Hello 

As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible strength and resilience of our community here in Ward 13 and across London. This season is a time of joy, hope, and togetherness, reminding us of the importance of kindness, generosity, and connection with one another.

In the face of challenges, both big and small, our community has shown a remarkable ability to come together, support each other, and embrace the spirit of compassion that defines us. This holiday season, I encourage all of us to take a moment to reflect on how we can continue to make Ward 13 a place where everyone feels supported and included. Whether it’s lending a helping hand to a neighbor, supporting local businesses, or simply sharing a kind word, every gesture strengthens the bonds that unite us.

As you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, or any of the beautiful traditions that mark this season, I hope you find joy in the moments that bring comfort, peace in the stillness that allows for reflection, and inspiration for the year ahead.

As we look toward 2025, let’s take this spirit of togetherness and hope with us into the new year. It’s a fresh start, a time to build upon what we’ve achieved and continue working together for a community where no one is left behind. May the new year bring renewed energy, unity, and the promise of brighter days ahead for us all.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new 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.

The 2025 Annual Budget Update has been approved, with a property tax increase of 7.3% to support essential community programs.

Key Approvals in the 2025 Budget Update:

• Renoviction Prevention: Implementation of a new bylaw to protect tenants from unlawful evictions and keep people in their homes.
• Extreme Cleaning Program: Restoration of funding for a program that helps vulnerable tenants manage hoarding and pest control, supporting housing stability (no associated property tax levy). 
• Shelter Services: Continued funding for critical shelter beds to address immediate needs within the homeless community by Ark Aid (no associated property tax levy). 
• Downtown Interim Supports: Investments in cleaning, maintenance, and public space enhancements to address ongoing challenges and improve safety perceptions (no associated property tax levy). 

Complete 2025 Budget Update Info: https://getinvolved.london.ca/budget

We have received encouraging news that London is set to receive funding from various Federal Government sources, which will help reduce potential impacts on the municipal tax levy.

The following funding sources have been confirmed or are expected:

Unsheltered Homeless Encampment Initiative (UHEI):

• $2,509,246 (Sept 2024 – Mar 31, 2025)
• $2,509,246 (Apr 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026)

Reaching Home (Additional Funding):

• $1,104,387 (2024/2025 fiscal year)
• $1,104,387 (2025/2026 fiscal year)

In addition, we anticipate a reimbursement from the Interim Housing Assistance Program (IHAP):

• $947,000 (Housing Stability Services Operating Budget Surplus)
• $449,125 (Q2 and Q3 reimbursement/allocation)

This brings the total anticipated federal contribution to $5,009,758 for the first year (ending March 31, 2025).

These funds will help offset municipal tax levy impacts through the following initiatives:

• Community Encampment Response Plan (federal submission to provide basic needs to unsheltered individuals)
• Creation of Community Supports (Ark Aid business case)
• Indigenous Outreach Services (a requirement of UHEI funding to support unsheltered Indigenous populations)
• Civic Administration administrative costs

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #Funding | #Tax

Londoners have raised $6.2 million for the Health and Homelessness Fund for Change, surpassing the $5 million goal. Matched dollar-for-dollar by a local donor family, the total now stands at $12.4 million, in addition to the donor family’s initial $25 million commitment. These funds support critical projects to address homelessness in the city.

Key projects include:

• Hubs:
  • Atlohsa Family Health Services and St. Joseph’s Health Care London: $1.3 million (open).
  • Youth Opportunities Unlimited and London Health Sciences Centre: $3 million (opened Nov. 25, 2024).
• Highly Supportive Housing:
  • Elmwood Place Conversion: $4 million capital, $1.7 million operating (50 units, targeting 2025).
  • War Memorial Children’s Hospital Conversion at Vision SoHo: $1.5 million capital (42 units, targeting 2026).

The Fund for Change has distributed $11.5 million to support these initiatives, enhancing London’s response to homelessness and health challenges.

For more details, visit London Community Foundation.

The City has announced its second office-to-residential conversion project funded through the Office-to-Residential CIP Incentive Program. Sifton Properties Limited will receive $3,290,000 to transform 195 Dufferin Avenue’s commercial office space into 94 residential units, in partnership with Homes Unlimited (London) Inc., the Anglican Diocese of Huron, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Approved by Council in February 2024 and supported by the Housing Accelerator Fund, the program aims to incentivize office-to-residential conversions, boost downtown housing supply, and address the housing crisis. It offers grants up to $35,000 per unit for eligible projects in the Downtown Community Improvement Project area, with a goal of adding 285 residential units.

Two residential conversion projects have recently been awarded by the City to Homes Unlimited (195 Dufferin Avenue), and Warner Place Seniors Residence (430 William Street). These projects are being awarded as part of the City of London’s affordable housing initiative, under the Roadmap to 3,000 Affordable Units Action Plan. This will contribute to the measurable outcomes through the conversion of under-utilized spaces within existing buildings.

Homes Unlimited is committing 10 affordable housing units at their conversion project on 195 Dufferin Avenue. Warner Place Seniors Residence is committing 11 units at a conversion project on 430 William Street. Under the Roadmap to 3,000 funding, this affordable housing will be secured for 25-years through a municipal contribution agreement. 

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #DtnLdn | #Housing

We are replacing the aging Thames River sanitary siphon, built in 1935, to improve the city’s sewer capacity for future development. This project involves installing a new siphon under the Thames River, connecting to both low and high-level sewer systems, and decommissioning the old siphon. 

Key Project Details:

• Location: Mitchell A Baran Park, Ivey Park, and the Thames River.
• Scope: Tunneling of the new siphon under the Thames River, connection to existing sewer systems, decommissioning of the old siphon, tree removals (where necessary), and surface restoration.
• Timeline: Pre-construction work begins in Fall 2024, with construction slated to start in Spring/Summer 2025.

Notice to Businesses/Owners 

TIMMS Program Update: Transforming London’s Traffic Management

The TIMMS (Transportation Intelligent Mobility Management System) Program is a cutting-edge initiative designed to modernize London’s traffic management and support the City’s Rapid Transit projects. By integrating advanced technologies such as adaptive traffic signals, real-time vehicle detection sensors, smart communication networks, and Transit Signal Priority (TSP), TIMMS is improving traffic flow, enhancing safety, and boosting the efficiency of the transportation network. Additionally, a state-of-the-art Transportation Management Centre (TMC) has been established, where a video wall displays real-time traffic data, monitored and operated by skilled staff to ensure smooth and responsive traffic operations across the city.

Phase 1 of the program is nearing completion, with significant strides in traffic signal modernization and system integration. Phase 2 will continue to build on these successes, focusing on expanding communication infrastructure and strengthening cybersecurity.

More info

In November, the City revealed the exciting results of the 2024 Neighbourhood Decision Making (NDM) program. This year, an incredible 18,464 votes were cast—reflecting a 51% increase in participation over last year. 

The program allocated $250,000 in funding to community-driven projects, with 20 winning ideas ranging from natural playgrounds to tree planting and neighborhood art initiatives. These projects, chosen by residents, will enhance neighbourhoods across the city and be fully implemented by the end of 2025.

For a full list of winning projects, visit https://getinvolved.london.ca/ndm.

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #NDM