In the Media

This week, the City released its 2025 Annual Development Report and the Q4 building services report. Together, they highlight a record-breaking year for residential development, including the highest number of housing units ever approved through building permits and significant improvements to development approval timelines.

In 2025, the City issued building permits for 5,462 new housing units, a 48 per cent increase over 2024 and the highest annual total of all time. Total building construction value reached $2.71 billion across all sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional development, which is 23 per cent higher than last year’s record and the highest annual total in London’s history.

Since 2022, City Council has approved a total of 51,434 new housing units, exceeding the Province of Ontario’s Housing Pledge of 47,000 units. By the end of 2025, 15,360 residential units had been created towards London’s housing pledge.

“Breaking these records did not happen by accident. This report reflects the deliberate, targeted improvements to our approval processes that ensure London responds to the housing challenge effectively,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “We are approving more homes than ever, surpassing provincial targets, getting shovels in the ground faster, and planning responsibly to deliver more homes for Londoners.”

Growth in 2025 was driven primarily by medium- and high-density housing, with apartments and other multi-unit dwellings accounting for 82 per cent of all residential units approved through building permits. High-density housing was the primary driver of growth, with 3,980 units delivered, surpassing the historical annual totals across all housing types observed over the past 10 years.

“Process improvements played a key role in supporting this growth,” said Scott Mathers, Deputy City Manager of Housing and Community Growth. “By streamlining approvals and reducing processing timelines, particularly for minor zoning amendments and other key application types, we are helping projects move faster from application to construction while still meeting legislative requirements and supporting quality development.”

The report also tracks continued progress on affordable housing. Since the launch of the City’s Roadmap to 3,000 Affordable Units Plan in late 2021, a total of 2,576 City-funded affordable housing units have been tracked, an increase of 437 units since the end of 2024. Including non-City-funded projects, more than 3,300 affordable housing units have been constructed or are underway in London since 2021.

Additional Residential Unit activity continued to grow over the past five years, with 487 units approved in 2025 (up 12% year-over-year).

The Annual Development Report serves as a key monitoring tool for City Council, the development industry, and the public, informing growth management and infrastructure planning decisions.

Monitor monthly housing indicator highlights that were previously brought to Council through reports to Planning and Environment Committee.

Participant move-ins have begun at London’s Micro-Modular Shelter, marking an important milestone in the City of London’s efforts to support people living unsheltered as they work toward long-term housing stability.

The first group of participants moved into the temporary shelter this week. Additional move-ins will occur gradually, with small groups of individuals arriving each day. This phased approach allows staff to support intake and orientation, assess individual support needs, and ensure the site is operating smoothly as occupancy increases over the coming weeks.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work by City staff, local contractors, and service providers who worked collaboratively, with urgency and compassion, to deliver shelter for our most vulnerable Londoners,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “At a time when communities across the country are struggling with how to respond to homelessness, this project shows what can be achieved when we embrace innovation and explore emerging approaches to meet this challenge.”

London’s Micro-Modular Shelter includes 60 private units designed to provide safe, indoor space for people experiencing homelessness, including 10 units intended for couples. The site will support up to 70 individuals with access to shelter, essential services, and on-site supports.

The site includes shared washrooms and showers, laundry facilities, a dining area with meals provided on site, and office and support space. A designated on-leash dog-walking area is also available to support participants with pets. Transportation is provided by the site operator, Xpera, to support access to appointments, services, and other essential activities, alongside existing public transit options.

The project was delivered on an accelerated timeline, requiring close coordination across multiple City divisions, construction and utility contractors, and service providers. Despite challenging winter conditions, work progressed to ensure the site could begin welcoming participants as soon as it was safe to do so.

“Our team took a lot of pride in working on this project,” said Salah Adballah, Project Manager at J-AAR, which completed the site preparation and servicing work at London’s Micro-Modular Shelter. “This was about more than construction. It was about helping create a safe and dignified place for people in our community. We appreciate the opportunity to work alongside the City and its partners on a project that will make a real difference.”

Operations at the site are being led by Xpera, with 24-hour on-site staffing that includes personal support workers, participant support staff, administrative staff, and security. Staff are trained in trauma-informed practice, de-escalation, first aid and CPR, naloxone use, and crisis response.

The City’s Life Stabilization team will be on site several times a week to support participants on their journey toward long-term housing.

Participants are referred through London’s Coordinated Access system, which matches individuals to housing and supports based on need and vulnerability.

The City and Xpera will continue ongoing engagement with the neighbouring business community, including regular meetings that began in November and will continue throughout site operations. The City is focused on maintaining a safe environment for participants, staff, and the surrounding community, while also treating people with dignity and respect.

“Being part of the monthly meetings with neighbouring businesses has been very valuable,” said David Martin, Plant Manager at T ransform Products, a neighbouring business to the Micro-Modular Shelter. “The City has done a good job keeping the business community informed and involved. It’s clear there’s a lot of thought and coordination going into the project, and it’s good to see a real commitment to doing this the right way.”

About London’s Micro-Modular Shelter

London, like many cities across Canada, is experiencing significant challenges related to housing affordability and homelessness. While the City’s long-term priority remains increasing access to supportive, affordable, permanent housing, there is an urgent need to provide immediate, safe options for people currently experiencing homelessness.

London’s Micro-Modular Shelter, located at 3900 Cheese Factory Road, is a temporary shelter site intended to provide stability and access to supports while longer-term housing solutions continue to be established. City Council approved the project in October 2025 following a Mayoral Direction. The site will operate through spring 2027.

For more information, please visit Get Involved London.

Mayor Josh Morgan is pleased to announce the 2026 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List, recognizing outstanding members of the London community whose dedication and service have made a meaningful difference in the city. This long-standing annual tradition celebrates individuals whose achievements, leadership, and commitment continue to strengthen London.

The 2026 honourees are:

Age Friendly
Gord Miller

Arts
Brenda Zadorsky

Distinguished Londoner
Charlotte Cleland
Chris Ewer and Nancy Wister
Margaret Hopkins
Tom Delaney

Environment
Beth Hundey

Humanitarianism
Sharie Evans

Click here for full bios

“This year’s honourees truly embody the generosity, dedication, and community spirit that define London,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “Their contributions and commitment have made a lasting impact on our city, and we are proud to recognize their achievements. Congratulations to each of this year’s recipients.”

The Mayor of London’s annual Honour List began in 1976 with a focus on recognizing contributions to the Arts. Over the years, additional categories have been introduced to reflect the wide range of ways individuals and organizations contribute to community life, including Diversity & Race Relations, Environment, Heritage, Housing, Humanitarianism, Persons with Disabilities, Safety & Crime Prevention, Accessibility, Age Friendly, and Sports.

City Council names Recipients based on recommendations from Advisory Committees or community organizations through the City’s Standing Committees process.

Before we jump into London’s Bicentennial year of 2026, we’re taking a moment to look back at what the City of London achieved with Londoners in 2025. We made significant strides to improve safety for residents, expand housing options, enhance community connections, support vulnerable Londoners, and strengthen our local economy.

Putting people first: Inclusion and safety in action

This year, the City expanded the services and supports that help make London safer, more inclusive, and more responsive to residents’ needs.

• Received 200,000 Service London requests.
• 925 fire safety education events were hosted.
• 86,700 pounds of food was collected for the Curb Hunger campaign!
• The 2025-2035 ReconciliAction Plan was approved by Council and implementation has begun.

More homes, more hope, more support

We continued making real progress on housing – delivering more stability, more options, and more support for Londoners across the city. We have made significant progress this year in creating more housing options for Londoners.

• We now have more than 400 highly supportive housing units open or in development as part of the Health and Homelessness Whole of Community System Response.
• Housing targets were exceeded for the second consecutive year.
• 4,000+ building permits were issued.
• $2.2 billion was issued in building permits – another record year!

A city on the move – growing, creating, thriving

London’s economy, creativity, and culture gained momentum, helping residents thrive, and strengthening the heart of our city.

• 4,300 job seekers were supported by London Regional Employment Services.
• We delivered 3,000+ dryland recreation programs that generated nearly 40,000 registrations across the city.
• Two new murals were created and installed at the South London Community Centre and South London Community Pool.
• Over 50 park improvements were constructed, enhancing neighbourhoods.
• We supported more than 250 special events. We also hosted 33 outdoor movie nights as well as events like Canada Day, Touch a Truck, and Lighting of the Lights!
• More than 2,500 Londoners attended Neighbourhood Park Improvement events in nine neighbourhood parks. 30% of participants were visiting the park for the first time!
• Public engagement continued in 2025 for London’s Mobility Master Plan, and the plan was then approved by Council. Implementation has now begun.

Growing greener, moving smarter

We took big steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable city by investing in green systems, natural spaces, and projects that help us mitigate and adapt to climate change.

• 14,000+ tonnes of Green Bin material was collected.
• 6,700+ new trees were planted or given away to Londoners.
• Clarke Road EnviroDepot was renovated.
• Harris Park shoreline restoration was completed.
• 491 Londoners grew food and built local connections in community gardens this year.

Keeping London running smoothly

• Adelaide Underpass construction was completed.
• Oxford Street and Gideon Drive roundabout was completed.
• Reconstructed 61 lane-kilometres of road.
• Added 11 km of bike lanes and 10 km of sidewalks.
• Upgraded 25 intersections.
• Installed 11 km of storm and sanitary sewers and over 9 km of watermains.
• Almost 300cms of snow was plowed from roads and sidewalks this past winter.

“Throughout 2025, London continued to deliver meaningful progress on the priorities that matter most to residents,” says Mayor Josh Morgan. “From improving safety and expanding housing to supporting our local economy and caring for our environment, this work reflects the commitment of our City team and our community. We’re building on this momentum as we continue to make London a stronger, more connected city for everyone.”

This year showed what’s possible when we move forward with purpose. With this momentum carrying over into 2026, we’re ready to keep delivering results that make London an even better place to call home. For more information about London’s Strategic Plan progress, visit london.ca/stratplan.

Get ready to ring in the new year in spectacular style at London’s annual New Year’s Eve in the Park, presented by Old Oak Properties. London’s biggest countdown returns to Victoria Park on Wednesday, December 31, from 7p.m. to midnight.

This New Year’s Eve marks a meaningful milestone for London, as 2026 kicks off our bicentennial year. Celebrate under the stars with live local entertainment, a variety of delicious food trucks, a 360° photo booth, and two dazzling fireworks shows, presented by Drewlo Holdings.

The evening kicks off with Family Hour at 7 p.m., featuring exciting children’s entertainment by local artist Saidat. Families can enjoy ice skating, stay warm with complimentary hot chocolate, and snap a photo with their favourite Superhero.

The kids’ countdown takes place at 8 p.m., with the first fireworks show lighting up the night sky and giving families a chance to experience the magic together before bedtime. Family Hour activities, including ice skating and hot chocolate service, conclude at 8 p.m., but the celebration continues into the evening.

Starting at 8:30 p.m., enjoy live musical performances, presented by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). Experience the best of London’s vibrant music scene, including For the Record, the Brad Gibb Allstar Band, Latin Power Band, and the Forest City London Music Awards Allstars. It’s the perfect soundtrack to bring in the new year.

As midnight approaches, Londoners will join together to count down the arrival of 2026, as a breathtaking fireworks display officially ushers in the new year with a bang.

“There's something special about the energy at New Year's Eve in the Park," says Mayor Josh Morgan. "It's a time of excitement and renewal, where we gather as a community to celebrate the past year while welcoming a new one. For London, it's an opportunity to reflect on 200 years of heritage and growth as we mark our bicentennial and consider how far we've come over that time. I can't wait to share this moment and ring in the next chapter with Londoners."

New Year’s Eve in the Park is a community-driven event supported by the City of London and sponsors including Old Oak Properties, Drewlo Holdings, LiUNA Local 1059, McCormick Canada, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), The T ricar Group, 97.5 Virgin Radio, Pure Country 93, and CTV London.

For all the details, please visit: london.ca/New Years.

Travelling to Victoria Park

London Transit will provide free transit service from December 31, 2025, at 8 p.m. until January 1, 2026, at 1 a.m. (end of service). For more details, please visit londontransit.ca.

On-street parking downtown is free after 6 p.m. on December 31, 2025, and free all-day January 1, 2026. Find more parking details by visiting london.ca/parking.

Bike parking is available near Victoria Park, including on the south side of the bandshell, at the corner of Richmond Street and Central Avenue, along Wellington Street just north of Dufferin Avenue, and outside City Hall.

Secure bike lockers can also be rented and are located at the southeast corner of Clarence Avenue and Richmond Street (at the north end of Victoria Park). The bike lockers can be opened with the Movatic app, and the first two hours of rental are free.

Canadian cities are finding new ways to strengthen their local economies and support communities amid a changing trade environment. While slowing growth and shifting global trade policies present challenges, municipalities across the country are taking proactive steps to adapt, innovate, and build resilience.

Today, municipal and trade leaders from across Canada participated in a national virtual panel to discuss how cities are responding to these changes. The discussion highlighted how municipalities, as first responders in the shifting trade landscape, are leveraging local strengths and cross-border connections to support businesses, workers, and communities. Panellists also explored opportunities for collaboration with provincial and federal governments to drive sustainable growth and strengthen Canada’s trade resilience.

The conversation emphasized the critical role municipalities play in shaping Canada’s economic future, as the local impacts of global trade disruptions are often felt first in cities.

The event featured a panel of distinguished participants, including David Paterson, Ontario’s Representative in Washington, D.C., Mayor Josh Morgan of the City of London, Ontario, Mayor Donna Reardon of the City of Saint John, New Brunswick, and Mayor Alanna Hnatiw of Sturgeon County, Alberta. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Romel Mostafa from the Lawrence National Centre at Ivey Business School.

Driven by the mandate of the London Economic Response T eam (LERT), the webinar was hosted in partnership with the City of London, the Lawrence National Centre at Ivey Business School, the London Chamber of Commerce, the London Economic Development Corporation, the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, and the London Small Business Centre, with support from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Quotes

“Today’s discussion further underlines what municipalities like London already know. The impacts of global trade changes are felt first in our cities, and local leadership is essential to meeting these challenges head-on. London is uniquely positioned to work closely with our regional partners to leverage the strength of our advanced manufacturing sector, growing tech ecosystem, and skilled workforce to adapt and thrive in a changing economic landscape. I’m grateful for the opportunity to discuss the collaboration shown across government and by our partners here in our city. Together, we’re building the resilience needed to support businesses, protect our workers, and ensure sustainable, long-term growth for our community and beyond.”

- Josh Morgan, Mayor of London, ON

“As we fight our way through U.S. tariffs and trade uncertainty, it’s critical for governments at all levels to keep in close contact and collaboration with businesses and other stakeholders, including counterparts on the U.S. side of the border who generally pay the tariffs and face many of the same challenges. It's helpful to remind our American cousins that Canada is their ally, their biggest customer and an essential supplier of most of the essential things needed for our mutual success.”

- David Paterson, Ontario’s Representative in Washington

“Municipalities are on the front lines of global trade shocks, but they are also where practical innovations, partnerships, and new opportunities are emerging to strengthen Canada’s economic resilience. With long-standing ties with their U.S. counterparts, businesses, and communities, and a clear understanding of the impacts of tariffs on the ground, cities play a pivotal role in mobilizing cross-border coalitions to steadily chip away at the ‘hard shell’ of tariff stubbornness. At the Centre, we will continue convening these conversations to ensure policy is grounded in the lived realities of communities and supported by effective coordination across municipal, provincial, and federal governments—alongside our partners in the U.S.”

- Romel Mostafa, Professor and Director, Lawrence National Centre