Hello Ward 13

November always feels like a turning point. The light fades earlier, the pace slows, and we pay closer attention to what’s right in front of us. This time of year is budget season, in addition to the work we continue to do at Council, and there will be several items coming our way for the city and for downtown this month.

The direction in Downtown’s next chapter is developing on schedule, and the first items from our Downtown Plan are now well underway. Council will receive a report and background study this month, which are the first items completed by the Canadian Urban Institute on our work for our Downtown Plan. Keep an eye out as this is the opening move in the work we’ll bring forward for London’s core, and it’s meant to be built with and for you, not just near you.

It’s also budget time. The budget update and public sessions are listed in this newsletter. If you can, take a few minutes to see what’s on the table for 2026 and send me your thoughts. Small, specific feedback makes a real difference.

On November 12, I’m hosting a session with a group of Thames Valley elected trustees who want to share important information about the supervision of the public school board and pending legislation that will impact your ability to influence decisions in your community at the Central Library in the Lawson Room starting at 6pm. Parking validation is available for attendees at the front desk. If you care about how the future of public education will look in this city, this is a good session to attend.

We have wrapped up our final 2025 Community Chats in October. The conversations were candid and useful, and have already led to fixes on the ground, with more in motion. Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke up, and participated. These chats were numerous and took a lot of effort, but they are among the most rewarding things I have done this term because you showed up.

For Remembrance Day, let’s carry that quiet duty into the rest of the month, starting now and participating on Remembrance Day on November 11 in whatever capacity you can. We pause together for those who served and those who never came home, and we must not take the sacrifices made for us for granted, because what we have been given may not be there forever.

Here’s to a thoughtful November. Take care of yourselves, look out for each other, and let’s keep building the city we want to live in.
 
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.

The City of London marked the official start of the 2025 Poppy Campaign on October 30th with the Royal Canadian Legion’s First Poppy Ceremony.

I encourage you to wear a poppy in the days leading up to Remembrance Day (Tuesday, November 11) to honour and remember those who gave their lives in service to our country.

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #RemembranceDay | #November11

Applications are now open for the City of London’s new Homeownership Down Payment Assistance Program, offering interest-free, forgivable loans of up to $25,000 (or 5% of a home’s purchase price) to help eligible renters in London and Middlesex County buy their first home. 

This program supports moderate-income individuals and families by easing the barrier of upfront costs. The program is funded through a mix of provincial and federal housing allocations administered by the City of London, with loan repayments and gain-share proceeds recycled locally through the City’s Homeownership Revolving Loan Reserve Fund to sustain future rounds.

Full program details, application forms, and eligibility criteria are available at london.ca/hdap

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #HDAP | #HousingAssistance

Community Counselling London (CCL) is a non-profit offering affordable, needs-based mental health therapy for anyone 12 and older. With income-scaled fees and a psychospiritual approach, CCL provides accessible, compassionate care while training future therapists through university partnerships.

CCL relies on fundraising, grants, and donations to keep this service going. If you believe in better mental health for everyone, visit cclondon.ca

Join us at Change Café: All Aboard! 🎟️

Support the cause at CCL’s annual fundraising event on November 6, 2025. Learn more at cclondon.ca/events

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #CommunityCounsellingLondon | #MentalHealth

We have launched a new Homelessness Individuals in London Dashboard, offering residents a more accurate and detailed picture of the number and characteristics of people interacting with London’s homelessness system.

Unlike previous monthly “snapshot” counts, the dashboard now reflects cumulative data across each month and year, drawing from the Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) and supplementary sources like encampment counts. This shift provides a clearer understanding of how many people are seeking support, when, and in what ways.

There will also be future dashboards are coming with stats on shelters, housing progress, and community response updates.

Explore the dashboard: london.ca/HomelessnessDashboards 🔗

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #Homelessness | #NewDashboard

Starting Wednesday, November 15, the City’s overnight street parking restrictions are back in effect from 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. on most streets.

New changes this year:

• Restrictions now run November 15 to March 31.

• Beyond the 15 free overnight parking passes per vehicle, you can now buy additional ones for $5 each via HONK

Register for a pass and see details at london.ca/overnightparking or by phone at 519-661-4537 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.)

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #StreetParking | #Restrictions

The City of London is pleased to shine a spotlight on visionary design projects right here in Ward 13 that were honoured in the 2025 Urban Design Awards, recognising innovation that enhances livability, sustainability, and urban quality.

People’s Choice Award:

• Harris Park Shoreline Restoration & Revitalization — 531 Ridout St N

Award of Excellence:

• Hyde Park Village Green — 1695 Hyde Park Road

Join us in celebrating these standout contributions to our neighbourhood.

See the finalists and the full list of awardees through the City’s virtual exhibition.

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #UrbanDesignAwards | #Architecture

Downtown London was buzzing with cinematic energy as the Forest City Film Festival marked its 10th anniversary from October 23 to November 2. With over 60 screenings, music video showcases, industry panels, and a haunting Halloween feature film accompanied by a live orchestra, the festival once again spotlighted the talent of Southwestern Ontario’s film community.

Thanks to everyone who attended and supported this milestone year!

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #ForestCityFilmFestival | #10thAnniversary

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #Budget | #InfoSessions