A pair of letters sent ahead of next week’s council meeting detail the plight of downtown businesses amidst the homelessness crisis — and warn council against defunding daytime drop-in services that provide basic needs including food, washrooms, showers, and laundry.
Bonnie Wludyka, Senior Property Manger at Citi Plaza London writes, “since COVID-19, we have not leased a single square foot of new space and have lost over 144,000 square feet—25% of our property—due to safety concerns stemming from the opioid crisis and homelessness issues in the area.”
In 2024, Citiplaza incurred costs exceeding $100,000 due to vandalism and fire-related incidents that Wludyka claims were attributable to homelessness.
Downtown London paints a similar picture in its letter.
“Many commercial and residential property owners downtown have reported to us that their security costs range anywhere from $100,000 to over $1,000,000 per year,” a letter from Downtown London’s Board of Directors explains.
On March 17, the future of daytime drop-in services was put in doubt after the Community and Protective Services (CAPS) Committee was deadlocked (2-2) about awarding $611,000 to Ark Aid Street Mission (696 Dundas St.) for a period between April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
At the meeting, Coun. Susan Stevenson reminded the CAPS Committee that council passed a policy in November meant to reduce the clustering of shelters within business districts, “We had a 9 to 6 vote at council that said we would not fund resting spaces on the main street of a BIA.”
Executive Director Sarah Campbell said The Ark has actively searched for a new location, but has been unable to secure a building without a long-term funding commitment.
Campbell says the program provide basic needs to 200 to 300 Londoners each day.
The letters from Citi Plaza London and Downtown London both express support for continuing to fund daytime drop-in spaces—but steer clear of endorsing a specific location.
“While $610,000 may seem significant funding for drop-in services, it represents a mere 0.000432% of a $1.4 billion city budget,” the Senior Property Manager at Citi Plaza London writes. “We respectfully urge you to continue supporting these essential services.”
Downtown London adds, “it is imperative that the placement of this service aligns with previous Council decisions and is situated in a location with the appropriate zoning in place. Strategic placement will ensure the success of the program while maintaining a balanced approach to community planning, business operations, and public safety.”
The next meeting of City Council is scheduled for April 1, the same day that funding for daytime drop-in services at The Ark expires.
