London city budget deliberations continue [Video]

The second day of 2025 budget deliberations at London City Hall on Friday looked to clamp down on the projected 7.4 per cent increase, however it wasn’t off to a great start.

Budget increases approved by council

In an effort to improve the downtown core, Ward 13 councillor David Ferreira asked council to make an amendment to increase the budget to provide a grant to help fund the London Downtown Business Association and support businesses.

“The truth of the matter – you know, this is the heart of the city, and it’s the beating heart of the city, and we need to continue beating it,” asserted Ferreira.

His proposal would see funds going toward improving safety and security property damage grants and crime prevention.

However, that motion was voted down eight to six.

A second motion by Ferreira requested a grant to beautify and clean up the core.

That motion was passed after it was amended by Deputy Mayor Sean Lewis, who recommended changing …