“No! Not more information! Argh - life in 2026 is already devouring my very sense of self and, much as I want to be an engaged citizen, I can’t cope with any more in my brain! Spare me!”
That’s what you might say if you were not following this blog1. Instead, this is where I give you a series of Executive Summaries that make it easy to be an informed Londoner. They all come from source documents presented to various council standing committee meetings, recent or pending; and if you’re of strong constitution you can take on the whole pack of wild reports here on the city website in original form.
This is what City Hall is really doing, based on more detail than anybody could hope to retain or process in the time available... unless you employ some A.I. help, as I have. My City Hall Editorial Assistant prepared the summaries, so as usual they’re subject to bizarre and random flaws, and you must double-check everything at london.ca before you grab your pitchfork and storm City Hall. I did work through some edits and think they’re pretty strong nibs, for a first go. Send me any corrections that come to mind.
And, imperfect though they may be, these articles should be useful. Most are kept short, though I asked the bot for more detail in a few cases. And look out for actual journalism on this, from our local media; this post is more a kind of curated information. It doesn’t even have many footnotes.
I have this theory that basic professional Communications principles can be employed in Public Interest Journalism, to make our community better. The idea is I treat the informed citizen as a leader and set them up well with basic info to support strong decision-making. This is my first attempt at this kind of summary list, and it doesn’t capture everything; the intent is not for you to read every word. It’s designed to be skimmed for points of interest to you.
So here it is, organized by committee, and with dates important because some of it’s subject to change if it hasn’t gone to committee or council. Well, all of it really. Nobody knows what could happen next. What a time, etc.
Don’t feel sorry for me. I wrote this down the pub.
Evil robot - engage!
Infrastructure and Corporate Services Committee
NEXT WEEK - February 23, 2026 - Direct link to agenda
Lame Duck Council By-law | Delegates powers if Council becomes “lame duck” | Governance
Council is being asked to pass a by-law in advance of the 2026 municipal election to delegate limited authority to the City Manager if Council becomes a “lame duck” Council under section 275 of the Municipal Act.
A Council is considered “lame duck” if fewer than three-quarters of its members are running for re-election or are returned to office. In London’s case, that threshold would be triggered if fewer than 12 members seek or secure another term. Once in a lame duck period, Council is prohibited from appointing or dismissing staff, disposing of property valued over $50,000, or making expenditures over $50,000, subject to limited statutory exceptions.
The proposed by-law would delegate authority to the City Manager to approve specified property transactions, contracts and time-sensitive agreements during a lame duck period, in consultation with Legal Services. The delegation would only take effect if Council is formally determined to be in a lame duck position following Nomination Day or Voting Day and would expire November 15, 2026.
Council approval is required to enact the delegation framework.
Traffic and Parking By-law Amendments | 2025 rule changes formalized | Transportation
Council is asked to formally adopt administrative amendments made in 2025 to the Traffic and Parking By-law (PS-114), consolidating traffic control and parking changes already implemented by staff under delegated authority.
The amendments include upgrades from yield signs to stop signs at 10 intersections, including locations on Arthur Street, Ashgrove Court, Avalon Street, Bowcott Crescent, Healy Road and Meadowridge Crescent. The changes are intended to align driver expectations and support pedestrian crossover safety.
The report also incorporates dozens of new no parking and no stopping restrictions, largely within 20 metres of intersections, along curves with limited sightlines and on narrow roadways. Adjustments include restrictions associated with a reserved bicycle lane on Ridout Street North and modifications to overnight parking limits to reflect existing enforcement practices.
Temporary one-way conversions implemented during construction have been reversed where work is complete. Council approval will formally amend Schedules 3, 4, 14 and 15 of the by-law to reflect the 2025 changes.
The report states the administrative authority allows faster implementation, with Council now asked to ratify the amendments through by-law.
Refrigeration Services Contract | $399,000 annual cost through cooperative purchase | Facilities
Council authorization is requested to acquire refrigeration services through the Canoe Procurement Group of Canada and enter a contract with CIMCO Refrigeration for one year, with three optional one-year renewals. The estimated annual cost is $399,000 and is within the approved operating budget. The contract covers inspection, maintenance and repair of the City’s ammonia-based arena refrigeration systems to maintain regulatory compliance.
Community Energy Feasibility Study | $54,370 federal grant | Environment
Council is asked to approve a funding agreement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to receive up to $54,370 for a feasibility study on net-zero community energy systems. The total study cost is $108,750, with the balance funded by the City. A by-law is proposed to authorize execution of the agreement.
Municipal Fleet Electrification Study | $111,000 federal grant | Transportation
Council is asked to approve a Green Municipal Fund grant agreement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for a fleet electrification feasibility study. The total project cost is $222,000, with up to $111,000 funded through the grant and the remainder funded by the City, including staff time. The study will assess technical, financial and infrastructure requirements to transition the municipal fleet toward zero-emission vehicles.
Traffic Signal Communications Contract Extension | $247,817 to maintain network | Transportation
Council is asked to approve a one-year, single-source contract extension with Desklinx Inc. at an estimated cost of $247,817.20, excluding HST, to maintain cellular connectivity for approximately 340 signalized intersections and about 70 traffic cameras. Nearly 340 of the City’s 450 traffic signals rely on this cellular network. Staff state changing suppliers now would require replacing modems, SIM cards and reprogramming equipment at each location because the system is integrated with the City’s Advanced Traffic Management System. The extension is intended to avoid those immediate replacement costs and service disruption while the City prepares a broader competitive procurement process aligned with other traffic technology contracts expiring in 2027. Funding is available within the approved Transportation Management Center operating budget.
Gordon Avenue Sewer Project | $339,345 engineering contract | Sewers
Council is asked to approve a $339,345 consulting engineering assignment to Archibald, Gray & McKay (AGM) Engineering Ltd for detailed design and contract administration of the Gordon Avenue Local Sewer project. Homes between Commissioners Road West and Highview Avenue West have experienced sewer odour issues linked to direct connections to a trunk sanitary sewer. The proposed solution is to install a new local sanitary sewer and redirect private drain connections away from the trunk line. The award is proposed through a limited tender process, citing AGM’s prior preliminary design work and project-specific knowledge. Funding is available within the approved capital budget for sanitary sewer renewal.
Producer Responsibility Agreements By-law | Delegates authority for EPR agreements | Waste
Council is asked to approve a by-law delegating authority to the Deputy City Manager, Environment & Infrastructure, or designate, to negotiate and execute agreements with Producer Responsibility Organizations under Ontario’s Extended Producer Responsibility framework. The agreements relate to the collection of designated materials at EnviroDepots and the Household Special Waste Depot.
Wellington Gateway Phase 2A | $24.99M construction award | Construction
Council is asked to award a $24,990,163.55 construction contract to J-AAR Civil Infrastructure Limited for Phase 2A of the Wellington Gateway project, from Wilkins Street to Baseline Road. The project includes full road reconstruction, rapid transit lanes, transit stops, underground infrastructure replacement and utility relocations. The low bid was below the pre-tender estimate of $32.3 million.
Fiber Connect 3 Agreement | Sets telecom relocation cost formula | Telecommunications
Council is asked to approve a Municipal Access Agreement with Fibre Connect 3 Limited Partnership governing use of City road allowances. The agreement sets terms for permits, restoration standards and a declining relocation cost formula over a 15-year period.
LTC Rapid Transit Buses | $14.35M limited tender | Transit
Council is asked to approve funding for the London Transit Commission to purchase nine 60-foot buses for the East London Link corridor at an estimated $14,349,600 excluding HST through an existing supplier agreement.
Traffic Calming Process Review | Petition and reporting reforms requested | Transportation
A request from Councillor Corrine Rahman asks that Civic Administration review and report back on the City’s traffic calming petition process. The proposed direction includes a jurisdictional scan of peer municipalities, an assessment of how London communicates with residents who submit traffic calming requests, and options to improve updates provided to councillors on studies and approved projects. The request also seeks regular updates to Council on project approvals and completions and that the report be shared with the Mobility and Transportation Working Group.
Municipal Capital Facility Designation | Police lease tax exemption | Finance
Council is asked to designate approximately 2,857 square feet at 1680 Richmond Street as a Municipal Capital Facility for the term of a lease to the London Police Services Board, exempting the space from municipal and education property taxes estimated at $128,565 annually.
Travel and Business Expenses Policy Update | Mileage aligned with CRA rates | Governance
Council is asked to amend the Travel and Business Expenses policy, including aligning mileage reimbursement with Canada Revenue Agency prescribed rates.
2025 Drinking Water Annual Report | Six adverse tests, no ongoing issues |
Water
The 2025 Drinking Water Annual and Summary Reports identify six adverse microbiological test results out of 3,124 samples, with required corrective actions completed and no unresolved water quality issues.
Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee
NEXT WEEK - February 24, 2026 - Direct link to agenda.
Recreation User Fee Increase | $760,000 annual shift from taxes to users | Recreation
Council is asked to amend the 2026–2027 Consolidated Fees and Charges By-law to implement Business Case #P-19, approved as part of the Mayor’s 2026 Budget. The amendment increases 197 Recreation and Sport user fees by an additional seven per cent, with aquatic and arena facility rentals held at zero per cent and recreation program fees increased by 10 per cent.
The changes apply across a range of registered programs, drop-in activities and facility rentals. The additional increase is above previously scheduled adjustments and is intended to generate $760,000 in new annual revenue beginning in 2026. That amount would shift from the tax-supported operating budget to direct user fee revenues.
As a result, the overall cost recovery ratio for Recreation and Sport Services would move from 63 per cent funded by users and 37 per cent funded through property taxes to 65 per cent user-funded. The report notes benchmarking was conducted against comparable municipalities and local service providers, indicating London would not be the highest-cost provider for the affected services following the increase.
Council approval of the by-law amendment is required to implement the budget decision previously adopted.
UNESCO City of Music Action Plan Update | 366 of 372 initiatives completed
| Arts
Council is asked to receive an update on London’s UNESCO City of Music Action Plan (2021–2025), marking progress since the city’s designation in November 2021.
According to the report, 366 of 372 planned initiatives have been completed. Reported outcomes include support for 4,836 artists, delivery of 591 music-related events, and engagement of 232,768 audience members. A total of 444 partnerships were established, and $3.9 million in combined City and Tourism London investments were leveraged to support programming and sector development. The report also attributes 346 jobs to activities connected to the designation.
The update notes that UNESCO reporting requirements have been extended to 2027. No new municipal funding is requested in this report.
Council is asked to receive the update for information.
Assessment Growth Funding Allocation | $14.8M allocated, $5.4M to debt and reserves | Finance
The 2026 Assessment Growth Funding Allocation Report details how $20,222,365 in available assessment growth funding is distributed under Council policy. A total of $14,818,115 has been allocated to approved business cases. The remaining $5,404,250 is split evenly between debt reduction and the Capital Infrastructure Gap Reserve Fund.
Corporate Asset Management Policy Review | Governance and regulatory alignment updates | Governance
Council is asked to amend and replace the Corporate Asset Management Policy in advance of the 2027 Asset Management Plan to align with Ontario Regulation 588/17 and clarify governance roles.
Planning and Environment Committee
February 18, 2026
MEETING ALREADY TOOK PLACE
UTRCA Service Level Review Update | Nine recommendations to improve planning reviews | Planning
The report provides an update on the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Service Level Review. A consultant-led review found UTRCA fulfills its core mandate but identified improvements needed in efficiency, customer service and technology. Nine recommendations include adopting risk-based decision-making, creating service standards and improving coordination with municipalities.
Building Services – Quarter 4 2025 | Record 5,462 housing units permitted | Housing
Building Services reports 5,462 new dwelling units approved in 2025, a 47.62 per cent increase over 2024 and the highest annual total recorded. Total construction value reached $2.71 billion. Multi-unit development drove growth.
Housing Accelerator Servicing Review | Sewer extensions not required at this time | Infrastructure
Staff reviewed four servicing projects proposed for Housing Accelerator Funding. The report concludes the Pack Road sewer extension is not required at this time and outlines feasibility considerations for other projects.
2025 Annual Heritage Report | 130 alteration permits; 6,145 listed or designated properties | Heritage
The annual update reports 6,145 properties on the Register of Cultural Heritage Resources at year end. In 2025, 130 Heritage Alteration Permit applications were received and four properties were individually designated.
2025 Annual Development Report | 5,462 units permitted; 51,434 units approved since 2022 | Housing
The Annual Development Report outlines record residential permit activity in 2025, with 5,462 units approved and Council approvals totaling 51,434 units since 2022. High-density housing accounted for 82 per cent of new units.
OMG STOP READING AND GO OUTSIDE