In The News
Councillors vote to take more time to decide Thames Park Pool's fate
"This is the best location for the pool, and at the same time, it is the worst location for the pool," said Skylar Franke, the area's ward councillor. "Best" because the pool has earned a cherished place in Old South. "Worst" because flooding and a high water table on the site mean staff can't guarantee that any repair or rebuild won't be again be undone by the cracking and frost heave that has plagued the pool.
Thames pool to stay closed this summer as politicians push for 2024 reopening
“I don’t think we have enough information to make a permanent decision on this location,” said Coun. Skylar Franke, who represents the ward where the pool is located but doesn’t sit on the community and protective services committee. “I do think it’s unfair to the community to take away this treasured community spot without a clear path forward.”
'London Plan' preaches housing intensification but city hall missed 2022 target by half
“That worries me because it essentially means that the building that is occurring is not happening within the Built-Area Boundary,” Coun. Skylar Franke told CTV News. “That could lead to more urban sprawl — which is what we’re trying to get away from.”
Keep London's public washrooms open longer, downtown advocates urge
"We do still have the libraries across the community that have public washrooms, as well as our community centres, but those aren't in every single area and sometimes when you have to go, you have to go," Franke told CBC News. "Making sure that there are locations that are easily accessible to the community is really important."
Kissing babies – their own – comes with campaigning for these candidates
"Franke said she would bring that perspective as a new parent to council, if elected. It’s already got her thinking about everything from sidewalk snow clearing — this winter she’ll be pushing a stroller through the ice and snow — and taking action on climate change. “It makes me want to fight harder.”" (Sept 2022)
Labour council backs Josh Morgan, several incumbents
"Patti Dalton, president of the council, said she believes their “progressive candidates” can drive change on important London issues such as improving public transit, addressing poverty, homelessness and housing affordability, and contribute to tackling the climate crisis." (Sept 2022)
Debates begin as Ward 11 candidates square off
A flurry of municipal election debates kicked off Wednesday night with a spotlight on one of the hottest races in London. (Sept 2022)
Turner not seeking re-election, endorses Skylar Franke in Ward 11
"Franke says the decision to run for a seat on council came after considerable thought and reflection. [...] On Thursday, Franke held a meet and greet alongside Turner in Wortley Village to discuss her ideas to tackle affordability, climate change, and housing insecurity." (June 2022)
Millennials find a home in neighbourhood associations
Skylar Franke and her partner, Nick Soave, had finally found a house to their liking in west London, one within walking distance of downtown. When their offer was accepted, she thought they’d cleared their biggest hurdle: they were now homeowners. But weeks later, she realized they faced another, more subtle challenge: How the heck do you get to know your neighbours? (Sept 2017)
Urban League president running for London city council seat
“I think council needs some fresh voices,” she said. “I’d love to bring my voice and the voice of my neighbours to city hall to make change." (May 2022)
Can city hall make London less 'car-centric' with new climate plan?
“For people to actually take action, a lot of barriers have to be removed, so incentives, rebates . . . as well as changing, physically, how our city is structured. Right now it’s easier for people to drive a car than it might be for them to ride a bike or take a bus. Some of this plan is identifying how to remove barriers so the community is motivated to take action.” (Feb 2022)
City hall urged to commit more money to developing climate action plan.
“This is possibly the most important plan that council will ever develop. It needs to be the best it can possibly be,” Skylar Franke, head of the London Environmental Network, said." (April 2021)
London environmental leaders begin 10-year journey to carbon-neutral homes
"Executive director Skylar Franke and green economy manager Marianne Griffith of the London Environmental Network are working to make their homes carbon neutral by 2030 — 20 years before the city’s net zero target of 2050. " (April 2020)
Councillors give green light to green bin program in London
Skylar Franke, the Executive Director of the London Environmental Network, said she was pleased to see the majority of councillors support the plan. "We've been sending all our organics to landfill and that is not very helpful for climate change, because then a lot of the organic matter turns into methane, which is one of the green house gas emissions that contributes to climate change," she said." (February 7, 2020)
January’s record rain expense London’s dirty sewage secret
“We have a need and opportunity to be dealing with (heavy rain) before it even enters our sewage system,” said London Environment Network leader Skylar Franke. She pointed to green infrastructure strategies, such as rain gardens, that can hold more water and help keep it from barreling onto roads and into storm drains. " (January 2020)
Launch of Green Economy London marks 7th Hub in growing network
“They offer different services to the businesses so they can actually hit those achievements. A lot of businesses, especially small- to medium-sized enterprises don’t have somebody on staff to do sustainability work so that’s where we come in,” said Skylar Franke, executive director of the London Environmental Network. (May 2019)
Ripple effect from cap and trade cancellation hits London
The cancellation of Ontario’s cap and trade system is killing a London bid for cash to launch a green bin program. Skylar Franke, executive director of the London Environmental Network, said it’s time for the city to invest money in launching a green bin program. “It needs to be paid at some point. The sooner we do it, the easier it is to swallow that number,” Franke said. (July 2018)