An update from Anna Hopkins Our Ward 9 City Councillor
London’s Bicentennial: Celebrating 200 Years London’s Bicentennial marks 200 years since the founding of our community as a settlement in 1826. On January 30th of that year, a provincial bill designated the Forks of the Thames as the new administrative and legal centre. We last gathered in 2005 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of London’s incorporation as a city—now, it’s time to celebrate once again. As a community, it is essential that we honour our shared history, reflect on the stories that shaped our past,
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identity: the Forest City—home to more than 500 parks—and the historic Forks of the Thames, where the North and South branches meet. The City will launch a dedicated landing page at getinvolved. london.ca to share Bicentennial information, updates, and opportunities for residents to share their favourite London memories. In addition, our community will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Arboretum in Springbank Park. Established in 1926 by Parks Superintendent Ernie Graham, it now features hundreds of trees representing at least 75 native and exotic species. We have so much to celebrate as we look to London’s future and continue building a city where everyone feels they belong. As always, I welcome your thoughts, questions, and feedback. Please reach out to me at ahopkins@london.ca or visit www. annahopkis.ca to sign up for my newsletter. Take care of one another,
519-661-2489 ext 4009 ahopkins@london.ca
and continue meaningful conversations in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous First Nations. This region has been home to Indigenous peoples for more than 10,000 years, including the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, and Lenni- Lenape Nations. The 2026 celebrations will begin with the New Year’s Eve festivities in Victoria Park and continue throughout the year. Plans are underway to bring together residents from all communities—racialized groups, Canadians of various faiths, cultures, ethnicities, abilities, ages, sexual orientations, and gender identities. The Bicentennial brand, created by City staff and community partners, draws on two core elements of our
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Riverbend Villager Jan/Feb 2026
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