A note from the CouncillorDear Residents

Welcome to the March edition of the Ward 13 newsletter. As we step into a new month, it’s important to reflect on the year’s start, which has been notably busy for all of us at City Hall, especially concerning our multi-year budget efforts. Your engagement and feedback have been invaluable as we’ve navigated through the intricacies of budget discussions, aiming to secure a sustainable financial future for our city.

March promises to be a month filled with significant undertakings. We are embarking on several key projects like essential repair work on the City Hall front entrance, and the commencement of work on Clarks Bridge as part of the Wellington Gateway project to name a few.

Let us continue to collaborate, share ideas, and support initiatives for the collective benefit of our community. I look forward to another month and spring and to seeing the positive changes we can achieve together.

Regards,
David Ferreira
Councillor Ward 13, London Ontario

Council has approved the 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget, marking the City’s third endeavor into multi-year financial planning, a process that underscores the value of long-term planning and adaptability. This budget is meticulously aligned with the City of London’s Strategic Financial Framework, playing a pivotal role in actualizing the objectives laid out in London’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.The budget outlines a four-year average tax levy increase of 7.5%, translating to an average annual increase of $277 for municipal services for an average residential property. Specifically, 2024 will see an 8.7% tax levy increase, amounting to an average increase of $286 for average residential properties.

The budget also covers Water and Wastewater & Treatment rate supported budgets, with a four-year average rate increase of 2.9% for Water (average annual residential cost increase of $16) and 4.8% for Wastewater & Treatment (average annual residential cost increase of $36).

For more information on the multi-year budget process, visit getinvolved.london.ca/budget or london.ca/budget.

Starting today, March 4, City Hall’s front entrance will be closed for repair and rehabilitation, with pedestrian access redirected to the north entrance via Reginald Cooper Square. This construction, reported to the Corporate Services Committee on January 15, 2024, aims to complete essential repairs including structural rehabilitation and asbestos abatement. Although the front entrance will be closed, vehicle traffic and accessible parking will be minimally affected. The project is expected to conclude by July 31, 2024.Report on construction plan, schedule, and impact of work required to complete essential repairs to the front entrance canopy.

For more information, contact Rick Huitema at rhuitema@london.ca.

Path2Approval – new Planning & Economic Development customer service counter now openThe City of London has launched a new customer service counter, Path2Approval, on the City Hall’s second floor, aimed at assisting residents, businesses, and industry partners with planning, building, and licensing needs.

Open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the counter offers in-person support without the need for appointments.

The counter features an expanded space, an on-duty plans examiner, and facilities for in-person and virtual inquiries, enhancing the customer service experience and streamlining application processes.

Springbank Dam Decomissioning

All levels of government are here to assist, please reach out to us at:To connect with me as your City Councillor:

Councillor – Ward 13, City of London

• MPP Teresa Armstrong | 519-668-1104 | tarmstrong-co@ndp.on.ca