Hello Everyone

Our present moment in Canada’s story marks the start of a new chapter for us, one that will continue to see our nation remain at the center of our free world, but with a bigger seat.

Regardless of this greater influence, collectively, our groups’ toolkit of foreign and economic policy will not be as diverse as it was before. So I’d expect Canada and its allies to make some adjustments along the way.

Protecting our way of life and living on our own terms starts by standing side by side with our neighbours, partners, and friends; and advocating for ourselves, our communities, and our city. These are the components that make a resilient, independent, and strong Canada.

I have already seen this unification at the granular level in every community I engage with, and we should seize every opportunity to continue this movement of unity—because our future is most secure and prosperous when its determined by us. 

I’m hosting a Town Hall on March 27 at the Central Library (Stevenson & Hunt Room) from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This will be a chance to hear your thoughts on issues that affect our city and beyond. We’ll discuss local topics, city initiatives, and anything else you’d like to raise.

The 2025 Ward 13 Community Chats schedule has been finalized and is included at the end of this newsletter. These W13 Community Chats will take place at various locations in the Ward, giving you the chance to drop by and talk with me face-to-face about whatever’s on your mind. Updates for upcoming Ward 13 Community Chats regarding weather events, or other potential unforseen conflicts will be provided on my social media platforms. So please sign up at the bottom of this newsletter if you haven’t already. 

I also want to thank everyone who exercised their civic duty in the recent Ontario election. Your participation in democracy is essential for a free and open society and its gigantically appreciated. 

Let’s keep moving forward with hope, determination, and a shared vision for a stronger, inclusive London and Canada—one that can weather any uncertainties life throws our way.

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to our future as Londoners and Canadians, and to connecting with you soon.

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.

Join me on March 27 at the Central Library’s Stevenson & Hunt Room (6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.) to talk about housing, homelessness, mental health, elections, economic development, and everything else on your mind—both in our ward and across the city at the Ward 13 Town Hall. 

City Hall, in collaboration with local economic development groups, has announced the first steps to reinforce London’s economy in response to the potential impact of U.S. tariffs.

Following a unanimous Council vote, civic administration is now reviewing procurement practices to prioritize Canadian companies for goods, services, and construction, while also addressing any barriers to doing so.

New initiatives are underway to help local businesses navigate shifting trade conditions, including efforts to expand interprovincial trade and support small businesses in leveraging domestic market opportunities.

#LdnOnt | #Canada | #Tariffs | #News

One of the most important steps of this Council term is now in place — the City of London’s new Rental Unit Repair Licence bylaw is a major win for tenants and the City.

This new bylaw strengthens tenant protections for renters by requiring landlords to follow clear requirements when renovating a unit in a way that would require a tenant to leave, while recognizing the importance of allowing legitimate repairs and improvements for responsible landlords. Landlords are to provide proper notice, submit documentation, and follow a transparent process — all aimed at preventing unfair ‘renovictions’ and ensuring tenants understand their rights.

London is one of the few municipalities in Canada to adopt such strong tenant protections, showing real leadership in standing up for renters.

Learn more, including resources for both tenants and landlords, at london.ca/renovictions.

Thank you to everyone who ran, volunteered, and voted — your participation strengthens our community. The results will shape the challenges and opportunities ahead, and our work continues. Together, we’ll keep pushing for a fairer, stronger future for London.

This was a quick unprecedented election cycle, and I expect another to be coming soon for the federal government – probably beginning end of this month. 

Click Here to View Unofficial Ontario Election Results

#ONpoli | #ONvotes | #LdnOnt | #ONelxn2025 | #Healthcare | #Housing | #CommunitySupport | #CityInfrastructure | #ArtandCulture

The City is inviting local not-for-profits and grassroots organizations to apply for 2025 Grassroots, Innovation, and Capital Grants through the Community Grants Program. These grants help organizations expand programs, services, or facilities to improve access to essential resources and strengthen communities across London.

💰 $250,000 in total funding available
📌 Up to $50,000 per project
⏳ Apply by Monday, March 17, 2025, at 12 p.m.

Before you apply, consider consulting with City staff for guidance on eligibility and the application process. 30-minute in-person consultations are available at Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre on the following dates:

• Tuesday, March 4 | 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 5 | 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
• Monday, March 10 | 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 11 | 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Learn more and apply here.

#LdnOnt | #Grants | #Opportunities | #Funding

Congratulations to St. Joseph’s Health Care London on receiving a landmark $65.75 million investment from WSIB to establish Canada’s first Occupational Injury Prevention and Treatment Research Network. This 10-year initiative will advance the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of workplace injuries and illnesses.

With this investment, St. Joe’s and its research arm, Lawson Health Research Institute, are set to become national leaders in occupational health research—marking a major step forward in improving worker health and safety across the province.

#LdnOnt | #WSIB | #StJoesHospital | #News

The City’s 2024 Annual Development Report highlights a historic surge in housing approvals, construction activity, and economic growth. The report serves as a key monitoring tool for Council, developers, and the community, informing planning strategies and infrastructure development.

Highlights

• Housing Growth: 22,890 new housing units approved, including major projects on the former London Psychiatric Hospital lands and Oxford Street West.
• Construction Boom: Total construction value hit a record $2.2 billion, an 82% increase from 2023.
• Affordable Housing Progress: 2,139 affordable housing units tracked, surpassing federal targets and moving toward the City’s 3,000-unit goal.
• Commercial & Industrial Expansion: 130% growth in industrial projects and 123% in institutional developments, including new schools, healthcare facilities, and long-term care homes.

London has also launched a new online housing tracker, replacing monthly reports, to provide real-time updates on housing approvals and progress toward the City’s development goals. Click here to explore the tracker.

For more on London’s broader housing initiatives, visit london.ca/morehomes.

#LdnOnt | #Housing | #Development | #CommunityGrowth

Updates on the Neighbourhood Parks Improvement Fund are now live on the City of London’s Get Involved website! This year, 10 parks across the city are set for improvements, with City staff hosting in-person engagement sessions to discuss upcoming projects.

📍 Ward 13 parks slated for upgrades:

• Blackfriars Park (2 Cummings Ave)
• West Lions Park (20 Granville St)
• Richard B. Harrison Park (205 South St)

#LdnOnt | #GetInvolved | #LondonParks | #Ward13

Ever wondered about the story behind that bird sculpture with its glowing stained-glass orb at King & Ridout? Now you can dive into the stories behind London’s public art, monuments, and landmarks with six new self-guided tours launched by the City of London and the London Arts Council.

These interactive tours blend poetry, music, dance, and local storytelling, offering a fresh way to experience art and history across the city.

🔹 Discover Public Art & History in:
Downtown London | Old East Village | Victoria Park

🔹 Take a unique journey with:
Historical Tour of Downtown | Connecting Through Sound & Nature | Poetic Tour of London

To see the full list of guided tour spots, check out this Google Map overview.

#LdnOnt | #PublicArtTours | #Arts | #History

The City will be resurfacing Ridout Street in summer 2025 to replace aging pavement and add cycling lanes, closing the remaining gap between Victoria Bridge and downtown.

A letter will be mailed to nearby residents and businesses shortly.

Planned improvements include:

• Removing and replacing the road surface, damaged sidewalk panels, and curbs
• Installing two shared transit stops and catch basins between York St and King St
• Adding concrete medians to separate cyclists from vehicles

The project is led by the City’s Transportation Planning & Design Division, with construction expected to start in summer 2025. A pre-construction notice will be sent two weeks before work begins.

Click for more info

Congratulations to Youth Opportunities Unlimited on a successful and inspiring 19th Annual Breakfast!

A heartfelt thank you to Emily and Jordan for sharing their powerful stories and to the dedicated volunteers who made this event possible.

All of the proceeds from the breakfast will support the highest priority needs of Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU), such as funding education, employment & skills training, and providing shelter, housing, and basic needs services.

#LdnOnt | #Ward13 | #YOULdn | #YouthOpportunitiesUnlimited

Another successful Coldest Night of the Year in the books! Last Saturday, I had the privilege of joining my neighbors in this meaningful walk, supporting Mission Services of London and their work providing food, shelter, and care for those experiencing homelessness.

Thank you to Mission Services of London for your unwavering dedication—and to everyone who participated, donated, or volunteered to make this night a success.

#LdnOnt | #Homelessness | #MissionServices | #ColdestNightoftheYear2025