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December 2025 edition

In this issue:

Downtown for the Holidays!
Community Skate
Planning Applications
Reminder: Overnight street parking restrictions have resumed
Flu shot season is here
New in Ward 12: Mr. Shawarma and Chicken
Residents sharing information
In the community
Government Contacts

Ward 12 News and Events

Greetings neighbours,

Aas we wrap up 2025 I wanted to extend sincere thanks as your ward 12 Councillor as its an honour to serve the community in this capacity.

My final event of 2025 is a community skate that I hope you and your family and friends can join me at on December 28th. Please RSVP as space is limited- email epeloza@london.ca to save your spot.

In 2026, my intention is to host a ward meeting in the spring so if you have topics of interest please e-mail them to me as I’m in the early planning stages. As you may be aware, 2026 is a municipal election year for the City of London and at a certain point my ability to host public meetings and mailout information will be restricted during the election writ period.

As a friendly safety reminder as you plan for holiday gatherings, overnight on street parking restrictions are in place and you need to register for a free pass (info below). Below are some contacts that might be of use to you- please note I have provided the after hours contact info as well.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Peloza
Councillor Ward 12 & Budget Chair

Downtown for the Holidays!

The Lighting of the Lights kicks off a month-long celebration of music, shopping, dining and holiday cheer in the heart of London. The City of London, Downtown London, Covent Garden Market, and Tourism London are excited to once again treat Londoners to many exciting experiences this holiday season.
There’s even more festive fun to discover downtown with events like the Holly Jolly Market, Candy Cane Lane, the holiday carousel and New Year’s Eve in the Park. And don’t forget, Winter Wonderland in Victoria Park continues to light up until January 16, 2026.

On Friday, December 5, Londoners are invited to watch Victoria Park transform into a dazzling winter wonderland at the annual Lighting of the Lights. This year’s celebration will shine bright once again as more than 100,000 lights and festive displays will illuminate the park with holiday magic.

The evening will kick off with live music at 6 p.m., featuring The Rockin’ Reindeer, led by rising star John Fellner, alongside local musicians. Londoners can capture a festive selfie at the 360° photo booth and send their holiday wish list to the North Pole at Santa’s mailbox. Visitors can also indulge in a variety of food truck offerings and enjoy a free hot cider sample courtesy of Farm Boy, who will also be collecting non-perishable food donations in support of the community.

The ceremonial flip of the switch at approximately 6:50 p.m by John Davidson, founder of Jesse’s Journey, to set the park aglow. Victoria Park transforms into a winter wonderland nightly until January 16, 2026. The City of London would like to thank Farm Boy for sponsoring the Lighting of the Lights event. As well, this year’s lighting display is made possible through the generous support of Downtown London, London Community Foundation, Canada Life, Architects Tillmann Ruth Robinson, and CUPE Local 107.

Visit Downtown for the Holidays to learn more about upcoming holiday events.

The holiday magic continues at Covent Garden Market

After the Lighting of the Lights, Londoners are encouraged to join the Covent Garden Market for the annual tree lighting ceremony and kick-off of the Holly Jolly Holiday Market. Starting Friday, December 5, visitors can enjoy local artisans and food vendors, cozy fire pits, live music, and dazzling light displays around the beautiful Christmas tree in Rotary Square. The tree lighting takes place at 7:45 p.m.

City Hall observation deck

The City Hall observation deck will open for public viewing of the Lighting of the Lights and the Winter Wonderland in Victoria Park during the following dates and times:
•Friday, December 5 (Lighting of the Lights) from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.
•Saturday, December 6 & Sunday, December 7 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
•Thursday, December 11 to Sunday, December 14 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
•Thursday, December 18 to Sunday, December 21 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
•Thursday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) , 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
•Friday, December 26 to Sunday, December 28, 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Victoria Park washrooms

Starting December 5, accesso the washrooms in Victoria Park will be available daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Kiwanis Memorial Bandshell throughout the holiday season. If the washrooms are locked, contact a nearby security guard for assistance.

Outdoor skating

The outdoor skating rink at Victoria Park will not be open for the Lighting of the Lights event. Weather permitting, the rink will open mid-December. More details about outdoor skating will be shared in the coming weeks.

Community Skate

Let’s wrap up 2025 with a fun, free community skate at Earl Nichols Arena, Pad C, courtesy of your Ward 12 City Councillor Elizabeth Peloza. CSA-approved helmets required for children 5 and under. Light refreshments will be provided
To reserve your spot, email epeloza@london.ca

Planning Applications

Reminder: Overnight street parking restrictions have resumed

Effective Wednesday, November 15, personal vehicle parking will again be restricted on City streets between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Residents and visitors must register their vehicles to park overnight on most City streets through the Overnight Parking Pass program. Vehicles parked without a valid pass may receive a parking fine.

Please note: The program dates have changed this year, as voted on by City Council. Overnight parking restrictions will now be in effect from November 15 to March 31 (previously November 1 to April 30).

Each vehicle licence plate will receive up to 15 free overnight parking passes, valid on most City streets. Also new this year: Additional passes beyond the free limit are available for $5.00 each on the HONK website.

Passes can be obtained online at any time or by phone at 519-661-4537, Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m.

Please note: Commercial vehicles, trailers, recreational vehicles, and oversized vehicles are not eligible for the program.

The Overnight Parking Pass program applies to most City streets. All other parking regulations remain in effect, including restrictions such as parking in front of fire hydrants, on boulevards, front lawns, or streets marked with enforcement signs. Residents should always check street signage before parking.

If a snow event is forecast, a notice will be posted on the City’s overnight parking registry and shared on City social media channels. Passes will not be valid during snow events.

For more information, visit london.ca/overnightparking or contact Parking Enforcement at 519-661-4537.

Flu shot season is here

With the cold weather comes the risk of respiratory illnesses like seasonal flu and COVID, so it was time to get my flu and COVID shots for this year. And what better place to get them than our brand new Ward 12 pharmacy Forest City Pharmacy!
I dropped in, and 10 minutes later I was fully protected and on my way. Remember that both shots are covered 100% by OHIP.

Visit Marina at 9A-561 Southdale Rd E or online at forestcitypharmacy.ca for these services and more. She will take the time to answer all your questions and keep you healthy this winter.

New in Ward 12: Mr. Shawarma and Chicken

Located at 1420 Ernest Ave (TD Plaza) owned by Walid and Mohammed Kari offering shawarma, fried chicken, fries, falafel, burgers and more! You have to try the delicious garlic sauce. Stop in and welcome them to the neighborhood!

Residents sharing information

Please join us for our 8th Annual Silent Auction as a fundraiser in support of the Thames Region Ecological Association (TREA) projects.

Our biggest fundraiser of the year is happening December 3 to December 7 on TREA’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/trealondon/).

We have some amazing items this year, including:Local restaurant gift cardsA special alpaca farm experienceProfessional house cleaning servicesAnd lots of practical, gift ready items from generous local businesses!Every bid supports TREA’s community programs in sustainability, education, and neighbourhood initiatives.
Please help us share this event with your network!