This month is all about gratitude, and what better way to celebrate than by finding a home you’ll be thankful for every day. Explore our model homes, unique designs, Quick Possession Homes, and floor plans - each thoughtfully planned to fit your lifestyle. Our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait! Make this season of thankfulness the start of your next chapter in a beautiful new home!
Sales Update
As October arrives, we’re reminded of the importance of gratitude, and this month we’re especially thankful to share exciting news with you. We’re unveiling the site plan for Acorn Valley, our newest community located in Dorchester, and can’t wait for you to see where Phase 1 begins.
Along with this exciting launch, we continue to offer a variety of home options from single-family to multifamily dwellings and Quick Possession Homes, each thoughtfully designed to suit your lifestyle. With Doug Tarry Homes, you’ll have the support of our expert sales team, ready to guide you every step of the way as you find the home you’ll be most thankful for.
Contact our sales team at contact@dougtarryhomes.com to start your home journey today!
Until next month...
the Sales team
Explore the possibilities Floorplan Options
Each month, we’re excited to showcase how flexible and adaptable your future home can be with us.
This Month’s Feature: The Optional Dining Area with Straight Stairs in the Rosewood Floor Plan.
By redesigning the stairs, this option creates the perfect space for a dining area, enhancing both functionality and style in your home.
The Rosewood: Optional dining with Straight Stairs
Welcome!
October is here, and as we step into this season of thankfulness, we’re reflecting on all the moments that made September such a busy and rewarding month.
We were grateful to spend time outdoors and connect with our partners, starting with a special thank you to the team at HomeReady Pros for inviting us out for a BBQ and giving us a look at some of their incredible flips.
Our team was proud to participate in several golf tournaments hosted by groups we’re honoured to be associated with. Meanwhile, we celebrated a special spotlight moment for Shellie Chowns, who was featured in the Women in Business feature in This Month in Elgin magazine— congratulations, Shellie!
We also welcomed the Daikin Team, who showcased their innovative products while highlighting our LifeArk™ model home, a great example of forward-thinking design and sustainability.
As families settled into the back-to-school season, we were pleased to offer our Teacher Appreciation incentive to those working within the School Board. We hope the transition back to routines has gone smoothly for everyone.
As we look ahead to October, we carry with us a sense of gratitude for our partners, our team, and our community.
Here’s to another month of connection, innovation, and building brighter futures together.
Warm regards,
The Sales and Marketing Team
Eagle Ridge
We have some exciting news for our Eagle Ridge community! A new park will be named in honour of Greg Tarry, a meaningful tribute to Greg and the Tarry family’s long-standing contributions to building and supporting our community.
The park will serve as a gathering place for families, friends, and neighbours for many years to come. While it is not open to the public just yet, we cannot wait for this park to open and to see it become a space where memories are made and the community continues to grow together.
Eagle Ridge SOLD
Another quick possession home SOLD in Eagle Ridge!
If you’re looking to move in to Eagle Ridge, give Cathy Fox a call today 519-266-4561.
The Glenwood quick possession home is the perfect home for downsizing or first-time homebuyers. Located at 51 White Tail Path, this 1,276 sq. ft. bungalow is priced at $683,288. Our move in ready 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 car garage is a beauty. And the back deck is ideal for these last few sunny days of fall. Call Cathy Fox for more details and book a time for a personal tour.
Eagle Ridge
Homeowner tours are always a highlight of our week in Eagle Ridge! Early in the build or closer to the closing date, it is always an exciting time for our homeowners to see the progress on their dream home. And we have all the safety gear to keep our homeowners safe while on the construction site. A quick possession home might just be the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
We love the unique and bold contrasts on Firefly Lane. Check out these gorgeous exterior selections for inspiration on your future Doug Tarry build.
The Advantages of Quick Possession Homes Over Re-Sale Properties
When deciding between a re-sale property and a quick possession home, many buyers find the move-in-ready option offers significant advantages.
WHAT ARE QUICK POSSESSION HOMES?
These are newly built homes that are either complete or nearly finished—ready for buyers who want a faster move-in without the long wait of a custom build.
KEY BENEFITS
Move-In Ready – No waiting; perfect for relocations or lease expirations.
Brand-New & Warrantied – Modern features, appliances, and builder warranties for peace of mind.
Energy Efficient – Built to current codes, lowering utility costs and environmental impact. Transparent Pricing – Fixed costs with no surprise repairs or renovations.
No Renovations Needed – Designed for today’s buyers with modern finishes.
WHO BENEFITS MOST?
First-Time Buyers – Affordable, stress-free entry into the market.
Growing Families – More space, better schools, and modern layouts.
Retirees/Downsizers – Low-maintenance lifestyle with updated amenities.
CONCLUSION
Quick possession homes combine convenience, value, and modern design. Whether you’re starting out, relocating, growing, or simplifying, they offer a smart alternative to re-sale properties.
To view our availble Quick Possession Homes, click here.
Harvest Run
Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or purchasing your very first home, Harvest Run offers a welcoming community, beautiful streetscapes, and convenient access to schools, parks, and amenities.
Available Now — But Not for Long! Homes are ready for you to tour and fall in love with today. Don’t miss the chance to secure your spot in one of St. Thomas’ most desirable new neighborhoods.
For more details, contact Jackie at 519-207-6222, or stop by our Model Home at 157 Renaissance Drive to see what makes Harvest Run such a special place to call home.
Harvest Run
134 MANOR ROAD: YOUR LAST CHANCE TO OWN AN ELMWOOD IN A PRIME ST. THOMAS LOCATION!
Opportunity is knocking in St. Thomas — and it’s one you won’t want to miss. 134 Manor Road is officially available now, and it’s the last remaining Elmwood model in our collection. Priced at $606,017, this home combines style, comfort, and convenience in one incredible package.
The Elmwood offers 1,520 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space, featuring:
ü 3 spacious bedrooms ü 2 ½ baths
ü A bright, open-concept main floor layout perfect for entertaining or family living
ü Exquisite finishes throughout, showcasing the quality craftsmanship Doug Tarry Homes is known for
But it’s not just the home itself that makes 134 Manor Rd. so special — it’s the location. Situated in a prime St. Thomas neighborhood, you’ll be just minutes from groceries, restaurants, the movie theatre, and with close access to the highway, commuting has never been easier.
This is the final Elmwood available, making it a rare opportunity for one lucky buyer to secure this stunning home in a highly desirable area. For more details or to book a viewing, contact Jackie at 519-207-6222 today. Don’t wait — homes like this don’t stay on the market for long!
Miller’s Pond
Hello, October! Here in Millers Pond, the fall colours are at their peak, making the neighbourhood absolutely stunning this time of year.
The fall market is picking up after a warm summer, with more activity in our model homes. There are quick possession homes ready and beautiful lots waiting for you to build your dream home—perfect timing to make a move this season!
And on a sporty note, the St. Thomas Stars are kicking off their season! Doug Tarry Homes is proud to be a sponsor, and we can’t wait to cheer on the boys with high hopes for a strong season. Get out and support your local team!
148 STYLES DRIVEDON’T MISS THE ELMWOODS!
This MOVE IN READY 1,520 sq. ft., 2-storey semi features 3 bedrooms, a master with ensuite, and upgraded wood-profile cabinets in the kitchen that make the space shine. Open-concept main floor, bright great room—perfect for family life or entertaining!
Located near parks, trails, schools, and amenities, all for just $609,198. Homes at this price point aren’t sticking around—act fast!
KENSINGTON SEMI-DETACHEDMOVE-IN READY THIS OCTOBER!
These 3-bedroom homes are perfect for firsttime buyers or downsizers, offering incredible value in a growing community. Listed at just $544,514, it’s hard to beat the price for a movein-ready home!
MOVE IN READY ALERT!! Say hello to 134 Styles Drive, featuring our fan-favourite Dunmoor model! This stunning 1,684 sq ft 3-bedroom bungalow is designed to impress, with gorgeous finishes inside and out that create a warm and inviting home.
132 STYLES DRIVE $704,184THE LOVELY ROSEWOOD
MOVE IN READY this October , meet 132 Styles Drive, a 1,440sq ft 2-bedroom bungalow that’s always highly sought-after for its smart design and now for its thoughtful upgrades. This home combines modern style with everyday functionality, making it a perfect fit for a variety of buyers.
Upgrades Include:
• Optional Dining Area
• 72 x 36 Quartz Kitchen Island
• Cabinet Upgrades including Garbage Pullout
• Matte Black Plumbing Fixtures
• Walk-In Ensuite Shower with Glass Door
• Frosted Glass Pantry Door
• Frosted Windows in Bathrooms
• Additional Egress Window in Basement
• Electrical Upgrades Throughout
With its clever layout, upgraded finishes, and attention to detail, this bungalow offers style, comfort, and convenience all in one package. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this highly sought-after home yours!
If you have any questions about our Quick Possession Homes, or interested in Miller’s Pond, give Drew a call at 519-207-3066
Build Your Dream Home at 149 Styles Drive!
Looking for the perfect spot to create your dream home? 149 Styles Drive offers a 45-ft wide by 140-ft deep lot, priced at $187,100—ready for you to start building!
This lot features mature trees at the rear, providing privacy and a natural backdrop, and serves as a perfect canvas for one of our award-winning Net Zero Ready homes. Imagine customizing your space to fit your lifestyle while enjoying the benefits of energy-efficient, sustainable living.
Check out some inspiration from other homeowners in the neighbourhood and see how your dream home could come to life at 149 Styles Drive!
Interested? Give Drew a call at 519-207-3066
CLARK MANOR HAUNTED HOUSE – BACK FOR HALLOWEEN!
Our neighbours at 81 Styles Drive are bringing spooky fun to Millers Pond with their 2nd Annual “Clark Manor” Haunted House! This year’s setup is a fully contained walkthrough inside their 2-car garage, featuring custom homemade animatronics, strobe lighting, and fog machines. There’s a kid-friendly version and a scarier version for the brave!
If you’re looking for a safe, fun, and creative way to get into the Halloween spirit, be sure to check out Clark Manor!
LSTAR GOLF TOURNAMENT
Jackie and I had such a fantastic time at the LSTAR Golf Tournament hosted at Highland Golf Club. From start to finish, it was the perfect day—sunny skies, a beautiful course, and plenty of laughs. It was wonderful to reconnect with familiar faces while also making new connections throughout the day. Can’t wait for next year!
BYRON STORM
My baseball team the Byron Storm have etched their name into MOSBL history, clinching back-to-back championships. The Storm capped off their perfect playoff run with a dominant 12–2 victory over the Woodstock Nationals. We unfortunately came up short placing 2nd in our provincial tournament in Thorold before repeating as league champs. It was one of the most fun year’s I have had playing ball and a really good group of guys that I can’t wait to get back on the field next year with.
If you have any questions about our Quick Possession Homes, or interested in Miller’s Pond, give Drew a call at 519-207-3066
Acorn Valley
Drum roll, please… introducing Acorn Valley! We are excited to unveil the community’s site plan map and highlight where Phase 1 is located. For those eager to be among the first to learn more about this new development, we invite you to visit the Acorn Valley community page on our website in the coming weeks to sign up to receive updates and information.
For more details, contact Jackie DaSilva at 519-207-6222.
Upcoming Events
Saxonia Hall Oktoberfest
October
4 & 5, 2025
Saxonia Hall Oktoberfest – Presented by Paulaner! Get ready for a night of German food, beer, music, and dancing you won’t forget! Featuring live entertainment by Canadian Polka King & Grammy Award Winner — Walter Ostanek!
Location: Saxonia Hall 522 Talbot Street West, Aylmer, ON
Downtown Pumpkin Prowl
October 24, 2025
Don’t miss the St Thomas Downtown Development Board’s “DOWNTOWN PUMPKIN PROWL”!
PICKUP your Passport and PROWL Downtown St.Thomas to find participating stores displaying a PROWL Pumpkin in the window, THEN stop in for some GREAT GHOULISH TREATS!
Location: St. Thomas, ON
Railway Encounters: After Dark
October 4, 2025
Step into the unknown at the Elgin County Railway Museum for a night of mystery and discovery. In partnership with Whispers From Beyond Paranormal Investigations, this onenight-only event invites you to investigate the museum with real, professional-grade paranormal equipment.
Location: Elgin County Railway Museum 225 Wellington Street, St. Thomas, ON
PSTR: Pumpkin Patch & Train Ride
October 25, 2025
Pumpkin Patch & Train Ride - see the fall colours; families can pick a pumpkin from the patch. Come early for the train ride and enjoy the fun.
Call the station for details.Time: Trains depart at 11am, 1pm & 3pm
Tickets: Adults $15, Children (2-14) $9 + tax
Location: Port Stanley Terminal Rail
309 Bridge Street, Port Stanley, ON
Featured Small Business Meet Our Team
Jared Oliver HVAC Technician
• I live in St. Thomas with my wife, 2 boys and 2 cats
• I like to play baseball and a big hockey fan
• I also am a mountain bike fanatic
Oh My Fur and Whiskers. Welcome to St. Thomas’ most interesting pet supply store, featuring pet foods, treats, toys, accessories, and gifts for pet-lovers.
Location: 257 Talbot Street, St. Thomas Email: omfwpet@gmail.com Call: 519-207-7387
Careers
Doug Tarry Homes has earned a national reputation for crafting award-winning, energy-efficient homes. As a forward-thinking organization, we’re constantly pushing the boundaries of high-performance sustainability in the industry. To continue our growth and success, we’re seeking individuals who share our passion for sustainability and innovation to join our workforce.
When you become part of the Doug Tarry Homes team, you’ll enjoy competitive compensation packages that include bonuses, health and dental benefits, a wellness spending account, and opportunities for professional development. We believe in investing in our employees and supporting their growth.
Explore the exciting job opportunities we have available below, or visit our website for more detailed information. If you’re ready to be part of a dynamic team that’s at the forefront of sustainability and energy efficiency, apply today by sending your application to hr@dougtarryhomes.com . Your future with Doug Tarry Homes awaits!
HVAC Technician
Gas Technician
Visit our website for more information on these job opportunities.
Community Partner
Geerlinks Home Hardware Building Centre & Design Gallery is a family owned local business proudly supporting the community with Products, Services and Expert Advice.
We contribute to local events, many charitable organizations, as well as Home Hardware national charities
Geerlinks Home Hardware Building Centre & Design Gallery
Our stores
Komoka Kilworth, Port Stanley and St. Thomas
Visit
http://www.geerlinkshomehardware.ca
As part of the largest Canadian home improvement chain we offer almost everything you need for your home; from FOUNDATION to FURNITURE with Expert Advice.
Home Tight
Did you know??? Both Aerobarrier (for home envelopes) and Aeroseal (for ducts) are both low VOC products.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, “Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a large group of chemicals that are found in many products we use to build and maintain our homes. Once these chemicals are in our homes, they are released or “off-gas” into the indoor air we breathe. They may or may not be able to be smelled, and smelling is not a good indicator of health risk...Breathing in low levels of VOCs for long periods of time may increase some people’s risk of health problems. Several studies suggest that exposure to VOCs may make symptoms worse for people with asthma or who are particularly sensitive to chemicals”.
Our commitment to improving indoor air quality goes not only with making homes more air tight, but also with the use of the right materials. To find out more, go to hometight.ca and see how we can make your home living better!!!
Warm regards,
the Home Tight Team
Seasonal Check list
Hello valued homeowners! Here are a few maintenance tips for the fall season to help ensure both the short- and long-term success of your home.
Exterior hose bib shut offs: Turn these off for the winter to avoid frozen lines and costly damage. The shut offs are located near your main water shut off for your home in the basement. Once the valves are shut off, please open the outside taps to let the water drain off. Leave the taps open until spring. Remember to close them before you turn the water line valves back on in the spring!
De icing: if you use any kind of de-icing agent on your walks or laneway, we recommend d you use a concrete safe product. Traditional salt will erode your concrete and stain asphalt.
Exterior Venting: as the winter months approach you will need to make sure your outside venting stays clear. The pipes and vent covers at the side/ back of your home need to remain clear of leaves, debris and snow. Please occasionally check to be sure snow drifts do not build up and block air flow.
Humidity: when it gets cold out you need to pay attention to the humidity in your home. If the humidity gets high your windows could “sweat” which could cause mildew or even mould If not cleaned up and corrected. Things to keep in mind are a possible dehumidifier or running venting longer to remove as much humidity as possible. It’s a fine line though because if you let it too low it could cause discomfort like dry eyes and itchy skin and product shrinkage in the home. For example, trim separation.
General Humidity Levels: Try to maintain 45% RH in the home. It’s almost impossible to keep it there year-round because of weather conditions and occupancy levels/habits but aim for that number. This provides ideal conditions both for the occupants and the materials that make up your home. An acceptable range would be 35% - 55%. A high or low humidity event may see the home outside that range for a brief period of time, but a home should not remain outside that range for an extended period.
As Always, if you have concerns please reach out and we’ll be happy to offer advice.
Enjoy your home!
the Doug Tarry Customer Care Team
Designers Corner
DTL offers four distinct types of window grilles—Standard, Craftsman, Prairie, and SDL. Each is designed to bring unique character and enhanced style to your home. Whether you prefer simplicity, traditional charm, or architectural elegance, our grille options allow you to personalize your windows to match your home’s aesthetic while maintaining quality and functionality.
Warm regards,
Standard Grille
Craftsman Grille
Prairie Grille
SDL Grille
the Home Designer Team
Recipe of the Month
Bean Burritos
INGREDIENTS:
Creamy Refried Beans
1 jar of Salsa
1 cup of long-grain rice
Cheddar Cheese
12 flour tortillas
Toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced olives, halved grape tomatoes, and sliced avocado or guacamole
Directions
1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Then, in a large bowl, combine the refried beans, salsa, rice and 1 cup cheddar cheese. Mix well until everything is combined. Then, fold the sides and ends over the filling. Roll up the burrito, and place each seam side down so the filling doesn’t spill out.
2. Spoon about 1/3 cup mixture off-center onto each tortilla.
3. Arrange the burritos in a greased 13×9-inch baking dish, then sprinkle the tops with the remaining cup of cheese. Cover and bake until heated through, for 20 to 25 minutes.
4. Serve with shredded lettuce, olives, halved grape tomatoes and sliced avocado, or any other toppings you like.
Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home, Lauren Habermehl
A message from our President
At this time of year, one annual ritual most certainly drives it home that cooler weather is around the corner: turning our clocks back an hour. That move back to standard time on November 2nd this year is a great reminder of some important housekeeping chores that need doing in preparation for winter.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to participate in Smoke Detector Blitzes with our local fire department, and the recurring issues were dead batteries or old detectors that no longer work. As these units age out, they need to be replaced, as do CO2 detectors. This is critically important for ensuring your family’s safety. The St Thomas Fire Department’s website and social media pages regularly provide information on such safety initiatives, so check it out. And check in on your neighbors, too, who you know might need a hand with such tasks.
This is also a good time to perform fall maintenance on your HVAC system. Replacing furnace filters and cleaning HRV / ERV filters are important steps to ensure your family is getting the best possible indoor air quality to maintain good health. Always remember to unplug your ERV and turn off your furnace switch before you service the filters. If you have an ERV, do not wash the filter. Washing it will damage the core of the filter. Rather, it can be brushed clean, or you can use a vacuum. While these are relatively easy steps to take, not everyone is able – or comfortable – taking it on themselves. If you need help, please reach out to our team at Abode Home Comfort. They have a maintenance plan and will be happy to conduct a fall check for you.
One critically important task on the exterior of your home is checking your outside water taps (hose bibbs). Even if you have a frost-free tap, it is important to remove any quickconnects and hoses before you’re hit with heavy frost. I know firsthand the consequences of not getting this done on time! Several years ago, I had forgotten to remove the quick connects before a cold snap. In the spring, when the pipe had thawed out and I turned the water on,
I realized my forgetfulness when I discovered I didn’t have any pressure at the tap outside. I soon found that the pipe had cracked and was leaking into my basement as a result of the water in it freezing and expanding. I was fortunate that I had turned off the pipe valve inside the house as part of my shut-down plan. Had I not done so, I could have ended up with a great deal of water damage. Even with frost free hose bibbs, it’s a good idea to shut the water off to the exterior taps inside the house as well as outside. Don’t be like Doug; make sure you do that before the first heavy frost in your area.
While it would be great if we could simply take our home to a mechanic for a pre-winter check, that seasonal maintenance falls on us as the homeowner / occupant. And that means that, even with today’s high-performance homes, the old adage “A little prevention goes a long way” is as true today as it was in our grandparents’ day.
If you need some insight into what a seasonal check-list includes, reach out to our Customer Care team at Doug Tarry Homes.