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Eric Bunnell's People: The future of the Elgin County Railway Museum

Museum officials are hosting upcoming information sessions to share updates and ideas about the site's future

The Elgin County Railway Museum, which shuttered last month over concerns about the structural safety of its century-plus building, said to be North America’s oldest remaining railway shops, has scheduled a series of information sessions to answer questions from the public and members.

“Between March 4 and March 12, we will be hosting four communication opportunities designed to provide updates, answer questions, and share ideas about the future of the museum,” museum officials posted to social media.

Eric Bunnell's People: The future of the Elgin County Railway Museum Back to video

The first is a live question-and-answer session for the public skedded for 6 p.m. on March 4 on the museum’s Facebook page, and to continue “until all questions are answered.”

(The museum asks that complicated queries for which research may be necessary be submitted in advance. Several already have been.)

The following week, an informal open house is calendared for 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on March 10 at the Canada Southern railway station for the public to view design concepts for the museum’s future.

And after a members-only meeting March 11 to update them on the museum’s current status, there is to be a public session at 6 p.m. that day for same.

“We value the input and support of our community and members,” museum officials posted. “These sessions are an important part of ensuring open dialogue as we continue to move forward.”

An eclectic performance

Sandy Kazubowski-Houston says the Canadian-made Casavant organ at Central United Church is among his favourites.

“I love the organ here,” Sandy says. “It’s fun to play.”

He was speaking briefly on Wednesday before he sat at the instrument’s console to offer the first of a 2026 series of midweek recitals through Lent at the church. The long-running series is a St. Thomas tradition begun at now-closed Trinity Anglican Church and moved just pre-COVID to Central.

Sandy, the music director at Knox Presbyterian Church in StT, chose a 45-minute program of organ music ranging from the Baroque period to modern.

“How did I come about the music I am going to play today?” he said to his audience of about three-dozen people.

“I try to find something different. I like strange instruments; I really like playing reed organ . . . and I also like music that hasn’t been played as much over the years,” the musician told the audience.

His choices were perhaps as eclectic as the recitalist himself: introducing Sandy, series convener Dave Mathers noted the organist, a graduate of the Taylor Performance Academy at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, is also pursuing a master’s degree in environmental studies and is a licensed glider pilot.

(Regarding that last accomplishment, Dave, former owner of the St. Thomas Dragway, said he prefers a vehicle with a motor.)

Pausing next week for the St. Thomas Music Festival, the recitals are to continue March 4 at Central with Dr. Wayne Carroll, the series’ executive director.

Concerts are at noon, followed by a sandwich and beverage (although, because of illness, goodies had to be substituted Wednesday this week for sandwiches).

Tickets are available at the door.

Here’s a save-the-date if ever there was one!

“Dust off your lederhosen and get ready to raise a stein,” e-invites Sarah Noble on behalf of the St. Thomas Downtown Development Board. (Sarah is marketing and communications manager for the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation.)

It’s a note that Downtown Oktoberfest – “a full day of music, tradition, and family-friendly fun” with a very Bavarian flavour – is on the calendar for Sept. 19.

Headlining Downtown Oktoberfest 2026 is to be The Jim Cuddy Band, led by one of Canada’s most celebrated songwriters and performers. Cuddy, a founding member of Blue Rodeo, is also a Juno winner, a Canadian Songwriters Hall of Famer and an officer of the Order of Canada.

The day has a website at downtownoktoberfest.ca.

And while we’re saving dates …

After four years of summer fun at Wildflower Farms, YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin is re-inventing its signature fundraiser.

“This spring, we’re trading summer sunsets (and sometimes storms) for side-splitting laughter!” e-announces Melissa Kempf, the YWCA communications office manager.

The organization is to kick off the Victoria Day holiday weekend on the Thursday before with Spring Into Laughter, a May 14 evening at St. Anne’s Centre starring the improv comedy troupe Girls Nite Out.

The Girls are five of Canada’s top women comics:  Elvira Kurt (CBC, HBO),  Jennine Profeta (The Second City, CBC, NBC), Karen Parker (The Second City), Diana Frances (Vancouver Theatresports, CBC), and Jordan Armstrong (The Second City, Toronto Fringe, CBC).

“We are honoured to be one of the stops on their 20th anniversary Tour,” Melissa says.

The YW says summer fun and fundraising at Wildflowers has been unforgettable.

“Our Summer Night Social event has been nothing short of magical. From warm August evenings to amazing memories made together, Wildflower Farms has been the perfect backdrop for celebration, connection, and community.

“We are so grateful for every song sung, every chase of a chicken, and every one of YOU who made it special.”

But it was time for a refresh (and, also, indoor facilities instead of porta-potties).

The organization hopes to raise $25,000 and is inviting sponsorship.

Ticket details are TBA.

Another save-the-date

And, you know, while that calendar still is out …

The Ennis Sisters are to make a welcome return visit to our town from the East Coast for a March 26 concert in support of the St. Thomas and Elgin Resettlement Committee. They are tuning up at St. Anne’s Centre, and tickets are available through Holy Angels and St. Anne’s, Knox Presbyterian and St Hilda’s-St. Luke’s churches in town, and Our Lady of Sorrows church, Aylmer.

Promoting the evening, Dave McCormick e-mails, “Hey Friends, got your tickets yet? You won’t be disappointed. AND . . . you are helping a great organization in our community.”

Meanwhile, at the request of the St. Thomas Elgin Local Immigration Partnership, an agency coalition that provides settlement services in the community, St. Thomas council this week set Sept. 10 to Sept. 17 as the official Welcoming Week in the city.

While my father’s ocarina somehow ended up buried in the backyard – my mother, a flautist who hated the shrill pitch of the little thing, blamed the dog – I’ve found mine at the house. It’s time to play Hot Cross Buns on Saturday at Cobs Bread for a free hot cross bun.

The promo last year brought out dozens of budding musicians to the StT outlet of the franchise bakery, which opens 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

(Me and my ocarina were with a marimbula-toting friend last year at another Cobs, where they interrupted part-way through my rendition to invite me to stop playing.)

While the simple ditty for beginner instrumentalists is a bit of an earworm, staff in StT are looking forward to the day’s fun.

“Oh, absolutely,” says Hannah Haight, assistant store manager. “It’s our theme song!”

A montage of last year’s performances is posted to the store’s Instagram page.

Well, I must say, what a week of wild weather we’ve had!

Fogs so thick that driving Saturday morning up Colonel Talbot Road to London, I’m sure I couldn’t see even 15 feet ahead of the car.

(But the fog Tuesday sure made Pinafore Park pretty as a picture!)

After the end of our recent deep freeze, above-seasonal temperatures. Rain instead of snow.

Then that thunderstorm Wednesday evening. Lightning lit up the ‘hood as if it were day.

All of which is to note that while winter remains with us, no matter what weather it brings, London Middlesex master gardener Jonathan Aristone will demonstrate the Japanese art of training miniature trees with Bonsai for Beginners when the St. Thomas and District Horticultural Society meets 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Canada Southern railway station. All welcome.

Door prizes, mini flower show, and refreshments.

ericbunnellspeople@gmail.com

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