Council endorses roadmap for economic growth and downtown revitalization

London City Council has endorsed two complementary plans that will help shape the city's future: London: The Centre of Opportunity, the City's Economic Development Strategy for 2026-2030, and Downtown Reimagined: City of London Downtown Plan for the next decade. 

Together, the plans establish a shared vision for growth by strengthening London's economy, supporting investment and job creation, and advancing the long-term revitalization of downtown as a destination to live, work, visit, and invest.

“Today’s decisions mark an important step forward in shaping London’s future. We look to strengthen our downtown, grow our economy, and create new opportunities for our community,” said Mayor Josh Morgan. “The Downtown Plan and Economic Development Strategy provide a clear roadmap for where we want to go and how we will get there. By working together, investing strategically, supporting businesses and residents, and building partnerships that make our city stronger, we develop a resilience that shapes our future.”

The Economic Development Strategy provides a city-wide framework for coordinated inclusive economic growth, focusing on investment attraction and retention, talent and innovation, entrepreneurship, economic reconciliation, regional collaboration, transportation and connectivity, and improved coordination across London's economic development system.

The Downtown Plan is a 10-year strategic roadmap for the continued revitalization, growth, activation, and evolution of Downtown London. The Plan responds to changing economic, social and urban conditions affecting downtowns across Canada and positions downtown London as the city’s cultural, civic and economic heart.

“London is at a pivotal moment, and these plans reflect the priorities we heard from our community, our business sector, institutions, and partners,” says Morgan. “They establish a shared vision and a framework for action that will help attract investment, support innovation, create jobs, and build a more resilient and prosperous city. The work to shape London’s future starts today, and it will take all of us working together to make it happen.”

Together, the plans recognize that a strong downtown and a strong economy are interconnected. A vibrant downtown supports business attraction, talent retention, tourism, innovation, and investment, while economic growth creates the conditions needed for a thriving and resilient downtown.

Implementation

Implementation for the Economic Development Strategy will begin immediately and be guided by a phased action plan. 

Beginning in 2027, Council will receive an annual Economic Development Outcomes Report that will track implementation progress, monitor key economic indicators, and support continuous improvement.

The Downtown Plan identifies 58 actions, including four “Big Moves” focused on developing a “River District” to better link downtown with the Thames River, improving existing public spaces, building on the UNESCO City of Music designation, and establishing a nimble governance structure to implement the Plan. 

Any actions identified within the Downtown Plan requiring new or additional operating or capital investments, and/or staffing resources will be referred to Council's future strategic planning and budget processes, including the 2027-2031 Strategic Plan and the 2028-2031 Multi-Year Budget.

The full Economic Development Strategy and the current Downtown Plan (pending council required updates) are available for viewing online.