Ontario Construction News staff writer
London City Council has endorsed two major, complementary long-term planning documents to boost the city’s economic future and revitalizing the downtown core.
London: The Centre of Opportunity, the 2026–2030 Economic Development Strategy, and Downtown Reimagined, a 10-year Downtown Plan set out a coordinated vision for growth in London, Ontario—linking city-wide economic development with a renewed focus on downtown as a central hub for living, working, investment, culture, and tourism.
“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 strategy focuses on inclusive growth, attracting investment attraction, economic reconciliation, regional collaboration, transportation connectivity, and improved coordination across the city’s economic development system.
The downtown plan is a 10-year roadmap to revitalize the urban core, positioning downtown as the city’s cultural, civic, and economic centre. Officials say it responds to shifting economic and social conditions affecting downtowns across Canada, with a focus on long-term resilience and adaptability.
“London is at a pivotal moment, and these plans reflect the priorities we heard from our community, our business sector, institutions, and partners,” Morgan said. “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.”
The downtown plan identifies 58 actions, including four major “big moves”:
- establishing a “River District” to better connect downtown with the Thames River
- enhancing public spaces
- leveraging the city’s UNESCO City of Music designation
- creating a flexible governance model to oversee implementation
Initiatives requiring new funding or additional staffing will be considered through future council budgeting and strategic planning processes.
The full Economic Development Strategy and the current Downtown Plan are available online.
