In the Media

Thanks to generous support from residents, businesses and community partners, the London Cares Curb Hunger Campaign collected the equivalent of 86,700 pounds of food between May 28 and June 8.

“I am always amazed by the generosity of Londoners. The London Cares Curb Hunger campaign is an expression of love and support for those in need – it represents our city at its very best," says Mayor Josh Morgan. “Thank you to everyone who has already donated, and to those who will continue to donate their extra harvest throughout the summer and fall months."

The breakdown of the 86,700 pounds is as follows:

• 16,860 pounds were dropped off at grocery stores, fire halls and the London Food Bank
• 27,760 pounds were received through corporate donations
• 27,870 pounds were received through the Community Refresh program

The equivalent of 18,210 pounds were received through financial donations ($65,191 at $3.58 per pound as
reported by Food Banks Canada)

The London Cares Curb Hunger food campaign is now in its 29th year and is the longest running partnership of its kind in Canada. The annual campaign raises awareness of the London Food Bank and the need for support during the summer months, which is traditionally a slower period for food donations.

“These are challenging times, and we were hearing that the Curb Hunger Food Drive would likely be down this year, ” says Glen Pearson, Co-Executive Director, London Food Bank. “We understood that reality since Londoners are facing so many economic pressures at the moment, plus the threat of tariffs. Plus, last year was a banner year for the drive.

“So it is with a sentiment of great thankfulness and appreciation to the London community that we have reached a similar amount to last year. And items are still being donated. Londoners have let us know that they have planted rows of vegetables in their gardens, which will be delivered to the food bank when harvested. This is a wonderful surprise and so like this community to give all that they can to help vulnerable citizens. We thank everyone.”

The campaign is more than just a food drive – it also encourages Londoners to donate their extra produce they grow throughout the harvest season.

How to continue to participate

• Drop off fresh items from your home garden directly to London Food Bank (926 Leathorne Street)
• Plant a Row, Grow a Row: Sign up to Grow-a-Row for the London Food Bank in their backyard or community gardens
• Adopt a Plot: Sign up to adopt a garden bed at the London Food Bank to grow vegetables for client hampers

Mayor Josh Morgan, on behalf of the City of London and in partnership with Farhi Holdings Corporation, is announcing the conversion of 31,812 square feet of vacant office space located at 685 Richmond St. into 41 new housing units. This investment marks the third such project under the Office-to-Residential CIP Incentive Program.

“The conversion of unused office spaces to new residential units is another vital stride we’re making as a city to revive our downtown, providing more diverse and creative housing opportunities while preserving buildings and utilizing empty or undeveloped spaces,” said Mayor Morgan. “Impactful investments like these will continue to transform this area for the better. Our progress is encouraging, but we’re not done yet.” Construction at 685 Richmond St. and retrofitting of the building’s interior is well underway with tenants expected to occupy the units by spring 2026.

“This project proves what’s possible when municipal leadership and the private sector work hand in hand. It shows that revitalization can be real, that policy and investment can align, and that there is a future for our downtown that is active, lived-in, and full of opportunity,” said Shmuel Farhi, owner of Farhi Holdings Corporation. “We believe in downtown London. We always have. And while the path to revitalization requires persistence, today marks meaningful progress.”

This latest announcement builds on the momentum of similar Office-to-Residential conversions already underway at 166 Dundas St and 195 Dufferin St. In total, the three projects represent the creation of 150 new housing units in the downtown, and the conversion of over 185,000 square feet of unused office space.

Initially approved by City Council in February 2024, and revised in July 2024, the Office-to-Residential CIP Incentive Program provides a grant of $35,000 per residential unit built, to eligible office-to-residential conversion projects.

The program aims to incentivize office-to-residential conversion projects and foster an environment that will help increase the supply of residential units within the city’s Downtown, while also helping the City tackle the housing crisis and meet its obligations to the Housing Accelerator Fund.

As part of London receiving up to $81 million under the Housing Accelerator Fund, the City has made a commitment to implement measures to make it easier to build more rental units, including changes to local zoning regulations, building new affordable and market-rate homes, investing in infrastructure and looking for ways to incentivize converting unused commercial spaces in the downtown into residential units.

Friday, June 6, 2025 marks four years since the devastating act of terrorism that took the lives of four members of Our London Family. In their memory, and in the spirit of healing, solidarity and disrupting Islamophobia, organizations across the community are putting together several public events to honour the legacy of Our London Family and support the ongoing journey toward healing.

The Canadian flag will be flown at half-mast, and the Our London Family flag will be raised at City Hall on Friday, June 6, in honour of Our London Family. Additionally, City of London buildings and amenities will be illuminated in purple and green in their memory.

“As we approach four years since the terrorist attack that took four innocent lives, we reflect not only on the pain and loss, but also on the profound resilience that has defined our city ever since,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “Londoners stood together in solidarity and mourning, and we continue to stand together now – united in our commitment to rejecting hate and Islamophobia while strengthening our common bonds. The upcoming events provide an opportunity for us all to demonstrate that commitment, honour the memory of Our London Family, and reaffirm the values of compassion, inclusion, and strength that will carry us forward.”

On Friday, June 6, 2025 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., London’s Muslim community will host prayers at 1435 Hyde Park Road, (northeast corner of Hyde Park and South Carriage Road, on grassed and parking lot area). The community invites Londoners to participate in and observe the Maghrib prayer in honour of Our London Family.

Parking is available at St. John’s French Immersion Catholic School, located nearby at 1212 Coronation Drive.

A limited number of free Our London Family lawn signs are available for Londoners to show their support and can be picked up at the front reception counter at City Hall (300 Dufferin Avenue).

Details on community events in commemoration of the tragedy can be found at www.london.ca/ourlondonfamily.

The City of London is excited to share that major restoration and improvement work in Harris Park is now complete, bringing a fresh new look and enhanced experience to one of the city’s most popular green spaces.

Stretching from Queen Avenue Bridge to Blackfriars Bridge, this project replaced crumbling structures meant to contain erosion along the shore, with a stronger and more naturalized riverbank. The result? A healthier shoreline, better park amenities, and a safer, more enjoyable space for everyone.

“Harris Park is a gathering place for our entire community to enjoy festivals, quiet moments in nature, and the serene Thames shoreline,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “These improvements reflect our commitment to preserving and enhancing the spaces that Londoners value most, and that improve the quality and standard of living in our city. This is about protecting our natural, green spaces, supporting wildlife and the Thames River, and making our parks more welcoming and accessible to everyone.”

The old wall protecting the riverbank was made of metal cages filled with rocks, known as gabion baskets. Over time, these began to deteriorate, making the riverbank more vulnerable to erosion and damage. To fix this, the City replaced it with an improved design made of natural materials like rocks, native plants, and soil-stabilizing grasses that help protect the shoreline and support the growth of plants and wildlife.

Some tree removals were needed when construction began to allow machinery to access the riverbank and where tree roots had grown into the old metal cages, but the City took extra steps to preserve several mature trees—and is planting 74 new ones, more than triple what was removed. The new shoreline design will support long-term ecological health and let future trees thrive.

“These improvements are about more than just infrastructure,” said Ashley Rammeloo, Director of Water, Wastewater & Stormwater “We’re investing in the health of the Thames River, protecting parkland, and enhancing the experience for everyone who uses this space.”

As part of the project, several park and pathway enhancements were made, including:

• A scenic river lookout for visitors to relax and enjoy the view.
• Improved access points for fishing and boating along the river.
• A realigned and upgraded section of the Thames Valley Parkway with new benches, trees, and educational signage.
• Naturalized riverbanks designed to prevent erosion and support long-term ecological health.

Come experience a revitalized riverfront—a greener, stronger Harris Park is ready to welcome you.

On May 13, City Council approved the 2025-2035 ReconciliAction Plan, which will guide the City of London’s actions over the next decade towards truth, justice and reconciliation in support of the Calls to Action laid out by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

The Plan outlines actions the City of London will implement, including enhancing access to essential services, increasing Indigenous representation in all levels of municipal decision-making, strengthening intergovernmental relations with First Nations and fostering collaboration between the City and Indigenous organizations.

In addition, the Plan includes 10 recommendations provided by the Indigenous community recommending actions from community-based and public sector organizations in several areas, including education, food insecurity, transportation, child protection services and media.

With Council’s approval of the Plan, an implementation strategy outlining key metrics and performance indicators is now being developed.

Indigenous community members contributed their experiences and insights through in-person focus groups and an anonymous survey, helping to shape the Plan by identifying ways the City can better support Indigenous residents, enhance safety, and improve access to civic programs and services.

“Reconciliation is not a destination —it’s a journey that requires action, accountability and partnership. The ReconciliAction Plan represents our City’s deep commitment to walking this path alongside Indigenous communities, listening with humility and responding with meaningful change,” says Mayor Josh Morgan. “I want to thank every community member who shared their wisdom, experiences, and hopes to help shape this vital Plan.”

“The ReconciliAction Plan is a step forward in how the City of London serves and supports Indigenous residents. It reflects the voices of the community, the strength of Indigenous knowledge systems, and our organization’s responsibility to build stronger, more equitable relationships” says Sandra Datars Bere, City Manager. “We are committed to implementing this plan with care, collaboration, and continued learning.”

To learn more about the 2025-2035 ReconciliAction plan, please visit london.ca/ReconciliAction.

The City of London has launched a new financial incentive to encourage mixed-use and residential development in key transit-accessible areas.

The Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Per-Unit Forgivable Loan Program offers $15,000 per residential unit to eligible developers and property owners to accelerate the construction of new housing, or an office-to-residential conversion, near major transit routes, including areas surrounding downtown, rapid transit corridors, and transit villages.

“There’s an urgent need for new housing options across London, especially in areas well-served by public transit,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “We want to see new homes built near transit, where people can live close to work, school, and the services that support a strong, vibrant city.”

Program Highlights

• Supports mixed-use or residential buildings with 20 or more units.
• Supports the conversion of office space to residential use (no minimum unit requirement).
• Eligible developments must be located within the Transit Oriented Development Community Improvement Area.
  $15,000 per unit is provided as a forgivable loan.
• Loans are issued once all requirements are met, including building permit issuance, legal agreement registration,
  and confirmation of good property tax standing.
• Loans are forgiven upon passing final building inspection.
• There is no maximum amount per building, but funding is limited and subject to availability.

“This program is part of the City’s broader strategy through the Federal Housing Accelerator Fund to promote sustainable urban development, increase housing supply, and support intensified land use near major transit routes,” said Scott Mathers, Deputy City Manager of Housing and Community Growth. “It’s about building more homes, faster, in the right places. By targeting areas with strong transit connections, we’re not only addressing the housing crisis but also supporting our climate and mobility goals.”

Developers, property owners, and community housing providers are encouraged to learn more and take part in this opportunity to contribute to London’s growth.

For full details on the program or to apply visit london.ca/CIP or email [email protected].