Effective April 2, 2021 the Downtown London office will be closed in compliance with public health guidelines. All staff will continue to be available via phone or email during this time.
Province Hits Emergency Brake
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise at an alarming rate, a provincewide emergency brake is in effect as of Saturday, April 3, at 12:01 a.m.
Starting April 3, the COVID-19 Response Framework (colour-coded zones) is paused.
We must all follow temporary restrictions and public health and workplace safety measures.
The impacts of these measures will be evaluated after one month to determine if it is safe to lift the restrictions or if they need to be extended.
For a full list of restrictions broken down by business sector, please visit the link below.
Federal Government Announces Extension of Canada Emergency Business Account to Help Small Businesses
Ontario Doubles Size of Small Business Support Grant
As announced last week, confirmed, eligible recipients of the Ontario Small Business Support Grant will automatically receive a second payment equal to the amount of their first payment, for minimum total support of $20,000 up to a maximum of $40,000 — no new application necessary.
Confirmed eligible businesses can expect to receive their second payment later in the spring.
A detailed list of businesses eligible for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant is available on the application page. Business owners can also visit Ontario.ca/COVIDsupport for more information about this grant as well as Ontario’s other supports for businesses.
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact Natalia Tkacz, Director of Stakeholder Relations at natalia.tkacz@ontario.ca.
Thank you for attending the Downtown Loop Pre-Construction Meeting!
We’re glad you could join us for an overview of the Downtown Loop, Phase 1 (King Street), and we hope you found the webinar informative.
A recording of the meeting is now available on the project website.
Webinar highlights:
- Project timelines
- Traffic management during construction
- Special accommodations for businesses and residents
- Site safety, cleanliness and accessibility
- Communications and marketing efforts
- Question and answer session
- Connect directly
The City is committed to keeping you informed during construction. Please reach out to Jaden Hodgins, P. Eng., City Project Manager at 519-630-2736, or jhodgins@london.ca at any time during construction.
Update from the City of London
The below adjustments were put in place by the City of London, in partnership with advocacy efforts of Downtown London.
New temporary park & pick-up locations downtown:
Last week, the City of London announced the addition of more than a dozen new short-term parking spots throughout the downtown to provide clearly identifiable locations for customers and food delivery drivers when they are making quick food and parcel pickups. See media release.
Free 2-hour parking in the core:
Last year the City introduced free 2-hour parking under the HonkMobile code, ‘B2B20’, as part of efforts to support businesses through the pandemic. See media release.
This year it is being offered once again under a new “evergreen” HonkMobile code that is being developed. We expect this will launch in April.
New Downtown Construction Business Relations Manager:
With Jim Yanchula returning to his home position in Planning, Jeff Shaughnessy has joined the team as the new Downtown Construction Business Relations Manager to make sure this important role is in place as the City starts the next phase of the Dundas Street reconstruction in the Old East Village and the Downtown Loop. Jeff has great experience supporting resolving construction concerns related to new development in his recent work as the City’s “Subdivision Ambassador”.
Sidewalk sales:
The City is exploring ways to launch a streamlined sidewalk sale application process that will make it easy for businesses to sell their products on City property. The process for this is being finalized, and we expect to be able to announce full details about this in April.
Expanded patios:
The B2B team is seeking an extension to temporary permissions, which allow for expanded use of outdoor space for patios, from its current deadline of April 14, 2021, to the end of the year (December 31, 2021). This proposed extension is in line with the current position of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). In addition to pursuing an extension of temporary permissions for patios, City teams are also developing more permanent solutions, including a proposed Zoning By-law amendment addressing restaurant patios. Read the update sent to businesses.
Construction Dollars:
This program was launched in 2020 to thank customers for supporting Downtown and Old East Village businesses during construction in the core. The four-year pilot program is being funded through the City’s Core Area Action Plan. Through the BIAs, this program will contribute close to $100,000 into the local economy each year, providing incentive for customers to shop, dine and experience the core. See media release.
Housing Stability:
Over the past few months, there are a number of projects that have moved forward that will provide additional affordable housing in London. This includes the addition of 34 units for individuals with high support needs that will be part of the Indwell Project at 744 Dundas Street coming online at the end of 2022, a four storey apartment development at 122 Baseline Road West that will include 61 affordable housing units, and a three-storey development with 41 affordable units at Sylvan Street. Read more.
On the horizon:
Over the next month, we are preparing to launch a dedicated web page for core area projects as well as an engagement site on getinvolved.london.ca. where we can house all of the information about activities in the core area, as well as invite feedback and comments on an ongoing basis. Within the next few weeks, we will also be launching an Instagram takeover program, highlighting local businesses once a week during a defined time period on the City’s Instagram.
Holy Roller Campaign
Holy Roller – A famous Canadian tank that landed on Juno beach during the D-DAY invasion of World War II. Surviving the entire campaign – an almost impossible feat! The tank was saved by veterans at the end of the war and brought home to London.
Please consider carrying the Holy Roller beer at your restaurant. For more information, please see below.