Welcome back to another edition of The Creative Hub of Elgin County.

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More mortgage options. Less stress. Helping everyone home and proud to support the local voices that make this community thrive.

This newsletter exists for one reason: to keep Elgin County connected.

Each week, it highlights what’s happening locally from events and small businesses to creative projects and big ideas and helps them find the people who’ll appreciate them most. Because when we support what’s happening around us, momentum builds fast.

Have an event coming up? Launching something new? Running a local business or passion project you want more eyes on? My inbox is always open.

And if you know someone who loves discovering what’s happening locally, pass this along. The more people involved, the stronger the ripple effect.

Here’s what’s on tap for this week 👇

If you’re heading to the St. Thomas Home Show this April, make sure you clear a path to visit two of our favourite people!

Janine Green and Ryan from the Xtra-Mile Real Estate Group (RE/MAX Centre City) will be set up and ready to chat all things home, community, and real estate. Whether you’re looking for your next "forever home" or just want to talk shop with experts who truly go the extra mile, they are the ones to see.

Mark your calendars:

Janine and Ryan are always a blast to catch up with—stop by their booth, say hi, and let them know the Creative Hub sent you!

The New Here? Start Here Expo is officially only 14 days away! Whether you just moved to St. Thomas & Elgin County or you've been here for years and want to discover the best local services, this is the place to be.

I’ve brought together a curated group of local pros—from accountants and lawyers to photographers and home Reno experts—all under one roof at the historic CASO Station.

Don’t wait until you need a pro to start looking for one. Come out, grab a coffee (I’ll probably have a Starbucks or Streamliners in hand!), and meet the people who make our community great.

🎟️ Get your free tickets here: Eventbrite Link

See you there!

🌸 Rodney Fair Spring Vendor Market 🌸

Join us April 25, 2026 | 9 AM – 4 PM at the Rodney Recreation Centre (135 Queens Line, Rodney, ON) for a day of local shopping and spring inspiration.

Browse unique goods from local artisans, flower farmers, makers, and bakers. Beat the spring fever, grab a specialty coffee, and discover what our talented local vendors have to offer!

Business Spotlight: The Landing Pad Rentals

We are currently seeking community partners with fully furnished, all-inclusive 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments, homes, and suites to help us meet the growing demand for quality temporary and extended-stay housing in St. Thomas.

Our housing solutions support a variety of needs, including corporate relocation, crew and workforce housing, medical professionals and travelling nurses, executive stays, and disaster relief placements.

At The Landing Pad Rentals, we are passionate about ensuring that every new person arriving in St. Thomas — whether for a short-term assignment or a longer-term transition — has a safe, comfortable place to land and a warm welcome into our community.

The Mortgage Corner:

Is Your 2021 Mortgage Still a Fit for Your 2026 Life?

St. Thomas has changed a lot since 2021—and your life probably has, too. Back then, "work from home" was a novelty, and the Bank of Canada was singing a very different tune.

If you bought or renewed five years ago, you’re likely staring down a 2026 renewal. The letter from your bank is coming, but before you pick up a pen, let’s talk about how the world has shifted:

The "Stay-Put" Equity Boost: With the way our local market has moved, your home might be sitting on equity you didn't have in 2021. Is it time to finally renovate that kitchen or finish the basement instead of trying to find a bigger house in this market?

The Inflation Reality Check: Life is more expensive now than it was five years ago. A renewal isn't just about a rate; it’s an opportunity to restructure your debt and breathe some life back into your monthly cash flow.

The St. Thomas "Convenience Tax": Big banks bet on the fact that you're busy with work, family, and local life. They send an "okay" offer hoping you’ll sign it just to cross it off your to-do list. That 10-second signature could cost you the price of a used car over the next five years.

Let’s Chat (The Coffee is on Me)
I’m not here to move your mortgage just for the sake of moving it. In fact, if your bank offers you a deal that I can’t beat, I’ll be the first to tell you to stay put and sign it. Let’s grab a coffee at Streamliners and just look at the numbers. No pressure, no sales pitch—just a clear look at where you stand in today's Elgin County market.

Brad Lister Level 1 Mortgage Agent, Tango Financial #13691 Email: [email protected]

Web: mortgagewithbrad.ca

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