Business Insider - April 3 - Downtown London

In this Issue:

Downtown London Shines at the 2025 OBIAA Awards!

Downtown London Shines at the 2025 OBIAA Awards!

We’re thrilled to announce that Downtown London was recognized with four prestigious awards at the 2025 Ontario Business Improvement Area (OBIAA) Awards Gala! These awards celebrate our ongoing efforts to make downtown a vibrant, welcoming place for everyone. Here’s a quick look at what we won:

🏆 Marketing – Award of Excellence
Our Downtown London Trails program, featuring interactive digital passports that guide visitors to local businesses, won top honours. It’s a fun way to explore, shop, and earn rewards!

🏆 Special Events – Award of Merit
Our Downtown for the Holidays 2023 campaign brought the holiday spirit to life with festive lights, live music, and family-friendly activities that drew thousands to the downtown core with partners Covent Garden Market, the City of London, Tourism London, and Dundas Place

🏆 Advocacy and Governance – Award of Merit
Thanks to $1.16 million in funding from the City of London, we’ve expanded services for health and homelessness support, improving safety and accessibility for businesses and residents alike.

🏆 Communications – Award of Merit
Our Monthly Event Calendars keep the community informed about exciting events, supporting local businesses and boosting foot traffic downtown.

These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our community.

Thank you to our members for being a part of this success. Let’s continue to shine together!

Downtown Construction Updates

The City of London has begun the next phase of construction for the Downtown Sewer Separation program. There will be a full closure on York Street between Clarence Street and Wellington Street, including the York Street and Clarence Street intersection until approximately September 2025.

Access to residences and businesses will be maintained throughout all stages of construction. Some London Transit bus routes and stops may be affected. Riders should check londontransit.ca for the latest updates.

For any questions or concerns, please contact:
James Ramsay (City of London)
(226) 448-1050
JRamsay@London.ca

More information on this project

Ideas for Dundas Place?

The City of London is looking for creative, small-scale events, installations, or displays to activate Dundas Place from May to November 2025!

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.

More information or submit your ideas here

Community Chat

📆 Monday April 14, 2025
🕒 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
📍 LDBA Office Boardroom, 114 Dundas Street, 4th floor

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 9th.

Grand Theatre VIP Discount Program

The Grand Theatre VIP Discount Program encourages Grand Theatre guests to visit partner businesses at a discounted rate by presenting their ticket stub. They are currently seeking additional businesses to buy into the program.

The Grand promotes the partner businesses through a presence on their website, in advance communications with ticket-buyers and through their printed house program. In exchange, Grand Theatre patrons receive a modest discount or incentive to visit your business.

More information here