Infrastructure Renewal in Wortley Village

I've been going door-to-door in Ward 11 this summer to introduce myself to residents who have not met me yet, and to ask about the issues that concern folks in our neighbourhoods. Yesterday, my canvassing partner and I turned the corner onto Elmwood Avenue, and boy was it tricky picking our way through the construction zone on Elmwood and Marley Place!

To those of who have to deal with all these roadworks on a daily basis, you have my sympathy. If it makes things easier, though, keep in mind that this is vital work -- our water mains were certainly ready to be replaced.

Once Marley Place is finished, the workers will move on to Duchess Avenue. For more information on the project, including timelines, contractors, and impact on parking, please visit the link here.

See you 'round town!

"Expressions in Chalk 2010" taking place today in Wortley Village

Wortley Village is currently hosting London's fifth annual street painting festival at St. James Westminster Anglican Church, 112 Bruce Street. Take advantage of the August Civic Holiday to come down and take a look at the fabulous pastel drawings. Awards will be given out today in a number of categories.

Be sure to check out the life-size portrait of Terry Fox and the accompanying "Road of Hope,” where visitors can write in chalk the names of friends and family members affected by cancer.

Find out more about the festival here. See you there!

Asking London businesses to pay for their water use: The case against deferral

Controller Gina Barber explains why several of us on Council were opposed to putting off changes to the fee structure for business and residential water use in the city. Sadly, those who supported deferring the change carried the vote.

Thames Park Pool re-opens

On Saturday, July 17, Londoners came out in droves to attend the grand opening of newly-renovated Thames Park Pool.

The new heated pool includes eight 50-metre swimming lanes, diving boards, a lazy river, a giant red water slide and a beach entry into shallow water for children with tipping toucan water features and sprays. The pool area includes new shade shelters and a renovated bath house.

The total cost of this project was $4,580,000 of which $2,300,000 was funded by the Province of Ontario through the Investing in Ontario Act funding program.

The pool is open until September 5 during the following hours:
7 days a week - 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Monday-Friday - 6 pm to 8 pm (closing by dusk in Aug/Sept)

Let's take full advantage of the pool during this hot summer!

For more information, see http://www.london.ca/d.aspx?s=/Sports_and_Recreation/2010outdoorpools.htm

Take part in Garden Gates OPEN this weekend!

As part of London, Ontario's "Communities in Bloom" initiative, Garden Gates OPEN takes place this weekend (July 24-25, 2010), so take some time to stop and smell the roses. Public and private gardeners have been invited to share their green spaces with interested visitors in the spirit of "Doors Open London."

For more information and a map of participating gardens, see: http://www.londoncib.ca/#home.swf

New funding to promote cycling in Wortley Village

The Old South Community Organization has recently received funding from the Mayor's Sustainable Energy Council (MSEC) to promote cycling in the Wortley Village area through its 'Rack & Roll' program.

Hats off to OSCO for working to make our liveable community even more bike-friendly!

Source: London Free Press
http://www.lfpress.com/money/businessmonday/2010/07/19/14754376.html