Hello Ward 13

Thank you for turning out in large numbers during last month’s federal election. With a minority mandate in hand, Prime Minister Mark Carney heads to Washington this week for his first meeting with President Trump—an early chance to press for the removal of tariffs that have rattled cross‑border trade. Both leaders will also discuss joint border security measures and near‑term steps to stabilize supply chains. These talks matter here at home: southwestern Ontario continues to feel the sting of temporary plant shutdowns and outright closures, from parts suppliers in St. Thomas to the Windsor auto lines idled by new import duties. Families across our region are facing uncertain paycheques, and city hall, along with other levels of government and private industry are working with regional partners to ensure London’s voice is heard as Ottawa finalizes its response package.

Even as we navigate these national headwinds, local momentum is strong. Downtown London just returned from the 2025 OBIAA conference with four awards, including top recognition for the Downtown Trails Program and “Downtown for the Holidays.” It’s gratifying to see our core celebrated for innovation, effective advocacy, and community‑building events. Meanwhile, Council’s Renew Construction Program commits $170 million this year to upgrade sewers, roads, cycling routes, and key intersections—investments designed to keep the city moving and position us for new manufacturing opportunities. You’ll notice work ramping up on the Adelaide Street bridge, York Street renewal, and the next phases of Rapid Transit.

Transit access downtown improves again thanks to the new contraflow bus lane on King Street; please watch the red‑painted lanes and updated signs when you travel through the core. For drivers, the overnight winter parking ban has now lifted until November 1, though posted 3–5 a.m. restrictions still apply.

On the community‑safety front, London Police Service has launched an open‑air substance‑use strategy pairing foot patrols with mental‑health and addiction specialists to support vulnerable residents while maintaining a welcoming public realm. At the same time, the City’s decade‑long ReconciliACTION Plan was heard at committee this week, outlining how we will partner with Indigenous communities to improve access to services and strengthen relationships.

City Hall is also taking a hard look at how Councillors are resourced. A task force is inviting anonymous public input on pay, workload, and office supports before recommendations go to Council in May. Your feedback will help shape the next term.

Finally, mark May 8, and 15 on your calendar for our first Ward 13 Community Chats of the season at Covent Garden Market (6 p.m.–730 p.m.). Whether you want to talk trade issues, downtown revitalization, or neighbourhood projects, I hope you’ll stop by.

Thank you for staying informed and engaged during these fast‑moving times. Together, we will keep London strong, welcoming, and ready for the opportunities ahead.

Warm regards,

David Ferreira
Councillor Ward 13, London Ontario
519-661-2489 ext. 4013 | dferreira@london.ca

For more information on newsletters, ward meetings, current city initiatives, and other resources, please visit my website at www.davidferreira.ca.

Downtown London took home four awards at the 2025 Ontario Business Improvement Area Association Awards Gala, recognized for its innovation, community impact, and leadership in revitalizing the city’s core.

🏆 Award Highlights:

• Marketing – Award of Excellence: Downtown Trails Program, encouraging exploration and local shopping through interactive digital passports.
• Special Events – Award of Merit: Downtown for the Holidays 2023, a seasonal favourite with lights, markets, skating, and carriage rides.
• Advocacy & Governance – Award of Merit: For the impactful use of $1.16M in City funding to address health and homelessness downtown.
• Communications – Award of Merit: Monthly Event Calendars, helping locals and visitors stay connected to downtown happenings.

Explore at downtownlondon.ca.

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #OBIAA | #DowntownLondon

The Council Resourcing Review Task Force is asking Londoners to share their thoughts on how City Councillors are supported—including pay, workload, and office resources.

🗳️ Your anonymous feedback will help shape recommendations that will be presented to Council in May, ahead of the next term (2026–2030).

Share your thoughts at Get Involved London.

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #Council | #ResourcingReview

$170 million has been committed to improve infrastructure across the city.

🚧 What to expect in 2025:

• Major investments in transit, cycling, sewer upgrades, and roadwork

• Progress on multi-year Rapid Transit projects and key intersections

• New residential infrastructure at 1958 Duluth Crescent to support 242 affordable housing units

Top projects include:
✔️ East London Link & Wellington Gateway phases
✔️ Adelaide St. Bridge & York Street renewal
✔️ Sunningdale & Richmond intersection upgrades
✔️ Downtown Sewer Capacity Expansion beneath the Forks

For more information, visit london.ca/roadconstruction.

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #RenewConstructionProgram | #Infrastructure

On April 28, London Transit buses are now running both directions on King Street between Old East Village and Downtown.

What you need to know:

• General traffic remains eastbound only on King Street

• Red-painted bus lanes are for LTC vehicles only—no driving, parking, or stopping permitted

• New pavement markings, signs, and arrows are in place—please pay close attention

• Bylaw officers will be actively enforcing the new rules

Learn more about Contraflow Bus Lanes.
🚌 Route info: LTC Spring Schedule Changes

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #RedBusLanes | #LTC

The City’s overnight winter parking ban has officially ended. From April 30 to November 1 2025, residents and visitors may now park overnight on most city streets without a pass.

Key rules still apply:

• No parking 3–5 a.m. where signs are posted

• No overnight parking for commercial vehicles, RVs, or trailers

• No vehicle may remain parked longer than 18 hours

🔗 Learn more: london.ca/parking

The London Police Service (LPS) has launched a new strategy to respond to growing concerns about open-air substance use in public spaces, with a focus on compassion, safety, and community partnerships.

👥 Beginning in Downtown, Midtown, and Old East Village, teams of officers will patrol on foot, paired with mental health and addictions specialists from CMHA Thames Valley. Nurse-police teams from LHSC will also join the effort in the coming months.This strategy prioritizes public safety and individual dignity.

Community members are invited to share feedback. Participation is anonymous and voluntary. For details, check out the London Police website.

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #OpenAirSubstanceUse | #Police

The City of London’s ReconciliACTION Plan has been added to the May 1st Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee (SPPC) agenda. Developed in collaboration with local Indigenous communities, the plan will guide the City’s efforts over the next decade to advance truth and reconciliation.

The plan outlines actions to:

• Improve access to services for Indigenous residents

• Strengthen relationships with First Nations

• Collaborate more deeply with Indigenous organizations

Implementation will be led by City staff across all departments, with a phased approach that balances immediate action and longer-term goals, including budget planning where needed.

Questions? Reach out to our Director of Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism: sgovinda@london.ca

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #ReconciliAction | #SPPC

📚 Fanshawe College will suspend future intakes for 40 programs starting in Fall 2025, with an additional five programs paused at regional campuses but continuing in London. Current students will be able to complete their studies.

The decision comes in response to factors such as declining international enrolment, stagnant provincial funding, changes in labour market demand and program viability.

College President Peter Devlin noted the move is necessary to maintain quality and respond to financial pressures, including a projected $95 million cumulative deficit by March 2026.

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #FanshaweCollege | #ProgramCuts

Beginning May 5, the City will begin reconstruction of the traffic signals at Oxford Street East and Richmond Street, with work expected to continue through late July. The upgrades include:

• New signal poles and upgraded traffic infrastructure

• Realigned crosswalks and ramps to improve AODA accessibility

• Sidewalk upgrades on all four corners of the intersection

What to expect:

• Lane restrictions in all directions; road remains open

• Sidewalk closures and rotating crosswalk access (3 of 4 open at all times)

• Possible impacts to transit stops and cycling routes

Nearby residents and businesses will receive a detailed notice by mail.

For project updates and maps, visit london.ca/roadwork.

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #Construction | #RichmondOxford

The City of London is updating its Pollution Prevention Control Plan (PPCP), a long-term strategy to reduce untreated wastewater discharges into the Thames River and nearby streams.

Residents are invited to attend a drop-in Public Information Centre to learn about the project and provide feedback on proposed strategies.

📅 Wednesday, May 7
🕔 5:00–7:00 p.m.
📍 Committee Rooms 1 & 2, 2nd Floor, City Hall (300 Dufferin Ave.)

Presentation materials will be available after the event at london.ca/PPCP.
Accessibility or questions? Contact oyanzhen@london.ca

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #PollutionPrevention | #InfoSession

Thanks to a federal New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) grant, Metropolitan United Church is now hosting a weekly senior social program and occasional free Sunday concerts with lunch—created especially for seniors living in or near the downtown core.

The BOOMER Gang meets every Tuesday from 1–2:30 p.m.

📍 Location: 468 Wellington Street (side door off Dufferin Ave)
♿ Wheelchair and walker accessible

Know a senior in the core who could use some connection and joy? Spread the word and find out more at www.boomergang.ca.

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #MetropolitanUnitedChurch | #BOOMERGang

The City is planning to reconstruct Kensington Avenue between Wharncliffe Road and Wilson Avenue starting Summer 2025 to replace infrastructure and improve street conditions. Work includes:

• Replacement of water, sewer, and storm infrastrcture

• New curbs, gutters, and sidewalks

• Boulevard restoration with new topsoil and sod

On-street info session:
📅 May 7, 2025 | 5:00–6:00 p.m. (rain date: May 14)
📍 South side of Kensington Ave near Wilson Ave

Residents will receive more detailed notices closer to the start date.

Questions or feedback? Email: mystreet@london.ca

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #Construction | #KensingtonAve

The City is preparing to reconstruct Waverley Place from Colborne Street to the end of the road, beginning summer 2025. Planned upgrades include:

• Sewer replacements and private drain renewals

• New road base, curbs, catch basins, and asphalt

• Sidewalk and boulevard restoration (new topsoil and sod)

🌳 The City is working to minimize tree removals and assess opportunities for tree replacement. Residents will be updated as design plans are finalized.

Meet City staff on-site:
📅 May 6, 2025 | 5:00–6:00 p.m. (rain date: May 12)
📍 South side of Waverley Place near Wilson Avenue

Have input on street access, traffic, or mobility? Email mystreet@london.ca

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #Construction | #WaverlyPlace

Come celebrate the new home of Hutton House’s Learning Centre on Wednesday, May 14 from 3:00–6:00 p.m. at 499 Hill Street!

Hutton House delivers a wide range of employment and education programs for youth and adults, including federally and provincially funded initiatives that support inclusion and opportunity across London.

All are welcome—let’s make it a neighbourhood celebration!
📩 RSVP to info@huttonhouse.com or call 519-472-6381 ext. 221
More info at huttonhouse.com.

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #HuttonHouse | #OpenHouse

Ready, set, roll! The SoHo Community Association is bringing back the excitement of the SoHo Soaper—a traditional, downhill, non-motorized soapbox race on June 21, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on South Street between Waterloo and Wellington. 

🏁 How you can get involved:

• Attend with your family and cheer on the racers

• Team up to build and race your own soapbox car

• Challenge a friend, neighbour, or colleague to a friendly showdown!

Corporate sponsors are encouraged to partner with youth builders and help create lasting memories and iconic community moments.

🚗 Learn more or get involved here.

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #SoHo | #SoapboxRace