2 days ago
Boil Water Advisory closes St. Thomas splash pad and businesses
A Boil Water Advisory (BWA) is in effect for some residents and businesses in St. Thomas. Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) issued the notice Friday for some people using the Water Distribution System in the east and southeast ends of the city due to bacterial contamination.
Impacted areas include: East Avenue, Chester Street, West Avenue, Devonshire Place, Balflour Street, Ada Street, Parkside Drive, Bell Drive, Henry Street, Glenbanner Street, Willow Street, Wilson Avenue (from #2 to #193), Bush Line (40359), Elm Street (from #25 to #80), Palm Street (from #4 to #17), Sunset Drive (from #126 to #188), and Pinafore Park.
The timing couldn't be worse during what is expected to be a scorching hot weekend.
The City of St. Thomas indicates the splash pad, as well as the water bottle fill stations and washrooms, at Pinafore Park is closed until the BWA is lifted.
Due to the BWA, Movie Night in the Park was canceled Friday and will be rescheduled. It is put on by The Ice Box, who also closed their ice cream shop location in the park temporarily.
'Hey guys, an unfortunate update from us,' The Ice Box wrote on Facebook. 'The Southwestern Public Health unit has sent out an advisory for boil water within Pinafore Park. Unfortunately, this means we must close our Pinafore location starting immediately until further notice. We value the quality and sanitation of our products, and with this current environment we will be unable to provide that. We hope you understand.'
The Tim Horton's location at 60 Elm St. is also shut down until the BWA is lifted.
ST THOMAS BOIL WATER
Tim Horton's location at 60 Elm St. on July 12, 2025. (Brent Lale/CTV News London)
'All of our other Tim's locations in St. Thomas are open regular business hours and are happy to serve you,' wrote owner Tanya Circelli.
In a news release from SWPH, they issued this advice, 'The Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Ninh Tran, is advising that users of City of St. Thomas Water Distribution System in the locations listed above bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute prior to using it for domestic purposes e.g. drinking, making infant formula and juice, brushing teeth, washing raw foods, and making ice.'
Mayor Joe Preston tells CTV News this is the second time during his tenure as mayor there as been a BWA. The first one was due to a water connection issue.
He said it will take two tests, 24 hours apart to get the BWA removed.
