Concept redesign by Obsidian AI Labs  •  built from Ignite's real content as a demonstration. Not the live site.
Free • Ages 12–19 • All of Elgin County

Your spot to chill, connect & make memories.

Into art, sports, baking, music, leadership, games — or just somewhere to be after school? There's a place for you here. Drop in, no sign-up, no cost.

We're open

Monday – Friday2:45 – 8:00 PM
Where745 Talbot St, St. Thomas
CostAlways free
WhoYouth 12 to 19

No matter who you are or what you're into, you belong here.

A free, fun, safe and inclusive drop-in space for every young person in Elgin County.

What's On

Find your thing

Real programs run every week — creative, active, social, and support. Show up to the ones that sound like you.

🎨

Art & Crafts

Make something with your hands. Supplies on us.

🏀

Gym & Sports

Ball, games, and burning off the day.

🧁

Monday Baking

Bake it, eat it. Every Monday.

🍴

Tasty Tuesdays

Cook a real meal together and dig in.

💚

Mental Wellness

A safe space and someone to talk to.

🎮

Games

Console, board games, tournaments.

🎬

Friday Flicks

Movie night to close out the week.

📚

High School Prep

Get ready for the jump to high school.

💼

My First Job

Resumes, interviews, landing your first gig.

🌟

Tween Night

Just for the younger crew (12–14).

🗓️

PA Days

School's out? We're open all day.

👩‍🍳

Summer Cooking

Cooking classes all summer long.

20
years serving Elgin youth
12–19
welcomed every day
5
days a week, after school
$0
it's always free
Our Story

Sparking growth, confidence & community since 2005

We started in 2005 as the Talbot Teen Centre. In 2020 we became Ignite Youth Centre, a name built around energy, creativity, and what young people can become. We're the youth home of St. Thomas-Elgin Youth & Employment Services.

Get Involved

Help keep the doors open

Donate

Every dollar keeps Ignite free for the youth who need it. Fund a program, a meal, or a safe afternoon.

Give today

Volunteer

Share a skill, mentor a teen, or lend a hand at a program night. We'd love to have you.

Get in touch

Come hang out

📍
Find us745 Talbot St, St. Thomas, ON
🕒
Drop-in hoursMonday to Friday, 2:45 – 8:00 PM
📞
Call519-631-8820
✉️
EmailIYCStaff@igniteyouthcentre.ca
💬
FollowFacebook & Instagram @igniteyouthcentre

Proudly partnered with

YWCACMHAFamily & Children's ServicesSouthwestern Public HealthThames Valley DSBUnited Way Elgin-Middlesex