As we head into winter, I want to extend my warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for a safe, happy holiday season. I hope this time of year brings you comfort, rest, and joy for whatever holiday you celebrate, or simply enjoying time with family and friends.

As always, my office is here to support you - please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, or ideas.

Thank you for being an engaged and caring community. 

Snow Clearing

• What Gets Cleared First?:The City follows provincial guidelines, clearing high-traffic routes and roads to vital destinations first, then moving through streets from Class 1 (major arteries and bus routes) to Class 5 (local streets and cul-de-sacs). Bus stops are cleared after sidewalks because they require the same equipment and crews prioritize sidewalks.
• Quantity to Clear:Snow-clearing begins at different snowfall depths depending on the class: Class 1 activates with less than 5 cm, Class 2 at 5 cm, Classes 3 and 4 at 8 cm, and Class 5 at 10 cm. Higher classes respond sooner to lighter snow, while lower-priority areas require heavier accumulation before clearing starts.
• Report issues: If you notice unplowed roads, icy sidewalks, or other slippery conditions, you can report them directly through the City’s Service London portal.
• Know parking rules: During a snow event, overnight on-street parking may be restricted so plows can operate. If a snow event is forecast, a notice will be posted on the City’s overnight parking registry and shared on City social media channels. Passes will not be valid during snow events
• For more information, visit london.ca/overnightparking or contact Parking Enforcement at 519-661-4537.

Temporary Warming Centre Framework

London’s Temporary Warming Centre Framework introduces a phased approach to protect people experiencing homelessness from cold-related harm by adding shelter beds earlier in the season and increasing the number of warming spaces available when temperatures drop.

We have activated the centre three times so far this winter, with 56 (Dec 7), 77 (Dec 13), 82 (Dec 15) people accessing the centre. Moving forward, I believe we need to trigger the warming centres at -5 like Toronto, which would come with additional but necessary costs. I will be discussing with staff what the requirements would be for this improvement to our framework. 

Learn more at https://london.ca/warming-centres

Free Lead Testing of Tap Water

The City of London offers free lead testing of tap water for Londoners who live in older homes. Since only copper or plastic service pipes have been used in modern builds, there is little cause for concern if you house was built after 1952. Additionally, homeowners seeking financial assistance for the replacement of their lead water service pipe can apply to the Lead Service Extension Replacement Loan Program. This program allows successful applicants to apply the cost of their lead water service pipe replacement to their property tax bill and pay it back over ten years.

I moved into a new home in Old South over the summer - and found out my house had lead pipes. I proceeded to replace them, and was able to put the cost ($3,500) on my property taxes over 10 years through the loan program the city offers. You can learn more about the health impacts of lead here.

To inquire about lead testing, please contact [email protected] or call 519-661-2489 x 5541.

Wortley Bridge Party

Thank you to the 100-150 people who attended the Wortley Bridge Party. There was dancing, music, coffee, cookies and bubbles. We showed that Ward 11 and the City is brimming with love and inclusiveness.

Increased Transit Service

The draft 2026 Service Plan sets out the changes for Sept 2026 that are considered the highest priority, totalling approximately 24,000 hours on an annual basis and requiring four additional peak period buses. Given the 2026 budget, as approved by City Council as part of the multi-year budget process, includes the addition of 18,000 annualized hours, further assessment will be completed to prioritize changes consistent with budget allocations, which will be presented in the final recommended service plan. The London Transit Commission agreed to adding an additional 2,000 service hours, pulling from reserves for one year, so in January the Commission will be choosing 20,000 new services hours to implement for Sept 2026.

See which routes are up for improvement here. Which routes would you like to see improved?

London Transit still has over 300,000 hours of outstanding service requests outside of the allocated annual budget. Every year, additional requests are received and have to be assessed and prioritized for implementation based on approved budget. Better service requires more investment.

As always if you have any feedback on the above items, please email [email protected] or call the office at 519-661-5095.