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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/orcivic 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 withintegrated 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.