London City Council Meeting - October 14, 2026

At its 15th meeting on Oct. 14, 2026, London City Council approved land expropriations for road improvements near Western University, considered several heritage-property matters and debated demolition of the heritage-designated property at 100 Stanley Street. Council also approved homelessness-response funding, planning applications, property transactions and governance bylaws. The meeting adjourned at 4:52 p.m.

Topics Discussed

Western Road and Southdale Road Improvements

Council unanimously authorized expropriation of lands required for Phases 1 and 2 of the Western Road, Sarnia Road and Philip Aziz Avenue corridor improvements. This matter was related to the expropriation of lands at Western Road and Sarnia Road Philip Aziz Avenue corridor and intersection improvements both phase one and phase 2. The project will address transit, vehicle, pedestrian and cycling connections near Western University. Staff must register the expropriation plans within three months and issue the required notices.

Council also approved the purchase of 735 Southdale Road for $741,000 and a $104,000 temporary easement for the Southdale Road Improvements Project between Colonel Talbot Road and Bostwick Road.

100 Stanley Street and the Wharncliffe Road Project

Council rejected a motion to study retention and sale options for the heritage-designated property at 100 Stanley Street. Staff said retaining the building on site was not safe or reliable and estimated that a further study would take at least eight months.

Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis opposed the referral, saying, "Colleagues, defeat this referral. Pure and simple. It's time to move forward. First of all, this property is not the only Queen Anne style piece of architecture in the city. We have other designated properties already. There is nothing unique and specific to this property that warrants this level of work that we're asking staff to undertake at a cost. By the way, and we heard Ms. Scherr say already, and she has experience in these things, the cost of preservation is going to far exceed the cost of demolition." The property is connected to the Wharncliffe Road grade-separation project, whose estimated cost has risen to about $99 million, compared with approximately $51 million identified in the capital budget and plan through 2028.

Council also defeated, 2–13, a motion from Councillor Sam Trosow to create an inventory, including photographs, of materials that could be salvaged before demolition. Staff said items such as heritage brick and copper wiring could be diverted from landfill through the demolition contract.

Heritage Designations and Property Rights

Council approved the next step in designating a heritage property beside a planned 2,000-student high school. A referral motion was defeated 5–10, and the designation process was approved 13–2. The owners retain appeal rights through the Ontario Land Tribunal.

A motion to take no further action on a potential heritage designation at 2457 Main Street in Lambeth passed 10–5. Councillor Anna Hopkins opposed the decision, saying, "There are too few houses and other buildings remaining that reflect Lambeth's history."

Council voted 11–4 to refer the proposed designation of 11 Wellington Crescent back to the planning committee. Councillor Susan Stevenson said the homeowners, who are in their 80s and on fixed incomes, should have another opportunity to address council. Written submissions said the owners were concerned about the financial uncertainty and restrictions associated with designation.

Council also debated 1875 Richmond Street. Councillor Peter Cuddy sought a referral so the owners could submit an objection before the Jan. 1 statutory deadline, saying, "I think in good conscience, I think we should allow the family to submit a letter with their opposition to designating this a heritage property." Councillor Sam Trosow opposed the delay, saying, "The notice was given pursuant to the statutory requirements." The excerpt does not state the final vote on the designation.

Planning and Development Applications

Council voted 12–2 to refer an application for a 2,500-square-metre commercial development at 3680–3700 Colonel Talbot Road back to staff for discussions with the applicant. The existing zoning permits 200 square metres of commercial space, while about 1,000 square metres currently exists.

Council voted 8–6 to refuse the proposed development and official plan amendment at 954 Gainsborough Road. Councillor Corrine Rahman cited staff findings that the proposal would be "neither appropriate nor compatible with the existing and planned land use surrounding the subject lands."

Homelessness Funding and Housing

Council approved $350,000 through March 31, 2027, under the Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampment Initiative. The allocations include $130,000 for Ark Aid Street Mission, $100,000 for 519 Pursuit and $65,000 for London Cares.

Mayor Josh Morgan said outreach workers are needed "to identify what the individual's needs are to get them into the proper supports or the proper housing or the proper shelter." Councillor Susan Stevenson questioned whether some funding should instead support shelter beds and security measures for business improvement areas.

Council also approved a municipal rent-supplement agreement template. The provision delegating authority to staff to amend standard agreements passed 12–1; the remaining provisions passed unanimously.

Motions

• Western Road, Sarnia Road and Philip Aziz Avenue expropriations: Passed unanimously, 15–0.
• Southdale Road property acquisition and easement: Passed, 13–0.
• 1875 Richmond Street referral: Final result not stated in the excerpt.
• Heritage designation beside future high school: Referral defeated, 5–10; designation process approved, 13–2.
• 2457 Main Street: Motion to take no further action passed, 10–5.
• 11 Wellington Crescent: Referred to the planning committee, 11–4.
• 100 Stanley Street retention and sale study: Defeated, 5–10.
• 100 Stanley Street salvage inventory: Defeated, 2–13.
• 3680–3700 Colonel Talbot Road: Referred to staff, 12–2.
• 954 Gainsborough Road: Development and official plan amendment refused, 8–6.
• Homelessness and encampment-response funding: Approved.
• Municipal rent-supplement agreement: Clause B passed 12–1; remaining provisions passed 13–0.
• Bill No. 352: Governance and remuneration policy passed second and third readings, 9–4.
• Bill No. 343: Delegation of authority passed all three readings, 12–1.
• Innovation Park Phase 4 land sale: Approved for approximately 5.14 acres at $1.542 million.
• City Plaza lease extension: Approved for Suite 248 at 355 Wellington St., through March 31, 2032.
• Adjournment: Passed at 4:52 p.m.

Attendees

Councillors identified as participating or present include:

• Mayor Josh Morgan
• Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis
• Paul Van Meerbergen
• Steve Lehman
• Steven Hillier
• Hadleigh McAlister
• Peter Cuddy
• Skylar Franke
• Sam Trosow
• Elizabeth Peloza
• Susan Stevenson
• Jerry Pribil
• Anna Hopkins
• David Ferreira
• Corrine Rahman