Your source for what's happening in the ward
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Dear Neighbours,
London, like every community across the province, is grappling with a changing climate. Pressure is building on our built infrastructure and our fiscal capacity alike. We have to look no further than the recent federal election to see that responding to climate change is a rapidly growing issue for Canadians with the only significant difference between national parties being the “how we respond”? In London, our Council has responded by declaring what Londoners already know – we are in a climate emergency and we must act. Declaring an emergency is but one way of demonstrating our emerging need to look at municipal policy with an eye to the realities of a changing climate but their critical role for elected officials going forward is leadership. Deciding how we respond to climate change is, ultimately, a local decision that needs to take into account local perspectives. Municipalities have direct influence over more than 40% of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada – largely through transportation and the heating and cooling of buildings. No matter what approaches are adopted, communities will and must have a central role in developing solutions. It isn’t just greenhouse gas emissions. The increase in sudden extreme storm events places additional demands on our stormwater, flood protection, road design and sewer infrastructure. Even building design must take these events into consideration. These events impact every single one of us. Leadership during a period of change of this magnitude will be difficult, as change often is. The decision to lead will be inconvenient. We will be asked by constituents to support unpopular projects or decisions. It will be demanded of us to think well beyond the 4-year election cycle. In London we are focused on developing the economic case for climate action through investing in more efficient services and increasing the resilience of the infrastructure we build. These are some of the building blocks for climate change. I look forward to hearing from you on this important topic and encourage you to contact me at ahopkins@london.ca or 226-927-0439 or go on my website at www.annahopkins.ca to discuss your concerns, issues or what’s happening in your area. Joy, Happiness and Peace and best wishes to you all, Anna
Snow AngelsA community-fueled experiment in kindness launches today. Snow Angels London is a volunteer snow removal service for seniors and persons with physical disabilities in London, Ontario.Since December 2015 the people of London Ontario have had a program to help and be helped with the arduous task of clearing snow. Snow Angels London is the result of an idea that Lincoln McCardle had in early 2015 and was brought to fruition by the hard work and kindred spirits at Simalam, who built the website as a community project.
To be clear, many municipalities and organizations have comparable initiatives to allow neighbours to help each other with snow removal, however they are often prohibitively expensive and bureaucratic. This is a simpler alternative, a community fuelled tool to connect neighbours and their neighbourhood. Snow Angels London is an experiment in kindness: a way for Londoners to request assistance shoveling or to find others in need of such assistance. Once registered as a Snow Angel you can choose to volunteer, list someone who needs assistance – or both! The website, knowing your location, will allow you to find others need you and even form a ‘halo’ – groups of Snow Angles that work as a group. For more information you can see our ABOUT US page or visit us on FACEBOOK and/or TWITTER. Also feel free to contact us anytime with questions or for more information. Together we’re hopeful that we can make our street, our neighbourhood and our London not only a little kinder but also a little less snowy. KEEP CALM AND SHOVEL ON! Lincoln McCardle, Snow Archangel, lincoln@twittens.ca 
What's Up!Check out the What's Happening Page to see new community events and news!
Want to let City Hall know what you think about Residential Speeds? Check the link on the GetInvolved London web page for more information! 
Interested in commenting on upcoming development Applications?Check the Calendar page to see Notices arranged by comment DUE DATE. Where available, links and documents are attached.
Contact the City of LondonReport a Tree Issue, Garbage not Collected, Pothole, Park or Playground or Signage Issue
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Let's Talk About Parking - Parking Tickets as Painless as PossibleLondon has moved to a new system of parking enforcement, implementing the new penalties system, called Administrative Monetary Penalties.
There are three main changes with this: 1. People receiving parking penalty notices will have 15 days to pay or request to dispute their tickets, before a fee is implemented. 2. Disputes will no longer be heard in provincial court, but with first, an internal screening process, and then a hearing with a third party. 3. Tickets may be issued by mail. The third concept, that penalty notices may be issued by mail, is something that officers will be implementing in school zones in particular. For this reason, we're sending letters to school principals and parents to remind them to pay attention to parking signage, and to be aware that enforcement officers will be able to take photos of license plates and that the registered owners may be mailed tickets if they drive away quickly. This is all in an effort to keep school zones safer. Check this link to see more information as these changes will be in effect Nov 1. How to Prepare your Home for WinterWinter is Coming.......Is your Home Ready?
The snow may have come earlier than it usually does, but that doesn't mean there aren't really important things we need to do to prevent damage to the properties we live in. The link below has loads of information t get your home ready for the freezing temperatures, so have a look! |
2020-2023 Multi-Year Budget UpdateOn Tuesday December 17, at 4:00 PM the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee, made up of all members of Council, will hear the tabling of the 2020-2023 Multi-Year Budget. This will be the first look at the next 4-year budget but it certainly won't be the final version.
The documents will be released at the meeting. Key Dates are below: Budget Open Houses
Link to 2019 Property Tax Calculator - to be updated once 2020-2023 Budget is approved. This allows the user to estimate how their tax dollars were allocated across all City Services. Please read the disclaimer at the bottom of the page.
Traffic Lights at Oxford and Riverbend UpdateIn response to multiple requests about the timing of this project, Councillor Hopkins has met with the Engineering Staff, and they have informed the Councillor that the traffic signals for Riverbend at Oxford St W are to be installed in the year 2020, design is currently underway. We will follow up with staff again once a more approx. date is available for this work to begin.
It Appears to Be Snow Season Again!From the City of London's News Release Nov 7, 2019
What Streets Get Plowed First The City of London maintains roadways in accordance with the Provincial Minimum Maintenance Standards for Municipal Highways (MMS), Regulation 239/02. These standards categorize roads, including adjacent bike lanes, into five main classes. Class 1, 2 and 3 take priority. Class 4 and 5, which include local streets and some cul-de-sacs, are cleared after the priority roads are complete. Class 1 Examples: Highbury Avenue, Wellington Road, Exeter Road, Fanshawe Park Road Class 2 Examples: Southdale Road, Oxford Street, Dundas Street, Wharncliffe Road Class 3 Examples: Viscount Road, Dufferin Avenue, Colborne Street Cycle Track Class 4 Examples: Aldersbrook Road, Doon Drive, Tweedsmuir Avenue Class 5 Examples: Local streets and some cul de sacs Be a Good Neighbour City crews remove snow on the public right of way, so it is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain access to their property. According to the City of London Streets By-law, snow from your property must be dealt with on your property. Moving snow from your laneway to the street or sidewalk affects road safety, creates obstructions for fellow road users and impacts the City's snow clearing operations. This winter, we encourage you to work closely with neighbours to find common solutions. Simple actions, such as shoveling the sidewalks in front of your home, and your neighbour’s home, improves mobility for everyone. If able, consider reaching out to an older adult, or someone with a disability in your community this year. Rethink Your Ride Road, sidewalk, and pathway conditions shift and vary during winter months. Londoners are encouraged to check the weather before leaving your home to anticipate potential snow falls and disruptions to mobility and transportation. Consider letting someone else do the driving, and take London Transit for a safe and more economical way to travel. Remember that all LTC buses are equipped with bike racks in the case that pathways are not cleared yet on your way to work. And if you see someone struggling in the snow, please help one another when it is safe to do so. Park Pathways The Thames Valley Parkway and some park pathways throughout the city are cleared to a recreational trail standard after an accumulation of 8 cm of snow, 24 hours after the snow fall ends. Similar to our sidewalks, park pathways are left in a snowpack condition. Pedestrians and cyclists using these paths should check the weather forecast before using them to anticipate potential snowfall and changes in path conditions. Salt Use Salt use is kept to a minimum by City of London with approximately one third of the roads being salted. It is spread only on main roads starting at the beginning snowfall and throughout the snow removal process to help prevent the adhesion of snow or ice to the road. A technique known as “anti-icing” is also used involving the application of salt brine mixed with beet juice (de-sugared sugar beet molasses) to the road prior to a storm, which allows crews to use even less salt once the snow starts falling. Anti-icing helps prevent snow and ice from bonding to the road surface. Reducing salt use on private property can decrease negative impacts to our environment. Residents are reminded to consider shoveling snow from your property’s walkways and driveways before it becomes packed down, which can reduce ice from forming. Also remember to check your downspouts and control drainage on your property. Direct water towards grassed areas to prevent ice forming on paved areas. Parking From November 1 - April 15, overnight parking passes will not be issued more than 48 hours in advance due to the possibility of inclement weather, when snow plows may need access to City streets. A message will be posted on the overnight parking registry when a snow event is in effect, please check prior to parking your vehicle on the street if you have previously applied for an overnight pass. Parking enforcement will occur during a snow event. Londoners can visit london.ca/snow or follow the City of London on Twitter or Facebook to get the latest snow removal updates once crews have been deployed. Our City: News and Information for Londoners - Delivered right to your inbox, stay up-to-date on information for London. Subscribe at the button below or check the latest edition! Here are some examples in the latest edition.
- New Year's Eve in the Park Entertainment Announced - The winner of the Road to New Year’s Eve contest has been announced, along with members of the Forest City London All-Stars Band. New Year’s Eve in the Park is fun, free, and family friendly with two fireworks shows! The first is at 9 p.m. and is perfect for kids and families, and the second is at midnight! Learn more here. - What's Your Water Consumption? - London residents will be able to view their household water consumption by the month, week, day and even hour online. Hourly water data is accessible to households equipped with newer water meters helping Londoners manage and monitor their water consumption. Visit MyLondonHydro to see if your home is equipped to display hourly water data. - Free Energy Kits - The AffordAbility Fund offers Ontarians who pay an electricity bill free energy kits that can help you save money and reduce your energy use. Receive a Home Energy Kit with upgrades that you can easily install yourself. This may include ENERGY STAR® light bulbs, a power bar and/or faucet aerators along with energy-saving tips. - Grab Your Skates! - Outdoor skating rinks are open! Grab your skates, bring your family and friends and enjoy skating at one of our outdoor skating rinks this winter season. - Diversity, Race Relations & Inclusivity Award Winners - This week, five London companies are organizations were honoured on International Human Rights Day, for their work to create a safe and welcoming place for everyone. - Park for Free in City Lots! - ‘Tis the season to get out and about in London. If you park in municipal lots using the HonkMobile App with promo code “DEC” this December, Parking Services will take care of your first 30 minutes. |
