City Council Meeting – Oct 14,2025
The original Urban Growth Boundary decision made in June 2024 used an aggressive population growth estimate. The process of determining what land is included in the expansion was still taking place. The request was to update the decision using the most current data and best quality of evidence we have available are integral to making good planning decisions.
The Urban Growth Boundary expansion decision largely depends upon a land needs assessment that is completed by City staff. They determine how much land the city needs for future housing, jobs, and businesses over the next 20-30 years, ensuring enough supply for growth while managing sprawl by evaluating intensification (building up) versus expansion (building out).
In June 2024 the draft report recommended an additional 450 hectares. By December 2024 an increased aggressive population estimate along with using a 30 year time horizon plus other changes resulted in an updated plan of 1,476 hectares. The City has asked the province for 2,000 hectares. That approval is still pending.
Given the long-term implications of the significant expansion and significantly revised lower population growth estimates, Council Franke requested the issue be discussed prior to moving forward with the decisions of what land parcels will be included in the urban growth expansion. This involved a “motion to leave” as it was in the original agenda. This a formal request to bypass normal procedures and discuss an urgent, unexpected item not on the agenda, usually requiring a supermajority (like two-thirds) to pass. It’s a procedural tool to bring critical, time-sensitive issues to Council’s immediate attention. The motion was denied so that the issue was not discussed or added to the agenda. [see Vote 1 below]
Later in the meeting an existing agenda item addressed the draft Urban Growth Boundary review but without use or discussion of the updated population estimates. [see Vote 2 below]
During that discussion Councillor Franke made an additional motion to add an Informational Map a City Report. The quotes below are from that discussion.
Based on my understanding…all the other plans and strategies to make informed decisions we are using the council approved population projections (that would result in 1,054 additional hectares) [it was confirmed by staff]
Councillor Franke (Video Timestamp 1:06)
It is not the number we agreed for Urban Growth Boundary expansion…we would be creating a second map without any stakeholder consultation
Councillor Lewis (Video Timestamp 1:40)
Watch the meeting at the “London Ontario City Council” Youtube channel
Watch Here (1. motion to add agenda item) Watch Here (2. motion to add informational map)
Vote to add discussion of updated population estimates to the agenda.
Vote on adding a “Informational” map as a reference in an appendix that reflects the number of hectares of additional land that is consistent with other strategies within the City of London.
From Councillor Franke letter regarding new population estimates for London (full letter can be read here)
Since Council’s original decision about the Land Needs Assessment in June 2024, the Ministry of Finance has significantly revised its long-term population projection for Middlesex-London. The 2054 estimate has been reduced by 48,300 people, from 770,100 (2024 projection) to 710,600 (2025 projection).
The UGB is one of the most important planning tools we have to manage growth responsibly. It helps to protect current and future property taxpayers by preventing higher municipal servicing costs associated with urban sprawl. Growing inwards and upwards also helps to protect farmland, and ensures that development is sustainable, affordable, and aligned with real population needs. Decisions of this magnitude should be based on the most accurate and up-to-date information available.
Almost every decision is made without perfect information. Additionally, it would not be practical or efficient to go and revise decisions whenever any additional information comes to light. However, given the significant long-term impacts of the urban growth boundary expansion and that the final decision on land parcels has not been made, should council at least discuss the implications of the updated population estimates?
Would revisiting the population estimates used in the land needs assessment unduly delay the process and potential start times for new housing developments?