City of London to match funds up to $5,000 for neighbourhood projects
Now in its second year, the City of London’s SPARKS! Neighbourhood Matching Fund is inviting Londoners to realize their ideas to enhance their neighbourhoods by accessing up to $5,000 in project matching funds.
The fund, which is accepting applications from December 8, 2011 to January 31, 2012, allows neighbourhood groups to initiate, manage and implement projects that make a difference and are aligned with the Strengthening Neighbourhoods vision for all London neighbourhoods.
The draft 2012 City of London Budget (operating and capital) was presented to Council this afternoon. Civic Administration is proposing a draft budget that would result in a 2.3 per cent increase to the property tax levy (after 1 per cent estimated assessment growth).
If Council wishes to achieve the 1.4 per cent tax levy target approved in principle on May 31, 2011, it will have to work with the City’s departments, agencies, boards and commissions to find $4.2 million of savings. Council will also consider an annual incremental 1 per cent Special Economic Development Levy for the 2012 year and 2013 to 2016 forecast period.
The Special Economic Development Levy is considered a key $100 million investment by the municipality to stimulate the economy, create new jobs and leverage public/private funding partnerships for capital projects estimated at $700 million plus.
“I understand and appreciate the hard work and commitment that has gone into meeting the target set earlier this year by Council,” said Mayor and Budget Chief Joe Fontana. “I look forward to working together with Council, the Administration and our agencies, boards and commissions to see if we can bring this increase down to zero as committed, particularly as we are continuing to experience difficult economic times.”
2012 City Budget Talks Begin
Complete 2012 budget information is available to Londoners on the City’s website at www.london.ca/budget.
Highlights
The City invites residents to become involved in the budget decision-making process. During the three-month review process the public can attend public participation meetings as well as information sessions at shopping malls and City Hall.
City councillors and City finance officials will be available for budget consultation at shopping malls (Masonville, Westmount, White Oaks, Argyle, Cherryhill) on Saturday, January 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
My weekly opinions, observations and rants about some Canadian baseball stories (Please follow me on Twitter: @kevinglewsports):
Wouldn’t it be boring if Prince Fielder re-signed with the Brewers and Albert Pujols re-signed with the Cardinals? This is looking more and more like a possibility.
A couple of things about Fielder: he was not born in Toronto as some have reported. He was born in Ontario, California. Secondly, he has been estranged from his father for several years, so the idea that playing in Toronto might appeal to him because his father was once a Jay is a stretch.
Now that surefire Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez is set to announce his retirement, the question is, should he be immortalized in a Montreal Expos cap on his Cooperstown plaque?
London's City Manager - Mr. Jeff Fielding - Announces Resignation
Mayor Joe Fontana announced today that he has regretfully accepted Jeff Fielding’s resignation from the City of London, effective January 29, 2012 as he moves on to a new position. Mr. Fielding will take up the position of City Manager, City of Burlington, effective January 30, 2012.
“We are fortunate to have had Jeff as our City Manager for the last eight years. He has been a strong and determined leader of this organization and he has positioned us well to meet the challenges of the coming years,” said Mayor Fontana.
