We have taken many steps to enhance safety and wellbeing across London, driven by initiatives designed to create safe spaces and promote community resilience.
Commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness
A key part of the progress came from the London Police Service (LPS), which modernized public safety efforts by adopting new technologies like body-worn cameras and enhancing the use of in-car cameras. LPS also increased its community presence by adding four officers to its Foot Patrol team, helping address issues in London’s core. LPS’s Crisis Outreach and Support Team handled mental health-related calls, removing 152 calls per month from the general dispatch queue, and a new partnership with London Health Sciences Centre will further extend the program's reach.
The London Fire Department has refined its deployment models and invested in upgraded infrastructure. The department engaged over 10,000 residents through fire prevention and emergency preparedness programs. It also integrated advanced incident command systems and worked closely with conservation authorities to address climate-related risks, ensuring the city’s preparedness for complex emergencies.
This summer, 35 London firefighters were presented Ontario’s highest honours for firefighters, the Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery for risking their lives to rescue four people trapped in concrete and metal during the 2020 partial building collapse at 555 Teeple Terrace.
We made strides in flood preparedness with enhanced warning systems, new weather stations, and expanded floodplain mapping. Conservation authorities issued critical flood bulletins, expanded infrastructure, and delivered training programs to mitigate risks and safeguard communities.
Empowering Londoners to shape their community
Community-driven initiatives were a major focus in 2024.
The Neighbourhood Decision Making Program saw 342 ideas submitted and 18,464 votes cast, empowering Londoners to shape their own neighborhoods. Through the Neighbourhood Small Events Fund, we supported 44 community-led events, distributing $20,000 in funding to help cover costs for activities, entertainment, and other event-related expenses. We also supported 35 outdoor movie nights and 12 neighbourhood-managed ice rinks, bringing residents together for fun and memorable experiences.
City Council recently launched an additional 23 park improvement projects across London to help update park amenities and equipment. These projects will further enhance existing work planned this year in alignment with London’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Funding for these projects is supported by the Neighbourhood Parks Improvement Fund which was created as part of the Mayor’s Property Tax Supported Budget (2024-2027).
Our 500 community garden plots flourished, creating spaces for wellness, sustainability, and connection among residents. The Age Friendly London Network ensured that older adults had access to inclusive programs and services, reflecting London’s commitment to accessibility for its aging population. Over 40 initiatives were funded through the London Community Grants Program, advancing equity, safety, and inclusion across the city.
Enhancing parks, recreation, sport, and art in London
In partnership with the Julia Hunter Fund, we celebrated new enhancements to the Graham Arboretum in Springbank Park. The serene, educational space now features seven new trees, landscape enhancements around the existing trees and fresh signage highlighting 18 trees within the arboretum.
Recreation programs made a significant impact, with 6,600 participants in summer day camps and over 5,100 participants in learn to swim programs. These initiatives promoted healthy, active lifestyles while creating opportunities for residents to engage with their neighbours.
In addition, we launched a new sponsorship with London native and NBA star Shaedon Sharpe, hosting a free, weekly basketball program for youth in London at Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre. This year, the program had over 740 attendees, providing a space for the next generation of athletes to fall in love with the game of basketball and hone their skills.
We also celebrated 100 years of golf at the Thames Valley Golf Course with a special 100-person tournament alongside representatives from Golf Canada this June!
2024 marked an exciting year for the arts in London, with the unveiling of the first two artworks to make up the City of London’s Permanent Indigenous Artwork Collection. You can find both murals at East Lions Community Centre, including Firekeeper, which is the first mural created through the Songlines Project. A colourful public art mosaic wall was completed at Lorne Avenue Park with the help of the community and Springbank Park’s Byron Skateboard Park boasts a bold, new graffiti-inspired mural as well
Building stronger communities through access, literacy, and outreach
The London Public Library remained a key community resource this year, engaging over 150,000 residents through a wide range of programs. It offered critical services like free tax clinics and wi-fi hotspot lending. The library supported newcomers through its Settlement Workers in Schools program and the Library Settlement Partnership. It also provided vital outreach services for youth and at-risk groups, partnering with organizations like the London InterCommunity Health Centre and Carepoint.
Through collaborations with Age Friendly London, Investing in Children, and others, the library offered programs that supported literacy, connection, and community well-being, reinforcing its role as a welcoming and inclusive space for all.
To learn more about progress we’ve made on wellbeing and safety, review our Strategic Plan Dashboard.