Discovery Guide

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Index

index 1

about Us 2

studios

clayworks studio 3

concreations 4

Medlyn stained Glass & Jewellery studio 5

Peter robson studios and Gallery 6

Pinecroft ceramic art studio 7

rubyeyes Kraftwerks 8

Galleries

art emporium Gallery 9

clovermead Gallery 10

Minerva art Gallery & custom Framing 11

Portside Gallery 12

st. thomas-elgin Public art centre 13

the arts & cookery Bank 14

Village crier Gallery 15

crafters

anything Used & sparta country candles 16

little red Mitten 17

at a Glance 18

workshops 19

events 20

Map 21

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the county of elgin, in partnership with the elgin Business resource

centre, st. thomas economic Development corporation, and

st. thomas-elgin Public art centre, invites tourists and the local

community to experience the finest visual arts attractions the

region has to offer on the elgin arts trail. the trail provides

comprehensive resources to explore 15 studios and

galleries exhibiting diverse collections of artwork. Prepare

yourself for an imaginative and unforgettable journey of original

paintings, pottery, stained glass, fibre art, candles and more.

some say that elgin county-st. thomas is a work of art itself, with

its sprawling countryside, historic city, and towns and villages

that charm thousands of tourists annually. the county’s natural

beauty and traditional character make it easy to understand

how such a vibrant creative arts community developed over

the years. artistic inspiration is all around.

start planning your trip today.

Discover your inner artist,

explore the elgin arts trail.

www.elginartstrail.ca

1-877-GO ELGIN, x168

www.twitter.com/elginartstrail

www.facebook.com/elginartstrail

About us

elgin arts trail Program Developed in partnership with:

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ClAyworks studIo

in elgin county’s northeast is the small, scenic town of Belmont,

home to catherine craig’s rustic working studio filled with her

original clay artwork, sketches and sculptures. a professional visual

artist with more than 40 years experience, she values community

empowerment and storytelling—the hallmarks of her work. catherine

is a partner in the art Gallery of lambeth and has exhibited in many

galleries across southern Ontario in both group and solo exhibitions.

a graduate of the University of windsor’s Bachelor of Fine arts

program, she has also offered private lessons to aspiring artists

for more than 30 years. catherine’s work transcends craft and

hobby—it is a lifetime commitment fueled by passion and dedication.

Mediums: pottery, sculptures, sketches, spinning, weaving, paintings

Monday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday 1pm - 5pm

Please phone for appointment, or visit by chance

128 Dyer Street, Belmont, ON, N0L 1B0

Blog: http://catherinecraigart.blogspot.com/ (519) 644-0893

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Home to hidden garden treasures, concreations, is a concrete statuary,

located just outside of st. thomas. the new rustic barn store features

unique, handmade outdoor ornaments, with statues varying from

functional to fun. andy DeVries, a self-taught craftsperson, is the creative

mind behind each artistic piece, making everything himself. see for

yourself in andy’s working studio how he casts garden ornaments in

concrete and finishes each statue with stains and varnish to achieve

an antique, weathered look. the delightful garden ornaments include

animals, stepping stones, and masks that are sure to make your garden

or patio come alive with creativity.

Medium: sculptures

March to December

Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm

Sunday by appointment or by chance

7579 Yarmouth Centre Rd, St. Thomas, ON, N5P 3S9

www.concreations.ca (519) 631-8192

ConCreAtIons

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established in 1996, Medlyn stained Glass & Jewellery

studio’s friendly staff are ready to sketch a concept

and help bring your ideas to life. located in downtown

st. thomas, Medlyn’s takes pride in their quality

craftsmanship, one-of-a-kind finishing touches and

customer satisfaction. each piece created is hand

drawn and uniquely crafted to meet their customer’s

individual needs. From beautiful lamps and sun

catchers to mosaic items, visit the studio and see

Medlyn’s artists at work, providing services including

restoration to lead pieces, sandblasting, and a variety

of supplies. Be amazed by the fine jewellery created

by their gold and silver smith who has over 40 years

experience. explore the studio, full of inspiring pieces

for sale, or take one of their stained glass classes to

create your own artistic piece .

Mediums: jewellery, sculptures, metalwork, pottery,

ceramics, glass art, stained glass

Studio open to the public

Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm

Saturday 10am - 1pm

Open evenings by appointment

643 Talbot Street, St.Thomas, ON, N5P 1C9

(519) 633-3773

A3 Medlyn stAIned GlAss & Jewellery studIo

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located in the quaint, historic hamlet of sparta, Ontario, Peter robson

studios has drawn the attention of art lovers from across the region for

more than 30 years. Passion for the studio and original art is a family

affair that includes Peter’s wife eleanor and son steven, who proudly

display Peter’s paintings, limited edition prints and sculptures at the

gallery. well known and highly respected, Peter robson studios has

the capacity to customize an art program of any size for charities or

businesses with existing prints or by special commission. a complete

state-of-the-art custom framing centre is located on the premises.

Mediums: paintings, sketches, sculptures, prints, custom framing

Weekdays 10am - 4:30pm

Saturday 11am - 5pm

Sunday 12pm - 5pm

or by appointment

46340 Main Street, Sparta, ON, N0L 2H0

www.peterrobsonstudios.com (519) 775-2522

Peter robson studIos And GAllery

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Opened in 1948 by Jimmie clennell and selma caverly,

Pinecroft is considered to be canada’s oldest continuously

operating pottery studio. tucked away in a 54 acre pine

forest, this thriving family-run establishment has produced

fine quality earthenware and stoneware pottery for 65 years.

second generation studio potter Brenda (caverly) smith

offers a wide range of functional pieces including complete

dinner sets. High fired reduction ware is wheel thrown with

some slab work. classes and hands-on workshops are

offered year round in the teaching studio.

Pinecroft also features the work of tony clennell (MFa, rca),

who recently joined the studio as an associate potter. tony

is an adjunct professor at sheridan college and has taught

workshops in canada, Usa, Japan, china and italy.

For the full Pinecroft experience, visit the Green Frog tea

room for lunch, relax at the massage hut and stay the night

at selma’s cabin B&B.

Mediums: pottery, ceramics, paintings, prints

Visit www.pinecroft.ca for our exciting 2013 pottery

workshops as part of our 65th Anniversary

Studio generally open daily 9am - 4pm

Check our website for hours of operation

8122 Rogers Road South, Aylmer West, ON, N5H 2R4

www.pinecroft.ca (519) 773-3435

PIneCroft CerAMIC Art studIo

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cheryl Garrett-Jenkins is an award winning glass artist, who creates

unique glass art. windows, panels, and decorative 3-D pieces to

personalized glassware and jewellery, nothing is too unusual or

different to create in her Port stanley studio. some of cheryl’s more

popular works include pet portraits, personalized pieces, dishware,

celtic designs, specialty boxes, and favourite photos produced

in glass. each art piece is made from unique patterns, creating

one-of-a-kind glass artworks. Passionate about her art, she loves

unearthing the secrets held in a piece of glass and bringing those

to life in amazing light pictures and objects. she uses a variety of

skills, including painting, fusing, leading and casting, developed

over the past three decades. Visit cheryl’s studio and delight in her

masterpieces or take one of her classes to be inspired.

Mediums: paintings, jewellery, glass art, photography, metalwork,

fibre arts, pottery, sculptures

Open to the public year round

Thursday - Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Monday 12pm - 5pm May 15 - Labour Day

or by appointment

235 Colborne Street, Port Stanley, ON, N5L 1B9

www.rubyeyes.com (519) 782-7443

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a popular destination for art enthusiasts, Port stanley is home to

the art emporium, Boathouse Gallery and Gift Boutique. Discover

the talents of local and regional artists in the large, open, and well-

lit gallery featuring the eclectic pieces of over 30 regional artists

working in many media spanning from paintings to sculptures,

photography, pottery, textiles, and more. the artists of the art

emporium demonstrate their passion for art and the desire to share

it with others.

while at the art Gallery explore the Gift Boutique, offering a

wide assortment of handcrafted items, made by artisans in the

community. the handcrafted goods are a treasure trove of wood

turning, hand painted silks, one-of-a-kind aprons, jewellery and

artist cards to name but a few. Visitors and art enthusiasts alike are

sure to find a unique memento or special gift.

Mediums: paintings, jewellery, candles, photography, sketches,

woodcraft, sculptures, prints, metalwork, pottery, ceramics,

glass art, textiles, mosaic, stained glass

Summer hours: April to December

Thursday - Monday 11am - 5pm

Winter hours: January to March

Friday - Monday 11am - 4pm

177 Main Street, Port Stanley, ON, N5L 1H6

www.artemporium.ca (226) 658-1888

Art eMPorIuM GAllery

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CloVerMeAd GAllery

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Henry Hiemstra has always loved exploring and learning about plants,

insects and animals. He started working as a Zoology technician at

the University of western Ontario and later moved to the national

Museum of natural sciences in Ottawa. in 1975, he and ann established

clovermead apiaries. Besides his interests in taxidermy and in learning

news skills by reading and experimenting, Henry has an artistic bent.

in 2012 he graduated from Fanshawe’s creative arts Program. His

appreciation of history and delight in God’s creation, can be seen in his

artwork displayed in the clovermead Gallery. the gallery is themed after

an old Ontario Village—wander the historic Brownsville train station and

1852 log cabin, take in a movie in the Beetown Hotel, or have a seat in

an old outhouse beside a glass wall of bees.

Mediums: paintings, sketches

Summer hours: June to October

Monday - Saturday 9am - 5:30pm

Sunday Closed

Open on holidays

11302 Imperial Road, Aylmer, ON, N5H 2R3

www.clovermead.com (519) 773-5503

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travelling to egypt at age 17 was life-changing for Kevin Morrell,

owner of Minerva art Gallery. it is the place where he got his first

taste of classic art and developed a passion for gods and goddesses

of ancient times, like the namesake of his gallery. an avid traveler,

Kevin features works from international, canadian and local artists,

highlighting those from elgin county. He tours the globe to meet

artists, investigate their style and quality, and personally select each

piece for the gallery.

Minerva art Gallery is also a one-stop shop for personal and

corporate custom framing. Offering a comprehensive selection of

frames and art, and the assistance of a dedicated design consultant,

it can accommodate any style, budget or timeline.

Mediums: paintings, prints, custom framing

Open year round

Thursday - Saturday 10am - 5pm

Evenings by appointment

11078 Springwater Road North, Aylmer, ON, N5H 2R6

www.minerva-art.com (519) 765-1616

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MInerVA Art GAllery & CustoM frAMInGA9

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PortsIde GAllery

nestled in the heart of Port stanley, one of elgin

county’s most scenic and exciting destinations,

Portside Gallery is home to the works of 16 talented

regional artists. For 17 years, this artist-managed co-

operative has produced high-quality art ranging from

realism to abstraction, using a variety of mediums

including oil, watercolour, acrylic, ink, pastels and

mixed media. Visitors and locals delight in the diverse

and vibrant pieces that range from miniature to large

in size. Open year-round, anytime is a great time to

browse the Gallery and purchase a special treasure to

take home.

Mediums: paintings, jewellery, sketches, photography,

prints, sculptures, fibre arts, glass art

Spring, summer and fall hours

Monday - Sunday 11am - 5pm

with some reduced days in January and March

187 ½ Main Street, Port Stanley, ON, N5L 1H6

portside.cuttingpromotions.com (519) 782-7066

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in the centre of elgin county lies the centerpiece of its visual arts

community—the st. thomas-elgin Public art centre (stePac).

established in 1969, it is committed to promoting visual arts throughout

the region and beyond by preserving an extensive permanent collection

and hosting 16 exhibitions annually featuring local, regional and

international artists. also an education-focused organization, stePac

facilitates educational programs and endorses emerging artists. among

its many events, the annual Fall art auction in november provides art

lovers with an opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs while supporting

stePac’s programs and the vibrant st. thomas-elgin arts community.

Mediums: paintings, jewellery, pottery, ceramics, glass art, sketches,

photography, woodcraft, sculptures, prints, metalwork

Tuesday - Wednesday 10am - 4pm

Thursday - Friday 10pm - 9pm

Saturday 12pm - 4pm

Sunday 12pm - 3pm

301 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON, N5P 1B5

www.stepac.ca (519) 631-4040

st. thoMAs-elGIn PublIC Art Centre

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the Arts & Cookery bAnk

the arts & cookery Bank, a regional cultural destination,

is a story of courage and commitment—a venue worth

visiting. the Bank uses photography as a historical visual

record. images from Dutton-Dunwich, newbury, southwest

Middlesex and west elgin, which span more than 200

years, are digitally displayed on multi-touch media kiosks.

Hundreds of old and current photos tell a rapidly-changing

story of rural southwestern Ontario.

Visit this stunning venue—a restored 1914 Bank of Montreal

and an 1883 timber frame barn—for a nostalgic, gripping,

inspirational and authentic rural experience.

Medium: photography

Tuesday - Friday 11am - 5pm

Monday Closed

Call for events on Saturdays and Sundays

242 Graham Road, West Lorne, ON, N0L 2P0

www.theartsandcookerybank.com (519)768-9986

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VIllAGe CrIer GAllery

Jenny Phillips, owner of Village crier Gallery, is best

known as an artist who delights in recording the

vanishing rural landscape of southwestern Ontario

while capturing the essence and history of rural life. Her

paintings are vibrant, dynamic, and illustrate a wide-

range of country scenes from nature to architecture.

each piece at the Village crier Gallery is part of a

larger story that Jenny is happy to share with visitors.

in addition to selling original art, the gallery also offers

custom framing services, publishes fine art and books,

and is a dealer of custom tin ceilings.

Mediums: paintings, prints, sketches, custom

framing, photography

Monday - Saturday 9am - 5:30pm

or anytime by appointment

Bus tours and out of town guests please call ahead

194 Currie Road, Dutton, ON, N0L 1J0

www.jennyphillipsdutton.ca

villagecrierdutton.ca (519) 762-2862

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AnythInG used And sPArtA Country CAndles

One of elgin county’s best kept - and best smelling - secrets lies in an old

general store built in 1838 in the historic village of sparta. since 1995,

the Muscat family has been filling homes with their high-quality scented

candles, and creating a loyal customer base that keeps coming back for

more. sparta country candles contain as much as three times more

scent than average, and are sold in many different sizes at unbeatable

prices. Doors are open daily so stop by, pick up some candles and try a

piece of homemade fudge. it only makes scents!

Medium: candle and candle product manufacturing

Monday - Sunday 10am - 5pm

Closed Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day

46361 Sparta Line, Sparta, ON, N0L 2H0

www.spartacandles.com (519) 775-0054

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For Joan Janes, opening little red Mitten in her hometown of st. thomas

brought to fruition a lifetime love of fibre arts. as a teenager, she worked

at the local Parkspin mill, an opportunity that ignited her passion for the

peacefulness of spinning at a wheel. situated in one of st. thomas’ most

historic neighbourhoods, the spacious, 1842 building houses yarns from

around the world. a variety of fibres are available at little red Mitten

including: cottons, wools, alpaca, and silk. Fibre artists from beginner

to enthusiast can take advantage of the best selection of knitting tools

around. take classes, join a knitting group, or try a new knitting pattern

created by the owner herself. look, touch, and be enticed. little red

Mitten is a woolly inspiring place!

Medium: fibre arts

Monday - Wednesday 10am - 5pm

Thursday - Friday 10am - 8pm

Saturday 10am - 5pm

Sunday Closed

86 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON, N5P 1A5

www.littleredmitten.ca (519) 207-2880

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clayworks studio • • • • • •concreations •Medlyn stained Glass & Jewellery studio • • • • • •Peter robson studios and Gallery • • • • •Pinecroft ceramic art studio • • • •rubyeyes Kraftwerks • • • • • • • •art emporium Gallery • • • • • • • • • • • • • •clovermead Gallery • •Minerva art Gallery & custom Framing • • •Portside Gallery • • • • • • • •st. thomas-elgin Public art centre • • • • • • • • • • •the arts & cookery Bank •Village crier Gallery • • • • •anything Used & sparta country candles •little red Mitten •

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workshops at elgin arts trail locations are great creative outlets. From photography to pottery, the studios, galleries and crafters offer numerous

opportunities to discover your inner artist. For a complete list of our members workshops and events visit www.elginartstrail.ca.

workshoPs

workshop description date/time location

Individual knitting Instruction

enjoy a variety of scheduled knitting classes from beginner to advanced. call the shop (519-207-2880) or check our website, www.littleredmitten.ca – for the current schedule.

anytime, by appointment little red Mitten

Pottery/sculpture/ and more

classes and workshops in pottery, sculpture, drawing, painting, weaving and spinning offered. workshops can be arranged for up to 6 students.

anytime, by appointment clayworks studio

Pottery Brenda smith offers classes in pottery focusing on the wheel. classes are held in the pottery studio on site and both evening and daytime sessions are offered. Visit www.pinecroft.ca for exciting pottery workshops as part of their 65th anniversary celebration.

classes and hands-on workshops are offered year round

Pinecroft ceramic art studio

Adult workshops & Classes

we offer a variety of programs for adults interested in enriching their lives as artists. we offer classes for all abilities, from beginners to working professional artists. the art centre is your retreat from the outside world; a space where you can enrich your life through the study of art.

registration information and course dates are available online at www.stepac.ca

st. thomas-elgin Public art centre

smart Art Classes for Children

Discover the world of art making through exploration and experimentation with a variety of materials and organized activities. Basic skills in drawing, painting, and sculpture will be considered. imagination, self-confidence and individual style are encouraged.

registration information and course dates are available online at www.stepac.ca

st. thomas-elgin Public art centre

digital Photo Classes

take digital photo classes in a state-of-the-art digital photo lab and interactive photo classroom. classes will be for all ages, so kids, tweens, teens, seniors and families are welcome.

registration information and class schedules are available online at www.theartsandcookerybank.com

the arts & cookery Bank

stained Glass cheryl Garrett-Jenkins offers classes in glass art, stained glass, fusing, sandblasting and acid etching, and more.

registration information and class details are available online at www.rubyeyes.com

rubyeyes Kraftwerks

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eVents

Artastic Elgin

Discover your inner creativity as the artists of the elgin arts trail invite you to take part in

2 days of interactive events, providing you with an experiential adventure along the elgin

arts trail throughout elgin county. workshops with participating elgin arts trail artists in

their studios, gallery events, speakers, and more will be offered. artistic inspiration is all

around on the elgin arts trail. Visit www.elginartstrail.ca in august for more details.

september 28 & 29, 2013

Parade of Elephants

the Parade of elephants is a travelling, evolving exhibit of one-of-a-kind papier mâché

elephants. each elephant will be decorated by participating artists and artisans featured

on the elgin arts trail. a new elephant is added at each location and joins the existing

elephants on parade. every elephant is a unique creation, reflecting the artists and location

where it was produced. Presented in partnership with the st. thomas-elgin Public art

centre. Download the parade schedule & map at www.elginartstrail.ca/paradeofelephants

october 2, 2012 - september 28, 2013

ElginLicious

Join savour elgin members every May and October for elginlicious! this is an opportunity

to take advantage of the area’s restaurants, wineries, specialty food shops and agri-

tourism destinations at three great price points. special promotions are offered at $10,

$15 and $25 at all participating businesses. elginlicious is unique to all other “licious”

events, in that it is not exclusive to just restaurants offering three course menus. this is

an opportunity for you and your friends and family to get out and explore all that elgin

county has to offer.

Check www.savourelgin.ca for dates and promotions.

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Studiosclayworks studio concreationsMedlyn stained Glass studio Peter robson studios and Gallery Pinecroft ceramic art studio rubyeyes Kraftwerks

Galleriesart emporium Gallery clovermead GalleryMinerva art Gallery & custom Framing Portside Gallery st. thomas-elgin Public art centre the arts & cookery Bank Village crier Gallery

Craftersanything Used & sparta country candles little red Mitten

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Richmond

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Lake Erie

Aylmer

Lyons

Belmont

Talbotville

London

St.Thomas

NewSarum

Port Burwell

Springfield

Richmond

Springfield

Straffordville

Vienna

Port Bruce

Sparta

Port Stanley

Fingal

Shedden

Dutton

Wallacetown

EagleNew Glasgow

Rodney

West Lorne

Lake Erie

Aylmer

Lyons

Belmont

Talbotville

London

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Richmond

Straffordville

Vienna

Port Bruce

Sparta

Port Stanley

Fingal

Shedden

Dutton

Wallacetown

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Lake Erie

Aylmer

Lyons

Belmont

Talbotville

London

St.Thomas

NewSarum

Port Burwell

Springfield

Richmond

Springfield

Straffordville

Vienna

Port Bruce

Sparta

Port Stanley

Fingal

Shedden

Dutton

Wallacetown

EagleNew Glasgow

Rodney

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Lake Erie

Aylmer

Lyons

Belmont

Talbotville

London

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Wineries & BreweriesQuai Du Vin

railway city Brewing companyrush creek wines

Restaurants & SweetsGreen Frog tea room at Pinecroft

Harbourtown FudgeKettle creek inn

Killer Desserts & caféMad Hatters tea room

ruby’s cookhousetasty sweets café & Bakery

windjammer inn

MarketsBerry Hill Fruit Farm

empire Valley Farm MarketFarmgate Markets

Horton Farmers’ MarketHowe Family Farm Market

Agri-tourismarts & cookery Bank

clovermead Bees & HoneyGreat lakes Farms

Heritage line Herbslavender sense

steed and company lavender

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Richmond

Straffordville

Vienna

Port Bruce

Sparta

Port Stanley

Fingal

Shedden

Dutton

Wallacetown

EagleNew Glasgow

Rodney

West Lorne

Lake Erie

Aylmer

Lyons

Belmont

Talbotville

London

St.Thomas

NewSarum

Port Burwell

Springfield

Richmond

Springfield

Straffordville

Vienna

Port Bruce

Sparta

Port Stanley

Fingal

Shedden

Dutton

Wallacetown

EagleNew Glasgow

Rodney

West Lorne

Lake Erie

Aylmer

Lyons

Belmont

Talbotville

London

St.Thomas

NewSarum

Port Burwell

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