Hello Ward 13 

We have begun 2025 hot and fast, and it seems these times are beginning to look a little foreign. With two elections looming and new tariffs getting imposed on us along with our response, I want to take a moment and say – it is okay to be feeling a bit unsettled. The wake of uncertainty from an apparent trade war with our longest and strongest ally in the coming days and months will undoubtedly bring challenges; but it will also reveal our shared determination as Canadians, the deep resilience woven into what it means to be a resident in this great country, and ultimately bridge what divides us. No matter the outcomes, these times will bring us together, and when we make it through this interesting period, Canada will come out with greater unity and strength.

I want you to know that you will always continue to have full representation at City Hall through your Councillor. And, in uncertain times, I believe that connection and dialogue matter more than ever. So, I will be hosting Community Chats around the ward in 2025 where residents can come out and discuss the hot-button topics of the day, city initiatives, general news, and anything you would like to discuss. The intention of our Community Chats is to provide an opportunity for you to have a conversation with me, face-to-face at a location that is near you and easily accessible. The schedule for the Community Chats is being finalized and will be released in the next Ward 13 mailout and this newsletter.

As we navigate the year ahead, staying engaged and working together will be key to strengthening our community. Whether through upcoming Community Chats, city initiatives, or the daily conversations that shape our future, your voice matters. Let’s keep pushing forward with determination, collaboration, and a shared vision for a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient London.

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 history of our city is rich with stories from london communities, and with the start of Black History Month at Museum London, this was on full display. I am very grateful I was able to be a part of this celebration. Every moment was both inspiring and memorable—a beautiful tribute to Black culture, history, and excellence that we recognize and celebrate every day.

#bhm2025 #BlackhistoryCanadahistory

Last week the Mayor’s State of the City Address advanced some key initiatives for the city and for downtown.

Key updates: 

1. New Vacant Commercial Space Incentive Program: A new commercial occupancy incentive that provides financial assistance for startups and renovations in vacant spaces, targeting restaurants, arts and culture venues, tourism services, and grocery stores will be coming to Council soon.
2. Downtown Master Plan: The RFP-Q for the Downtown Master Plan closed on January 24^th. Submissions are now under evaluation, and the full RFP is set to launch soon.
3. Housing and Infrastructure: a) the city initiated plans to convert city-owned surface parking lots into high-density residential projects while maintaining parking capacity, b) the city also secured $23.7 million in provincial funding to expand downtown sewer capacity to support 17,500 additional housing units, and c) city will issue requests for proposals for two lots (84 Horton and 199 Ridout) next month.
4. Public Safety Enhancements: Increased police presence downtown and in Old East Village, expanded Community Outreach and Support Team (COAST) with public health nurses paired with police for mental health calls, and a new public space drug strategy.

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #Plans | #Outcomes

Thank you to Police Chief Truong for hosting the inaugural Chief’s Gala and Awards Night. Congratulations to the nominees and the winners for their outstanding contributions to the local community.

All of the proceeds from last night’s dinner went to Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #LdnDtn | #LPS | #ChiefsGala

London is advancing its Roadmap to 3,000 Affordable Units, with over 1,000 new affordable housing units either under construction or approved. The latest developments mark a major step toward tackling housing affordability and homelessness in the city.

At the January 21st City Council meeting, Council approved new affordable housing developments, awarding projects to:

🏠 London Cross Cultural Learner Centre (763-773 Dundas St.) – 25 affordable units
🏠 Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (1500 Huron St.) – 50 affordable units
🏠 Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley:
      • 248-256 Hill St. – 33 affordable units
      • 644-646 Huron St. – Up to 82 affordable units

These units will remain secure and affordable for 25 years, strengthening London’s commitment to long-term housing stability.

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #HousingForAll | #AffordableHousing

Over its first year, the House of Hope program run by London Cares has transformed lives by providing stable housing and 24/7 wraparound support for 56 individuals facing chronic homelessness.

Some notable highlights include: 

• 87.5% of residents remained housed as of September 30, 2024
• 83% fewer emergency department visits
• 45% of residents decreased or stopped substance use through self management, medically assisted substance use treatment, inpatient treatment, and attending meetings or programs for substance use concerns
• 57% of residents reconnected with family, including children, partners, immediate family, and extended family

That’s proof highly supportive housing changes lives, strengthens communities and is a proven successful way a municipality can provide housing for those who are unhoused. To get a sense of the full picture, see the HoH report.

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #HousingCrisis | #SupportiveHousing

You may have noticed some newly installed rapid transit shelters at various locations across the rapid transit corridors.

Nearly a dozen new rapid transit shelters are to be installed between now and the spring of 2025, including five locations downtown and five sections along the East London Link corridor, as well as some stops on Wellington Street as part of the Wellington Gateway project. 

Installation of the rapid transit shelter structures will begin at the Ontario Street and King Street (southbound) stop and continue along King Street, Queens Avenue and Wellington Street. Shelter structures will be built first, followed by electrical, lighting and other amenities over the subsequent weeks.

Nearly a dozen new rapid transit shelters will be installed by spring 2025, including five downtown, five along the East London Link, and select stops on Wellington Street as part of the Wellington Gateway project. Watch for installations at Ontario and King (southbound) and along King, Queens, and Wellington. Shelters will be built first, followed by electrical, lighting, and other amenities.

For locations and construction details, visit the City of London’s website.

Temporary LTC stop interruptions will occur during construction. Riders can check the LTC website for updates on closures.

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #DtnLdn | #Transit

Since Monday, January 13, the Dundas and Waterloo Street intersection has been closed to facilitate private utility work and will remain closed until approximately Friday, March 14.

Drivers will be detoured around the closure. Pedestrian and bike access will continue through the intersection while the road is closed.

Transit users are advised to visit the LTC website for service updates and detours. For project details, click here.

#Ward13 | #LdnOnt | #DtnLdn | #Detour