So far, two candidates have stepped up to run for mayor of St. Thomas, following the entry of a longtime city councillor who previously held the position two decades ago.
Jeff Kohler, a four-term city councillor and lifelong resident of St. Thomas, has announced he’s running for mayor in the upcoming 2026 municipal election. Kohler served as mayor from 2003 to 2006.
The 58-year-old believes that his experience in local politics and his “capable proven leadership” make him well-suited for the role.
“My vision for St. Thomas is a community that continues to strengthen its affordability, accessibility and safety,” Kohler said. “That means supporting diverse housing options, keeping transportation simple and effective, and ensuring families feel secure.”
Kohler pointed out that St. Thomas is “entering one of the most significant periods of growth” it has seen in decades, emphasizing the need for careful budgeting to prevent unnecessary expenses that could raise property taxes.
Kohler described the next few years as “key” to ensuring prosperity for St. Thomas.
“I kind of say that we’ve got the golden goose, it just hasn’t laid its egg yet, and we need to be responsible in these next four years to make sure that we don’t have high increased taxes until we actually start to gain some of that revenue,” he said.
This “golden goose” refers to Volkswagen’s anticipated electric vehicle battery plant set to open in 2027 with plans to employ around 3,000 workers.
Kohler also highlighted Vianode, a Norwegian synthetic graphite manufacturer with a $3.2-billion plant expected to create 300 jobs when production starts in 2028 and eventually grow to 1,000 jobs as another enhancement for St. Thomas’ manufacturing sector.
The only other candidate currently running for the top position is Aidan Frederick, a 27-year-old who declared his candidacy in early June.
This marks Frederick’s first attempt at public office; he is a graduate of Western University working as an accountant. He believes he can bring “youthful energy” along with a “fresh young perspective” into the mayor’s office.
“I feel like the youth are underrepresented in municipal politics,” he said. “(I’m looking at) that angle of what do the younger families want from the city. What do people, young working professionals, want to see from the city going forward.”
Addtionally, Frederick mentioned that St. Thomas stands at a “pivotal moment” due to its manufacturing boom; decisions made by local leaders now will impact the city’s future significantly.
A report from Watson and Associates Ltd., an economic consulting firm based in Mississauga forecasts rapid growth for St. Thomas over the coming years-projecting its population could nearly double from about 46,000 today to almost 80,000 within 25 years.
“We need to be ready with these transportation connections, with our housing, with how we plan our neighbourhoods and spaces (and) public spaces,” he said. “So I think we’re in a really exciting time in this city and I’m excited to talk more with people and see what happens.”
A businessperson turned politician Joe Preston announced back in February he wouldn’t seek re-election after serving two terms as mayor.
“It’s a relief to make this decision after 25 years of service and community involvement – I won’t stop either of those things,” he stated at that time.
The 70-year-old was Conservative MP for Elgin-Middlesex-London from 2004 until 2015 before defeating incumbent Heather Jackson twice-first gaining office as mayor in 2018 then again winning re-election against her in 2022.
CANDIDATES FOR ST. THOMAS CIVIC ELECTION
(As of Friday July10)
MAYOR
Aidan Frederick Jeff Kohler
COUNCIL
Joe Docherty Brian May Kyle Yates Kay Vaughan Jim Herbert Earl Taylor Geoff Mountenay Gary Clarke Rose Gibson Douglas Mac Tavish Joan Rymal Lori Baldwin-Sands Mike Brisson
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