Business Insider – April 10

In this Issue:

• Last Call for Community Chat
• New Strategy to Address Open-Air Substance Use
• Small Business Health and Safety Awards
• Ideas for Dundas Place?
• Good News
• Stay in the Loop!

Last Call to RSVP for Community Chat

Join us for a Community Chat with Mayor Morgan & Councillor Ferreira.

• Tariffs and how to minimize the impact on London, especially Downtown London, Businesses
• Hart Hub announcement – how will this impact Downtown London
• Downtown Masterplan – progress and Quick Start actions?
• Other relevant topics

📌 Please RSVP to Judith@downtownlondon.ca before April 11th.

New Strategy to Address Open-Air Substance Use

The London Police Service (LPS) is launching a new strategy to address open-air substance use in public spaces, with a focus on compassion, safety, and community collaboration. Starting immediately, LPS will increase police presence, particularly in downtown, Midtown, and Old East Village areas, to engage directly with the public.

Key actions include:

• Increased police engagement: Officers will be paired with mental health and addiction experts from CMHA Thames Valley for on-the-ground support.
• Enhanced team deployment: Nurse-police teams from London Health Sciences Centre will join the initiative in the coming months, providing additional care.
• Community outreach: Officers will engage with residents, businesses, and individuals to build trust and offer support.
• Partnerships with local organizations: Collaboration with healthcare providers, social services, and harm-reduction groups will help bridge gaps in care and provide comprehensive support.

The strategy aims to create safe, welcoming public spaces while offering pathways to recovery for individuals struggling with addiction. Community members are encouraged to share their feedback on this initiative. Participation is voluntary and anonymous.

Small Business Health and Safety Awards

You could win up to $10,000 by telling the WSIB what you’ve done over the past year to promote health and safety in your workplace!

The awards recognize the health and safety achievements of independently owned and operated businesses with fewer than 50 employees.

Enter by May 14, 2025, and you could be one of three winners:

• Gold – $10,000
• Silver – $6,000
• Bronze – $4,000

Check out what it means to last year’s gold winner, Invasive Phragmites Control Centre, to be recognized as a health and safety leader in Ontario.

Ideas for Dundas Place?

Whether it’s live music, art, games, or interactive experiences, your idea could help bring energy, culture, and connection to our downtown.

We welcome proposals from residents, community groups, and non-profits, especially those with experience in event planning, marketing, or community engagement.

📌 Applications close April 30.

Good News

• Review: Waitress served (The Gazette, Apr 3)
• City storefront grant a bid to boost business, fill London downtown vacancies (CBC News, Apr 4)
• EAT, DRINK: A Jill Wilcox recipe and the best of craft beer (London Free Press, Apr 4)
• Downtown London BIA recognized for marketing and community outreach efforts (CTV News, Apr 6)
• $1M program to fill empty London core-area stores, offices endorsed (London Free Press, Apr 8)

Stay in the Loop!