endorsed the Policy Directions and Land Use Map in February 2026 and directed the project team to undertake a second round of community and stakeholder consultation, which took place between January and April 2026.

    The Municipality thanks all community members and stakeholders who participated in the consultation process. Feedback received helped refine policy directions, adjust the land use plan, and strengthen the overall planning framework, ensuring the OPA reflects the perspectives and priorities shared by the community. A summary of engagement activities and feedback is available on the project website.

    “This milestone reflects the meaningful input we’ve received from our community throughout this process,” added Mayor Andrew Sloan. “We appreciate the time and insight shared by residents, which has helped ensure this plan supports a complete, inclusive, and sustainable community for years to come.”

    With Council’s formal adoption, the Municipality will advance the OPA to Elgin County for approval.

    At the same time, the Municipality has launched a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process to identify potential development partners to help deliver a complete community. The RFP is open until Monday, May 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Interested proponents can access the RFP documents through the Municipality’s Bids & Tenders portal.

    Last week, Council also endorsed the preferred water and wastewater servicing strategies identified in the Hospital Lands Feasibility Study, marking an important step toward supporting future development. Staff have been directed to initiate an RFP for the design and construction of key water infrastructure, including a booster pumping station, a trunk watermain connection to the Elgin Area Primary Supply Line, and a water storage facility.

    Council’s adoption of the OPA enables the Municipality to advance subsequent planning approvals and support timely development of the lands in alignment with anticipated growth in the region.

  • Central Elgin seeks development partners for transformational redevelopment to add 3,500 new homes

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    The Municipality of Central Elgin has launched an unprecedented community development initiative, which will take 370 acres of unused land at the former site of the St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital and turn it into the largest planned community expansion in the area’s history. The result will be space for over 3,500 new homes, 9,000 residents and many local businesses.

    To capitalize on this once-in-a-generation opportunity, Central Elgin is seeking experienced development partners to deliver a complete community that includes a mix of homes, park space, a vibrant main street and a connected transportation network.

    Successful development partners will have the opportunity to play a leading role in a project that creates value for people by prioritizing housing supply and affordability, environmental sustainability, walkability and long-term community building.

    Central Elgin, in consultation with the community, has developed a framework and vision for the site that supports families, seniors and workers, while reflecting the character and uniqueness of the municipality.

    The redevelopment of the former St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital lands, which will be enabled through the Ontario government’s surplus lands process, will help support the job growth expected when the Volkswagen battery plant opens in 2027.

    “Thank you to Central Elgin for seizing the opportunity to manage a Request for Proposal for the potential redevelopment of the surplus hospital lands on Sunset Road," said Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "Recent investments in St. Thomas, through businesses like Vianode and Volkswagen, have emphasized the need to get shovels in the ground for more homes in a growing community.”

    “Our government is driving investment and growth in the Region and is pleased to support Central Elgin’s vision to create a new mixed-use community,” said Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure. “The former St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital site presents an exciting opportunity to put unused government land back to work, unlocking new homes, parks and local businesses. We will continue working with our partners to build strong, vibrant communities where families and businesses can thrive.”

    The RFP will be issued on March 2, 2026 at: https://www.centralelgin.org/en/municipal-office/bids-and-tenders.aspx

    The Municipality of Central Elgin has launched an unprecedented community development initiative, which will take 370 acres of unused land at the former site of the St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital and turn it into the largest planned community expansion in the area’s history. The result will be space for over 3,500 new homes, 9,000 residents and many local businesses.

    To capitalize on this once-in-a-generation opportunity, Central Elgin is seeking experienced development partners to deliver a complete community that includes a mix of homes, park space, a vibrant main street and a connected transportation network.

    Successful development partners will have the opportunity to play a leading role in a project that creates value for people by prioritizing housing supply and affordability, environmental sustainability, walkability and long-term community building.

    Central Elgin, in consultation with the community, has developed a framework and vision for the site that supports families, seniors and workers, while reflecting the character and uniqueness of the municipality.

    The redevelopment of the former St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital lands, which will be enabled through the Ontario government’s surplus lands process, will help support the job growth expected when the Volkswagen battery plant opens in 2027.

    “Thank you to Central Elgin for seizing the opportunity to manage a Request for Proposal for the potential redevelopment of the surplus hospital lands on Sunset Road," said Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "Recent investments in St. Thomas, through businesses like Vianode and Volkswagen, have emphasized the need to get shovels in the ground for more homes in a growing community.”

    “Our government is driving investment and growth in the Region and is pleased to support Central Elgin’s vision to create a new mixed-use community,” said Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure. “The former St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital site presents an exciting opportunity to put unused government land back to work, unlocking new homes, parks and local businesses. We will continue working with our partners to build strong, vibrant communities where families and businesses can thrive.”

    The RFP will be issued on March 2, 2026 at: https://www.centralelgin.org/en/municipal-office/bids-and-tenders.aspx

  • Media Release: Central Elgin Council Moves Forward on Planning for Former Hospital Lands

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    Central Elgin Council has taken a significant step toward the future of the former Psychiatric Hospital Lands by approving the Final Policy Directions and Land Use Plan, along with the Draft Official Plan Amendment (OPA) for public consultation. This milestone sets the stage for creating a vibrant, inclusive, and connected new community on the site.

    The approved Policy Directions and Land Use Plan reflect Council’s Vision and Guiding Principles and incorporate feedback from residents and stakeholders. They provide a clear framework to guide future planning and form the policy foundation for the draft OPA.

    The draft OPA introduces a new policy section to the Central Elgin Official Plan specific to the Hospital Lands. It establishes the planning framework to guide the long-term, phased development of a new mixed-use community.

    “Council’s approval of the Policy Directions and Land Use Map marks an important step toward creating Central Elgin’s newest community as a thriving and inclusive place to call home,” Mayor Andrew Sloan. “I’m pleased that the feedback we received from the community has been incorporated into these plans. I encourage residents to remain engaged as the project moves into the next stage of the planning process.”

    Resident and stakeholder feedback has played a key role in shaping these documents. Input received during Round 1 Engagement in fall 2025 helped clarify heritage direction, strengthen parks and public space planning, and improve overall policy precision.

    • Heritage: Heritage-related policies were updated to provide clearer guidance for conservation and commemoration and to strengthen recognition of the site’s cultural and institutional history.
    • Parks, Public Spaces & Community Facilities: Adjustments include clearer identification of a public plaza within the Downtown Mainstreet area, refinements to park locations, and a broader framing to community facilities to reflect a wider range of potential public uses.
    • Housing, Servicing & Phasing: Policy direction was clarified to improve certainty and readiness for implementation, while maintaining the overall land use structure and community framework previously endorsed by Council.

    Have Your Say: Round 2 Community Engagement

    With Council’s approval, the Municipality will now proceed with consultation on the draft OPA. Residents have another opportunity to provide input and help shape the future of the former Hospital Lands.

    Upcoming Engagement Opportunities:

    • Public Open House: Tuesday, February 24, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Masonic Centre of Elgin, 42703 Fruit Ridge Line

    • Statutory Public Meeting: Monday, March 2, 6 – 8 p.m. Central Elgin Council Chambers, 450 Sunset Drive

    The draft OPA is the next key step in the statutory planning process for the Former Hospital Lands. Residents are encouraged to share input to help inform the final OPA for Council’s consideration.

    Project information, engagement materials, and updates are available at letstalkcentralelgin.ca/ReimagineHospitalLands.

    Central Elgin Council has taken a significant step toward the future of the former Psychiatric Hospital Lands by approving the Final Policy Directions and Land Use Plan, along with the Draft Official Plan Amendment (OPA) for public consultation. This milestone sets the stage for creating a vibrant, inclusive, and connected new community on the site.

    The approved Policy Directions and Land Use Plan reflect Council’s Vision and Guiding Principles and incorporate feedback from residents and stakeholders. They provide a clear framework to guide future planning and form the policy foundation for the draft OPA.

    The draft OPA introduces a new policy section to the Central Elgin Official Plan specific to the Hospital Lands. It establishes the planning framework to guide the long-term, phased development of a new mixed-use community.

    “Council’s approval of the Policy Directions and Land Use Map marks an important step toward creating Central Elgin’s newest community as a thriving and inclusive place to call home,” Mayor Andrew Sloan. “I’m pleased that the feedback we received from the community has been incorporated into these plans. I encourage residents to remain engaged as the project moves into the next stage of the planning process.”

    Resident and stakeholder feedback has played a key role in shaping these documents. Input received during Round 1 Engagement in fall 2025 helped clarify heritage direction, strengthen parks and public space planning, and improve overall policy precision.

    • Heritage: Heritage-related policies were updated to provide clearer guidance for conservation and commemoration and to strengthen recognition of the site’s cultural and institutional history.
    • Parks, Public Spaces & Community Facilities: Adjustments include clearer identification of a public plaza within the Downtown Mainstreet area, refinements to park locations, and a broader framing to community facilities to reflect a wider range of potential public uses.
    • Housing, Servicing & Phasing: Policy direction was clarified to improve certainty and readiness for implementation, while maintaining the overall land use structure and community framework previously endorsed by Council.

    Have Your Say: Round 2 Community Engagement

    With Council’s approval, the Municipality will now proceed with consultation on the draft OPA. Residents have another opportunity to provide input and help shape the future of the former Hospital Lands.

    Upcoming Engagement Opportunities:

    • Public Open House: Tuesday, February 24, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Masonic Centre of Elgin, 42703 Fruit Ridge Line

    • Statutory Public Meeting: Monday, March 2, 6 – 8 p.m. Central Elgin Council Chambers, 450 Sunset Drive

    The draft OPA is the next key step in the statutory planning process for the Former Hospital Lands. Residents are encouraged to share input to help inform the final OPA for Council’s consideration.

    Project information, engagement materials, and updates are available at letstalkcentralelgin.ca/ReimagineHospitalLands.

  • Previous Engagement Opportunities

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    Between September and November 2025, the Municipality of Central Elgin conducted extensive community and stakeholder engagement to gather input on the future development of the former Psychiatric Hospital Lands. Residents, local organizations, and stakeholders provided valuable feedback on the Draft Policy Directions and Land Use Plan, helping to shape a vision for a complete, inclusive, and sustainable community.

    Round 1 of engagement included:

    • One in-person Public Open House
    • An online survey
    • Four virtual stakeholder meetings.

    In total, 453 participants provided input.

    The project team has reviewed the feedback received through engagement on the draft Policy Directions and Land Use Plan and has considered that input in preparing the final versions for Council consideration in February 2026.

    View the Phase 1 Engagement Summary Report

    Between September and November 2025, the Municipality of Central Elgin conducted extensive community and stakeholder engagement to gather input on the future development of the former Psychiatric Hospital Lands. Residents, local organizations, and stakeholders provided valuable feedback on the Draft Policy Directions and Land Use Plan, helping to shape a vision for a complete, inclusive, and sustainable community.

    Round 1 of engagement included:

    • One in-person Public Open House
    • An online survey
    • Four virtual stakeholder meetings.

    In total, 453 participants provided input.

    The project team has reviewed the feedback received through engagement on the draft Policy Directions and Land Use Plan and has considered that input in preparing the final versions for Council consideration in February 2026.

    View the Phase 1 Engagement Summary Report

  • Central Elgin Hospital Lands Redevelopment: In the News

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  • Media Release: Central Elgin Seeks Input on Plans for New Community on the Former Psychiatric Hospital Lands

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    The Municipality of Central Elgin is inviting community members to share their feedback and help shape the future of the former Psychiatric Hospital Lands—a 168-hectare (416-acre) property with a rare opportunity to create a complete, thriving, and inclusive community.

    This week, Central Elgin Council approved the Draft Policy Directions and Land Use Plan for public engagement. Building on the Vision and Guiding Principles approved by Council in May, these draft documents outline how the lands could evolve into a new community that supports municipal goals for affordability, sustainability, and growth. They identify key planning considerations such as housing mix and density, commercial and employment opportunities, mobility and transportation, parks and open space, and climate resilience.

    “This site represents a unique opportunity to create a complete, connected, and sustainable community,” said Mayor Andrew Sloan. “We want to hear from residents to ensure the plan reflects the needs of our community—both today and for generations to come—as we plan for housing, parks, transportation, and employment opportunities that will serve Central Elgin well into the future."

    A Vision for a Complete Community The proposed plan envisions a walkable, transit-ready community built around four key elements:

    1. Sunset Institutional Corridor: A zone of institutional, health, education and/or civic uses, contributing to economic resilience.
    2. Downtown Mainstreet: A mixed-use area for retail uses and public life, designed to serve day-to-day needs and to grow with the community.
    3. Residential Neighbourhoods: Compact, diverse housing options with integrated parks, community centre, schools and trails.
    4. Connected Street Network: A transit-ready and active transportation-friendly grid that supports phased growth.

    How to Get Involved

    Residents are encouraged to review the draft plan and share feedback during the engagement period:


    Public Open House

    • Wednesday, October 8, 2025
    • 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
    • Central Elgin Municipal Office 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1

    Online Survey

    Residents unable to attend the open house or prefer to share feedback online are invited to complete the survey: www.letstalkcentralelgin.ca/reimaginehospitallands

    Input collected during the engagement period will be used to refine the directions and land use plan and inform the final Official Plan Amendment, ensuring that the redevelopment aligns with provincial, county, and municipal planning policies.

    For more information and to view the Draft Policy Directions and Land Use Plan, visit www.letstalkcentralelgin.ca/reimaginehospitallands.

    The Municipality of Central Elgin is inviting community members to share their feedback and help shape the future of the former Psychiatric Hospital Lands—a 168-hectare (416-acre) property with a rare opportunity to create a complete, thriving, and inclusive community.

    This week, Central Elgin Council approved the Draft Policy Directions and Land Use Plan for public engagement. Building on the Vision and Guiding Principles approved by Council in May, these draft documents outline how the lands could evolve into a new community that supports municipal goals for affordability, sustainability, and growth. They identify key planning considerations such as housing mix and density, commercial and employment opportunities, mobility and transportation, parks and open space, and climate resilience.

    “This site represents a unique opportunity to create a complete, connected, and sustainable community,” said Mayor Andrew Sloan. “We want to hear from residents to ensure the plan reflects the needs of our community—both today and for generations to come—as we plan for housing, parks, transportation, and employment opportunities that will serve Central Elgin well into the future."

    A Vision for a Complete Community The proposed plan envisions a walkable, transit-ready community built around four key elements:

    1. Sunset Institutional Corridor: A zone of institutional, health, education and/or civic uses, contributing to economic resilience.
    2. Downtown Mainstreet: A mixed-use area for retail uses and public life, designed to serve day-to-day needs and to grow with the community.
    3. Residential Neighbourhoods: Compact, diverse housing options with integrated parks, community centre, schools and trails.
    4. Connected Street Network: A transit-ready and active transportation-friendly grid that supports phased growth.

    How to Get Involved

    Residents are encouraged to review the draft plan and share feedback during the engagement period:


    Public Open House

    • Wednesday, October 8, 2025
    • 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
    • Central Elgin Municipal Office 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, ON N5R 5V1

    Online Survey

    Residents unable to attend the open house or prefer to share feedback online are invited to complete the survey: www.letstalkcentralelgin.ca/reimaginehospitallands

    Input collected during the engagement period will be used to refine the directions and land use plan and inform the final Official Plan Amendment, ensuring that the redevelopment aligns with provincial, county, and municipal planning policies.

    For more information and to view the Draft Policy Directions and Land Use Plan, visit www.letstalkcentralelgin.ca/reimaginehospitallands.

  • Media Release: Central Elgin Greenlights Vision for Transformative Former Hospital Lands Development

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    May 6, 2025

    Central Elgin Council has approved the Vision and Guiding Principles for the redevelopment of the former Psychiatric Hospital Lands. This pivotal decision marks the initial step in creating a comprehensive planning framework for a significant mixed-use community.

    Over the next several years, Central Elgin is poised for significant new residential and employment growth following a historic investment by the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario to establish Volkswagen’s first overseas electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility. The facility, set to open in 2027, will create up to 3,000 direct jobs and as many as 30,000 indirect jobs across the region.

    To support this economic opportunity, anticipated population growth and the accompanying demand for a full range of housing options, Central Elgin is proactively planning for a complete, mixed-use community that will meet the needs of current and future residents. The approved report, shaped by Council's priorities and best practices, sets a clear direction for the future vibrant and inclusive community on these unique lands.

    Mayor Andrew Sloan emphasized the significance, stating, "This is an important moment for Central Elgin, laying the groundwork for a new, forward-looking community to meet the needs of a growing population and create a vibrant and inclusive community for generations to come."

    With the Vision and Guiding Principles approved, the next phase will be community engagement, and the development of a Directions Report.

    Central Elgin will continue working with the Province of Ontario and other partners to bring this new community to life.

    Vision for the Hospital Lands:

    Central Elgin’s newest community will be a thriving and inclusive place to call home. Designed for all ages and generations, it will offer a diverse range of affordable and accessible housing options. This community will promote healthy lifestyles and environmental stewardship, anchored by a traditional main street with vibrant local businesses. It will feature parks and community services that prioritize people and their day-to-day needs. The community will create jobs to support financial sustainability in Central Elgin.

    This Vision is supported by four Guiding Principles, which envision the area as a distinctive, connected, liveable and sustainable community.

    Guiding Principles:

    • Distinctive Community: This new community will be a distinctive, vibrant community and neighbourhood providing a full range of housing, a commercial main street, and landscape and architectural elements that acknowledge the area’s history and agricultural roots.
    • Connected Community: This new community will have a compact form that is transit ready and well connected to the entire new neighbourhood with a network of complete streets that safely and conveniently integrate active transportation with motor vehicle traffic and parking.
    • Liveable and Affordable Community: This new community will include a range of housing at densities that are attainable for a diversity of families by size, life-stage, and income, as well as support desirable community services, a network of safe and attractive public spaces (including parks), and mix of uses, including local retail and commercial services.
    • Sustainable Community: This new community should contribute to the financial sustainability of Central Elgin and be planned and designed to efficiently use land and resources, have regard for the natural landscape, have a robust urban tree canopy, and incorporate green development standards to ensure the community is climate resilient.


    May 6, 2025

    Central Elgin Council has approved the Vision and Guiding Principles for the redevelopment of the former Psychiatric Hospital Lands. This pivotal decision marks the initial step in creating a comprehensive planning framework for a significant mixed-use community.

    Over the next several years, Central Elgin is poised for significant new residential and employment growth following a historic investment by the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario to establish Volkswagen’s first overseas electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility. The facility, set to open in 2027, will create up to 3,000 direct jobs and as many as 30,000 indirect jobs across the region.

    To support this economic opportunity, anticipated population growth and the accompanying demand for a full range of housing options, Central Elgin is proactively planning for a complete, mixed-use community that will meet the needs of current and future residents. The approved report, shaped by Council's priorities and best practices, sets a clear direction for the future vibrant and inclusive community on these unique lands.

    Mayor Andrew Sloan emphasized the significance, stating, "This is an important moment for Central Elgin, laying the groundwork for a new, forward-looking community to meet the needs of a growing population and create a vibrant and inclusive community for generations to come."

    With the Vision and Guiding Principles approved, the next phase will be community engagement, and the development of a Directions Report.

    Central Elgin will continue working with the Province of Ontario and other partners to bring this new community to life.

    Vision for the Hospital Lands:

    Central Elgin’s newest community will be a thriving and inclusive place to call home. Designed for all ages and generations, it will offer a diverse range of affordable and accessible housing options. This community will promote healthy lifestyles and environmental stewardship, anchored by a traditional main street with vibrant local businesses. It will feature parks and community services that prioritize people and their day-to-day needs. The community will create jobs to support financial sustainability in Central Elgin.

    This Vision is supported by four Guiding Principles, which envision the area as a distinctive, connected, liveable and sustainable community.

    Guiding Principles:

    • Distinctive Community: This new community will be a distinctive, vibrant community and neighbourhood providing a full range of housing, a commercial main street, and landscape and architectural elements that acknowledge the area’s history and agricultural roots.
    • Connected Community: This new community will have a compact form that is transit ready and well connected to the entire new neighbourhood with a network of complete streets that safely and conveniently integrate active transportation with motor vehicle traffic and parking.
    • Liveable and Affordable Community: This new community will include a range of housing at densities that are attainable for a diversity of families by size, life-stage, and income, as well as support desirable community services, a network of safe and attractive public spaces (including parks), and mix of uses, including local retail and commercial services.
    • Sustainable Community: This new community should contribute to the financial sustainability of Central Elgin and be planned and designed to efficiently use land and resources, have regard for the natural landscape, have a robust urban tree canopy, and incorporate green development standards to ensure the community is climate resilient.


Page last updated: 06 May 2026, 02:25 PM