| LONDON, ON – Downtown London is entering a new phase of momentum marked by renewed investment, stronger partnerships, and visible reinvigoration of streets and public spaces. Cranes on the skyline reflect residential growth, fuller event calendars signal a strong return of culture, and rising foot traffic shows renewed confidence and connection.
The 2025 Economic Momentum Paper builds on the broader Momentum Report released earlier this year, which documented more than 646 million dollars in construction activity, over 1,400 new residential units, thousands of events, and rising community engagement across the core. While that report introduced the five guiding principles of downtown vitality (Economy, Vibrancy, Inclusion, Resilience, and Identity), this new paper focuses specifically on the economic principle. It outlines the structural pillars that support downtown’s economy, the pressures slowing progress, and the actions required to turn today’s momentum into durable growth.
As a constructive roadmap, the Economic Momentum Paper blends research, community insights, and real‑world experience to guide London toward a thriving, inclusive, and resilient core. Much like the Momentum Report demonstrated, downtown progress is not theoretical. It is happening in real time through new development, increased activity, and strengthened partnerships.
The Economic Momentum Paper is also designed to complement the City’s ongoing planning work by offering data, observations, and recommendations that reflect the lived experience of businesses and the evolving needs of the core.
Together, the Momentum Report and this new economic analysis provide a fuller picture of where downtown stands and what is needed to sustain its upward trajectory. It is also a working paper, intended to evolve as new opportunities emerge and as businesses, institutions, residents, and civic partners contribute their perspectives. The report identifies key barriers, highlights solutions, and invites collaboration as we shape the next phase of downtown reinvigoration.
Building on this foundation, the report identifies areas of strength, current challenges, and the priority moves needed to translate momentum into long‑term prosperity for Downtown London.
“This paper builds on the real momentum we have documented over the past several years,” said Vicki Smith, Interim Executive Director of the Downtown London Business Association. “Downtown is strengthening through new investment, cultural activity, and partnership across sectors. This report helps us focus our collective efforts so we can keep moving forward together.”
Key Findings
- Seven pillars drive the downtown economy: Office & Employment, Retail/Hospitality/Services, Arts/Culture/Entertainment, Residential & Mixed-Use, Tourism & Visitor Economy, Public Realm & Placemaking, and Institutional & Educational Anchors.
- Strengths: Arts, culture, tourism, placemaking, and institutional presence provide a strong foundation for continued growth.
- Challenges: Office vacancy remains elevated, and residential delivery must accelerate to create a true 24/7 downtown experience.
- Community-led solutions: Coordinated safety, placemaking, residential growth, flexible office solutions, and cultural activation are key priorities.
Priority Actions
- Scale coordinated safety and visibility programs, including lighting, foot patrols, and cleanliness initiatives.
- Activate vacant spaces with pop-ups, “meanwhile uses,” and events that connect visitors to local businesses.
- Accelerate mixed-income and student-oriented housing delivery.
- Leverage partnerships with Fanshawe College, Western University, civic institutions, and cultural venues to drive year-round economic and cultural activity.
- Publish quarterly economic scorecards to highlight wins and counter reductive perceptions of downtown.
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