Small Biz Spotlight: Railway 1856 Ultimate Mini Golf

In December 2022, Railway 1856 Ultimate Mini Golf officially opened in the Elgin Centre. The 18-hole indoor mini golf course was owner Joe Buttigieg's first experience planning, opening, and running a small business. "Previously, I had a 38-year-long career as a Business Account Executive." said Joe, "I had never owned a small business before, but it was a dream I knew I eventually wanted to try." 

Through the support and encouragement of his family, Joe decided it was worth a shot. "A lot of work went into designing the course to ensure it would fit in the required space at the Elgin Centre," Joe explained while walking the course. "We had to adhere to building codes while also trying to make the course wheelchair and walker accessible and inviting." Alongside family support, Joe credits the St. Thomas Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) for helping him navigate the rules and regulations to make a mini golf course that would be fun and accessible for everyone. "They helped us navigate all the hurdles of opening a new business, a process which we had been working on since November of 2021," said Joe. 

​In honour of the city and its heritage, the mini golf course design and business name were carefully curated to reflect the rich railway history of St. Thomas. "1856 was the year the first rail line that passed through St. Thomas was completed." explained Joe, "It was also the year the London & Port Stanley Railway (also known as the L&PS) was inaugurated. We wanted to pay tribute to the city's railway heritage, so we also designed the course with a railway theme and obstacles."

The indoor mini golf course has mini trains, bridges, and even a CASO station building! There are railway-themed decorations and statues of a train and conductor. They also have a gift shop area with golf, railway and Jumbo-themed shirts, sweaters, mugs, hats, and more. "We do birthday parties, group and corporate events, fundraisers and tournaments," said Joe, gesturing to the on-site party room. "We also have weekday specials and group rates to try and provide the community with affordable and accessible family fun."

The mini golf course is wheelchair- and walker-accessible, and it has been well-received and welcomed by the community. "We have made the course accessible through the use of special golf clubs and equipment," Joe said, demonstrating how the accessible clubs are able to be moved to different angles. The special equipment makes it possible for all residents to play a full round of golf, something the locally owned, family run business was determined to provide. "We wanted to provide a fun, family-friendly environment that would allow for year-round entertainment and activity that everyone could enjoy," said Joe. 

The community of St. Thomas has been instrumental in the success of Joe's mini golf course. "St. Thomas really embraced this new family activity and the revitalized Elgin Centre," Joe said with a smile, "We have been blown away by the support the community has given us, and we love the small-town atmosphere and the desire most residents have to support local businesses like ours."

Paige Palmer, EDC Summer Marketing Support

Paige is happy to be joining the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation as their 2024 Summer Marketing Assistant. She is completing her undergraduate degree this summer with a double major in Media and Communications Studies and Thanatology at Western University and King’s University College. She is excited to help to promote local vendors and businesses this summer, and is looking forward to trying all the delicious and unique produce and products at the Horton Farmers’ Market this summer! Outside of work and school she loves spending time learning about nature, animals, and gardening. ​