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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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St. Thomas, Ontario

St.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

St. Thomas is a city in southwestern Ontario, Canada, and the seat of Elgin County. Incorporated as a city in 1881, it is known for its railway heritage, industrial base, and public parks and gardens. The 2021 census recorded a population of 42,840.

History

St. Thomas developed in the early 19th century and was linked to the settlement organized by Thomas Talbot. It became an incorporated city in 1881 and later gained prominence as a railway centre.

Economy

The city's economy has long included transportation-linked industry and light manufacturing. Sources describe it as a diversified industrial centre with manufacturers in sectors such as automotive parts and machinery.

Population and geography

St. Thomas is a mid-sized city in southwestern Ontario with a 2021 population of 42,840. It lies south of London and near the north shore of Lake Erie.

Culture and landmarks

The city is associated with railway heritage and with Jumbo the elephant memorialized locally after his death near St. Thomas in 1885. Public parks and floral displays are also part of its civic identity.

Key facts

  • St. Thomas is the seat of Elgin County, Ontario.
  • It was incorporated as a city in 1881.
  • The city had a population of 42,840 in 2021.
  • Historically a major railway town, it is nicknamed The Railway City.
  • St. Thomas is located south of London, Ontario, near Lake Erie.
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Canadian context

St. Thomas is notable to Canadian readers as an Ontario county seat with a strong railway and industrial history, and as part of the London, Ontario regional area.

Frequently asked questions

What is St. Thomas, Ontario?
St. Thomas is a city in southwestern Ontario, Canada, and the seat of Elgin County.
When was St. Thomas incorporated as a city?
St. Thomas gained city status in 1881.
What is the population of St. Thomas?
Its population was 42,840 in the 2021 Canadian census.
Why is St. Thomas known as the Railway City?
It became an important railway town and division point, with multiple rail lines serving the city by the early 20th century.
Where is St. Thomas located?
It is in southwestern Ontario, south of London and near the north shore of Lake Erie.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Thomas,_Ontario
    Supports: City status, county seat, 2021 census population, basic location.
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/st-thomas
    Supports: Incorporation date, location, history, railway significance, Jumbo, parks, and economic character.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Saint-Thomas-Ontario
    Supports: City description, settlement history, railway importance, industrial base.
  4. City of St. Thomas — https://www.city-of-stthomas.on.ca/visiting_us
    Supports: Municipal description, location, and visitor-facing geographic context.