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As we welcome the arrival of spring, Elgin County continues to gain momentum
across priority areas of economic growth. With new economic development and tourism initiatives, this season is marked by fresh opportunities and forward-thinking investment. We’re excited to introduce the new Elgin County Business Guide, spotlight local business successes, and share valuable resources and opportunities designed to help our business community thrive.
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Paws-itively Pampered: Loving Lathers Delivers
Tail-Wagging Results
Loving Lathers Dog Grooming Spa, owned and operated by Ashley Owen, offers personalized, one-on-one grooming services in a calm, caring environment where pets are treated like family. With more than 20 years of hands-on experience, Ashley has created a home-based grooming space focused on comfort, trust, and reducing anxiety for every pet that walks through the door.
Since opening, Loving Lathers has built a strong reputation for its tailored approach, offering a full range of services for both dogs and cats, including full grooms, bath and blow-dry packages, nail care, and specialty treatments. The spa’s thoughtful features—like a walk-in shower designed for pets of all sizes and mobility needs—help ensure a safe and accessible experience.
With a strong commitment to cleanliness, individualized care, and building lasting relationships with clients, Loving Lathers continues to grow as a trusted name in pet care across Elgin County—where every visit is handled with patience, compassion, and genuine love. Visit our Economic Development website to read the full news story on Ashley and learn more about how Loving Lathers is making a difference in Elgin County’s pet care community.
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A local culinary talent is stepping into the spotlight as Terrance Tew of SoLo on Main has been selected as one of just six chefs across the province to compete in the So You Think You Can Cook With Cannabis — Ontario Edition competition.
Born and raised in St. Thomas, Chef Terrance is known for his passion for local ingredients and his commitment to showcasing the rich agricultural offerings of Southwestern Ontario.
The live competition, taking place June 1st in Whitby, will see him bring his signature blend of elevated cuisine and bold flavours to the stage, representing both his community and the region’s growing culinary scene.
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Aylmer Flowers and Gifts
With over 30 years of floral experience, Becky Bryce has opened a community-focused flower and gift store built on quality, creativity, and personal service.
Her shop offers wedding, sympathy, and everyday arrangements, delivery services, and a thoughtfully curated selection of local vendor products. By creating space for other makers, Becky is helping strengthen the local small business ecosystem while offering customers more reasons to shop locally.
📍7 Talbot Street East, Aylmer
📞 519-317-8329
🌐 https://www.aylmerflowers.com/
📘 Facebook: Aylmer Flowers and Gifts
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Integrated Elevation
Founded by Meaghan MacLeod, Integrated Elevation is a unique wellness and learning experience that operates out of Horseshoe J Dude Ranch and brings together people and horses in meaningful ways.
They offer equine-assisted learning, team-building experiences, retreats, and one-on-one wellness sessions. Through guided, on-the-ground interactions with horses — no riding required — participants explore communication, confidence, and personal growth in a supportive environment.
📍 32553 Erin Line, Fingal
📞 519-317-8329
🌐 https://integratedelevation.com
📘 Facebook: Integrated Elevation
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SoSo's Breakfast Tacos
Owners, Jessica and Kristina Melhuish have been serving up fresh, flavour-packed breakfast with heart at SoSo's Breakfast Tacos. They offer a unique, made-fresh menu featuring breakfast tacos, tortas, quesadillas, breakfast bowls, and their popular chicken and waffle creations.
Everything is baked or grilled (never deep-fried), with a strong focus on quality ingredients, generous portions, and approachable pricing.
What truly sets SoSo’s Breakfast Tacos apart is the experience. Kristina and Jessica have created a warm, welcoming space where guests are encouraged to relax, connect, and feel at home.
📍 236 Graham Road, West Lorne
📞 226-289-9176
🌐 https://www.sososbreakfasttacos.com/
📘 Facebook: SoSo’s Breakfast Tacos
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SunPower LED
Aylmer Wellness Centre
Joe and Mirella Braga operate the local wellness hub in partnership with SunPowerLED founder Tom Kerber.
The centre specializes in professional LED light therapy sessions designed to support circulation, muscle recovery, inflammation reduction, skin health, and overall wellness.
With a vision to make Aylmer the flagship location for future wellness centres across Southwestern Ontario, SunPower LED Aylmer Wellness Centre is bringing leading-edge wellness technology to the heart of the community.
📍 516 John St. N, Unit 116, Aylmer
📞 365-341-3888
📘 Facebook Page
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Seven Decades of Auctions and Community:
Shackelton Auctions Marks 70 Years in Business
A major milestone is being celebrated this year as Shackelton Auctions marks 70 years in business. Founded in 1956 by Les Shackelton, the family-run auction house has grown from a small operation in a former one-room schoolhouse into one of the largest auction services in the region.
Today, brothers Mike, Jeff, and Cameron Shackelton continue the legacy, offering online and live auctions for everything from antiques and estate items to farm equipment and major collections. With three generations already involved—and a fourth proudly joining as well—Shackelton Auctions continues to evolve while staying rooted in the strong community support that has helped the business thrive in Elgin County for the last seven decades.
📍 51570 Lyons Line, Springfield
📞 519-765-4450
🌐 https://www.shackeltonauctions.com/
| | Discover the full story behind this remarkable 70-year milestone and learn how Shackelton Auctions continues to grow and innovate. | | | |
Serving Quality for 50 Years:
Carmichael Meats Reaches a Major Milestone
Celebrating 50 years in business, Carmichael Meats has grown from humble beginnings into a well-known name in specialty meats across Elgin County and beyond. Founded in 1976 by Dougal Carmichael as a small concession business, the company expanded into specialty meats in 1987 and has since built a strong reputation for quality smoked products and unique offerings—from traditional beef and pork to venison, bison, and more.
Still family-owned and operated today, Carmichael Meats serves customers at its retail location, through markets and events across Ontario, and via online sales, continuing a legacy of dedication, innovation, and community connection that has defined the business for five decades.
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40 Years of Flavour: Belmont Town Restaurant & Catering Celebrates a Delicious Legacy
Opened in 1986, Belmont Town Restaurant has grown into a very reputable and well-known business in the community for providing delicious, fresh, home-made meals to thousands of guests + events each year. In 1988, Belmont Town Restaurant expanded and became a fully functioning Restaurant and Catering business.
Owned and operated by Paul Sfakianos and his two daughters, Anna and Cassandra, their clients are their top priority and they strive to accommodate every need to create the perfect function. Their guarantee is that you and your guests will never go hungry!
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📍 14139 Belmont Rd, Belmont ON
📞 519-851-7084
🌐 https://www.belmont-catering.com/
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Are You a New Business or Celebrating a Milestone?
We want to hear your story! Whether you're celebrating a grand opening or
a major anniversary, reach out to us to be featured in a future newsletter.
Email: economicdevelopment@elgin.ca
| | ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM INITIATIVES | | |
The 2026-2030 Economic Development and Tourism Plan is now complete and available for public review.
About the Plan
This five-year Plan provides clear direction for how Elgin County will support economic growth and tourism development through 2030. It outlines priorities, goals, and actions that will help strengthen and diversify the local economy while reflecting the unique character of our communities.
Economic Development Goals and Actions
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Investing in Elgin County: Support investment in key sectors and ensure infrastructure is in place to attract and grow business.
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Supporting and Growing Local Business: Foster a business-first environment that encourages retention, expansion, and entrepreneurship.
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Diversifying Local Agriculture: Promote innovation and value-added opportunities across the agri-business sector.
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Strengthening Municipal Collaboration: Advance a regional approach that promotes shared strengths while respecting local identities.
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Advancing Community Development: Support quality of place initiatives and continue delivering the Elgincentives Community Improvement Plan program.
Tourism Goals and Priorities
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Focus on Product Development: Enhance tourism experiences based on market opportunities and visitor needs.
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Build on Existing Strengths: Promote established tourism assets and support local tourism businesses.
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Strengthen the Elgin County Brand: Align messaging and increase awareness of Elgin County as a destination.
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Unlocking Opportunity in Elgin County
The Elgin County Business Guide is here!
Whether you're starting a business, expanding operations, exploring relocation, or looking for supports, this guide walks you through:
- Planning tools
- Zoning & land use
- Permits & licenses
- Financial supports
- Hiring & workforce tools
- Growth strategies
- Risk & succession planning
Designed with input from our business community - and written in plain language.
Invest. Build. Grow. In Elgin County.
| | Our 2026 Visitor's Guide is now out! | | |
This refreshed guide continues to showcase the County's communities, attractions, experiences, and local businesses, while introducing a new itineraries section designed to inspire travel and exploration.
This addition of six curated itineraries highlights different ways to experience Elgin County. This is to encourage longer stays, support trip planning, and promote cross-community exploration by showcasing dining, shopping, outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and accommodations throughout Elgin County.
Come & Explore ELGIN COUNTY today!
| | INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT | | |
Elgin County at Taste Ex Show
Elgin County Tourism recently promoted the region’s growing culinary and beverage sector at Taste Ex, connecting with more than 500 attendees and highlighting Elgin County as a destination for local food, craft beverages, and agritourism experiences. The show featured other Elgin County businesses, including Natterjack Brewing Company Ltd., SoLo on Main, and Skye Chase Estate Winery. Participation in regional events like this supports local businesses by increasing visibility, attracting visitors, and promoting Elgin County’s vibrant food and beverage economy.
| | In February, Elgin County Economic Development staff attended the 69th Annual Conference hosted by the Economic Developers Council of Ontario. The conference brought together economic development professionals from across the province to explore emerging economic trends, innovative strategies, and best practices supporting business growth and community development. Sessions covering topics such as Ontario travel trends, business retention and expansion, and strategic planning provided valuable insights that will help strengthen economic development and tourism initiatives. | | | Southern Ontario Tourism Conference | | | | |
Elgin County Economic Development and Tourism staff attended the Southern Ontario Tourism Conference on March 3rd & 4th in London, ON, joining more than 250 tourism professionals from across the region.
The conference provided valuable opportunities to learn about emerging tourism trends, explore new strategies for attracting visitors year-round, and connect with industry partners. Insights and tools gained from the event help support local tourism businesses and strengthen the continued growth of Elgin County’s visitor economy.
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Elgincentives Review
The County has prepared draft updates to the County-Wide Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to reflect new community priorities, legislative changes, and shifts in economic conditions. The update will help ensure that the CIP remains effective and relevant for the next ten years.
Public Meetings
Public meetings will be held in every Municipality to provide any person the opportunity to submit formal written and/or verbal comments either in support or opposition regarding the proposed amendments before Council's review.
Please visit our Engage Elgin website to view the proposed amendments and the Public Meetings schedule.
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Save the Date!
Cultivating Success 2026
Building on the success of two outstanding networking events in 2025, Elgin County is excited to continue the momentum in 2026.
With such strong engagement and collaboration, we’re pleased to share that our next event will take place on Tuesday, June 16th at Nature's Oasis Retreat!
Stay tuned for details as we continue creating opportunities for businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow.
Mark your calendars now!
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Searching for your next great employee?
Secure your employer booth and start making connections.
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Employers and job seekers are invited to connect at the
2026 Job Fair for St. Thomas, Elgin County and area.
Wednesday April 15th, 2026 from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
at the Joe Thornton Community Centre
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2026 Impact Awards
Headlining the night is the legendary Michael “Pinball” Clemons, with a message — rooted in resilience, drive, and the courage to hit “START” on new challenges — the perfect power-up for a community that continues to grow, adapt, and aim higher.
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📍 Location: Joe Thornton Community Centre
📅 Date: Friday, April 17th, 2026
⏰ Time: Doors at 5:30 PM | Program at 6:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Members - $150 + hst / Non-Members - $200 + hst
Call: 519-631-1981 or Email: Lindsey@stthomaschamber.ca
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Stay Informed on What Impacts Your Business
Want to stay up to date on what’s happening across Elgin County? Our Engage Elgin platform makes it easy to follow Council decisions, upcoming construction projects, service updates, and initiatives that may affect your business and the communities you serve.
By creating a free account, you’ll receive timely updates and opportunities right to your email to stay aware of projects and plans shaping the region, helping you plan ahead and stay connected. The platform also allows two-way engagement, giving you the chance to provide feedback on initiatives and share your input directly with County staff.
Register today: https://engageelgin.ca/register
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Fields of Opportunity:
An Economic Growth Study
Agritourism Ontario has released its Economic Growth Study on the agritourism sector in Ontario — the first comprehensive analysis of its kind in the province. The study provides an in-depth look at the economic contributions of agritourism businesses and outlines a clear path forward to support sustainable growth for operators, rural communities, and municipalities.
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Key Findings
The report demonstrates that agritourism is a powerful and growing economic driver, contributing significantly to:
- Local job creation and small business development
- On-farm diversification and increased farm viability
- Municipal tax bases and regional economic resilience
- Tourism spending in rural and underserved communities
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WILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing
This program is designed to build a skilled workforce for Canada’s manufacturing future, utilizing employer-led, hands-on training and mentorship. Participants gain access to self-directed e-learning focused on introductory technical skills in mechanical, electrical and machining.
Funded by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, eligible employers receive a wage subsidy of up to $5000 to support quality training periods. Together we can build the manufacturing workforce of tomorrow!
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CanExport SMEs is now accepting applications!
Deadline: May 29, 2026 at 12:00 PM (ET)
The CanExport SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) program offers competitive funding to help eligible Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises expand into new international markets.
The program supports businesses by sharing the costs of export-related activities, helping reduce risk and support export diversification. It is intended for companies with meaningful economic ties to Canada, the capacity to grow internationally, and a clear plan to export Canadian goods and services.
Successful projects may receive up to $50,000 in funding for international business development activities. Funding is limited, and applications are assessed on a rolling competitive basis.
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