In the Media

London will mark a major milestone in 2026 – our city’s 200th anniversary. Throughout the year, Londoners will have opportunities to come together to honour our history, celebrate our present, and imagine the London we want to build for generations to come. Bicentennial activities will include community events, cultural showcases, public art, and legacy projects created in partnership with organizations across the city.

Adding to this milestone, London has been named Forest Capital of Canada for 2026–2027 by the Canadian Institute of Forestry. This designation reflects London’s long-standing relationship with the natural environment and will create additional opportunities to recognize our city’s environmental leadership throughout the bicentennial.

“As we prepare to commemorate London’s 200th anniversary we have the opportunity to reflect on the people, partnerships, and moments that have shaped our community. This milestone invites us to honour our past, celebrate our diversity and resilience, and set our sights on the London we want to build over the next 200 years,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “And while we mark this momentous anniversary for our city, we also honour and acknowledge the Indigenous Peoples of London and the region. London is situated on land that has been home to Indigenous Peoples for more than 10,000 years, including the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Lenni-Lenape Nations.”

As celebrations take shape, Londoners are invited to share their stories and help shape this historic year. Visit getinvolved.london.ca/london200 to share your favourite London memories and stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities to participate. Additional celebrations and details will continue to be added throughout the year.

The bicentennial year begins on January 1, 2026, with the annual Eldon House Levee.

Together, let’s make London’s bicentennial a year to remember.

Adelaide Underpass project wins top Engineering award

The Adelaide Underpass has earned the 2025 Municipal Engineers Association (MEA) Award, recognizing this once-in-a-generation project for its innovation, impact, and excellence in engineering.

The award was presented this week at the MEA Conference and AGM, hosted right here in London, to the team of City staff who made this project a reality.

“Whether it’s reducing daily train delays or creating safer, more reliable routes for over 24,000 road users each day, this underpass shows what happens when engineering meets community vision,” says Mayor Josh Morgan. “It’s an achievement our city can be proud of—from helping emergency services reach their destination sooner to shortening daily commutes to work and important engagements, this is a project that is already making a real difference in the everyday lives of Londoners.”

About the award

The MEA Award recognizes outstanding service to the community, exceptional engineering achievements, and long-term contributions to society. The Adelaide Underpass project was nominated for eliminating long-standing train-related delays, improving safety, easing cut-through traffic, and enhancing active transportation options, while collaborating closely with the rail company, consultants, businesses, and the local community.

“This project is proof that big challenges require teamwork,” said Jennie Dann, Director, Construction and Infrastructure Services at the City of London. “From engineers to community members, everyone played a role in delivering a solution that truly benefits Londoners.”

A community vision realized: Connecting neighbourhoods, businesses, and people

Adelaide Street is a vital connector between historic neighbourhoods and local businesses. The new underpass replaces a long-problematic rail crossing that caused major delays, congestion, and safety concerns.

The design improves traffic flow, reduces emergency response times, and creates safer, more accessible connections for people walking, cycling, driving, and taking transit. Multi-use paths on both sides of Adelaide link key destinations like McMahen Park and Central Avenue, while traffic-calming supports nearby neighbourhoods.

Developed with public input, the underpass option was chosen for its lower impact on the community and better neighbourhood fit. The project was supported by $87.6 million in funding from all levels of government. The result is safer, faster, and more inclusive infrastructure that reflects London’s long-term mobility goals.

Construction began in April 2022, and by April 2024, the underpass and multi-use paths were opened. Final touches, such as landscaping, were completed in the summer of 2025 to further enhance the area, and the underpass was officially opened in August 2025 with a community celebration.

“This new infrastructure builds on Adelaide Street’s long history, enhancing safety and mobility while maintaining its role as a vital connector,” says Doug MacRae, Director, Transportation and Mobility at the City of London. “The Adelaide Underpass is more than just infrastructure, it’s a symbol of collaboration, innovation, and progress. Londoners can now enjoy a safer, faster, and more connected city every day.”

The MEA Award was formally recognized at RBC Place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

On Friday, December 5, Londoners are invited to watch Victoria Park transform into a dazzling winter wonderland at the annual Lighting of the Lights. This year’s celebration will shine bright once again as more than 100,000 lights and festive displays will illuminate the park with holiday magic.

The evening will kick off with live music at 6 p.m., featuring The Rockin’ Reindeer, led by rising star John Fellner, alongside local musicians. Londoners can capture a festive selfie at the 360° photo booth and send their holiday wish list to the North Pole at Santa’s mailbox. Visitors can also indulge in a variety of food truck offerings and enjoy a free hot cider sample courtesy of Farm Boy, who will also be collecting non-perishable food donations in support of the London Food Bank.

The highlight of the night is the magical moment the park is illuminated with the ceremonial flip of the switch at approximately 6:50 p.m. This year, Mayor Josh Morgan will be joined by John Davidson, founder of Jesse’s Journey, to set the park aglow.

“The Lighting of the Lights has marked the beginning of the holiday season for generations of Londoners,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “This is a special tradition that has continued to unite people and bring our city together in the heart of the downtown for almost 70 years. I’m looking forward to seeing Victoria Park light up and kick off another wonderful holiday season in London.”

Over 100,000 lights bring the park to life, along with an array of festive favourites, including Santa and his reindeer, a Christmas train, and a cheerful snow family.

Victoria Park transforms into a winter wonderland nightly until January 16, 2026.

The holiday magic continues at Covent Garden Market

After the Lighting of the Lights, Londoners are encouraged to join the Covent Garden Market for the annual tree lighting ceremony and kick-off of the Holly Jolly Holiday Market. Starting Friday, December 5, visitors can enjoy local artisans and food vendors, cozy fire pits, live music, and dazzling light displays around the beautiful Christmas tree in Rotary Square. The tree lighting takes place at 7:45 p.m.

City Hall observation deck

The City Hall observation deck will open for public viewing of the Lighting of the Lights and the Winter
Wonderland in Victoria Park during the following dates and times:

Friday, December 5 (Lighting of the Lights) from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday, December 11 to Sunday, December 14 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursday, December 18 to Sunday, December 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday, December 26 to Sunday, December 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Victoria Park washrooms

Starting December 5, access to the washrooms in Victoria Park will be available daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Kiwanis Memorial Bandshell throughout the holiday season. If the washrooms are locked, contact a nearby security guard for assistance.

Outdoor skating

The outdoor skating rink at Victoria Park will not be open for the Lighting of the Lights event. Weather permitting, the rink will open mid-December. More details about outdoor skating will be shared in the coming weeks.

Experience Downtown for the Holidays

The Lighting of the Lights kicks off a month-long celebration of music, shopping, dining and holiday cheer in the heart of London.

The City of London, Downtown London, Covent Garden Market, and Tourism London are excited to once again treat Londoners to many exciting experiences this holiday season. There’s even more festive fun to discover downtown with events like the Holly Jolly Market, Candy Cane Lane, the holiday carousel and New Year’s Eve in the Park. And don’t forget, Winter Wonderland in Victoria Park continues to light up until January 16, 2026.

Visit Downtown for the Holidays to learn more about upcoming holiday events.

The City of London would like to thank Farm Boy for sponsoring the Lighting of the Lights event. As well, this year’s lighting display is made possible through the generous support of Downtown London, London Community Foundation, Canada Life, and Architects Tillmann Ruth Robinson.

Record-setting year continues to drive housing and economic growth

As of November 6, 2025, the City of London has issued building permits totaling over $2.2 billion in construction value for 2025. This surpasses last year’s total annual value, and with almost two months still remaining in the year, London is set to experience another recording-breaking year.

Since January, over 3,200 building permits have been issued, enabling the creation of more than 4,000 new residential units city-wide. This achievement reflects continued strength across the housing, institutional, industrial, and commercial sectors, reinforcing London’s position as one of Ontario’s leading centres for growth and investment.

“Reaching this milestone is another clear sign of confidence in London’s growth and demonstrates the effectiveness of the measures we introduced to deliver new housing and investment,” says Mayor Josh Morgan. “By continuing to streamline approvals and fast-track housing projects, we’re exceeding our early targets and reinforcing our commitment to build new homes and stronger neighbourhoods for Londoners.”

The City’s modernization of building and development processes, including enhanced review timelines, improved customer service, and closer collaboration with industry partners continues to accelerate housing delivery and support sustainable growth.

“This achievement demonstrates the ongoing success of the City’s efforts to simplify processes and prioritize housing,” says Scott Mathers, Deputy City Manager, Housing and Community Growth. “We’re seeing the results of these initiatives through record permit values and real progress in expanding London’s housing supply.”

The City surpassed $1 billion in construction value on July 1. Since that date, the five largest building permits by value have been:

• 320 King Street – Apartment Building (446 units)
• 769 Dundas Street – Apartment Building (213 units)
• 15600 Robyn’s Hill Road – Industrial Expansion
• 1159 Adelaide Street North – Municipal Building
• 1000 Upperpoint Avenue – Public Elementary School

The City has released its second annual update on Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) initiatives, reporting major strides in boosting housing supply and making development processes faster and more efficient.

Between September 2024 and September 2025, London issued 4,284 building permits, surpassing its annual housing supply growth target of 3,991. This marks the second consecutive year the City has outperformed its federal target to keep London on track to deliver over 11,800 new housing units by 2026.

“Exceeding our HAF targets two years in a row reflects the strength of London’s partnerships and our shared focus on solutions,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “Through innovation, collaboration, and determination, we’re creating the conditions for more homes to be built across our city and support affordability.”

Key HAF-supported initiatives have included:

• Zoning that permits higher-density housing without special approvals for higher-density development near rapid transit routes.
• Office-to-residential conversions have transformed vacant downtown office space into 213 new residential units.
• Transit-Oriented Development Grants have supported more than 1,000 new homes near rapid transit.
• Detached Additional Residential Unit (ARU) loans are helping homeowners add housing options within existing neighbourhoods.
• Partnerships with non-profit providers are creating new supportive and affordable housing options.
• Major infrastructure investments, valued at $9.6 million, are enabling up to 12,000 new homes in key growth areas, including projects on Second Street, Kilally Road, Mud Creek, Oxford Street, and Hyde Park.
• The Highly Supportive Housing (HSH) Program is delivering nearly 250 supportive housing units for individuals at risk of homelessness.
• A Housing Needs Assessment, completed in April 2025, identifies housing gaps and priorities across the continuum to guide future planning and policy.
  

“London is gaining real momentum,” said Scott Mathers, Deputy City Manager, Housing and Community Growth. “Through smarter investments and fewer barriers, we’re building housing faster and setting the stage for sustainable growth.”

Through the HAF, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is providing up to $81.4 million to London between 2023 and 2027, distributed over four annual payments.

The City will continue to track housing activity and progress toward HAF targets, ensuring London remains on course to meet growing housing needs.

Mayor Josh Morgan joined Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London Rob Flack, Westdell Development Corporation, Ward 8 Councillor Steve Lehman, and City planning staff this morning to celebrate the official ground-breaking of Sereno West Village, a 26-storey residential tower at 15 Capulet Walk in London’s west end.

The project marks a major milestone as the first development approved through the City of London’s new Fast-Track Housing Program, which accelerates high-quality housing projects that meet community and affordability goals. The development further advances London’s new Transit Station Area (TSA) zoning framework, encouraging density and housing options close to future rapid transit.

“Sereno West Village demonstrates the collaboration and innovation London has become known for,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “Through our Fast-Track Housing Program and new zoning tools, we’re supporting developments that deliver accessible housing faster, smarter, and in the right places for residents and neighbourhoods to thrive. This project is a model for how cooperation between the City of London, partners like Westdell, and the Government of Ontario can help meet our collective housing targets while creating complete, livable, and connected communities.”

“Sereno West Village is a perfect example of what happens when municipalities and developers work together to deliver more homes that meet local needs”, said Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin–Middlesex–London and Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “I’m happy to see projects like this helping families find quality, attainable housing close to where they work and raise their children. These are the sort of developments that strengthen our communities and help ensure more people can call this area home.”

Developed by Westdell Development Corporation and managed by WCM Limited, Sereno West Village will deliver 225 new homes, including dedicated affordable rental units, a mix of studio to three-bedroom suites, and a range of modern amenities such as fitness and lounge areas, a rooftop terrace, and outdoor gathering spaces.

Located near the Oxford Street West and Wonderland Road North intersection, the project sits within walking distance of shopping, employment, and recreation opportunities, with a proposed rapid transit station just meters away.

“Westdell is Southwestern Ontario’s largest private commercial developer, proudly based in London,” said Paul Kitson, Vice President of Westdell Development Corporation. “We’re thrilled to begin construction on Sereno West Village, bringing new housing and energy to a key transit node. Securing official plan approvals in August and breaking ground by November took tremendous collaboration with City staff and the Mayor’s office — something we’re very proud and appreciative of.”

The tower, originally approved at 17 storeys, benefited from London’s TSA height review, which allowed for greater density while maintaining urban design standards. The development will include 163 parking spaces, 9 EV charging stations, and 226 bicycle parking spaces, expanding the City’s vision for sustainable and transit-supportive growth.

Construction permits were advanced prior to the implementation of the new Ontario Building Code to maintain affordability and streamline project delivery.

The City of London remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing transformative housing projects like Sereno West Village, and continuing to support growth by building more homes and fostering vibrant communities in a city built for everyone.