Byron Villager Jan:Feb 2025

An update from Anna Hopkins Our Ward 9 City Councillor

Exciting Updates for Ward 9 in 2025 Winter often makes it tempting to stay indoors, but London has plenty of ways to keep active and connected during the colder months. The City’s community centres offer a range of activities, from swimming and art classes to science workshops and badminton. Whether you’re shooting hoops or diving into a new hobby, there’s something for everyone. Explore program options at london.ca/recreation. For outdoor enthusiasts, Victoria Park’s free skating rink is a favourite (call 519-661-2489 or visit london.ca/skating for updates). Or try the scenic skating trail at Storybook Gardens. Find details at storybookgardens.ca. Don’t forget Boler Mountain, a community gem offering skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and event spaces. With seven runs, three lifts, and a Tube Park, it’s perfect for winter fun. Visit bolermountain.com or call 519-657-8822. Updates for Ward 9 As the year ends, we reflect on key moments shaping our city, from housing initiatives to infrastructure projects. Highlights include: • Budget Update: Council approved a 7.3% property tax increase, equivalent to $104 for every $100,000 of assessed value. • Oxford/Gideon Roundabout: Construction pauses over winter, resuming in spring 2025, with completion expected in 2025. • Oxford Street West Improvements: Work begins in 2026, with detailed design underway. • Urban Growth Boundary: Changes will be reviewed in early 2025, with final reports by mid-year. • Master Mobility Plan: Public engagement starts in January, focusing on transit, roads, cycling, and sidewalks. Council’s Decision on Ward Boundary Review I was pleased to witness the Lambeth community’s strong turnout at the Public Participation Meeting in support of Option 1, emphasizing the importance of keeping the Lambeth community St. Anne’s Pancake Supper on March 4 St. Anne’s Anglican Church takes pride in its rich history intertwined with Byron’s legacy since 1853, spanning over 170 years. Over this period, numerous traditions have taken root, and one such cherished custom is Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Tuesday. For more than four decades, St. Anne’s has been flipping pancakes with enthusiasm. Pancakes have long been synonymous with Shrove Tuesday, the day preceding the onset of Lent— 40 days (excluding Sundays) commencing from Ash Wednesday and concluding on the Saturday before Easter. Lent is often characterized as a time

As a Candidate for Ward 9 in this year ’ s Municipal Election will be a number of conversations that I will be talking abou constituents.

unified. I share this sentiment and firmly believe the community should not be divided. Ward 9 is experiencing rapid development, which led me to support the City of London’s initiation of a Community Improvement Plan approximately eight years ago. This process highlighted Lambeth’s cultural and historical significance, underscoring the need to preserve its identity. Minor adjustments to the Ward 9 boundaries are part of the changes. To the east, Ward 10 will now extend from Wonderland Road to Bostwick Road, ending at Wharncliffe Road. Additionally, Ward 14 will begin south of Highway 401 and extend to the city limits. These new Ward boundaries will take place for the 2026 Municipal Election. Celebrate London’s 2024 milestones at london.ca/2024, and stay connected through my newsletter. Contact me at ahopkins@london.ca or visit annahopkins.ca. of preparation, providing a unique opportunity for individuals to delve deeper into their spirituality. It serves as a period of personal reflection, paving the way for the significance of Good Friday and Easter. This year, Shrove Tuesday falls on March 4th and St. Anne’s is once again hosting their Pancake Supper. There will be two separate meal times. The first seating commences at 4:30 pm, followed by the second at 6:15 pm. Takeout is also available at both times. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12 and $25 for a family (2 adults and up to 3 kids). Tickets can be purchased every Wednesday morning from The Heavenly Pie Team in the Parish Hall between 8:30 am and 11:30 am or by calling Angus at 519-657-3607.

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