Open Council

15th Meeting of City Council

Open Council

15th Meeting of City Council

November 8, 2022, at 4:00 PM

Original link

The meeting is called to order at 4:05 PM; it being noted that the following member was in remote attendance: Councillor S. Turner.

1.   Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

Councillor S. Hillier discloses a pecuniary interest in Item 5 (clause 5.1) of the 12th Report of the Community and Protective Services Committee, having to do with the Deferred Matters List, specifically related to item number 1 on the list, by indicating that his family hosts a five-day event.

Councillor J. Helmer discloses a pecuniary interest in Item 4 (clause 2.3) of the 12th Report of the Community and Protective Services Committee, having to do with Former River Road Golf Course - Plans for Ownership and Municipal Use, by indicating that his family member is employed by a golf course.

2.   Recognitions

None.

3.   Review of Confidential Matters to be Considered in Public

None.

4.   Council, In Closed Session

Motion made by S. Hillier

Seconded by P. Van Meerbergen

That Council rise and go into Council, In Closed Session, for the purpose of considering the following:

4.1    Solicitor-Client Privileged Advice

A matter pertaining to advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose, regarding a complaint made by Derek Satnik, Vice President of Technology, EVE Park London LP under Part IV of By-law C.P.-1496-244, as amended, the Development Charges By-law, in respect of the development charge imposed by The Corporation of the City of London in connection with development on the land known as 2050 Linkway Boulevard; Clerk’s Note -  this confidential session was held while the Corporate Services Committee convened as the Hearing Tribunal. (6.1/14/CSC)

4.2    Personal Matter/Identifiable Individual

A matter pertaining to personal matters about identifiable individuals with respect to the 2023 Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List. (Clerk’s Note: The confidential report will be provided at the Council meeting.) (6.1/15/SPPC)

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

The Council convenes In Closed Session, from 4:13 PM to 4:16 PM.

5.   Confirmation and Signing of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting(s)

5.1   14th Meeting held on October 17, 2022

2022-10-17 Council Minutes

Motion made by P. Van Meerbergen

Seconded by J. Helmer

That the Minutes of the 14th Meeting held on October 17, 2022, BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

6.   Communications and Petitions

None.

7.   Motions of Which Notice is Given

None.

8.   Reports

8.1   12th Report of the Community and Protective Services Committee

2022-11-01 CPSC Report

Motion made by M. Cassidy

That the 12th Report of the Community and Protective Services Committee BE APPROVED, excluding Item 5 (clause 5.1).

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

8.1.1   Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

Motion made by M. Cassidy

That it BE NOTED that Councillor S. Hillier disclosed a pecuniary interest in clause 5.1 of this Report, having to do with the Deferred Matters List, specifically item number 1 on the list, by indicating that his family hosts a five day event.

Motion Passed

8.1.2   (2.1) Update on the Roadmap to 3,000 Affordable Units

Motion made by M. Cassidy

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Planning and Economic Development, the staff report, dated November 1, 2022, with respect to an update on the Roadmap to 3,000 Affordable Units, BE RECEIVED. (2022-D04)

Motion Passed

8.1.3   (2.2) 2022 Annual Emergency Management Program Update (Relates to Bill No. 384)

Motion made by M. Cassidy

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Enterprise Supports, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report, dated November 1, 2022, related to the 2022 Annual Emergency Management Program Update:

a)    the proposed by-law, as appended to the above-noted staff report, BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on November 8, 2022 to:

i)    repeal and replace Schedule “A”, being the City of London Emergency Response Plan, as appended to the above-noted staff report; and,

ii)    repeal By-law No. A.-7657(d)-367; and,

b)    the above-noted staff report BE RECEIVED. (2022-P03)

Motion Passed

8.1.4   (2.3) Former River Road Golf Course - Plans for Ownership and Municipal Use

Motion made by M. Cassidy

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environmental and Infrastructure and the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports, on the advice of the Director, Parks and Forestry and the Director, Realty Services, the staff report, dated November 1, 2022, with respect to Plans for Ownership and Municipal Use related to the Former River Road Golf Course, BE RECEIVED; it being noted that the communications, as appended to the Added Agenda, from Councillor M. van Holst, S. Watson, A. McGuigan and A. Johnson, with respect to this matter, were received. (2022-R05D)

Motion Passed

8.1.5   (5.1) Deferred Matters List

Motion made by M. Cassidy

That the Deferred Matters List for the Community and Protective Services Committee, as at October 21, 2022, BE RECEIVED.

Motion made by M. Cassidy

Motion that Item 1 of the Deferred Matters List BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (14 to 0)

Motion made by M. Cassidy

Motion that the balance of the Deferred Matters List BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

8.2   14th Report of the Corporate Services Committee

2022-10-31 CSC Report 14-Complete

At 4:31 PM His Worship the Mayor places Councillor J. Morgan in the Chair.

At 4:32 PM, His Worship the Mayor resumes the Chair.

Motion made by S. Lewis

That the 14th Report of the Corporate Services Committee BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (14 to 0)

8.2.1   Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

Motion made by S. Lewis

That it BE NOTED that no pecuniary interests be disclosed.

Motion Passed

8.2.2   (2.1) City of London’s Credit Rating

Motion made by S. Lewis

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports, the City of London’s Credit Rating Report, providing a summary of Moody’s Investors Service Credit Opinion of the City of London, BE RECEIVED for information.

Motion Passed

8.2.3   (2.2) Pre-Authorized Tax Payment Plan By-law and Collection of Interim Property Taxes By-law (Relates to Bill No’s. 385 and 386)

Motion made by S. Lewis

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports, the following actions be taken with respect to property taxation for 2023:

a)     the by-law, as appended to the staff report dated October 31, 2022 as Appendix A, to amend by-law A-5505-497 “a by-law to authorize the implementation of a pre-authorized payment plan”, BE INTRODUCED at the Council meeting on November 8, 2022, to change the multiplier to determine the pre-authorized property tax payment from 1.030 to 1.0245, effective January 1, 2023; and

b)    the by-law, as appended to the staff report dated October 31, 2022 as Appendix B, to amend by-law A-8 “a by-law to provide for the collection of property taxes”, BE INTRODUCED at the Council meeting on November 8, 2022, to change the calculation percent for the Interim Levy from 41.2% to 40.98%, effective January 1, 2023.

Motion Passed

8.2.4   (3.1) Development Charge Appeal - 2050 Linkway Boulevard

Motion made by S. Lewis

That, after convening as a tribunal under section 26 of By-law C.P.-1551-337 to hear a complaint under section 20 of the Development Charges Act 1997, S.O. 1997, c. 27, by Derek Satnik, Vice President of Technology of EVE Park London LP, of the property located at 2050 Linkway Boulevard, regarding the development charges being appealed, for the incorrect DC rates used for the calculation of the charges on the subject property, as detailed in the attached Record of Proceeding, on the recommendation of the Tribunal, the complaint BE DISMISSED on the basis that the Tribunal finds that the amount of the development charge being applied were correctly determined and no error occurred in the application of the Development Charges By-law.

Motion Passed

8.3   14th Report of the Civic Works Committee

2022-11-01 CWC Report

Motion made by E. Peloza

That the 14th Report of the Civic Works Committee BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (14 to 0)

8.3.1   Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

Motion made by E. Peloza

That it BE NOTED that no pecuniary interests were disclosed.

Motion Passed

8.3.2   (2.1) Amendments to the Traffic and Parking By-Law (Relates to Bill No. 387)

Motion made by E. Peloza

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, the proposed by-law, as appended to the staff report dated November 1, 2022, BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on November 8, 2022, to amend By-law PS-114 entitled, “A by-law to regulate traffic and the parking of motor vehicles in the City of London”. (2022-T02/T08)

Motion Passed

8.3.3   (2.2) 2023 Stormwater Management Remediation Project Consultant Award

Motion made by E. Peloza

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report, dated November 1, 2022, related to the 2023 Stormwater Management Remediation Project Consultant Award:

a)    Matrix Solutions Inc. BE APPOINTED Consulting Engineers in the amount of $106,880.00, including 10% contingency (excluding HST), in accordance with Section 15.2 (d) of the City of London’s Procurement of Goods and Services Policy;

b)    the financing for the project BE APPROVED in accordance with the “Sources of Financing Report”, as appended to the above-noted staff report;

c)    the Civic Administration BE AUTHORIZED to undertake all the administrative acts that are necessary in connection with this project;

d)    the approvals given, herein, BE CONDITIONAL upon the Corporation entering into a formal contract; and,

e)    the Mayor and the City Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to execute any contract or other documents, if required, to give effect to these recommendations. (2022-E03)

Motion Passed

8.3.4   (2.3) 2025 Transportation Development Charges Background Study Appointment of Consultant

Motion made by E. Peloza

That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment and Infrastructure, the following actions be taken with respect to the staff report, dated November 1, 2022, related to the 2025 Transportation Development Charges Background Study Appointment of Consultant:

a)    IBI Group Professional Services (Canada) Inc. BE APPOINTED as the Consulting Engineer to complete the 2025 Transportation Development Charges Background Study, in the amount of $251,207 (excluding HST), in accordance with their proposal and Section 15.2 (g) of the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy;

b)    the financing for this assignment BE APPROVED as set out in the Sources of Financing Report, as appended to the above-noted staff report;

c)    the Civic Administration BE AUTHORIZED to undertake all the administrative acts that are necessary in connection with this assignment;

d)    the approvals given, herein, BE CONDITIONAL upon the Corporation entering into a formal contract with the consultant for the work; and,

e)    the Mayor and the City Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to execute any contract or other documents including agreements, if required, to give effect to these recommendations. (2022-F21)

Motion Passed

8.3.5   (5.1) Deferred Matters List

Motion made by E. Peloza

That the Civic Works Committee Deferred Matters List as at October 21, 2022, BE RECEIVED.

Motion Passed

8.3.6   (5.2) Councillor M. van Holst - Roadway Improvements at Hamilton Road and Highbury Avenue

Motion made by E. Peloza

That, prior to the end of Q1 of 2023, the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to report back to the Civic Works Committee with respect to options to advance the timing of improvements to the intersection of Hamilton Road and Highbury Avenue, along with potential measures to reduce the number of severe accidents in the interim; it being noted that the communication, as appended to the Added Agenda, from Councillor M. van Holst, with respect to this matter, was received. (2022-C09)

Motion Passed

9.   Added Reports

9.2   15th Report of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee

2022-11-07 Special SPPC Report 15

Motion made by J. Morgan

That the 15th Report of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

9.2.1   Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

Motion made by J. Morgan

That it BE NOTED that no pecuniary interests were disclosed.

Motion Passed

9.2.2   (2.1) Inaugural Council Meeting

Motion made by J. Morgan

That, pursuant to section 2.6 of the Council Procedure By-law, authorization BE GIVEN for the November 15, 2022 Inaugural Municipal Council Meeting for the 2022-2026 term to be held at RBC Place London, in order to provide sufficient capacity to permit members of the public to attend the meeting.

Motion Passed

9.2.3   (2.2) 6th Report of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee

Motion made by J. Morgan

That the 6th Report of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee from its meeting held on October 6, 2022 BE RECEIVED.

Motion Passed

9.2.4   (4.1) 7th Report of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee

Motion made by J. Morgan

That the following actions be taken with respect to the 7th Report of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee from its meeting held on October 17, 2022:

a)  the following actions be taken with respect to the 2022 Diversity, Race Relations and Inclusivity Award (DRRIA):

i)    the Jess Jones Recreation Therapy Inc. BE AWARDED the 2022 Diversity, Race Relations and Inclusivity Award, in the Small

Business/Small Labour (49 or fewer employees/members);

ii)    the Amazon Delivery Station BE AWARDED the 2022 Diversity, Race Relations and Inclusivity Award, in the Large Business/Large Labour (50 or more employees/members);

iii)    the ATN Access Inc. BE AWARDED the 2022 Diversity, Race Relations and Inclusivity Award, in the Social/Community Services

(including Not-for-Profits) (49 or fewer employees/members);

iv)    the London Airshow BE AWARDED the 2022 Diversity, Race Relations and Inclusivity Award, in the Social/Community Services/Not for Profit (50+ members) category; and,

v)    the Awards and Recognition Sub-Committee report with respect to the 2022 DRRIA Recommendations BE RECEIVED; and,

b)  clauses 1.1, 2.1 and 2.2 BE RECEIVED.

Motion Passed

9.1   14th Report of Council in Closed Session

Motion made by S. Lehman

Seconded by M. Cassidy

  • That progress was made with respect to items 4.1 and 4.2, as noted on the public agenda (6.1/14/CSC) and (6.1/15/SPPC).

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

10.   Deferred Matters

None.

11.   Enquiries

None.

12.   Emergent Motions

None.

13.   By-laws

Motion made by S. Lehman

Seconded by S. Hillier

That Introduction and First Reading of Bill No.’s 383 to 390, inclusive, BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

Motion made by M. Hamou

Seconded by J. Fyfe-Millar

That Second Reading of Bill No.’s 383 to 390, inclusive, BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

Motion made by J. Helmer

Seconded by A. Hopkins

That Third Reading and Enactment of Bill No.’s 383 to 390, inclusive, BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

14.   Adjournment

Motion made by S. Lewis

Seconded by S. Hillier

That the meeting BE ADJOURNED.

Motion Passed

The meeting adjourned at 6:10 PM.

Appendix: New Bills

Full Transcript

Transcript provided by Lillian Skinner’s London Council Archive. Note: This is an automated speech-to-text transcript and may contain errors. Speaker names are not identified.

View full transcript (2 hours, 5 minutes)

[3:24] Test? Test? No? Thank you.

[4:34] Thank you. Do you not stay in for dinner? Yes. Good. Good. Just the same. Thank you. It’s a brilliant idea. Yeah, well. Let’s read this one.

[8:08] Yeah, that’s good. Before we begin the land acknowledgement, I just wanted to show off this lovely chain of office, which has been duly organized, cleaned and reset.

[13:47] And we, I have lost track of the mayor for the day, whoever that was at the time, but we’re delighted to have it back. And I do acknowledge our police service for their vigilance. And then, of course, our staff are making sure that that happens. So what I would like to do to begin our meeting today is I would like to call on Councilor Plosa, please, for our land acknowledgement. The city of London is situated on the traditional lands of the Neshnabek, the Horoshone, the Nalapawak, and the Adawandran people. We honor and respect the history, languages and culture, the diverse indigenous people who call this territory home.

[14:25] The city of London is currently home to many First Nation, Inuit, and Métis people today. As representatives of the city of London, we are grateful to have the opportunity to work and live in this territory. Thank you, Councilor. I would invite the public to check the city’s website for additional meeting details. Meetings can be viewed via livestream on YouTube and the city’s website. The city of London is committed to making every effort to provide alternate formats and communication supports for meetings upon request. To make a request specific to this meeting, please contact Council agenda at London.ca or 51661-2489 extension 2425.

[15:10] Colleagues, we have a treat today. Not only do we have a full slate of Council in attendance, but we have staff in attendance as well. Senior staff, and it’s great to welcome all of you back today. As we do so, we’re going to invite you in just a moment to stand and join Leanne Mayor in singing O Canada. Just a bit of background, if I might, Colleagues, with the release of her debut EP, Bittersweet Remedy, Leanne has announced herself as a unique and exciting new voice in London, Ontario’s indie music scene. The record for those who don’t know features her whimsical blend of jazz, blues, old school country, which is why I like her, and pop folk.

[15:53] She is raw, honest lyrics, and soulful voice that tell stories of loss and hope, colored by just the right amount of world, weary wisdom and determination. In fact, Leanne won the prestigious Forest City London Music Award for Contemporary Singer, songwriter in 2019, and was nominated in 2020 for fan favorite. Leanne, we’d like to invite you all, please, to lead us in O Canada, ladies and gentlemen, Leanne Mayor. ♪ O Canada ♪ ♪ Our home and native land ♪ ♪ Through patriot love ♪ ♪ In Oscar Matt ♪ ♪ With glowing hearts we see thee rise ♪ ♪ The true, no strong and free ♪ ♪ From far and wide, oh Canada ♪ Canada, we stand on guard for thee, God keep our land close and free. Canada, we stand on guard for thee, stand on guard.

[17:39] Gentlemen, man, mayor. Now, thank you very much. We have two recognitions at the beginning of this meeting, and then I’m going to share with you one comment about broader recognitions at the end of this meeting. The first is a little unique because normally we make the recognitions, but I think this is very appropriate that as today we celebrate one year of London, Ontario, being designated by UNESCO as Canada City of Music that we bring the Corey Crossman forward.

[19:10] He’s our director of music, everything in this city and makes all things spectacular happen. Corey, come forward for your presentation, please. I’ve got a quick note here. So one year ago today, London was named Canada’s first UNESCO City of Music and joined the largest creative city network on planet Earth. This network promotes the cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a way to make positive social and economic change. Through the UNESCO City of Music designation, the city of London is working with other municipalities around the world while placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of London’s development plans.

[19:54] The city of London was recently recognized for excellence in music city development at the Canadian Live Music Awards. One year after receiving our UNESCO City of Music designation, I stand before you to remind you that this designation does not come with a playbook. Instead, a devotion to build a vibrant, culturally diverse community that we all envision. While the recognition is nice, there is much work to do. We must remain committed to creating the conditions for the music industry to thrive and grow. We must continue to implement our UNESCO Action Plan and we must continue working with the UNESCO creative city network on the local and international level. Congratulations on year one London. We look forward to kicking things up in year two.

[20:38] Thank you so much. Please join the Corey process. I’d now like to call on Councillor Hamou, please. Thank you, Mayor. I would like to recognize my friend Brian Lester, who after 16 years at the regional HIV/AIDS connection is retiring.

[21:31] Over the years, Brian has taught Londoners how to have the courage to do what’s right by standing up for equity, deserving and marginalized groups. His bold leadership has forced others to understand what social justice represents through leading by example and giving a voice for the voiceless. I’ve been with Brian when he received news about the lives being saved through London’s safe consumption site, which was first in Ontario under Brian’s leadership. And we’ve cried together when we’ve lost others. The work he’s done and continues to do is so important and I consider him a mentor. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you about my red scarf.

[22:07] It is in support of RHAC and their work around destigmatizing HIV and AIDS. If you’d like to help us net for Worlds AIDS Day on December 1st, please visit RHAC’s website. I’m also knitting and it’s to help us net for Worlds AIDS Day. So congratulations, Brian. And on behalf of London and City Council, thank you for your service and the work you’ve done here in London. And it’s truly appreciated. Thank you, Councillor Humber. Colleagues, there are going to be some recognitions that will take place later in this meeting and involves all of you.

[22:49] So with that, what I would like to do is to move that past bylaws and we will do it at the end of our meeting. And I think that feels appropriate. I will not look for a motion to do that, but that’s my intention unless anyone has a particular concern about that. I would ask, though, currently if there are any disclosures of Canadian interest. Councillor Hilliard. Yes, I need to recuse myself on the 12th Report of Community Protector Services.

[23:24] Number 5, 5.1 deferred matters list. Number 1, as my family puts on events in the park. Thank you. So noted, thank you very much. Any other disclosure of Canadian interest? I’ll recognize Councillor Humber. Go ahead, please. 8.1.4, the former River Road Golf Course. I mentioned this at the committee level. If the discussion turns to repurposing it for golf again, I will have to declare an interest. But as it stands now, I don’t think there’s an interest to declare. So noted. Any other disclosures, Colleagues?

[23:59] I’m going to take us back one step if you’d allow me, please. And that is we do have another recognition. I’ll call on the Deputy Mayor, please. Yes, thank you, Your Worship. On September 22nd, Municipal Council received a request from the United Nation of the Thames, Chief and Council to proclaim a week for National Treaties Recognition Week. Council received that and went through the Corporate Services Committee on October 17, 2022. We did issue a proclamation recognizing November 6 to November 12, 2022 as Treaties Recognition Week.

[24:39] The Treaties that govern this territory, and it’s mentioned in our land acknowledgement, are the two row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Silver Covenant Chain, the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee Nanfant Treaty of 1701, the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Track Treaty of 1827 with the Anishinaabek, and the Dish with Ones to Boom, Covenant Wampum of the Anishinaabek and Haudenosaunee. This is certainly a week where I would invite all Londoners to learn more about the Treaties and the history of those who have lived in this land for many years and their relationships with others who came and settled here. So Treaties Recognition Week is certainly an important week, and I thank the Chief and Council of Oneida Nation of the Thames for making this request, and of course Council for approving it.

[25:32] Thank you very much. I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask for any other recognitions. I see none. So with that colleagues, I’m not aware of any confidential matters to be considered in public, which means we, in just a moment, we’re going to go into closed session. For those in the gallery, what that means is that we will excuse you for the time that we are in closed session, and then invite you back to participate in the balance of the meeting as well. In a moment, I’ll ask the clerk to advise the public as to the reasons why we were will be in in closed session. But first, I would look for a mover and a seconder to go into close. I move by Councilor Hillier, seconder by Councilor Van Mirbergen.

[26:15] Clerk, if you could just confirm the reasons why we’re going into closed session. Yes, certainly your worship. The items are noted on the public agenda. There are two matters. The first relating to solicitor client privilege advice as it relates to Eve Park London and development charges by law. The second is related to personal matter about an identifiable individual with respect to the 2023 Mayors New Year’s Honors list. Thank you very much. This has been duly moved and seconded. Therefore, I will call the question. The vote motion carries 15 to 0.

[27:00] Thanks very much again to the public will session when this is done. Until that point, we’ll deal with the items now before us in closed session. Thank you. So just as we’re waiting to come back formally and fully into public session colleagues, there’s someone who meeting in and out is always here. Mike Wallace and what I’ve appreciated with Mike Wallace is that not only does he have more opinions on my kid, Brett and mother, but he’s got a real commitment to the city, which I appreciate. And two of my dearest friends in the world happened to me in the gallery. I think to make sure I leave Mike and Karen Boucher and I’ve known them longer than anybody like in the world.

[27:45] So thanks for coming. And there may be some others. I know there was some other gallery members who were here and they may return. So I’ll look to the clerk to see when we’re good to go. We are going to begin your show. Thanks very much. Welcome back to the public session of our 15th meeting of city council and last of this term. So with that colleagues, I’m going to turn your attention to item 5, 5.1, the motion to approve the minutes held on October 17, 2022. For that, I’m going to look for a mover and a seconder. Please move by Councillor Van Merberg and seconded by Councillor Helmer. Thank you very much. Any discussion colleagues? Well, with that then, I’ll turn your attention to the screen as we vote.

[28:35] Opposed in the vote. Motion carries 15 to 0. Thank you very much, petitions and no motions which notice has been given. So I will turn our attention if I could, colleagues, item 8, which is our reports 8.1, the 12th report of the community and protected services committee. Might I call on Councillor Cassidy, please. Thank you, Your Worship. I will pull item 5 from the council agenda of 8.15 or 5.1 from the committee report because there is a conflict on that and that’s the deferred matters list. And I’m willing to put the rest of the report on the floor. Does anyone wish to have any of the other items voted on separately? I see none, Councillor Cassidy.

[29:28] So we had a quick final meeting of the community and protected services committee. We had an update on the 3,000 affordable units, an update on the emergency management program, and of course, an update on the lands that used to hold the River Road Golf Course and I will put the entire report on the floor except for the deferred matters list. Thank you very much, items 1 through 4, any comments or questions on any of these items? Councillor Vanholz, please. Thank you, Mr. Chair. And through you, first, I would say great work on the emergency management program. It’s very important that we know what we’re going to be doing in the event of a crisis. I did want to have our comment about River Road and during our discussions, it was revealed by staff that some improvements for River Road, where the proposed developments may be taking place, are going to take place in 2025.

[30:29] And the stormwater issues for the roads will also be addressed as they look at the design for that. So I was pleased to hear that. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much. Councillor Turner at 3 in the morning. Thank you, Your Worship. With respect to the emergency management plan and program update, I just had a quick question about the emergency public notification system. We’re notified to train a tornado watch event in London area. I’m wondering, is there any way that we can increase the amount of people notified through any of our public notification systems.

[31:22] It’s about a quarter, I guess, maybe a third of residents who may have a cell phone. It doesn’t seem to be as wide a reach as we might hope to be able to, when a major event might be occurring, we might wish to try and get to as close to as many as all of Londoners, rather than a third. So I’m wondering if there’s any plans to try and increase our reach. Let’s ask Miss Davidson and for some thoughts around that, please. Your microphone, please. Thank you. Through you, Mayor. I believe that the number has been increasing over the years, but you’re absolutely correct. It’s not a large number when you look at the area. So I would think this would be something we can look at through our ongoing education that we do every year and communicating the opportunity to use a load system a little bit more broadly as we go forward. Thank you.

[32:21] Councilor Turner. Thank you. That would be helpful. I think it certainly needs to be promoted. It was promoted for a little bit. There we have, as I understand, we have phone lists that were able to acquire people who have landlines cell phones is a bit of a different story. Also, wondering if, if perhaps on the radar might be taking a look at, because it almost becomes redundant compared to the, the can warn system that that just automatically uses cell phone notification for weather alerts and for amber alerts and things like that. So there might be some opportunity for municipal alliance alignments with with federal and provincial programs as well.

[33:07] We’re looking for a response to that Councilor Turner and that was a comment from your side. I think it more a comment. It’s a, I recognize this is something on the, on the city’s radar, but, but the, the challenges with alert London is such that that’s not getting to everybody. And if we need to be able to notify everybody, we want to be able to notify everybody. So, so noted. Thank you. Any other comments or questions with respect items one through four. We have motion. The floor has been duly moved by the chair with no other comments or questions on items one through four. We will call the vote. Motion carries 15 to 0. So I will put item one from the deferred matters list on the floor. There’s a conflict on item one. Any comments or questions with respect to item one. I see none will call the question.

[34:31] So noted any comments or questions with respect to the balance of the food items. I see none will call the question post in the vote motion carries 15 to 0. My report, Mr. Mayor. Thank you very much. I appreciate your chairmanship. I’m not aware of any items that counselors wish to have pulled separately. So I’m prepared to put the full report of the 14th corporate services committee meeting on the floor.

[35:21] All right, let’s ask the question. Does anyone wish to have any of these items dealt with separately back to you, Councillor Lewis, all right, then anticipating that the deputy mayor may want to speak to one of these items, I will still put all four on the floor. Thank you very much. Any comments or questions, Councillor Lewis is quite correct. Deputy Mayor Goode. Yes, as I usually do at this time of year, I want to recognize the incredible work that our staff does, particularly our finance staff in maintaining London’s AAA credit rating, which continues on a successful streak. And as I’ve said in previous years, this is not just a success of the current group, the current council, but a long term adherence to a strong financial management plan that transcends multiple councils, multiple city senior leadership teams and continues to save our taxpayers and allows us to borrow at very, very good rates and almost always fully subscribed debt offerings. It’s not something that we can take for granted. It’s something that we do need to do all the due diligence to work on.

[36:30] And so I think it’s important each and every time it comes up to recognize that so that we certainly don’t take it for granted. I’m just not sure how Councillor Lewis knew you wanted to comment on any other comments or questions, colleagues. I’ll ask the deputy mayor to just take the take the comma. Sure, I’ll go to the mayor. Thanks very much. I’d like to add to what the deputy mayor said, but I can do it a little more emphatically. We have one exceptional finance team in this city. 46 years running of AAA credit rating. No, no municipality in the country can make that claim except London, Ontario. And that’s full marks to the great efforts that Ms. Barbone and her team put together. So I’m echoing the deputy mayor’s comments, but I think it needs to be underscored.

[37:20] It allows us as a community to be able to go out and and get the kinds of financial supports we need as we need them at preferred rates, but also, I think it speaks to the discipline financially. That not only does our council provide in terms of guidance, but also to our staff. So Ms. Barbone to your team, Bravo, well done from all of us. Thank you. Back to you, Deputy Mayor. I’ll turn the chair back over to the mayor. Thank you. Any other comments or questions, colleagues? I see none. Let’s call the question. Oh, I didn’t see you all the way from wherever you are, Councillor Turner. So please go ahead.

[37:59] I know it’s hard to have a vision all the way to Singapore. My apologies. Thank you, your worship for recognizing me. I have a quick question with respect to the credit rating. I would echo the comments of the mayor and the deputy mayor, the city of London staff have done outstanding work in maintaining AAA credit rating. Reading the credit rating report really creates a paints the picture and I hope Londoners will see this and I’ll certainly draw their attention to it. It really recognizes the work that the city and staff have done in maintaining our credit rating and it talks to our strengths that we have high level of cash and investments to provide strong liquidity.

[38:42] We’ve got very low debt levels. There’s a trope about government in general about holding too much debt. The city of London does not buy by comparison with all its peers. We do quite well. But actually, even in the private sector, if you show me a business that doesn’t hold debt, then I’ll show you a business that’s not using its equity very well. And, and the city of London uses its, its cash and available debt quite well to be able to manage the significant infrastructure that we have to maintain. I do have a couple quick question. However, we’re heading into the next budget. I won’t be here to help, but we’re going to face some challenges as a city.

[39:28] But inflation is, is north of 7%. We’ve traditionally tried to keep property tax rates to inflation or better. And we’ve done fairly well at that. But, but I could imagine that keeping property taxes in line with the current inflation might not be as palatable. In the report, it talks about factors that could lead to a downgrade downward pressures could arise if the city were to experience a sustained loss of finite fiscal discipline drain, leading to a material increase in debt or substantial reduction in accessible financial reserves. In order to try and maintain a low tax rate, those might be two of the areas where the city may wish to take a peek.

[40:12] And we’ve maintained a AAA credit rating, all the way for the 46 years, but looking at the chart and the key indicators in the investors report. It notices back in 2016, we had a direct and indirect to operating revenue net direct and indirect debt to operating revenue percentage of about 30%. Now we’re down to 20%. So we’ve reduced it by about 30%. So it shows that even in that time, there was some, some latitude to be able to hold a bit of a higher debt level and a bit of a lower reserve level. Are those areas where the city may wish to look during the time to try and maintain a lower property tax level, or is the intent to try and maintain the debt to operating revenue ratios as low as possible instead.

[41:04] And just trying to get a bit of a crystal ball on what strategies might be used, and how those strategies might impact the integrity of the credit rating going forward. Well, let’s check. Thank you. Let’s check with this barbell. She has thoughts around that. Thank you through the chairs. So it’s, it’s not an exact science as to, you know, if you keep it at this level, your credit rating will be maintained. So I think that’s where the policy governance framework that we have is what is actually most critical in terms of what council has supported over the years and how we provide our recommendations to you. So one of the things that we do is every year throughout the budget process, we provide a number of the policies and key principles that we use to support the work that we do and guide the decisions that council will ultimately work within to provide a tax rate.

[41:57] And the levy that we will then support our budget. So one of the things that we’re actually working on is a culmination of all of the policies that will bring all of those policies together that we’re actually bringing forward to the new council. Probably at the end of Q one next year that we’re referring to as our strategic financial framework that will provide a bit of a guide for the next four years as to how we navigate that and where we have the flexibility. So one of the things that we do is we have maintained a 10 year debt cap and certainly there is challenges with, you know, increasing debt to some significant degree, but there is latitude that we can look at and trying to maintain. I think one of the things that Moody’s looks at particularly is how we set the framework and how council has stuck within that framework, which I think is what has served as well.

[42:50] So we do look at all those factors, we do look at the challenges to create the debt repayments and when we bring forward the budget, we will provide all that information and provide the flexibility so that council can make decisions based on what those outcomes and impacts you wish to achieve our Thank you. Anything else? Councilor Turner. No, thank you. That’s helpful. Who knew that triple A credit ratings as good news would bring such thoughtful discussion. I think that’s exceptionally exceptional. I appreciate Councilor Turner for bringing up that line of questioning. My question through you, your worship is along the same lines. Of course, one of the reasons we’ve got this triple credit rating is that we have lots of funds in reserve as well.

[43:43] However, those reserves are coming from the taxpayers. And we know that things are pretty tight these days. What I would be interested in seeing is a comparison between how London’s doing with our triple A credit rating and a municipality that does not have it. So just to see how far into that triple A we are. I know looking at an article comparing a number of cities, there might be a dozen cities in Canada that have our credit rating than London recently. And then others that are a little lower than ours in terms of the numbers, but certainly some of those could have a triple A credit rating as well.

[44:36] So my question through you, to our staff, are we aware of some of the municipalities that might not have a triple A credit rating and how do they compare to London? Ms. Barbara, do you want to give that a try? And I’m very mindful as the questions asked that we’re not here to isolate other municipalities circumstances, but I’ll let you give some response to that, please. Thank you through your worship. So I don’t have the direct information of what the other municipalities are, but certainly all financial statements and the financial information return is done and available publicly.

[45:20] So there is analysis that’s there. Generally, I would answer that to say that it’s typically with respect to their debt levels and their fiscal policies, not to mention what their metrics are with respect to their total debt repayments as a whole. So those are generally, there are a number of other factors that go into it, but as a whole, those would be probably the key areas we would look. And that’s all the question was in the vote motion carries 14 to 0. Your worship, that concludes the 14th and final report of this terms corporate services committee, with thanks to all the committee members, and especially to our staff and our amazing committee clerk is less like power for all their work over the last year.

[46:26] And I was remiss under caps, Councillor Cassidy suggested I say that as well to acknowledge our staff. So thank you, both of you for pointing that forward. On the 14th report of the civic works committee, the call and councilor please. Thank you your worship. I will start by thanking Councillor van Holes, Councillor van Merberg and Councillor five Miller, Councillor Helmer and. Councillor five Miller was also the vice chair of the committee and the committee clerks for making another wonderful cycle of civic works for the 14th meeting. There’s six items before us as there was also an added agenda item. I have been not been given notice to pull anything separate.

[47:06] As being a member from time to time of that committee, I would also like to say what. You worked at the last one. Apparently you miss a meeting, you miss a lot who knew. Thank you for that and pointing that out as well, Councillor. Does anyone wish to have any of these items dealt with separately? Back to you, Councillor. Thank you, your worship. You’re always a welcome member. Anytime we get your presence at a committee and for not playing anything separate, everything was smooth flowing at this meeting. Some appointments are consultant, including the 2025 transportation DC charge background study.

[47:45] Remediation projects for storm water management and routine amendments to the traffic and parking by law. As for Councillor van Holes, he had a letter of a motion to committee and it will come back in Q one supported by staff with that time frame. In regards to roadway improvements at Hamilton Road and Highbury Avenue, everything was a unanimous voting committee. Thank you and so noted, does anyone have any other comments that wish to make with respect to the report, Councillor Cassidy. Thank you, your worship. And I would note that I thanked staff at the committee meeting. But thank you for also thanking them.

[48:20] I have a question on 2.1, the amendments to the traffic and parking by law through you to Ms. Share. How so one thing that I’m really proud for this council that we did was implement neighborhood speed limits at lower than the 50. We had a bit of a pause on neighborhood connector streets, but slowly bit by bit we’ve been rolling this out across London. Help hoping using this as one tool to help make London safer for pedestrians, especially and for children and cyclists. So, how are we? Do you have an update through your worship on how we’re doing on that rollout? Are we getting there?

[49:05] Are we substantially there? Or do we still have a long way to go? We asked Ms. Share. She has wisdom on such things. Thank you, your worship and thank you, Councillor Cassidy. I don’t have a percent completion number with me today. Certainly with LTC, working with staff, removing the concerns that they had in place related to those higher order roads. We have a much expanded scope of work to do and we’re progressing through these as quickly as we can. One of the areas that we are challenged by is actually sign blanks and posts for signs have been impacted by the pandemic supply chain concerns. But I’d be happy to provide a memo or an update to the new council letting them know the progress.

[49:41] This is, as you said, one tool in our toolbox. We’ve also had great uptake with our PXO program and seeing many, many of those put through the city related to pedestrian safety. I apologize. I can’t give you a sort of a progress barometer in terms of a number today, but certainly can follow up. Well, if you’d like to talk about Ms. Barbone’s AAA credit rating, that would be fine. Councillor Cassidy, anything else for you? I just want to say thank you, staff, for that. I know it has been a big task. I know there are a lot of roads in London, something like half all the way to Florida and halfway back in kilometers. But this has been a really important thing. And I know that the community appreciates this small step that we’ve taken.

[50:23] So thank you through you again to staff for all the work they’ve done on that. Thank you. Any other comments on the 14th report of civic works? So with that, we will call the question. In the vote motion carries 14 to 0. Thank you. That concludes the 14th report of the Civic Works Committee. Well, thanks very much. I much appreciate it. Not on the agenda, but I think very appropriate. We’ll call on the chair of plan environment committee.

[51:13] Councillor Hopkins, please. Thank you, your worship for recognizing the planning and environment committee. And I, it’s been an honor and a pleasure to share that committee this past year. I do want to have an opportunity to thank the committee members, Vice Chair, Councillor Lehman, Councillor Lewis, Councillor Hillier, and of course, Councillor Turner all the way over in Singapore. And of course, you, your worship as well. God bless you.

[51:51] I’d also like to make a comment as well. As you know, being on planning, we have a number of public participation meetings. And I really want to encourage the community to keep being part of those public participation meetings. They are very important. But most of all, I do want to thank staff. I can see Mr. Mathers being here with us. It is vital and important that we have those communications and those conversations with staff, committee members, and of course, with the public.

[52:30] When everything comes together, that is my happy place. So thank you. First to ask Ms. Barbone. We all have our happy place, you know. Thank you very much. Councillor, I appreciate that. For the 15th report of the SPPC, I’ll call on the Deputy Mayor, please. Thank you. I’m happy to report or present the 15th report of SPPC. This is an added report given the meeting occurred last night. If colleagues recall all the way to last night, there’s a couple of items on the agenda, the authorization to hold the inaugural meeting outside of city hall. A report from the Diversity Inclusion, Antipression Committee, our Community Advisory Committee, and also some items for direction where that committee also handed out their awards for a number of businesses and organizations in the city.

[53:20] So I’m happy to put the entire committee agenda on the floor for consideration. Thanks very much. Any comments or questions with respect to the 15th report of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee? Seeing none, we will call the question. Was it a vote? Motion carries 15 to 0. That concludes that report. Thank you very much. Now we have the under 9.1 of your agenda items to be reported out in public, and I’m going to call on Councillor Layman to put the report that was established in confidential session on the floor.

[54:14] Thank you, Your Worship. On the matters that we went into confidential session report out that progress was made. Thank you. And do you have a seconder for that? I see Councillor Caste, any comments or questions? I see none. We’ll call the question. Opposed in the vote. Motion carries 15 to 0. Layman colleagues, there are no deferred matters. I’ve not been made aware of any inquiries nor emergent motions.

[55:00] So with that, we will move into the bylaws section and we’re dealing with the bylaws 383 to 3900 inclusive, and I will be looking for a mover and seconder for introduction and first reading of the same. Do I have a mover, please? I see Councillor Layman seconded by Councillor Hillyer. We’ll call the vote. Is in the vote. Motion carries 15 to 0. So I’ll be looking for mover and seconder of seconder. We have bills 383 through 3900 moved by Councillor Moo.

[55:41] Seconded by Councillor Pfeiff miller. Thank you very much. Any discussion? I see none. We’ll call the question. Was in the vote. Motion carries 15 to 0. And finally, and an act made of bills 383 through 3900. I’ll look for a mover and a seconder. Please move by Councillor Helmer. Seconded by Councillor Hopkins. Thank you very much. We’ll call the vote.

[56:16] Motion carries 15 to 0. Before we adjourn, there’s a few things that I indicated that I would like to have us do post the component on bylaws. I’m going to move back to the microphone in just a moment because there are a couple of things.

[56:52] As we consider this as our final meeting of this council term. So with that, I’ll just ask you to bear with me a moment and we’ll do our best to keep this tight and organized and go from there. So just bear with me a moment, please. We’ve got the microphone working this time. Our tech people are the most brilliant people on the planet and underappreciated, I want you to know. But not today, so thank you for that. So colleagues, there’s a couple of things we get to do when this is the final meeting of the year.

[57:43] And one of the things that we get to do is we get to acknowledge some pretty significant activity. You’ll remember that in the first two years of our term, this council and this administration is well served with Councillor Helmer as our deputy mayor. You serve with distinction and I was exceptionally proud to work with him. And I just want to say again, Councillor Helmer, thank you very much. I learned a ton from you and I got to say this council is stronger because of the leadership that you’ve provided. But more to that in a moment. What we do, we’ve created a bit of a legacy and we like to acknowledge the deputy mayor of the moment who won’t be deputy mayor much longer. But I’d ask if I can’t, firstly, for Ms. Livingston to come forward and stay here for a little bit, we’re going to hang out together.

[58:31] And I’m going to ask the deputy mayor to come forward if we provide an acknowledgement and say thank you to him for his services deputy mayor. Deputy Mayor Morgan, please come forward. I’m exactly sure from a size standpoint, if this was similar to the size of award that we provided Councillor Helmer. But it was the best we could do. So with that, I’ll invite you to come forward.

[59:09] Ladies and gentlemen, we say deepest thanks to Josh Morgan deputy mayor 2020-2022. It has edges. Be careful. Call me something a little different. And I get to do this as mayor of the city and that is to thank all of you for your service. Now, whether you have been here but four years or some less or two terms and have decided it’s time to seek new adventures or being reelected for a third term.

[59:59] Technically speaking, I think Councillor Hopkins, you are the only Councillor coming back for a third term because we dumped the deputy mayor and gave him a different role. And but I thought it was appropriate. And this is this is a chairs privilege to be able to say thanks to all of you. You know, this has been a tremendous council. You’ve worked so exceptionally well. And on every major issue that mattered in this city, we came together and whether it was the climate emergency action plan or what was so important to us to provide London as a safe community for women and girls. And what we did with transportation, what we did with affordable housing, they say that history is written by the person who’s on the microphone. So that’s what I’m doing right today.

[1:00:46] But I, but I have to say you’re the ones that deserve all of the accolades for making this work. Can I call up Councillor Van Holst please. Councillor Van Holst has been a two term Councillor. Don’t be shy. You’ve never been before. And what I, what makes me think of Councillor Van Holst was the big idea Councillor, certainly a mini idea Councillor as well. But I got to say for what you’ve done for the film office, Councillor Van Holst and the and and the officer that we have in that responsibility and how we’re going to reap benefits from that. That’s because of your vision and we’d like to honor you and wish you well in your future. So please accept this as a token of our appreciation and come forward. Please say manager. We’re going to get a nice pick.

[1:01:31] I’d like to call on Councillor Lewis, please. Interesting thing about Councillor Lewis. He’s learned to wear shoes similar to Councillor Feithmiller and which I don’t get either. Clearly, Councillor Lewis is the most popular of all the Councillors based on his voter turnout. At least that’s what he continues to tell me since the election.

[1:02:15] He’s never been shy to take a stand. Has always shown tremendous leadership on council, current chair of corporate service. I just want to say good luck in your second term. And thanks for all you’ve done for our city. Councillor Lewis. Councillor Sallie, please come forward. Keep forgetting you give those back. So Councillor Sallie has a story to term council eight years with this group. I have to tell you, some of the greatest moments that I’ve had the privilege to be part of is when Councillor Sallie served on the London Police Services Board.

[1:03:07] And you know what? You stood tall. You’re not very tall, but you stood tall, but you stood tall against discrimination of all types. And that’s what I’ve come to appreciate and love about the service that you’ve provided. I just want to say how delighted we are. We wish you well with your family and say thanks for your service. Ladies and gentlemen, Mohammed Sallie. Councillor Helmer, come on forward down. Come on down. So you notice that Councillor Sallie’s got a little bit of a hair thing going on. Now, Jesse’s got a little bit of a hair thing going.

[1:03:57] They inspire me. I want you to know that. So here we have another two term council member who frankly is served with tremendous distinction. I know the great story that he’s been involved in and the first deputy mayor that I’ve been involved with where I learned so much about how City Hall operates and Jesse, that’s because of you. Your thoughtful, your intelligent, your guidance is incredible. I know you’ve taken on a position with the Smart Prosperity Institute. We just wish you well in that adventure. And with your new family, we’re very excited. Ladies and gentlemen, how can you say thanks enough to Jesse Hallmer? Cassidy, come on down. So we’re losing so much gifted talent. Here we have another two term Councillor who has decided that the social justice sector and the social enterprise sector is going to inspire her.

[1:05:10] Councillor Cassidy’s service deputy mayor and her first term as Councillor and has been an incredibly tireless advocate for reward, current chair of the Community and Protective Services Committee. For those who don’t know, but I think we all know is joined pillar nonprofit as the interim CEO. Did I get that right? I kind of overstated it the last time, but interim CEO, but we’re just delighted for that organization. But we get a chance to say a sincere and special thanks to you, Councillor Cassidy, for the great leadership you’ve provided in the experience you’ve shown for you, please. A lot of laughing going on. This is serious business, sir. Councillor Humu, could you please come forward?

[1:06:11] Well, now, while you all thought that Councillor Squire was my absolute personal favorite, I have to tell you that when he moved on to take a provincial tribunal appointee role, Councillor Humu was our last Council appointee. And you’ve been an incredible advocate for so many causes. But the thing that has struck me is your sincere commitment to moms and what that means to them right across the city. You’re a woman of great distinction in class. We honor you. And we say every best wish in your new world. So a little token of our thank you to you, please. He takes good pictures. Deputy Mayor Josh Morgan, come on down or forward. So we said a lot about the deputy mayor and his incoming role as, as mayor of the city of London.

[1:07:32] And so, so here we’ve got a guy that’s had two terms on council has come back, but as we all know in a different capacity in his third term. For those that don’t know, six years is our budget chair. So he, you know, so I don’t care about the AAA credit rating. And Lisa cannot trick him because, because honestly, she, he knows, and she knows he knows. And the last two years, of course, is our deputy mayor. He’s also chair of the audit committee. And I can’t tell you how proud I am of his election victory and how lucky we are to have him in this capacity. I find Josh to be smart and engaged and has a tremendous capacity for bringing people together. I wish every success as mayor, ladies and gentlemen, Deputy Mayor for now, Mayor elect Josh Morgan. Congratulations.

[1:08:36] So what can you say about Councillor Steve Lehman, you know, because he always says, word eight is great. And, you know, and of course, the other thing is, hi, my name is Steve, if we remember that pose, but he’s been reelected in in his second term for word eight. You know, never shy to take on council commitments, passionate supporter of causes in his ward and right across the city. And I have to say Steve, it’s been a real privilege to work with you. And I just wish every success in your second term as you go forward. Please accept a small token of our appreciation. Ladies and gentlemen, Steve Lehman.

[1:09:42] I did not. Councillor Hopkins, Anna Hopkins, please come on down. Feels like that Bob Barker. What’s that show? Come on. Price is right. So this is history. Now we have Councillor Hopkins who’s been reelected now going into her third term in ward nine. But I’ve come to appreciate about Anna is her role, particularly with a mo. It’s, it’s something I know you’re passionate about. You’re damn good at it. And, and you have the ear of senior members of cabinet at the provincial level. And you have a lot of respect from colleagues right across the province. Also in her spare time chair of the planning environment committee, spare time doing ward nine stuff.

[1:10:29] But you are very busy, committed, and you give heart and soul. And ladies and gentlemen, I just want to say thanks to Anna Hopkins. She’s been tremendous else for Van Mirberg and Dan to I’m making that up. So what do you say about Paul Van Mirberg and elected? He’s like, he’s only had like one term and now just elected, but he had like 20 terms before that as well. And in so many respects, longest serving member of council, which means he has incredible wisdom.

[1:11:18] And we look forward to this next year to see that wisdom again on display for the benefit of the city. So Paul, I just want to say on behalf of this council as mayor, thanks for your commitment to the city and we wish every success in the next term. Councillor Stephen Turner, can you hear me? Well, there’s not much I’m going to say about you. Actually, there’s a lot I could say. Look, as we know, Councillor Turner chose not to run again as he accepted a new role as manager of Lantern County’s EMS, and that’s a monster responsibility. But you know what I’ve appreciated to when particularly when Jesse Helmer and I were working together on the on so much to do with the mayor’s task forces on economic and social impact and how we dealt with face, faith based communities, how you came and helped us and help Council on health related issues, and you gave people really strong guidance throughout our community. So Steve, please accept the appreciation of this Council, this administration, and this mayor for the great work you’ve done.

[1:12:47] Ladies and gentlemen, Councillor Steve Turner. Maybe I can get Councillor Palose to come forward. So, Councillor Elizabeth Palose has now been elected to her second term in Ward 12. She’s currently the budget chair. How much fun is that really? Actually, according to Annalisa. And, and I have to tell you, not only that, but has served as the during his home board chair through these last several years and currently chair of civic works. You just do everything.

[1:13:32] And we appreciate the work that you’ve done. You look at things as well, little uniquely through an environmental lens. I’ve learned from you on that. But I have to say, on behalf of all of our Council, we’re very grateful. I’m delighted you’re back. Welcome back to Council. Councillor Fyfe Miller. Now, John, there are those that would like to call you Councillor John Fyfe Millar. And I know there’s a bit of a thing like that, like Councillor Lewis likes to do that Councillor Palose. Is that really true? Is that how you pronounce your name? You go ahead and tell us all now. Go buy anything. So, Fyfe Miller, Fyfe Miller, as long as you get the Fyfe right, I’m good.

[1:14:26] All right, such a sock. I don’t know. All right, so here’s the good news about my friend Councillor Fyfe Miller, Millar, something. As you know, he was a Council appointee to replace Ariel Cabago when she went on to become a Member of Parliament for London West. Here’s what I’ve come to know. I have not seen a stronger advocate for downtown. I’ve never seen a stronger believer in business and how to make London downtown well again. And I couldn’t be more proud of the efforts that you have done on behalf of our city. Even though it’s a short while, it’s kind of like that song, “Jarnie and we hardly knew you.” But you create a great legacy and we’ll not forget you, I promise. Congratulations and thanks, John Fyfe Miller.

[1:15:10] I always hate to say last but not least, but what the heck? Steve Hillier, come on forward. So, here’s what I know about Steve Hillier, and he’s been a guide that I’ve really come to appreciate for his subtle and sometimes caustic sense of humor. But reelected for his second term in Ward 14, you know, I call Steve the People’s Councillor and I do that for a reason because he is a Council who believes in the principles of management by walking around.

[1:15:58] And he’s done that time again and time again and time again. You have such an incredible comment touch and I had no doubt that’s why people in Ward 14 honored themselves by having you back to serve with them. So, ladies and gentlemen, I’m so proud of Councillor Steve Hillier. Well done. Before I ask Councillor Ms. Livingston to leave me, not quite allowed, just a couple of things I just want to say about our city manager. And this is something colleagues that we all know pointed like 10 days before the pandemic exploded all over London.

[1:16:50] I mean, who could have imagined the impacts of COVID-19? Who could have even prepped or planned for it? You know, I get a few accolades from time to time from people who say bravo, well done. It’s not me. It’s all the people around this horseshoots, the people in front of us here and Lynn would say that. But I will also say, because of the leadership of Lynn Livingston, you can’t imagine the impact of every aspect of our lives that have been touched by this and she didn’t sign up for it. And I got to tell you, she’s dealt with the impacts of the pandemic with compassion, with clarity and common sense, and we couldn’t have gotten through these last two and half years without Lynn Livingston. And I say that from my heart, and we know that to be true. And while I know she will credit her senior leadership team, and I know she will credit all of our staff as we have want to do from time to time.

[1:17:40] There still has to be leaders prepared to make decisions when it’s appropriate for the moment. Lynn’s that kind of a leader and we honor her today. So if I can say with sincerest thanks Lynn Livingston. So this is a bit dangerous, and that is that Ms Livingston said she’d like to say a few words and why it’s dangerous. You never like to have someone have the last word, but on the other hand, I think it’s quite appropriate.

[1:18:18] And I wonder, Ms Livingston, if you’d like to, the floor is yours. Thank you very much, your worship and I wasn’t expecting that last plaque. So thank you very much for the recognition of our team and the great work that civic administration does to support all of council and the work that you do to lead our wonderful city. So on behalf of the senior leadership team and truly on behalf of all employees of the city of London, it is my honor to say just a few words to you this evening. I know that some of you will be returning to the upcoming council term and to all of you, I say congratulations. We look forward to working with you into what we can achieve together over the next four years.

[1:19:04] For those of you that will not be returning, I want to extend my very best wishes for what lies ahead. I look forward to the many ways that we all know you will continue to contribute to our community. And for all of you, I wish to express very deep gratitude for your leadership and governance over the last four years. As each of you look back over your term, I hope that it is with a very deep sense of pride of what you’ve been able to accomplish together. You’ve provided leadership during an extraordinary time when the pandemic COVID-19 had had a significant impact on our community and continues to do so, and frankly on every community in Ontario and Canada.

[1:19:51] But you provided significant leadership and established the London Community Recovery Network, and this took steps that would help to unite our community, would set a foundation for surviving during the pandemic, but more importantly, thriving beyond it. You also declared as the mayor noted a climate emergency and set the stage for the climate emergency action plan. This is a community wide effort to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and improve our resilience to all climate change impacts. This is foundational work that will impact Londoners for generations to go. You demonstrated your commitment to housing and to affordable housing by approving the road to 3000 affordable units map, as well as the single greatest one time investment of $20 million to support affordable housing in our community. And you’ve taken tangible and concrete actions to eradicate racism, hate and oppression in our community.

[1:21:01] Through your direction, we created the anti racism and anti oppression division. We created the action plan to disrupt Islamophobia in our community. And we created the anti racism and anti oppression framework, which embed the principles of equity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. I could go on and on. Those are only a few of the things that you have done together. For achievements are many, your impact will be long lasting, and it is our distinct pleasure to work alongside you to deliver on the council strategic plan to lead our administration and serve Londoners every day on your behalf. On behalf of all of us are very best wishes and heartfelt thanks for your leadership over these last four years. Thank you.

[1:22:02] Thank you, Ms Livingston. I’m going to now give any colleague who wishes the opportunity to say a few words. And I’ll remind us that that with apologies that we have a five minute max. And I’m not looking at anybody as I say that, but I will certainly invite anyone that has any, any final comments for this, this council term to say them now, or forever save it until the next time. Anyone wish, Councillor Lewis, go ahead. Thank you, your worship. So I’ll start by saying to our staff. Thank you for all of your tremendous work over the last four years. And sorry about your luck, but I’m coming back to all the council colleagues.

[1:22:50] It’s been a real privilege to work alongside you over these last four years, even though much of that time was virtually alongside each other. And it certainly made it more difficult, I think, than any of us anticipated. Because of working as a team, because we weren’t side by side. That’s always a challenge. But every one of you rose to that challenge. And we all did our very best in a situation where there was no playbook. And I want to particularly single out, Councillor Himu and Councillor Fife Miller, who were called upon to fill vacancies at a time when these weren’t anticipated, and they stepped up when their awards needed representation and filled those roles very admirably. And finally, I want to extend my sincere congratulations to you, your worship on your well deserved retirement after decades of service to this community in so many different ways, shapes and forms.

[1:23:56] But Judith is looking forward to having more of your time for herself. I’m not quite sure how she’s going to slow you down, but I will say most important thing about your term in office as mayor of the city of London, is that you had the great wisdom to bring along Heidi Mackle. And I want to really thank Heidi, I know she’s been with you a long time, but behind every great mayor, there’s an even greater assistant keeping the ship afloat and organized and running. And I know that Heidi and Nada and Chris and Nathan and Gary in your office and Mike who’s in your office for a while, they’ve worked tremendously hard to support you, but also to work with us as a council over the last four years as well.

[1:24:43] So to them, I want to say thanks as well to those who are returning, I look forward to continuing to work with you for the next four years. For those who are leaving for new adventures, I know that you might not be here on a regular basis, but I suspect we’ll see many of your faces back again for various issues and items as they come up on the agenda because I know you’ll continue to be involved in the community. So best wishes to those who are not returning on their new adventures. Thank you, Councillor Lewis. Any other comments? Councillor Cassidy. Thank you, Your Worship. And I hope you won’t cut me off. I don’t think I’m going to be longer than five minutes, but I’ll let you know. So I want to say that, just to remind anyone that doesn’t know, I was elected in 2014 as part of the class of 2014.

[1:25:33] I was elected by the voters of Ward 5 to be their representative, along with not as representatives of Ward 5, but I was elected along with Councillor Bann-Holes, Councillor Saleh, Councillor Helmer, Councillor Morgan, Councillor Hopkins. And it was a huge wave of change. Londoners were looking for change, and it was excited. There were 11 brand new Councillors at the time, and who had never served elected office before. My first motion in December of 2014 was to direct civic administration to lift the ban on Londoners eating and drinking in the gallery at City Hall and Council Chambers. It seems insignificant, maybe a little frivolous, but the purpose was to recognize that Londoners are sometimes forced to sit through hours of committee meetings while they wait for their matter to be heard.

[1:26:27] For me, that motion represented a change in thinking that this chamber doesn’t belong to the corporation of the City of London. It doesn’t belong to City Council. It belongs to the people of London. Therefore, it should be a welcoming place for all Londoners to come and allow them to play an active role in civic life. To those people who decided not to vote, because we did have quite a low voter turnout, I asked them to reconsider their stance. If they’re feeling like their voice isn’t heard, put in that effort. Sometimes our meetings are really long and really boring, but it’s your voice.

[1:27:13] It’s your chance to find out what’s going on in here in London and to use your voice, engage with your counselor, engage with the committees that meet and engage with council as a whole and hold this council accountable. And not just council as well, civic administration. There’s a role for citizens to play in that back and forth with their counselor and with civic administration. An interesting thing about the last election with the low voter turnout, some cities that had different methods of voting had different voter turnout. It’s had a higher voter turnout. So I looked to the mayor elect to lead the next council and looking at those kinds of possibilities here in London.

[1:27:57] How can you get that voter turnout up? We know that younger people like to vote in different ways. And they’re more likely to vote if they have more options. To the people of ward five, I want to say thank you for entrusting me twice with your vote and allowing me to serve. I’ve always viewed this role as service. It’s not a VIP role. It’s a lot of hard, hard work, but I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s been so rewarding. I’ve felt like I’ve helped make a difference over the last eight years.

[1:28:42] Civic administration are a group of amazing, amazing people who could go almost anywhere in the private sector and choose to serve Londoners. I think that that can’t be pointed out enough. People get frustrated with some of the decisions that come out of this council. People get frustrated with sometimes the policies of city hall in general, but the people here care deeply. I’m going to recognize some staff, past and present. If I miss anybody, I’m really sorry.

[1:29:36] Linda Rowe taught me how to share my first meeting at corporate services committee when I really didn’t know what the heck I was doing. Kathy Saunders, oh my gosh, so much support from Kathy Lynn Livingston with you and Sandra Dater’s beer and Trevor. And I can’t remember all the staff. Cheryl, I know you helped with the poverty panel work. I know how hard you worked. You had your full time job at city hall, and then you did another full time job working and supporting the poverty panel. And the work we did there was so incredible and valuable and unbelievable and unbelievable.

[1:30:20] Just let me say a few more names here. Kelly Cher, Ashley Griffiths, Art Zunima, Kevin Dickens, Scott Meithers, John Fleming, Greg Barrett, Michael Thomas-Incick, Barb Westlake Power, Michael Schultis, Sarah Korman, Jackie Davidson, Annalisa Barbone, Matt Daly, and all the IT people, Robert John, Steve Matt, so I don’t know all your last names, but I could not have done my day to day work anywhere to do with city council without your support, Edward Soto, oh my gosh, Doug McCrae, and Mark Ridley, who worked so closely with me on school travel planning and safe travel planning to school. Mark was incredible, and the stuff he did at Stony Brook Public School alone, we could not have accomplished without him.

[1:31:07] So if I missed anyone, please tell your staff that I am so grateful for all of the support over the years. Thank you very much. Our tech folks, can we get like music to kind of wrap up pieces like they do with the Oscars, I think that would be like super nice, you know. Well said, Councillor CASSIDY, any other comments, any other final comments, Singapore, go ahead, drink, I knew a drink named after that once, go ahead, please. We’ll go find one later, except it’s five in the morning here. So, anyway, thank you Your Worship and through you. Thank you to all of you. It’s been a profound honor to serve the residents of Ward 11 and the city of London to serve alongside all of you, each and every one of you for the past four years and my colleagues from the previous four years as well. I can’t say enough. This has been such an incredible opportunity.

[1:32:11] And as I said, at the beginning of our term, eight years ago, there’s two things you never want to see made, sausages and policy. And for the past eight years I’ve had a nice close look at how policies made and, and I still hold that to very true. But there are a number of us all in the room that to participate in that together. And that’s pretty fantastic. I’m very sorry I can’t be there today in person. I really wish I could be on our final foreign module, my academic program. There really wasn’t many opportunities to try and find some other options. So, here I am from a hotel room in Singapore talking to all of you today. So, but I really hope I get to see you soon.

[1:33:01] I’ll take it back because I all did a gratitude. You know that to some of us may have had different views on the issues of the day, but I know that at the end of the day, we all have the well being and future of our city at the root of our decisions. And, and I can’t thank you enough for that. Thank you for all your time and commitment to our city, to our city’s residents. I think we’ve done some pretty phenomenal things. I want to make a huge thank you to all of the city staff of the city of Mormon, all of them. You’re the ones who make the city work and to make this city one of the most desirable places to live in Canada.

[1:33:41] It doesn’t go unnoticed every day. All the things that make the city home over 100 service areas throughout the city. It’s an undescribable. Those who I’ve had the honor to work really closely with. And there’s so many. Your dedication to the city has been so apparent in every one of our interactions. And I really leave knowing that that we have such an outstanding civil service and that London is some great hands. I really want to give a thanks to special thanks to the team and the counselor’s office. The, really who, who makes the counselors work come is the team and the counselor’s office, responding to constituent inquiries supporting us, making sure that we have the material that we need in order to make our decisions and, and to, to represent our neighborhoods as best we can.

[1:34:35] It’s not hyperbole. There is no way we could do this job without you and, and your support has, has been phenomenal all the way through as a small and very mighty team and we ask a lot of you and, and you, you deliver each and every day. I think there’s been some, some amazing initiatives that that have come forward over the past term and the past previous term as well that I’ve been an honor to be a part of. So the city forward is the mayor’s mentioned with transportation with housing with climate. There’s still a lot of work to do in those fronts to them. And I, I know that the next term of council will have a lot to deal with. One of the biggest challenges is going to be inflation and trying to figure out how to to deal with addiction’s homelessness, the climate emergency, our transportation and completing our transportation infrastructure and network in such a way that at the same time recognizes that we might have some funds and income challenges to go with that too.

[1:35:43] I have all the well wishes in the world for you. I’ll be here to support you. I also might take a bit of a social media vacation for a little bit and maybe then bring my head back up to see what’s going on. But I know that you’re going to go forward and do great things as well. I’m not going to go on too much longer. What I thank you, Councilor Cassidy for going into everybody by name. It’s the very impressive thoughtfulness that that she’s brought to every meeting all along. I’m sorry, 30 seconds counselor.

[1:36:37] Actually, it’s Wednesday morning here so I’ve actually moved forward and time not back. Anyway, with all of that, I’ll hand over the mic, but thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It’s been an honor, a privilege, and I can’t wait to see the great things that the city continues to do. Thank you, very much, Councillor. Any other comments from colleagues? Councillor Halmer, go ahead. Thank you. I’ll try and keep it to five minutes. It’s going to mean I’m going to have to go kind of fast. I actually made some notes so I don’t miss anything. We’ll see how successful that is. I want to start by thanking my family for making it possible for me to serve as a Councillor. I think we all know that it’s not just one person up here doing this work.

[1:37:28] It’s a whole network of people who are supporting us in the service and it’s just not possible with the support of your family and I want to thank them for doing that. You know, the elections are difficult. Often time in between elections can also be really difficult. I think we’re seeing more and more anger out there in the community, sometimes directed at elected officials, sometimes directed at staff who are trying to do their jobs and it’s the families who bear a lot of the brunt of that anger. The staff, families, our families, and I just want to recognize my own family and then also everyone else’s families for making us available. I want to recognize the Councillor’s support team, especially Leardana, Ashley, and Ebelina who I worked with very closely over many years.

[1:38:19] You’re amazing and part of the job of Councillor is helping people navigate all the things that are difficult about civic administration and the Council support team are the real experts at making sure the right people get connected to the right people so that the problems can be solved very quickly and you do a wonderful job at it and I know it can be very thankless at times and I want to recognize you for your service. I want to recognize the various staff who worked for me directly. Jocelyn, Julia, Ellen, Mariam, Katherine, Chris, over the years I’ve had many people work for me as an assistant on a variety of issues. You know, they kind of choose the things they’re interested in and work on those things and they did a lot of great stuff, you know, helping me understand some of these issues, push some of these issues forward.

[1:39:09] I helped me inform motions. I brought the Council and it just couldn’t have been possible without them. I want to say a special thank you to Maddie Drow, who was my assistant when the pandemic hit and all of a sudden got into a full time job supporting me as we were managing through the early stages of the pandemic and what was a very, very difficult time. On the senior leadership team side, I do this really quickly. Councilor Cassidy mentioned many of these people, but Martin Hayward and Elisa, making sure that we’re counting all the pennies and making the big decisions that need to be made in terms of fiscal discipline. And then John Fleming for his amazing vision of what the city can be, and all the people who work for John, John Brown, and Ed Solo, and Doug McCray, who, in addition to Misha, are trying to make sure all these projects that we’re trying to do are like the least disruption possible, the most cost effective possible deliver the best value possible. A lot of the money goes through that area. And you do a really, really great job. All the clerks, Kathy Linda, Barb, Michael, Sarah, all the people actually support the committees and make them work. So much of the work goes on in the background and people don’t see it. It just wouldn’t be possible without them.

[1:40:25] Sandra, there’s beer and Kevin have probably the hardest issues in the whole corporation. And, you know, you’re moving the ball forward on them. It’s because you and your teams are really committed to the work that it’s, it’s, we’re making progress and I really appreciate that. Mr cost of us. And now, Mr. Mathers, in the crosshairs of a lot of people who are very frustrated with city processes at times. And on the administration of the rules side of things, it can be very difficult to say no to people to say no, you know, we’re going to be fair. This is the answer. I know you don’t like it.

[1:41:01] Those those decisions are tough ones. And we need people who’ve got the right character in those roles to do them well. And I’m glad we’ve had that in the city of London. Mr Cox said, Smith, you know, fortunately, I haven’t had to deal with you guys on a lot of issues because a lot of those areas are just not as as difficult and hard as the areas where I’ve had more interactions with staff. I think it’s you credit that they’re going very smoothly in those areas, at least in board for Mr O’Brien, I know you’re retired, but, you know, we wouldn’t have got through this pandemic without Dave O’Brien and his team of people. And he was just amazing. People don’t see what he does on a regular basis. And I want to really specially call out.

[1:41:46] And 30 seconds, please, concert. Okay. The two chiefs, the three deputy chiefs, Ms. Pileshny at the transit commission and her team, all the operators who are moving people around the city. This amazing work, Dr. Mackie and Dr. Summers, Heather Loco, the chief nursing officer at the health unit, this tremendous leadership in our community. Really difficult jobs that they take on. We saw how difficult it can be during the pandemic. I want to recognize them, especially when it’s on the board there. Past council members, Hubert, Mayor Brown, Councillor Park, Councillor Ridley, Councillor Zayfmann, Councillor Usher. I have a new understanding of how annoying it must have been to have new people come in when you had been in for a couple of terms.

[1:42:25] Councillor, if you were in Councillor Usher, I think probably they saw these young guns come in and they’re like, Oh, God, here we go. One thing I’ll say is, to the residents award for, I really appreciate that you put me in the chair and give me your best advice and advocate for the things you wanted to see. I’ve been honored to be the Rosenda for this area for eight years. You look ahead at what’s coming up and, you know, it’s going to be tough. We got a lot of progress to make on ending homelessness, really improving safety and well-being in our community and not just through enforcement, but dealing with the root causes of what’s going on affordability and really meaningful climate action. There’s a saying in local government, if you listen to especially staff long enough, you’ll hear there’s no new issues.

[1:43:15] There’s only new Councillors. And, you know, it’s hard to walk away when there’s so many things that aren’t finished, but it’s important that there’s new people who step up and take the ball and keep it going. And I want to say to the next council, best of luck to you as you take on all these challenges, working with the staff, I’m really confident that you’re going to accomplish great things. Thank you. Any other comments? Councillor van Holst. Thank you, Your Worship. By the way, Councillor Hummer set the record for longest talking. I know you won’t do that, but we’ll all do our very best.

[1:43:51] There we go. Yeah, thank you. So thrilled to be a member of council. So I wanted to take this role in order to make a difference. And I was thrilled to be able to do that and acknowledge everyone here who supported whatever initiatives came forward for that. So I want to thank you, thank you all there. And like Councillor Hummer, I think he made some great comments. I want to thank also my family as well, because it’s not difficult.

[1:44:34] It’s not easy, especially for them, if you’re taking on positions that aren’t popular. And I do hope that we’re able to continue to have those discussions because looking at different sides of things gets us to better decisions. And I think in a lot of ways we came to some really good decisions here. So as I look back at a few of the things that were done, I’m very happy and we’re giving out thanks.

[1:45:11] I’d also like to acknowledge the leaders and staff of the boards that I’ve sat on. There’s the Huron and Lake Huron and Lake Elgin water supply. I had the privilege of being chair of both of those and amazed how well things are run there. And this is the point that I really want to make is how exciting it is to be part of a city where we really are doing the best practices. London is an example in so many ways of how things should be done, how things can be done.

[1:45:53] And the corporation here in our ABCs, London Hydro is another great example, what a thrilling opportunity to be part of that board as well to see the great things are done. And of course, we’ve seen in our own little community facing crises, how they’re able to turn things around so quickly. So that’s another thrilling thing to see. I’ll thank my wife, certainly for supporting me all these years. And now I look at what the next council faces is going to be a big challenge.

[1:46:50] But tough things to take on, not just for the city, but everywhere it seems that life or the world is on a bit of a downward and divisive trajectory. And so again, getting back to the idea of being able to have nuanced discussions to figure out how to do that. We need to get past the name calling that seems to happen a lot out there, but I think there’s ways to face all those, face all those challenges and overcome. And I think that’s that we’re a city certainly that’s able to overcome challenges we’ve seen many a lot of ways we’re on the on the right on the right tracks and I think there’s hope for us.

[1:47:46] But we’re also going to need some new ideas. And, and so if you’re out there in the public, please write in and let us know. I know a lot of the things that I brought forward were just ideas that constituents gave me. So it’s, it was a pleasure to see those things manifest as well. So I’ll thank you again all for the many things I learned from you. And it was, it was a certainly interesting ride. So my gratitude to everyone. Thank you.

[1:48:30] Thank you, Councillor any other comments from colleagues, Councillor. Thank you, Mr. Chair. It’s a war three to London. I love you. It’s been surreal. It feels like it’s been a movie. I guess there’s been a sequel part one, part two. I guess I’ll let the public decide, which was more interesting, which was more exciting, but it’s really been a privilege and honor to kind of take on this role that I never expected in my life to do. I want to thank my family, my friends, the community. I want to thank staff, especially the Council support staff, Larry Donna, have Alina Don, Ashley, Mack, all of you guys are awesome. They’re who, they’re the people who make us look great up here. And I want to really thank them for all their work because I know war three is really one of those vocal awards and send a lot of communications.

[1:49:18] So shout out to war three, keep on sending emails. I’m sure the incoming Councillor will be happy to take them in the interim, though. I know Josh Morgan, you can reach my extension 4007. He wasn’t ready for that one, but in the transition period. I also did want to shout out a few other people. I think, you know, you know, Daryl Nook comes here today. I’m not seeing anyone else today, but I know Megan Stacey and Patrick Malone before, and Linda Free Press. They play a viral role and getting the word out to the community. So I just want to thank them for the role they play. So I see you, Daryl. I think London has a lot of challenges. You know, we’ve worked through a lot of those challenges and it was, in fact, some difficult conversations around this horseshoe horseshoe. And we’ve had some difficult times to get through, but we’ve gotten through them all together because we’ve come together as a team and we fought through and we made a positive impact in our community. And I want to thank the staff, the Londoners and the people around this horseshoe for doing what needs to be done in those difficult times.

[1:50:17] The incoming council, I hope you continue to do that difficult work that needs to be done. It’s not easy. I want to thank my mommy and I want to thank everybody else for my family for their support over these past eight years. It’s been a long eight years and I know a lot of times I’ve missed many, many family events. And now I hope to focus a little bit more on my family, my friends, and to try to make an impact in a different way. So thank you very much London for this opportunity. And I guess goodbye and I’ll probably update my Twitter after this, or probably already my bio. Thank you, Councillor. Any other comments from colleagues?

[1:50:51] Well, I’m going to then take a liberty, if I may. Before I do that, I’ll call on the Mayor-elect Josh Morgan, please. Thank you. I wanted to go near the end because at the end of my remarks, I have something for the Mayor. And I think colleagues have spoken very well today about thanking our staff and many others, given I’ll have the opportunity to continue to serve. I’m going to focus some of my remarks on the things that are changing for me. And although I’ll have this tremendous opportunity to serve in a different capacity, it means that I’m leaving both the Councillor’s office and serving the Residence Award 7 in this capacity.

[1:51:34] So let me first start by thanking my family for allowing me to serve the Residence Award 7 over the last eight years. Most of my kids, three of the four, have only really known me as an elected official. And I want to thank them for everything they’ve done to allow me to do this job. I know it’s meant shifting things around. I know it’s meant to accommodating schedules. I know when there’s been emergencies and things come up, it’s often them who have to have their lives changed. And so I thank them each and every day. I still sing to them at night when I get home in time.

[1:52:15] I’m not a great singer, so I’ll never actually show that off in public. But thank you to my family, my wife, Melanie, my mom, the greatest thing that could ever happen to elected officials is to have a mom who’s retired who was five minutes away from you. Without that, I don’t think I could have served the Residence Award 7 in the way that I did. To the counselor’s office staff who both those who are here tonight and those who have served over the years. I’m going to miss you. I know I’ll only be one floor away, but there’s times where, especially those times when I did Wednesday morning radio drove all the way down to the south end of the city and then interrupted your morning team meetings.

[1:52:57] Just thought I was part of the team. I’m sure I was very disruptive, but getting to know each of you who are here and the others who aren’t over the years has been an incredible honor. As I said tonight, none of the good stuff we get credit for with our constituents would happen without the incredible work you’re doing. You make us look so good. There’s these funny things that happen where the constituent is angry about something and suddenly you see the thank you email. I’m like, what the heck did I do? But they’re very happy and it’s the individuals in the counselor’s office who make us look good. Thank you so much. And I look forward to visiting on a regular basis, but I will miss our engagements and our close interactions together.

[1:53:42] To the residents of Ward 7, what an interesting word to represent over eight years. I remember knocking in Foxfield in 2014 and there was about 100 houses and I think there’s now about 2000 there. It’s a little longer track around the lap there, but a fast growing really changing part of the city. Just the the injection of diversity. And people from all over the country coming to our city and often they land in my ward and what has really changed over the years and it’s been such a wonderful experience to be a leader in that part of the city. Something else is changing for me and I will say it here publicly because I don’t get to talk about my employer often because I have a conflict, but I will be leaving my employment at the University of Western Ontario.

[1:54:30] I’ve submitted my notice and I want to thank my employer and my managerial association for having having the ability to flex my hours, having the ability to to allow someone to serve who has other responsibilities for having those policies in place that allow for public service. And I know not every employer does. I was very lucky to work for an employer that allowed me to to take, you know, either unpaid leave during times or reduce responsibility to serve in public office. And I want to thank all of my colleagues who I’ve worked with since 2006 in that office and especially since I became elected official for everything they did to accommodate having someone in the office who wasn’t there full time. And in adjusting the workload and schedules to allow for that to work. Thank you to them very much. And to my colleagues who I’ve served with, particularly those who aren’t returning and those who I’ve served with since that, as Councillor Caste said, the class of the big turnover in 2014.

[1:55:33] And I know your first motion was about food. Mine was too. I brought the food truck motion, which are still wonderful today. But to all of you who I’ve served with over that eight year period, especially those who aren’t returning, like I’ve learned so much from you. I know we were thrown into a new council with with a lot of learning and with a ton of energy. I think we, you know, we went through some very, very challenging times over those years and made some really dramatic changes. And it’s been wonderful to get to know all of you all. I’ll center out Councillor Turner, who you probably don’t know this, but Councillor Turner and I applied to be on the Amazing Race Canada together. We just submitted a video. They didn’t pick us.

[1:56:15] But Councillor Turner, if you ever want to submit another video and submission, I’d love to do that one day. It’s their loss, though. We would have been a great team. So with that, I’m going to leave my thank yous. And I hope you don’t time me because I’m giving you a gift now. Your worship. I’m off the clock, so I won’t talk about myself anymore, but I’ll finish by saying thank you to everybody I mentioned and I look forward to the challenges ahead. Now, I do have the honor of there is a tradition at municipal council to provide a very specific gift to the outgoing mayor. And I have that gift here. I’m going to present it to you. No surprise. It is a gavel. It is not that one, but when you get to keep. And so let me present that to you.

[1:57:06] And what I will say about this gavel is I don’t know why you would give a retiring politician a gavel, but, but I hope, you know, in your retirement and the good years ahead that you set up presiding over meetings are presiding over time for family and loved ones with friends and a well deserved retirement. I know I know you’re still going to be involved in many different ways, but, but I, you know, I hope you get to take the time to, to give back. I know your family knows how much public service gives just like I mentioned before, and I hope your family is excited to have you back and residing over a different kind of adventure together. So thank you for your service.

[1:58:00] Mayor Holder. Thanks for joining their comments from colleagues. You will be the only thing separating ourselves from a little bite beat and the sticky toffee pudding. Well, that’s very nice. I get to say thank you to, to all the council for this at holder mayor corporation city of London. May his reign never end. What does that mean? I, I’m missing. Thank you very much. Any other comments colleagues, failing that I’d like to just add a just a couple of comments myself if I can. And I want to focus on three parts, one that won’t surprise you because it’s consistent.

[1:58:57] When we’ve had committee of the whole, and which includes both as PPC and also the council meetings themselves to thank our staff. I’ve done it consistently because I mean it from my heart. Without the staff that we have here that have made our city work as well as it has, it would have been impossible to be as effective as we are. So what does that mean fastest growing city in the province. The fastest growing city used to Vancouver. I don’t know why Vancouver wants the credit, but they do get it. But so do we. We have really done one hell of a job as a city. And I’m so proud of the efforts of our business community coming together our social and community service communities coming together and communities coming together. But it’s all because our staff helps set a tone. And I’d especially like to point out the clerks if you let me for a moment here on some heroes.

[1:59:54] Never sure what Kathy Saunders did, but I do now know what Michael and Barb and Sarah do. And to all of you and Kathy, of course, I say this on behalf of all of us. You’ve kept us on the straight and narrow and you’ve helped us be better. And we thank you for that. Let me, let me, I know we’ve acknowledged a couple of people, a couple of unsung heroes. Sammy laughed from facilities without him. Nothing happens. Can I tell you? And he has been such a superstar and an unsung hero. And the front desk of the clerk’s office and Dom and the whole team there that come with a joy. And when you see Dom, he gives you a salute. I have no idea why he started that with Martin Hayward and maybe does that with you Lynn.

[2:00:39] I do not know, but he certainly does that with me and that just makes you feel good about being there and all the folks on the main floor. But you know, I started with some comments before when I said we think of the things that we have dealt with as a council. We think of what we’ve had to deal with with the pandemic. We think of what we’ve had to deal with, with the greatest tragedy and the deaths of the Nassau family and the Woodman explosion and the Teapal terrorist tragedy, all those kinds of things that we’ve had to deal with in our term that have been challenging. But I’ll tell you, London is a city of compassion and this council is a council of caring, because when I saw how council came together, how this community came together, in particular with the Nassau family.

[2:01:29] And I remember it was actually Reverend Kevin George who led organized the march to go from that sad site to the mosque of just a few days later 10,000 lenders came together in a show of strength, unity and love. And that’s what the city represents to me, and how we all responded to that, and how the community responded to the call when it wasn’t popular for things like masking and vaccines and the like, and we know there’s been different views around this table. But ultimately the community responded and we honor them for helping us pull this city together. So with so many things that we have dealt with, can I tell you, I just couldn’t be more proud of the council around this table.

[2:02:17] A number of you mentioned family and I’d like to tie on that as well, because without our families, those are the other unsung heroes, whether it’s our staff, who work incredible and countless hours, whether we as council members. And you know what, we asked them to pay a significant sacrifice. So on behalf of all of us, if I can say to our families, thank you very much. I was interviewed the other day and asked about, and this is before I became mayor and I was involved in federal politics. And I shared the story of how my two little ones grew up without me. I was seven years in Ottawa, and I never saw them, never saw them.

[2:02:59] And that’s my loss, and I’m trying to make up for that now, but you, all of us in public life know what that sacrifice means. So I honor you for the commitment and I honor your families for what they have done as well. So I get to say to Jeanite, to my daughter Claudia and her husband, Cheto, to my babies, my and Katia, who are taller than me babies. How much I appreciate and love you for the commitment that you have made. As you all, I know feel that same way, but your families as well. To my own staff, I know we’ve acknowledged the great staff on the third floor of Bravo, and I know that’s meant from the heart because these people couldn’t, around this table, couldn’t do it without you, and we know that to be true.

[2:03:42] And it’s no different from me, Heidi, who’s been with me forever, and Nada, and Chris, and Gary, and Nathan, and Mike. Those have been integral parts of my life in this office, and I will never forget their strong, strong support. My colleagues, we’re about to adjourn, because now I’m separating you in the meal, and that’s not fair. But please know, Lynn, as we end our meeting, as we always do, saying thanks to our staff, that this meeting will not be any different. Tremendous thanks to our staff for the incredible work that you all do.

[2:04:17] We’re better because of you, and we are so, so grateful. Ladies and gentlemen, could we put our hands together and acknowledge our staff? Well, Singapore was standing or not, are you standing? I just want you to get into the flavor of what we’re doing here. Three seconds. There we go. So, I think that will conclude most of the business if there is no other business for the good of this council, and this term.

[2:04:56] I declare this city to be in an exceptional hands. Mayor Morgan, I wish you every success with your new council going forward. It will be tremendous because of the leadership you bring, the caliber of the individuals that are coming forward as well. Miss us just a little, because we can tell you now, we already miss you. And please, for God’s sakes, keep our AAA credit rating. With that, ladies and gentlemen, can I have a motion to adjourn? Everybody, can I have a motion then? Second it.

[2:05:29] Everybody. All those in favor? Motion carries. This meeting is adjourned. Bravo.