Medway Valley Heritage Forest ESA needs your help

On January 29, 2024, starting at 4 p.m., the City Council’s Budget Committee will hear from the public on the multi-year budget. One small addition to the proposed budget – to increase the staff of the ESA Team – would be a big help for the protection and preservation of London’s Environmentally Significant Areas (ESAs) including “our” Medway Valley Heritage Forest ESA.

The formal title of the “ask” is ESA Management – Business Case #62. The purpose is to: (1) restore staffing level of the ESA Team to the level of 2014 by adding one new member in 2024, and (2) increase the ESA Team by another person in 2026.

Continue reading “Medway Valley Heritage Forest ESA needs your help” →

Change to City by-laws regarding number of residential units per lot

The City has posted a draft zoning bylaw amendment that proposes to make certain changes to additional residential unit regulations, and to other regulations for development near-campus including in our neighbourhood. The changes are not final and are subject to approval by City Council’s Planning Committee and city council.

The proposed amendments are at: https://london.ca/business-development/planning-development-applications/planning-applications/city-wide-5-bedroom-0

Here is an explanation of the proposed changes. We are seeking additional information from city staff.

The public participation meeting before City Council’s Planning Committee has already been scheduled for January 30th to start no earlier than 1 pm. The staff report to this Committee of Council will be available around the 23rd and will be circulated to you along with an estimate of when the matter will be heard. You can appear in person at City Hall or via Zoom if you wish to speak to the proposal.

If you wish your comments to be seen by members of the Planning Committee, you should write them to pec@london.ca with a request that they appear on the meeting agenda regarding File: OZ-9661.

Your request should be sent no later than January 12th with a copy to the city planner writing the report bcoveney@london.ca – unfortunately, this is how the City’s process works – you have to comment before you see the final report.

Vote for projects in the neighbourhood!

Neighbourhood Decision Making is a City of London initiative to have residents vote for projects that enhance the neighbourhood.  There are two proposed projects in our area, one for Sherwood Forest Park and the other for Furanna Park.  Have a look and get ready to vote!

Advanced voting: From Monday, November 13 to Friday, November 17, you can vote for your favourite ideas in the Northwest, using one of the following methods:

Voting Day: On Saturday, November 18, there will be multiple voting options available:

  • Online: voting will continue to be available until 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, November 18
  • In-person: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. you can drop by the Sherwood Branch of the London Public Library to cast your vote. A staff member or volunteer will provide the list of ideas you can vote for as well as a ballot.
  • Call-in: From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Londoners can call 519-661-8410 to cast their vote.

Short-term Garbage and Recycling Calendar

A short-term collection calendar for October 2023 – January 2024 is now available. The calendar can also be picked up at several locations including the London Public Library. A short-term calendar is required for October 2023 to January 2024 while the City prepares for the Green Bin Program’s launch.

Note that there are new rules for the collection of large items in garbage. Beginning October 1, 2023, households need to book the pick-up of large items on collection day. Booking requests must be completed at least 5 business days in advance, online at london.ca/garbage or by phone at 519-661-2489. Collection will occur on your next scheduled garbage day.