The council approved a partnership that will add 6,000 aquatic program spaces through the YMCA Centre Branch, adopted recommendations for a five-year housing and homelessness plan to be submitted to the province by May 29, and reviewed housing condition concerns at London Middlesex Community Housing. Members also pressed staff for clearer definitions and reporting on affordable housing categories in future updates.

Topics Discussed

AQUATIC PROGRAMS EXPANSION: Council moved forward with an agreement with the YMCA Centre Branch that will create 6,000 aquatic spaces for public lane swims and drop-in programming. Staff said, “We’re very excited about the 6,000 aquatic spaces. We’ll look at this annually,” adding that “based on availability” there may be opportunities to expand access further. Under the agreement, the city will not be liable for incidents occurring on YMCA property.

5-YEAR PLAN SUBMISSION: Council approved recommendations tied to a five-year plan that must be submitted to the province by May 29. Staff said that after provincial review, the city expects to move into “Phase D” and prepare an implementation plan. Staff told council, “Once we hear back from the province, we will move as quick as we can to put together an implementation plan that’s well thought out,” and said the plan will also be shared with community partners.

HOUSING CONDITION CONCERNS: Councillor Felberg focused on the condition of London Middlesex Community Housing buildings after the corporation received “poor” and “very poor” ratings in its asset management plan. She said she had previously pushed for “more proactive inspections at least in the very poor and poor buildings” but “did not get support for that.” Staff said building condition assessments are underway to identify capital needs as properties move into new service agreements.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEFINITIONS: Councillor Hopkins asked staff to be more precise in how affordable housing is described in future reports. She said she wanted “definitions and understanding” because “how we understand the different types of housing in our community is something that I would appreciate.” Staff said future reporting can break out categories such as highly supportive residential units, below-market units, rent-geared-to-income units and wait-list data.

PRENATAL AND CHILD HEALTH: Council also approved a contribution agreement for the Community Action for Prenatal and Child Health Program. Councillor Trusler said the item “doesn’t get a lot of council attention or time” but called it “very important to the community,” adding, “there’s nothing unusual or controversial here, but I just want to say thank you for the work.”

Motions

Passed: - Item 2.1: Contribution agreement for the Community Action for Prenatal and Child Health Program - Item 2.4: Submission of recommendations B and C of the five-year plan to the province - Item 5: Housing and community planning discussion (5-0) - Item 6.1: Confidential matter regarding protective services (5-0)

Attendees

• Councillor Trusler
• Councillor Hopkins
• Councillor Felberg
• Councillor Pribil