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April 2026 edition

In this issue:

Councillor Peloza’s Syrup and Smiles Social
New park for South London
South London Bike Rodeo
City Spring Preparation Update
Planning Application – 3436 Roe Street
Planning Application – Exeter Road area
Ward 12 Business Highlight – Browned Cafe
Ward 12 Business Highlight – JJ Steel Works
IKEA store coming to White Oaks Mall
Residents Sharing Information
In The Community
Government Contacts

Ward 12 News and Events

Greetings neighbours,

Syrup and smiles, anyone?

Join me for a special Ward Pancake Lunch with a slightly more relaxed, informal feel—while still offering all the great opportunities you’re used to for connecting with City of London staff and London Police Services Traffic and Community Safety .

This year, I’m adding a little extra fun to the mix, with community partners on hand including Parks and Recreation, Emergency Preparedness, London Hydro, White Oaks Mall, Children’s Museum, South London Neighbourhood Resource Centre, South London Canada Day, London Public Library, Tourism London, the London Animal Care Centre.

It’s a simple way to connect with neighbours, share a meal, and spend time together in a welcoming setting. Whether you’ve lived here for years or are new to the neighbourhood, this is a great chance to meet others and be part of our community spirit—I hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Peloza
Councillor Ward 12 & Budget Chair

Syrup and Smiles Social

New Park For South London

I spoke to the London Free Press about the community’s desire for better park access. I’m pleased to report to residents that Council unanimously passed the motion for a park at 3137 Scotland Dr.

South London Bike Rodeo

City Spring Preparation Update

Pothole repairs and street sweeping

Our crews have already been out fixing potholes across the city. They’ve been ramping up efforts for the last two weeks and have been taking advantage of the milder temperature days. The public can report potholes to service.london.ca and help us pinpoint problem areas.

Street sweeping has begun in a limited capacity as the weather allows. Our full fleet is expected to return to both day and nighttime sweeping starting the week of April 13.

Following a snowy winter, some sod damage from sidewalk plowing may be noticeable. Residents can help by gently repositioning larger pieces where possible and the City will continue repairs and re-seeding efforts throughout the spring.

Getting parks ready for activities and recreation

Crews have been out addressing fallen or damaged tree branches in parks from the winter, particularly the serious ice storm at the end of 2025, but residents may continue to see some downed branches in less accessible locations over the coming weeks while this work continues.

Preparations are also underway for the upcoming outdoor recreation season. Public tennis nets are expected to be installed by mid-April, weather permitting. Premier sports fields are expected to open the week of May 5, weather permitting. All outdoor sports fields are expected to open by May 12.

Park washrooms and field houses will open in phases with all facilities open by the May long weekend.

Litter and City and Resident Led Cleanups

This winter brought significant snowfall, which means more litter than usual has been hidden under the snow. Now that it has melted, City crews are increasing cleanup efforts to address this.

Initial cleanup work focuses on roads where crews can safely access roadside areas. On busier, higher-speed roads, temporary lane closures may be required so crews can safely complete litter cleanup.

Cleanup work in parks begins in late April as staff transition from arenas to parks and temporary seasonal staff join our ranks. Full operations commence May 4th. Additional seasonal garbage cans begin returning to parks in mid-April, with all extra containers in place by the beginning of May.

Residents are reminded that litter and illegal dumping can be reported through the Service London portal at service.london.ca.

We are also promoting details about London Clean and Green events in April. Community members who wish to participate in spring cleanup efforts can learn more about local initiatives at LondonCleanGreen.ca.

Planning Application – 3436 Roe Street

Planning Application – Exeter Road area

Ward 12 Business Highlight – Browned Cafe

If you’re looking to discover a new, cozy cafe with free wifi to study, work, or get away from the bustling city we all know and love, try Browned! It has two London locations, including one right here in #Ward12, where I stopped to deliver a Certificate of Congratulations for opening last year, and enjoyed chatting with the Store Manager. I tried the all day breakfast sandwich, it was delicious!
For more information, check out Browned.ca

Ward 12 Business Highlight – JJ Steel Works

Last week I had the pleasure of delivering a Certificate of Congratulations to JJ Steel Works on their one year anniversary of opening in White Oaks Mall. Using advanced laser technology, JJ Steel Works specializes in custom metal decor and engravings where customers can submit their own concepts and work with their team to produce one-of-a-kind designs.

Find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jjsteelworks1 or their website www.jjsteelworks.com.

IKEA Store coming to White Oaks Mall

South London to Welcome IKEA

Opening fall 2026 in White Oaks Mall in the lower level of the old Hudson Bay location.
A compact layout of about 43,000 square feet (one-fifth the size of IKEA Burlington) with a portion of the full IKEA range (more than 2,000 home essentials and seasonal favourites) available in-store for cash-and-carry.

I recognize that IKEA opening its doors in London has been long awaited since 2019, when the pandemic reshaped how we live and interact with brick-and-mortar retail. This first-of-its-kind concept store is an exciting milestone, and I couldn’t be more thrilled that London has been chosen to host it.

For further details, please go to the IKEA website