Tempers flared during a marathon meeting of London City Council as politicians debated the potential relocation of CARFAX Canada to Westmount Commons Mall. Last week, a consultant representing the shopping mall asked that a decision about rezoning more of the mall into office space be delayed until, “a suitable level of tenant commitment in support of the proposed Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendments.” City staff recommend against the change, citing a policy that requires large offices greater than $5,000m2 be located in Downtown London. “Downtown has a lot to offer, way more than Westmount does,” said Downtown Coun. David Ferreira as he urged colleagues to uphold the policy. “Recognize the future implications and the precedent that this will set. It will impact downtown forever.” But Coun. Paul Van Meerbergen, whose ward includes Westmount Commons and the adjacent Westmount neighbourhood, accused Ferreira of being disrespectful. “Don’t diss’ Westmount!” Van Meerbergen warned before being interrupted. “I think what the ward councillor said is totally out of line, especially for an elected representative,” Ferreira asserted. “And you’re not out of line when you start dissin’ other areas of the city?” Van Meerbergen shot back. Mayor Josh Morgan had to defuse the argument, ”We’re not going to use the word dis’— okay?” Van Meerbergen continued arguing that Council should respect a major employer’s business decision, or risk seeing them leave London, “To try and artificially hinder it behind some type of bureaucratic regulation that they must go downtown is just playing with fire. And that fire is losing over 800 jobs.” Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis had choice words for the operators of Citi Plaza, after the mixed-use former-shopping mall in Downtown London sent a letter asking Council to refuse the rezoning, describing the recommendation by city staff as “correct and well-founded”. Gesturing with one hand towards the public gallery Lewis pushed back, “Go make them a frickin’ offer, City Plaza! If you think you have space downtown, then engage with the applicant!” Council sided with Westmount Commons Mall, voting to defer a decision until a future meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee (PEC). Westmount Commons was purchased last year by Farhi Holdings. CARFAX Canada is a vehicle history and valuation service that is currently located at 100 Kellogg Lane. Morgan offered some additional insight, “From my knowledge, a decision has not been made by (the) company on where to go in our city. And I don’t think it’s going to be made anytime soon, given the processes they’re going through in the equity markets.” The mayor adding, “I think giving some more time to allow a company to make a decision on what they’d like to do, and then we can decide how we’re going to make a decision based on that.”
