In the Media

Today, Mayor Josh Morgan joined Old Oak Properties to mark the official ground-breaking of the landmark residential development on the former Regional Mental Health Care London (formerly the London Psychiatric Hospital) lands at 850 Highbury Avenue North. This project, to be known as Legacy Village, will become the largest residential development in the City of London’s history.

“This is a momentous occasion for our city,” said Mayor Morgan. “Legacy Village represents the largest development in the history of London, and I’m thrilled to see my mayoral direction to get shovels in the ground faster in 2025 helping to move this project forward and bring us closer to our provincial targets. Legacy Village will deliver new homes for over 10,000 Londoners in a vibrant, sustainable neighbourhood that honours our heritage and supports the future. Through strong partnerships with major developers like Old Oak, faster permitting, and innovative incentives, we’re making it easier to build and grow in London.”

"This is a special day for everyone at Old Oak. For seventy years, we’ve had the privilege of helping shape London’s skyline and its communities, and now, it’s incredible to see Legacy Village becoming a reality,” said Robert Bierbaum, CEO of Old Oak Properties. “This will be the largest development in London’s history, and we’re proud to invest in one of the city’s core areas at a time when housing is needed more than ever. This project will bring new homes, new jobs, and new life to a site that means so much to London. We are thankful to the Mayor, City Councillors, and everyone who came out today to celebrate this milestone with us.”

“When complete, Legacy Village will provide homes for roughly as many people as the town I grew up in. With park and school space, commercial and community space, it will be a huge draw to live, play and work in east London,” said Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis. “I’ve met the Old Oak team overseeing this project many times, and to see it progress to where shovels are in the ground today is so exciting. I look forward to continuing our work together in bringing this area to life.”

Project Highlights

• The site covers approximately 57 hectares, formerly the lands of the Regional Mental Health Care London facility until its closure in 2014.
• The approved plan will deliver a mix of low, medium, and high-density buildings, including up to 10 towers, and supporting mixed-use commercial space.
• Tower 1, where the ground-breaking took place today, will hold 386 new units.
• The full development will be constructed in phases over the next two decades, ensuring long-term planning and integration into the broader city fabric.
• The design integrates significant open-space and heritage features: a village core surrounding four existing provincially-heritage-designated buildings (the Chapel of Hope, the Horse Stable, the Infirmary and the Recreation Hall) as well as a heritage-designated treed allée.
• The neighbourhood will be well-connected: adjacent to the future Rapid Transit East London Link along Highbury Avenue North and Oxford Street East; and incorporating active-transportation infrastructure such as bike lanes and multi-use pathways linking to transit and pedestrian networks.

“Legacy Village is an exciting step forward for East London,” said Councillor Peter Cuddy. “This is a massive development that brings new energy to our community, creating opportunities for families, businesses, and future Londoners to call this area home. It’s a proud day for our city and especially for Ward 3.”

“London is growing, and we must ensure our city grows in a way that respects our values: accessible housing, better mobility, connected neighbourhoods, and preserving our rich heritage,” said Mayor Morgan. “With Legacy Village, we are turning a long-under-utilized site into a community filled with opportunity . I’m proud to see this development move ahead.”

This development will deliver:

• A significant boost to housing supply in London, helping meet the provincial pledge target of 47,000 new homes by the City.
• New commercial opportunities and jobs during construction and in the longer-term through mixed-use services integrated into the community.
• Enhanced mobility options through transit adjacency and active-transportation networks, supporting sustainable urban living.
• Preservation of heritage assets that link the new neighbourhood to London’s past, giving character and sense of place.

The City of London will continue to work in partnership with the developer, Old Oak Properties Inc., and the community to ensure the neighbourhood evolves in a way that reflects Londoners’ needs and aspirations.

Starting today, renters in London and Middlesex County can apply for a new program that helps turn homeownership dreams into reality. The program provides interest-free, forgivable loans covering up to 5% of a home’s purchase price (up to $25,000) for eligible buyers, with the loan fully forgiven after 20 years when program conditions are met.

Full eligibility details, program criteria and application forms are available online. Funding will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until program resources are allocated.

The program is a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the City of London through the Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative to assist moderate-income renters in London and Middlesex County purchase a home.

“This initiative is another way the City is working with federal and provincial partners to make the transition from renting into more permanent, stable housing more affordable for residents,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “This program will help make homeownership possible for more Londoners and Middlesex County residents who have been working hard to save for a down payment.”

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Currently rent in London or Middlesex County
• Not currently own a home or a residential property, in whole or in part, including recreation or cottage property.
• Have a total household income of $95,000 or less for singles or $115,000 or less for families
• Have household liquid assets under $100,000
• Be pre-approved for a mortgage through a recognized financial institution
• Purchase a home with a maximum price of $500,000
• Agree to occupy the home for the duration of the loan agreement

“By helping renters make the transition to homeownership, we’re strengthening our communities and supporting long-term housing stability,” said Scott Mathers, Deputy City Manager, Housing and Community Growth.

For more information, including eligibility criteria and application details, visit london.ca/hdap or call 519-661-2489 x 7831.

Mayor Josh Morgan has released his 2026 Annual Budget Update, outlining continued progress on key city priorities and significant steps to strengthen London’s financial position while delivering on the commitments made in the 2024–2027 Multi-Year Budget.

The update details how the Mayor and City Council have advanced initiatives that improve community safety, expand housing and homelessness supports, enhance public transit, and protect the essential services Londoners rely on every day. These actions reflect the City’s ongoing work to manage growth responsibly while improving quality of life across all neighbourhoods.

London continues to earn recognition across Ontario for its leadership and innovation. From the expansion of HART Hubs to support the city’s most vulnerable residents, to permitting times for new housing that rank among the best in the country, Mayor Morgan’s plan continues to deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for the community.

“I’m proud to share this update and the progress we’ve made in the past year. I want to recognize Council, Budget Chair Peloza, and City employees for their collaboration on our collective goal to deliver financial stability while making smart investments in our communities,” said Mayor Morgan. “It proves that when we work together toward a shared vision, we can tackle local issues through focused spending while ensuring London is a more affordable place to live.”

The Mayor’s update also highlights strong fiscal management during a time of affordability pressures for residents and businesses. In partnership with the Province, Mayor Morgan successfully pushed for clarity on Development Charge exemptions, ensuring costs are not passed on to residents’ property tax. He also directed City departments, boards, and commissions to identify savings and efficiencies across their budgets.

As a result, London has achieved a 2026 property tax increase of 3.6%, well below the previously projected figures. Forecasted increases for 2027 have also been reduced to 4.7%, fulfilling the Mayor’s commitment to bring property tax increases below 5% while maintaining and improving core services.

The City’s Aaa credit rating remains intact, debt is being avoided, and London continues to invest strategically in long-term priorities. These actions reflect Mayor and Council’s balanced approach to growth, ensuring that progress, sustainability, and accountability move forward together.

“Thanks to our emphasis on bringing costs down for Londoners, we’ve not only fulfilled my pledge to rein in property tax increases but gone further, with both this year’s increase and next projected well below my targeted 5%,” said Mayor Morgan. “This commitment to fiscal responsibility and debt management protects residents, maintains our top credit rating and financial flexibility, and secures our city’s future.”

The 2026 Annual Budget Update demonstrates the Mayor’s clear vision for a city that is growing responsibly, investing wisely, and remaining focused on building a safer, more connected, and more compassionate London.

The City of London will host the final neighbourhood park celebration of the year this weekend at Arthur Ford Park. The event will mark the end of a summer and fall filled with community gatherings, new and improved park features, and opportunities for neighbours to come together.

Since June, the City has partnered with community groups and organizations to celebrate the opening of newly improved parks across London with neighbourhood events that included music, games, and family-friendly activities. These park improvements are made possible because of the Neighbourhood Parks Improvement Fund, which was implemented to make improvements to a total of 23 parks across London between 2024 and 2027.

“London’s parks bring our communities together and are the heart of a healthy, active London. This year’s celebrations have been a wonderful way to showcase the exciting upgrades being made through the Neighbourhood Parks Improvement Fund,” says Mayor Josh Morgan. “I’m proud of the work that has been accomplished so far and look forward to continuing these investments in the years ahead. I’d also like to thank everyone who joined us throughout the year to celebrate these improvements with their neighbours.”

The final park celebration of the season will take place at:

Location: Arthur Ford Park
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 1-3 p.m.

“Each of these events has been about more than just park improvements,” says Cheryl Smith, Deputy City Manager, Neighbourhood and Community Wide Services. “They’ve been about building stronger connections between neighbours and celebrating the important role parks play in our community. These upgrades create safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces that residents of all ages can enjoy for years to come.”

In addition to the two projects completed last year, the Neighbourhood Parks Improvement Fund supported 10 projects in 2025. Nine more projects are expected to be completed in 2026, with the final two forecasted for 2027.

The City wishes to extend its appreciation to residents for their patience during park construction projects this year, for attending our celebration events, and to our many community partners who made these celebrations possible.

For more information about the Neighbourhood Parks Improvement Fund and park projects across the city, visit getinvolved.london.ca/neighbourhoodparksimprovements.

The City of London, local first responders and Western University are reminding those celebrating this weekend to prioritize safety and well-being, look out for one another and avoid large unsanctioned street gatherings, which pose safety risks.

The Unsanctioned Street Party T ask Force has been preparing for anticipated gatherings taking place this weekend, bringing together agencies across London with a shared focus on public safety. The task force includes representatives from the City of London, the London Police Service, the London Fire Department, Middlesex-London Paramedic Service, Western University and Fanshawe College, with operational support from London Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph’s Health Care London.

Safety and enforcement

First responders and enforcement agencies will be visible and active throughout the weekend in key areas to ensure community safety. Unsanctioned gatherings pose safety risks and may result in fines and/or charges. Fines can be issued for multiple infractions, and the same person can be fined multiple times in one day. Examples of fines include:

• Hosting a nuisance party: $1130
• Attending a nuisance party: $930
• Failing to leave premises: $65
• Using of a closed road: $615
• Make/cause/permit noise likely to disturb inhabitants: $305
• Urinating in a public place: $305

Beyond financial consequences, the top priority remains the safety and well-being of students and the wider community.

Gender-based and sexual violence (GBSV) resources

Gender-based and sexual violence (GBSV) can occur anywhere in the community and disproportionately affects women, gender-diverse and trans people. There is zero tolerance for any form of GBSV, including unwanted comments (such as catcalling), inappropriate gestures and unwanted physical contact.

Community members are encouraged to speak up and safely intervene if they witness sexual violence. Learn how to safely intervene and prevent sexual violence by exploring bystander intervention actions.

Those who experience GBSV can report their experience anonymously through the London Police Service’s Speak Out website, contact ANOVA’s 24/7 crisis and support line at 519-642-3000 or call 2-1-1 for 24/7 crisis counselling and referrals. Western University students can access additional resources on the Getting Help After Experiencing GBSV webpage.

Quotes

“The return of the school year here in London is always an exciting time. Students are an integral part of what makes our city so special, and I want to welcome everyone who is looking forward to joining our community and calling our city home,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “Of course, community means caring for one another, showing respect for neighbours and taking pride in where you live. I know you're ready to celebrate, meet new people and get to know London better, so please be considerate, do so safely, and enjoy the coming weeks responsibly.”

"Western is always focused on supporting a safe and respectful campus environment,” says Stephanie Hayne Beatty, Acting Vice-Provost (Students), Western University. “There are a number of student-focused Homecoming events taking place on our campus and we are encouraging our students to take part in these sanctioned festivities. We are also reminding them to celebrate safely this weekend, taking care of themselves, each other and our community.”

“As Homecoming weekend approaches, we would like to remind students to celebrate responsibly,” said Acting Superintendent Dave Pratt of the London Police Service, Uniformed Division. “There will be an increased police presence in key areas of the city, with a focus on addressing nuisance parties, open alcohol consumption, underage drinking and public intoxication. While we encourage everyone to have an enjoyable weekend, we also ask that students show respect for the city, community members, and one another. Education will continue throughout the weekend; however, enforcement action will be taken when necessary.”

The City of London is celebrating National Tree Day on Wednesday, September 24 and giving away more than 2,000 trees for Londoners to plant at home.

Residents can stop by Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre, located at 656 Elizabeth Street, between 8a.m. and 7 p.m. to choose from 12 different types of native trees, while supplies last. This year’s trees include a variety of native tree species including conifers, ornamental and deciduous trees residents can plant at home. In addition, each car will receive one free bag of Green Bin compost with their tree(s), while supplies last.

"National T ree Day is a fantastic celebration here in the Forest City, and our annual tree giveaway is a special opportunity for Londoners to plant a tree at home and leave a legacy that will last for generations,” says Mayor Josh Morgan. “Every tree planted is a step toward a greener, more sustainable London."

Each year, the City plants approximately 5,000 trees across London as part of ongoing efforts to grow and maintain a healthy urban forest.

It is important to protect and maintain newly planted trees for the first year after they have been planted. Residents can find helpful tips and resources at london.ca/trees.

The City is committed to providing accessible accommodations for residents. If you require an accommodation to obtain or plant your tree, please call 519-661-2489, extension 4457.

List of available trees (while supplies last):

• Sugar Maple
• Red Maple
• Tulip Tree
• Bitternut Hickory
• Basswood
• Black Gum
• Hackberry
• Black Cherry
• Pin Cherry
• Yellow Birch
• White Birch
• Blue Beech
• Canada Plum
• Serviceberry
• Redbud
• PawPaw
• Tamarack
• White Pine
• White Spruce