Message from the Mayor by Mayor Josh Morgan mayor@london.ca 519-661-4920 Hello HydePark/Oakridge,
Ontario won’t have to make up for those waived revenues from their own funds. London Police Service (LPS) will be reducing its operating budget by $1.5 million, as announced recently. After a record investment in policing here in London, this latest move helps ease the burden on the tax levy without compromising the amazing progress the LPS has made in our City. I have committed to keeping the overall property tax increase under 5%. With those backfill savings, efficiencies in public bodies like LPS, and careful planning of services, that target is well within reach. What does this mean for you here in Hyde Park-Oakridge? It means more predictability. It means fewer surprise costs, more fiscal responsibility, and less strain on household budgets. Whether you own your home or rent, these budget changes are designed to make living in our neighbourhood more affordable and sustainable. As always, Hyde Park-Oakridge continues to show what makes London such a great city — thriving local businesses, welcoming community groups, and families who care deeply about their neighbourhood. This fall, I encourage you to get out and enjoy the colours in our parks, support our local shops, and take part in the community events that bring us together. Thank you for your continued engagement and for making Hyde Park-Oakridge such a vibrant and connected part of London.
Autumn in Hyde Park-Oakridge brings that familiar and comforting shift — cooler air, colourful trees along Southdale and Wonderland, mornings and evenings that invite you to slow down a little. There’s something about fall here: the glow in the windows of local shops, the sound of leaves underfoot, and community coming alive again indoors, at cafés, libraries, and community centres. With the 2026 budget announcement coming up, I want to share some news from City Hall that will directly affect what you see in your property tax bill this coming year — and what it means for Hyde Park-Oakridge families, retirees, renters, and homeowners: After several months of discussions with the provincial govern- ment, we confirmed the City is no longer required to backfill development charge exemptions. This change means significant savings for taxpayers because London and municipalities across
Ward 8 Update from City Hall
by Steve Lehman, Ward 8 London City Councillor, slehman@london.ca
Unsafe Traffic In The West End Is A Top-Of-Mind Concern After my discussions with the Chief of Police, the London Police Service (LPS) recently conducted a one-
Town Hall You’re invited to join me and Councillor Rahmin at our upcoming Town Hall Meeting this Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Gateway Church, 890 Sarnia Road. This is a valuable
month-long blitz in the Hyde Park Road area. The first couple of weeks resulted in 40 tickets laid, three vehicles seized for stunt driving and one impaired driver, along Hyde Park Road alone. I recently participated in a ride-along with the LPS Traffic Unit along Hyde Park Road and Riverside Drive. During this, the officer handed tickets out for distracted drivers on cell phones and various speeding tickets, including one car speeding almost 100 km/hr in a 50 km/hr zone with the explanation that the children in the car were late to school. The car was impounded and the drivers license suspended as per the Provincial Traffic Act. While we were not able to find cars with loud, modified mufflers, the officer told me of many instances where he and other traffic police have been getting those cars off the street with hefty fines. One of the Chief of Police's main pillars in his Strategic Plan is to enhance road safety. He is halfway on this plan, which includes an increase of 96 officers overall. With proper staf- fing, resources can continue to be allocated to traffic en- forcement not only in Hyde Park but throughout the city.
opportunity to connect, share ideas, and stay informed about the projects and initiatives shaping our neighbourhoods. We’ll be discussing: budget updates, public safety and community concerns. Whether you have questions, suggestions, or simply want to listen to them, your presence makes a difference. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more vibrant London. Bring your ideas, bring your neighbours—your voice matters.
To advertise here, please contact Debbie@VillagerPublications.com
Hyde Park – Oakridge Villager • October 2025 • Page 3
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs