For current council member Anna Hopkins, the primary concern in Ward 9 remains the same as when she was first elected over a decade ago: how to support new development while maintaining the area’s charm.
“Ward 9 is all about balancing growth,” said Hopkins. “I understand we need development, but how do we balance that in a sustainable way, and how does our infrastructure keep up?”
Hopkins, who leans more towards progressive policies, is running for her fourth term.
Incumbent candidate Anna Hopkins said a core challenge in Ward 9 is managing growth. (Andrew Lupton/)
In July, she spoke out against and voted against an application from Tricar to construct a 10-storey apartment building at Commissioners Road and North Street, right across from an entrance to Springbank Park. The area was designated for buildings no taller than six storeys; Tricar initially proposed 12 but agreed on 10.
Anna Hopkins voted and argued against an application by the Tricar Group to build a 10-storey apartment building on this site on Commissioners Road, directly across from the entrance to Springbank Park. It was approved, with she and Coun. Sam Trosow casting the two lone votes against. (Andrew Lupton/)
Hopkins was one of only two councillors who opposed the application, which ultimately received approval. She and Coun. Sam Trosow were the sole dissenting votes. She contended that the proposal exceeded established planning limits set by the city and pointed out that infrastructure such as roads and sewers aren’t keeping pace with ongoing development.
In discussions with residents, she’s positioning herself as a seasoned candidate capable of navigating planning regulations and slowing down growth in the ward when necessary.
Hopkins noted that there are geographic and political divisions within the ward, with voters from long-established neighborhoods around Byron aligning their views alongside those from newer areas around Lambeth.
Candidate Critiques Underutilized Transit
Ward 9 candidate Tammy Abi-Khalil would like to see London Transit try using smaller vehicles in Ward 9 as a pilot project. (Andrew Lupton/)
One contender challenging Hopkins is Tammy Abi-Khalil, who is running for office for the first time after being “raised with conservative values.” She has previously worked on federal campaigns including last year’s effort for London West Conservative candidate Adam Benny and most recently held a position in London-Fanshawe MP Kurt Holman’s constituency office before taking leave to run in Ward 9.
On James Street near her residence in Lambeth, new three-storey townhomes are rising up between single-family houses that have been there for about six decades.
Election signs in Ward 9, where candidates say balancing growth, addressing construction traffic and keeping taxes close to inflation are top issues. (Andrew Lupton/)
“I know people are really upset about that,” said Abi-Khalil, who admires Hopkins but feels that fresh ideas could benefit the ward at city hall.
“We need more transparency to tell residents about the process and what’s allowed.”
Abi-Khalil expressed concerns over rising property taxes without visible improvements benefiting residents.
“Our tax rates keep going up, and people don’t see improvements; they feel that things are getting worse,” she said.
She would like city officials to reconsider allowing older residents to defer their property taxes-a plan rejected during last term’s council meetings.
Abi-Khalil also criticized London’s transit schedule for not adequately serving her ward’s needs. She’s suggesting London Transit explore a pilot project using smaller vehicles like shuttle buses.
“Buses go by here right now , and they’re completely empty,” said Abi-Khalil. “Seniors can’t always get to stops.”
THOMAS SAYS BUSINESSES NOT TREATED WELL
LUKE THOMAS SAID RESTRICTIONS ON BUSINESSES DURING COVID-19 PIQUED HIS INTEREST IN RUNNING. (SUBMITTED)
First-time candidate Luke Thomas runs a food delivery business.
He got motivated to run , in part , during COVID-19 PANDEMIC , WHEN VACCINATION RULES AFFECTED HIS MEAL-PREPARATION DELIVERY COMPANY , HEALTHY EATS.
“During COVID , I had TO FORCE MY EMPLOYEES TO GET VACCINATED,” SAID THOMAS. “I SAT THEM DOWN AND I SAID , IF YOU GUYS WANT TO GET VACCINATED , YOU CAN. IF YOU DON’T, YOU STILL HAVE A JOB AT HEALTHY EATS.”
THOMAS WANTS TO LIMIT THE HEIGHT OF NEW BUILDINGS IN OLDER AREAS OF THE WARD.
“I WANT THOSE MORE HIGH-DENSITY BUILDINGS FOCUSED IN THE DOWNTOWN SECTOR,” HE SAID.“LAMBETH, BYRON, RIVERBEND , THEY ARE COMPLETE COMMUNITIES WITH THEIR OWN SENSE OF CHARACTER ; I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT SENSE OF CHARACTER REMAINS.” P >
LINK PAY INCREASES TO PROPERTY TAXES, MILLAR SAYS
MATT MILLAR IS A THIRD-GENERATION BERRY FARMER WHO ALSO WANTS TO PROTECT THE WARD’S OLDER SINGLE-FAMILY-HOME NEIGHBORHOODS.
HE SAID ADDING DENSITY SHOULDN’T COME AT THE EXPENSE OF RESIDENTS IN ESTABLISHED SUBDIVISIONS.
“WE NEED TO GET THE RIGHT TYPE OF HOMES IN THE RIGHT PLACES,” HE SAID.”DON’T START CRAMMING IN HIGH-DENSITY DEVELOPMENTS IN NEIGHBORHOODS WHERE THEY DON’T FIT.” P >
A DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION SIGN SIGNALS GROWTH COMING TO LAMBETH IN WARD 9.(ANDREW LUPTON/)
p > br >Millar expresses frustration over councillors increasing their own salaries while property taxes also went up during this term. He suggests implementing measures where council members’ pay gets reduced if they choose to raise taxes beyond inflation levels.”For every percentage point property tax increases above inflation, council members should have their pay cut accordingly.”
