Road reconstruction and sidewalks on Runnymede Crescent and Abbey Rise

An update via Councillor Squire:

Runnymede Plan
Runnymede Crescent and Abbey Rise will be reconstructed this upcoming summer due to their current road condition. As per Council direction the City will be installing new sidewalks in the boulevard along the entire length of these roadways. To minimize tree impacts the sidewalk will be installed on one side only. While not ideal the City will also be installing the sidewalk immediately behind the curb to further minimize tree impacts, however this still requires a large number of trees to be removed.

Abbey Rise Plan
Here are the scope of work and schedules for the Runnymede Crescent and Abbey Rise projects, with the number of trees to be removed, a street view of the current condition and a map reflecting the trees that will be removed to allow for the installation of the sidewalk. The trees indicated on the map are the minimum number to be removed. The City is currently finalizing the design and will then do a walk thru with Forestry staff to determine if any others on the boulevard opposite the sidewalk need to be removed for health and/or construction related reasons.

The City will be holding an information session prior to construction. The usual procedure is to notify those on the street of the information session thru a mailing.

Local upcoming events

Museum of Ontario Archaeology

Archaeology is happening all around us, everyday!

The new feature exhibit at the Museum of Ontario Archaeology explores how and why archaeology is done in the province of Ontario through artifacts, maps, tools, and interactive displays.

Visitors will learn about how archaeological sites are discovered and excavated, and what happens to artifact collections once they are recovered.

Please join us for the exhibit opening here at the Museum of Ontario Archaeology on Thursday, February 13th at 7:00 pm

Brescia University College

Brescia University College will host Tampon Tuesday in partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart, Virgin Radio, CTV and the London Food Bank

At the first Tampon Tuesday event in 2020 on Tuesday, February 18, Brescia will host a special Tampon Tuesday saluting Women in Agriculture! Our guest speakers on February 18th will be:

  • Laura Bowers, Producer & Industry Relations, Burnbrae Farms
  • Lisa McLeod- Owner, McLeod Water Wells
  • Sally Van Straaten- Owner, RJ Grain Elevators
  • Rick Van Laeckie- CEO & President of Horizon Seeds
  • Cara Finn-Executive Director of Middlesex Economic Development
  • Morgan McTavish- Agri-Food Manager, Western Fair District
  • Brescia’s Vice Principal & Academic Dean, Dr. Lauretta Frederking

Admission: 1 box of menstrual products
Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: Brescia University College, Academic Pavilion main floor

Medway Creek Open House

You are invited to join our staff and the Friends of Medway Creek on Tuesday, February 25 as we explore all the amazing projects that have gone into helping Medway Creek improve on water quality and forest conditions.

Date: Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Time: 5:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: Medway High School, 14405 Medway Road, Arva

The purpose of this Open House is to update the community on what has been going on and gain feedback from you on other types of projects you feel are needed to help our local environment.

We have speakers lined up to present on topics such as interesting wildlife in the area, tree planting efforts, how we’re using innovative approaches to removing phosphorus and learn how you can get involved.

There is still so much to do! This Open House has been designed for both urban and rural residents so whether you are a politician, farmer, landowner, city resident – there is something to learn and be a part of for everyone!

Please see the flyer for details. Feel free to pass this along to others that have an interest in Medway Creek.

Brescia University College celebrates International Women’s Day

Please join us for the annual Dr. Hanycz Leadership Lecture with Maude Barlow, Brescia’s 3rd Chancellor

Date: Thursday, March 5, 2020
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Brescia St. James Building Auditorium

A Canadian author, activist and well-respected leader, Maude is the recipient of fourteen honorary doctorates and numerous awards recognizing her commitment to social justice and environmental activism. Maude is the Honorary Chairperson of the Council of Canadians and co-founder of the Blue Planet Project, supporting the human right to access clean water. Brescia welcomes its neighbourhood friends to join us for a memorable evening; admission is free.

City Budget – Opportunities for Input

Members of Council are holding a number of ward meetings over the next few days to hear from you about the City’s budget before the budget is passed. See London.ca/budget for more details

Ward meetings

  • Ward 7 & 8 – Saturday, January 25, 2020, 2pm to 4pm, Sherwood Library located at the common Space at the front, 1225 Wonderland Road North (hosted by Councillor Morgan and Councillor Lehman)
  • Ward 5, 6 & 7 – Saturday, February 8, 2020, 10am to 12pm, Masonville Library located in the Sifton Room, 30 N Centre Rd (hosted by Councillor Cassidy, Councillor Morgan and Councillor Squire)
  • Ward 1 – Saturday, February 8, 2020, 2pm to 4pm, Hamilton Road Seniors Centre, 525 Hamilton Road (hosted by Councillor van Holst)
  • Ward 4, 6 & 13 – Monday, February 10, 2020, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Real Canadian Superstore, 2nd Floor, 825 Oxford Street East (hosted by Councillor Helmer, Councillor Kayabaga and Councillor Squire)
  • Ward 1 – Wednesday, February 12, 2020, 5pm to 7pm, Pond Mills Branch Library, 1166 Commissioners Road East (hosted by Councillor van Holst)

Budget Timetable (all meetings at City Hall)

Property Tax & Water/Wastewater & Treatment Budget Review

  • January 30, 2020, 9:30am at Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee (SPPC)
  • January 31, 2020 9:30am at SPPC
  • February 6, 2020, 9:30am at SPPC
  • February 7, 2020, 9:30am at SPPC
  • February 13, 2020, 9:30am at SPPC
  • February 14, 2020, 9:30am at SPPC

Budget Public Participation Meeting

  • February 13, 2020, 6pm at SPPC

Property Tax & Water/Wastewater & Treatment Budget Approval

  • March 2, 2020, 4pm at Council

You can watch budget meetings live at london.ca/livestreaming

City 4-year budget consultations underway

City Council is considering its next FOUR years of budget. A good summary can be found at pages 4 to 9 of the budget at: http://www.london.ca/city-hall/budget-business/budget/Pages/Get-Involved-with-the-Multi-Year-Budget-Process.aspx

Continue reading “City 4-year budget consultations underway” →

Update on Road Closure

An update on the temporary road closure at Wychwood and Scarlett –

Should only be a few more days. The base coat of asphalt is down and the
temporary curbs are installed. The contractor didn’t want traffic on
the fresh pavement for a few days. There is only about a day and half of
onsite cleanup. Today is likely a washout because of the rain but they should
be done towards the end of the week.