Hello Ward 13

We’re also looking ahead. London turns 200 in 2026, and we’ve been named Forest Capital of Canada for 2026–2027. It’s a good moment to share the stories that made this place home.

Within this newsletter, you’ll see the first pieces of the Downtown Plan coming forward with our Phase 1 Background Study, alongside the Economic Momentum paper from the BIA, which I hope gives a clear look at where we have gained and where we need to push harder.

Mostly, I want to say thank you. This year wasn’t simple, but if we keep supporting local spots, checking in on each other, staying engaged through the meetings and the mess; that’s how cities get better and I’ll be here to ensure Ward 13 has great representation.

On an end note: You mark the season, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, New Year and I hope you find some quiet, some laughter, and a bit of light. Here’s to carrying that forward into 2026 and enjoy this time of year.

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.

In 2026, London will officially mark 200 years since its founding in 1826. Join fellow Londoners in honouring our history, celebrating our present, and imagining the London we want to build for generations to come by sharing your favourite London memories here: getinvolved.london.ca/london200

Adding to this milestone, London has been named Forest Capital of Canada for 2026–2027 by the Canadian Institute of Forestry. This designation reflects London’s long-standing relationship with the natural environment and will create additional opportunities to recognize our city’s environmental leadership throughout the bicentennial.

And while we mark this momentous anniversary for our city, we also honour and acknowledge the Indigenous Peoples of London and the region. London is situated on land that has been home to Indigenous Peoples for more than 10,000 years, including the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Lenni-Lenape Nations.

Click on the image above to check out my recent video about London’s historic Holy Roller.

The Holy Roller is one of London’s most important connections to the Second World War. Built in 1942 in Flint, Michigan, it was issued to the First Hussars Canadian Army armoured regiment (based here in London) just days before D-Day. Remarkably, it is one of only two tanks in the world that fought from D-Day on June 6, 1944, through to the end of the war.

In this video, Julian from the 1st Hussars Museum shares how the Holy Roller survived every major campaign, returning home in 1946, and has been on display in Victoria Park since 1956. The Holy Roller underwent a restoration by Fanshawe students from 2021-2022, during which they uncovered historic artifacts inside the tank, including an 18th-century British coin carried by one of its crew members.

The Holy Roller’s preservation ensures that it remains more than a monument; it stands as a reminder of the resilience and determination that carried Canadian soldiers through the fight for freedom. Preserving the tank helps to preserve the stories, sacrifices, and liberties that shaped the country we live in today.

Visit the 1st Hussars Museum at 1 Dundas Street to learn more about the Holy Roller and London’s military history.

Residents are invited to kick off the holiday season with the annual Lighting of the Lights Ceremony at Victoria Park on Friday, December 5, from 6 PM to 7:30 PM.

The evening will kick off with live music, featuring The Rockin’ Reindeer, sung by local musicians. The highlight of the night, the magical moment that the park is illuminated with the ceremonial flip of the switch will be at approximately 6:50 PM.

Over 100,000 lights will bring the park to life, along with an array of festive favourites, including Santa and his reindeer, a Christmas train, and a cheerful snow family. This winter wonderland display will be available for residents to enjoy nightly until January 16, 2026.

After the Lighting of the Lights, Londoners are encouraged to join the Covent Garden Market for the annual tree lighting ceremony and kick-off of the Holly Jolly Holiday Market. Starting Friday, December 5, visitors can enjoy local artisans and food vendors, cozy fire pits, live music, and dazzling light displays around the beautiful Christmas tree in Rotary Square. The tree lighting takes place at 7:45 PM.

Downtown for the Holidays, sponsored by London Hydro, returns this year with a full lineup of festive experiences designed to bring the community together and celebrate the spirit of the season.

Visitors can take part in the Downtown for the Holidays Trail, running from November 28 to December 31.

Additional festive attractions include Candy Cane Lane at Market Lane (December 5 – January 5) and Carousel Rides at the corner of King and Talbot, in front of Canada Life Place (Jubilee Square) on December 11–14 and December 19–21. Both activities are free to enjoy.

Downtown businesses are also participating in the Holiday Window Contest, where visitors can vote for their favourite festive display starting November 28 by scanning the QR code displayed in participating business windows.

And to finish off the year, Victoria Park will host a free New Year’s Eve in the Park celebration on Wednesday, December 31, from 7 PM to 12:20 AM. The event will feature fireworks, live music, and entertainment, giving visitors one final night of holiday lights while welcoming 2026 in the heart of downtown.

Blackfriars Park is getting upgraded!

Construction will begin in the Spring of 2026 to upgrade playground equipment to provide a variety of play experiences for children between 2 and 12 years old, and improve overall accessibility. Upgrades should wrap up by Summer 2026 pending weather conditions.

This project is part of the City of London’s Neighbourhood Parks Improvement Program, which helps bring better recreational spaces to our community.

Stay tuned for updates: getinvolved.london.ca/NeighbourhoodParksImprovements

Downtown London is entering a new phase of momentum marked by renewed investment, stronger partnerships, and visible reinvigoration of streets and public spaces.

The 2025 Economic Momentum Paper builds on the broader Momentum Report released earlier this year, which documented more than 646 million dollars in construction activity, over 1,400 new residential units, thousands of events, and rising community engagement across the core.

As a constructive road map, the Economic Momentum Paper blends research, community insights, and real‑world experience to guide London toward a thriving, inclusive, and resilient core. The Economic Momentum Paper is also designed to complement the City’s ongoing planning work by offering data, observations, and recommendations that reflect the lived experience of businesses and the evolving needs of the core. 

Building on this foundation, the report identifies areas of strength, current challenges, and the priority moves needed to translate momentum into long‑term prosperity for Downtown London.

Read the full ‘Creating Economic Momentum in Downtown London’ paper at:
https://www.downtownlondon.ca/about-downtown-london-bia/research-and-reports/

Updates on the Downtown Plan: Phase 1 Background Study Completed 

The development of Phase 1 of the Downtown Plan is now complete. Community engagement has been a key component throughout, contributing valuable insights that informed the research and analysis. Phase 1 of the Downtown Plan has established a  foundational analysis, setting the stage for the development of actionable strategies in Phase 2.

Phase 2 of the Downtown Plan will involve further community engagement and focus on developing draft strategies, actions and initiatives. Proposed actions will be tested and refined in collaboration with both City staff and the community, alongside key downtown partners and organizations. Phase 2 will culminate in the delivery of the final Downtown Plan.

Civic Administration will continue to collaborate with the Canadian Urban Institute and key downtown partners and the community to refine priorities and advance development on actions that will ultimately guide coordinated efforts to support a vibrant, inclusive and resilient downtown.

Learn more: https://getinvolved.london.ca/downtownplan 

Downtown Plan Background Study

Join the London Afrocentric Art Association at the Maple Sports Recreation & Banquet Hall this Saturday, December 6th in support of the Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. The was severely damaged by hurricane Melissa and is in urgent need of donations.

Doors open at 7PM and all proceeds go to purchasing medical supplies and equipment for the hospital.

Learn more: https://londonafrocentric.ca/jamaica/

We’re excited to share that the West Lions Park Skate Park is getting an upgrade!

Construction to replace the current skate pad with a larger, more dynamic design will begin this winter, with work anticipated to wrap up by summer 2026.

This project is part of the City of London’s Neighbourhood Parks Improvement Program, which helps bring better recreational spaces to our community. The new design is based on ideas from local users and will support skateboarding, BMX, and scooter use for all skill levels.

Stay tuned for updates: getinvolved.london.ca/NeighbourhoodParksImprovements

A Zoning By-law Amendment has been submitted for 732 Wellington Street & 282 Piccadilly Street by 732 Wellington Street Inc. & London Bridge Childcare Services.

You are invited to provide comments for consideration by Council, and/or attend a public meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee at which Council will consider the above application, to be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, no earlier than 1 PM.

The London Plan and the Zoning By-law are available for review at london.ca.

Please monitor the City’s website closer to the meeting date to learn a more precise meeting start time.

For consideration by Council, comments must be provided by January 5, 2026

View the full application and supporting documents here:
https://london.ca/business-development/planning-development-applications/planning-applications/732-wellington-street