Councillor asks City of London to pause urban growth boundary expansion

Chippewas of the Thames and a city councillor are asking the City of London to pause the urban growth boundary expansion.

A London councillor is calling for a pause on city council’s discussions on expanding the urban growth boundary.

It follows a letter from the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, expressing its wish to provide comment on proposed expansion to the western portion of the boundary.

“I would say that when a neighbouring Indigenous nation asks us to properly consult with them, I think it’s important to listen to that,” said Ward 11 Coun. Skylar Franke.

Council’s planning committee is set to discuss proposed urban boundary changes on Tuesday.

Franke is asking those discussions to be put on hold until the neighbour first nation has opportunity to provide input.

The urban growth boundary represents the border within city limits beyond which new development is not allowed.

“I understand the argument for expanding the urban growth boundary, that with more land somehow it will reduce cost of housing. But my cynical view is that even if land is slightly cheaper for developers to build, I don’t think they’ll pass that cost savings along to future homeowners,” said Franke.