Posts by Rob Perry
Central Elgin calls for developers for former hospital lands
The second round of public engagement for plans to build over 3,500 homes for about 9,000 people on the former St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital lands concluded on March 2 as Central Elgin council issued a request for proposal (RFP) seeking private sector development partners. CE council is now expected to approve the hospital lands official…
Read MoreShooting threat at EESS a hoax
A claim that surfaced online at 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, March 1, about students supposedly planning to shoot up East Elgin Secondary School the next day was investigated by Aylmer Police and found to be nothing but a fake. Still, the usually crowded parking on streets around the school was much lighter through Monday,…
Read MoreJohn Hueston, partner purchase Eganville Leader
Aylmer Express owner John Hueston and his partner Ray Stanton, owner of London Publishing Corp. have purchased The Eganville Leader from Gerald Tracey, its owner/publisher. Mr. Hueston said The Leader is one of the best and most successful newspapers in the country. From a population of about 1,500, they sell 5,000 newspapers a week. Mr.…
Read MoreKinsmen donate $1,000 in food to Corner Cupboard
Aylmer Kinsmen Club members Joe Gaudette, left, Al Bradford, Robert Jans, Stacey Gaudette, Andy Beck, Perry Babb, Paul Bode, Doug Waite, Jack Gaudette and Harrison Bates wheeled four grocery cart loads of food purchased from Miller’s Independent grocery store in Aylmer to East Elgin Community Assistance Program’s Corner Cupboard food bank next door on Saturday…
Read MoreWarming up for gymnastics meet
The 67 gymnastics team members at Assumption Catholic School in Aylmer have been practising their routines for a meet for Gr. 1 through 8 pupils in London on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Here, Gr. 2s Oakleigh Barham, left, and Atourina Barber rehearsed a partner balance. (AE/Rob Perry
Read MoreBest winter for snowmobilers
This winter has been the best in 20 years for local snowmobilers, Poplar Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club President Martin Baelde said Saturday, Feb. 18… but it almost didn’t happen. Coming into this winter, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs had expected to have to cut 20 percent of its 30,000 kilometres of groomed trails across…
Read More“Mayor Joe” lauded by chamber members
Guests and members at the St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce’s annual Lunch With The Mayors bid a fond – albeit premature – farewell to Mayor Joe Preston, Wednesday, Feb. 11. at the Memorial Centre in St. Thomas. After eight years on the job, Mayor Preston announced Feb. 10 that he will not run for office in the October 2026 municipal election. About 220 Chamber of Commerce guests expressed their gratitude for Mayor…
Read MorePSTR faces $500,000 bridge repair bill
Post Stanley Terminal Rail (PSTR) has confirmed that its temporary suspension of all operations is due to the discovery of “serious erosion” under the south abutment of the historic railway bridge across Kettle Creek in Port Stanley. A preliminary estimate of the cost to repair the damaged bridge is $500,000, PSTR President Dan Vernackt said…
Read MoreAMHA U9 Black team wins tourney title
Thane VanKasteren of Aylmer Minor Hockey’s Under 9 Black team cut between two Lambeth defenders as he raced toward their goal on Friday, Feb. 6. Aylmer won that game 9-2. AMHA hosted a three-day weekend tournament for U9 teams at East Elgin Community Complex, and the final in one division Sunday came down to this…
Read MoreWarm memories made building igloo
Abe Knelsen of St. Thomas and sons Lucas, 10, and Sam, 12, recently took advantage of frigid temperatures to build a creatively colourful igloo in their front yard. Abe, a realtor, said he and his wife Elissa have lived in their home for 13 years, with both sons growing up there. “I don’t think you…
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