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Hello Ward 13
A quick note for the end of summer:
As summer gives way to September, I’m thinking about what many Londoners have been carrying, thinking, and stressing about: our relationship with America, rising costs, unaffordable food prices, uncertainty in the wider economy, people losing their jobs—the list goes on. And in London, as across Ontario, we’re highly aware of our challenges in navigating affordability and homelessness, along with crises in addiction, mental health, health care, education, industry, and business, big and small. There is a real sense that it’s not how it used to be, and I have a growing appreciation for the nostalgic sentiment these days.
This summer was by far my most difficult, and at the same time, perhaps my best while serving as your Councillor. While many challenges remain, there is progress at City Hall. Some issues have seen great movement and resolution; others are being chipped away at; some have stalled; a few have revealed themselves as mistakes (in my opinion); some are in progress; and others will need a bit of luck just to get out of the gate.
But our issues are not forever, and not everything is permanent. We just need to navigate our way through, and I know we have the foundations as citizens to do that. As we face major challenges at all levels—even in hard times—I see people showing up for one another: supporting someone in tough times, checking in on a friend, keeping a small business going against the odds, volunteering at community events, showing solidarity for labour rights and compensation, among other acts. That sometimes quiet, everyday care is London at its best, and that feels like the London I grew up in. If we keep being ourselves, we create the moments we feel nostalgic about, because the good times we remember were a product of our values, and I’ve seen pretty clearly, especially these last few months, that London and Ward 13 residents’ values are alive, really strong, and exactly what needs to be secured.
This is a transitional time, and as long as we keep ourselves grounded and hyper-aware of who we are, we can shape this world around us, and for us.
So where do we aim our energy? I think we should start by recognizing that even though we can’t control everything, we can control where we put our attention, focus, scrutiny, and demands. We should pay attention to the real priorities we are facing and pay none to the noise. We should focus our scrutiny on what priorities are clear and present in our communities and neighbourhoods. In short: less theatre, less noise, and more demand for direct actions and fixes on what is hurting us directly. Sayings like “Canada’s not for sale,” or “elbows up, and elbows down” are just not cutting it for me because at the moment, these words don’t seem to translate to direct solutions for our immediate needs. Let’s become experts at sifting through any political theatre or slogan and focus on what we need most, now, and demand action on that.
If it doesn’t include or address what is immediately making our lives difficult, it’s probably noise or theatre, and it’s not intended to really help us.
That’s the work ahead!
Priorities: general affordability, affordable housing, affordable food; a reformed and enhanced province-wide health-care system that includes sufficient mental-health and addictions support; protection of our natural environment; a sufficiently funded education system with local governance.
Remarks for the month:
As the school year begins, our streets, sidewalks, and bike lanes get busier. Please slow down in school zones, watch for crossing guards, and give cyclists the room they need. A few extra seconds behind the wheel makes a real difference for students, families, and commuters.
This month, cast a ballot in the Urban Design Awards People’s Choice, share ideas for the Parks & Recreation Master Plan, and join the Queen’s Bridge update meetings—details are in the newsletter below. Work on the West London Dyke will continue through the fall, and I’ll keep pushing to make construction zones safer and easier to navigate for people walking, rolling, and riding.
Thank you for your steadiness—supporting local businesses, adding your voice to City work, and watching out for one another. Despite the files on my desk, your light shines through the window, and all I have to do is peek out from behind the shadow and see. You are what makes London great!
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.
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