The Middlesex London Health Unit piloted a project called Harvest Bucks that gave vouchers to Londoners who were missing fruits and vegetables in their diet. As outlined in this story in the London Community News, the pilot project has had good results.

I love this site, I love reading peoples ideas and seeing so many people wanting to do good in this city.

I have met vibrant and happy people my 8 years living in the city and I want to see better days for London ahead.

Before that happens I think as a city we need to have a talk. These ideas are great but has anyone noticed how there has never been a shortage of good ideas in this city? I've heard them for years. Plenty of Londoners have their own ideas for the bus system or how to bring life back to the Core.

So it's not a lack of ideas stopping us. It's also not a lack or resources or talent. 2 awesome schools pumping out more talent then we can even employ. I'm a graduate of Fanshawe into probably one of the only safe industries (IT). There are thousands of bright eyed students ready to work if you know how to talk to them.

So why is London still a mess? Why have we been one of the most unemployed and violent cities in the country? In my time I haven't been made to feel like a Londoner. The students aren't made to feel welcome. Sure they are assholes but both sides keep up that fight. The city hasn't shown an interest in working with them. More like keeping them in line. If you don't give someone an opportunity to care about a community then how can they? London does not extend any welcome to students so unsurprisingly they act like people who are unwelcome.

In fact a lot of people in this city feel unwelcomed. Go to the London Ontario reddit site and you will see that 16-30 crowd generally dislikes London and many are itching to leave. A huge number of Londoners hate London. We are proud of a few things of course but on the whole Londoners don't identify with "Londoners".

We need to say it. We need to fess up. London isn't doing well. We have to stop lying and saying that we don't need to change. London needs to change. London needs to make big changes to see big changes. If I had to look at a list of cities in Canada by their statistics and infer then what City needed to change the most London is right near the top.

Why does London need to change? Because the large businesses and municipalities in this city are corrupt. I'm not talking about a corruption that we even consider illegal right now. I'm talking about a corruption that has resulted not from sinister dealing and mastermind scheming. A corruption that has come about from apathy. The bureaucracy created apathy. The apathy left room for questionable dealings. The questionable dealings lead to more bureaucracy to cover the questionable dealings. Which etc etc. Until we have a political system that can be summarized as the longest running joke in recent history. Where in 2013 when we understand the human mind and the infinity of space collectively to an unfathomable degree, in this time we refer to our mayor as "His Worship Mayor Joe Fontana". I say this and no one laughs. It isn't funny because on Dundas street there are junkies dying because we don't have a system that understands in the slightest why those people would rather die in the street then not be high. We call them lazy and give them just enough rope so they can strangle themselves out of view of the JLC. Oh sorry Budweiser Gardens. 

We have this city because right now we think London deserves this. That a few students should lose their entire future because a corrupt city mishandled student relations. That people who can't even carry their groceries home and resort to the humiliating display of pushing a cart down the street should be punished for being so unsightly. We don't want a better city we want a nicer appearing city. You don't get that until you learn to love yourselves again. And that means when ideas being submitted here stop being so damn egotistical. When you stop speaking for the class that can speak for itself. Your problems are easy to solve. These ideas can all be done by a few dozen people in a functioning city. Your ideas aren't happening because you are too concerned with your own day and how things appear.

I went through experiences that have left me questioning everything about myself. I have grown up in poverty a broken, confused and ignorant child. I've tried my hardest to not succumb to the depression that haunts me. To fight the rage I have at watching my family destroyed as social workers came by and did nothing. I made it out because despite our system people are awesome. Old women and concerned men. Motherly 40 somethings and farmers. None of these people were put in place to help me. They did it because they knew I was a child with no future and if maybe they gave me something to hold onto, If they spent just one afternoon I could have that, I could maybe hold on and do something with my life.

So everyday that we type out ideas and fight on facebook about sloppy joe there are thousands of children who could be pulled from the pits of poverty and given a future. I broke the socio economic barrier. I didn't do it with my boot straps, I only did it because someone cared.

I made it out of poverty. You don't know it's obvious but look at my writing. You have never read something like this. It seems both educated and ignorant all at the same time. It's because I was born in poverty and I can't possibly not think like a person who ate pig feed for a year. But I could write you a website in whatever language you'd like. I want to tell you please, please listen to me now because I'm going to say this until the day I die because you need to hear this. You are wrong, you are so well meaning but so so so so so wrong please stop killing them. Stop sentencing my impoverished brothers and sisters to a life of torture and misery. You are doing it and you don't know it. You have no idea what monsters you are being. And it's not because you are mean, it's not because you are terrible people. It's because you have grown up in luxury. You do not have perspective on our problems. That doesn't make it bad. The problem is that you refuse to listen to people like me. You think I have some agenda. That I'm some easily dismissed label. I'm a human and I hurt. I know pain that haunts me everyday. I fight with depression and suicide. Not because my life is terrible. But because I live in a world where a child can be beaten, tortured and abused day in and day out for 13 years, and any adult that saw the acting out decided the kid should be made an example of. I live in a world where a child can fail at committing suicide and not one damn adult even asks if something is wrong. I live in that world with the rest of you. Where your self absorption blinds you to the suffering around you.

Your ideas are not going to happen until Londoners tells London that there is a new deal going on. London is no longer a city of opportunity. London is a hurting city. We have been hurting each other and it's time to start mending that. The upper class needs to take a stroll down dundas and remember that those meth addicts are the result of meth addicts having kids. That if those meth addicts are not given more than they "deserve" then they will never get better. They have lost all hope and would rather waste out their time high. It's damn hard to come back from that but if I wanted to get off meth and  I didn't think everyone in the city thought I was a piece of garbage it might help. The lower class needs to remember that the monstrosities the upper class has allowed to occur in this city is not their fault but the fault of the divide. They didn't understand. That doesn't bring back the lives but if you can't let go then they won't either. We make the past better by learning from it, not repaying. If you have to repay then you do but if it doesn't help the healing then you don't.

We need to come together to end the corruption. This city needs to work for London. I don't care if we never have a skating figure championship come here again. I don't care if every business leaves London. London is not its attractions, it's not its unemployment rate, it's not its businesses. London is its people and I want a London that works for the people of London. Your ideas will not happen until we heal.

With more and more Londoners cycling, and a related increase in bike thefts, it's apparent that the core lacks a safe and practical solution for people riding downtown to secure their bikes.

What London's core needs is a bike station, simillar to the one recently approved in Toronto. The bike station is a high capacity storage space where people can safely lock up their bikes. Prefferably, the station would also have a few shower units to promote bike commuting in to the core.

Having a safe lockup spot would go a good way to increasing those biking to the core instead of driving.

During the Skating Champions, on Oxford Street near the London Airport, flagposts were installed to display participating countries flags.  Since then the flags have been removed but the poles remain.  These could be utilized to advertise unique London businesses or to celebrate Londoners achievements and welcome visitors to London while showcasing what makes London great!

The poles could be rented out to businesses or other organizations.

Affordable housing for those with respiratory issues, Environmental Illness and allergies to smoke. There are other programs likes this in Canada such as two being built in Quebec http://www.aseq-ehaq-en.ca/1-million-bricks.html

"Inspired by food trucks, our bright and friendly mobile City Hall truck is about serving city residents where they live, work and play. City Hall To Go will visit Boston’s neighborhoods throughout the year and offer a select menu of city services directly to constituents. The truck may also be a feature at special events, block parties and street festivals, and provide seasonal services as resident needs shift throughout the year."

More info at http://www.cityofboston.gov/cityhalltogo/

"Urban agriculture is the practice of growing food in or around a city. The Côte Saint-Luc Grown urban agriculture action plan announced at a press conference at City Hall includes the creation of a demonstration garden behind the City Hall/Library complex to teach gardening skills to adults and children, edible landscaping on city property, new community gardens, a farmers’ market, and the distribution of food boxes."

"Unlike other level of government, municipalities have ongoing and direct contact with their residents. That is a crucial distinction, and one which local leaders should leverage for the long-term benefit of all.

More details available here and here.

London has its own food charter here.

Berkley has a program for financing home improvements through the property tax assessment system. It came from the Renewable Appropriate Energy Laboratory.

It came out of the Berkeley FIRST program: "Berkeley FIRST is a program in development by the City of Berkeley.  It is being designed to allow property owners (residential and commercial) to install electric and thermal solar systems and make energy efficiency improvements to their buildings and pay for the cost over 20 years through an annual special tax on their property tax bills.  No property owner will pay the special tax unless they agree to have work done on their property as part of the program.  Those who do have work done on their property will pay only for the cost of their project (including interest) and fees to administer the program.  Individual property owners contract directly with qualified private solar installers and contractors for energy efficiency and solar projects on their building.  The City provides the funding for the project through proceeds derived from the creation of a bond that is repaid from special taxes on participating property owners’ tax bills for 20 years."

More info at http://rael.berkeley.edu/financing

There are several grocery and department stores that let their carts run wild. They are at bus stops, in ditches, at apartment complexes, and on side walks.  It's an eyesore, and makes otherwise lively and vibrant neighbourhoods look terrible.  There is a solution. Mississauga and Markham are among two cities in Ontario that have passed by-laws to make sure that all stores have cart management systems (they lock after going past a certain point in the parking lot). This can and should be done here in London.  Here are links to the by-laws mentioned. 

http://www.markham.ca/wps/wcm/connect/692c260045aade3389a79937ad237556/bylaw_200837.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=692c260045aade3389a79937ad237556

http://www.mississauga.ca/file/COM/shoppingcartnew.pdf

There are many intersections where the traffic lights don't change for cyclists without biking on the sidewalk. To get around this the intersection could be cheaply changed. I'll explain with an example of the intersection at William and King. When on King the light is green unless a car or pedestrian triggers the it to change which takes a couple of minutes. Replacing the light controlling William st traffic with a stop sigh will give traffic on King a permanent right of way. The lights controlling King st traffic can stay in place allong with the sensors on William st. When traffic has to wait an extended period of time on William st the light will still cycle giving William st traffic the right of way. This would ensure that traffic on William st doesn't have wait until the end of rush hour for King st to clear, but still allows traffic to cross King st during times of light traffic on King (which is most of the time). It will also reduce cyclists awkwardly biking up and down sidewalks, and it will reduce driver frustration as they will rarely have to wait unnecessary extended periods of time at empty intersections.

There is a dramatic lack of places to lock up a bicycle in London. There are only 2 spot in East Village and downtown has less than half what it needs. 

From Episode 10 of Dale TV:

To raise additional funds for the Library and reduce the need for city funding, Dale Henderson believes that the library could have a tiered card system, offering a premium card for an additional fee that offers benefits, such as granting access to the Western and Fanshawe libraries, or even allowing access to Netflix services within the library.

From Episode 10 of Dale TV:

Using the city's capacity to issue charitable receipts, private individuals or groups of citizens could donate money to the city for a specific purpose, such as medical research or a homeless feeding initiative. They city would apply 95% of the money for the program, keeping a 5% fee. 

This way, local charity funding could be crowd sourced and wealthy individuals could fund their own charitable projects.

I have used Bixi in Toronto and Montreal and think it would be great for London. I have sent an e-mail to the City of London, but have not received a reply!

From episode 8 of Dale TV,

Instead of relying on the London Transit Commission, the city could lease out service contracts to private companies for individual routes. The contracts would prioritize ridership numbers, giving operators an incentive to increase their frequency and rider pickup count. 

From episode 8 of Dale TV

Leasing buses as opposed to purchasing them could reduce overall operating costs while keeping London's bus fleet up to date as leases expire and new busses are added to the supply.

In Episode 8 of his Dale TV program,

Dale Henderson proposes that it's time to re-evaluate the city's bus routes. Instead of sending all buses downtown, Dale thinks we should engage citizens through surveys to find out where the most demand for routes are.

In Episode 6 of Dale TV:

Dale believes that the city currently makes it too difficult to obtain permits for zone changing or building permits. If the city reduces it's red tape and restrictions for environmental or other concerns, more investment may be brought in to the city. 

From Episode 6 of Dale TV;

The University of Waterloo set up an MBA of starting your own business. The program involved granting students access to the school's professors for advice.

Dale believes that if Western could be encouraged to set up the same program, the city could benefit from students starting up their businesses in London.

From episode 6 of Dale TV:

The city could establish a low cost warehouse on industrial land to be used for startup businesses. The building would have a consultant or mentor on site, as well as other services for the startups to employ. 

The Wellesley Institute advocates for a inclusionary housing programs, which they define as "municipal programs that rely upon the development regulations and approval process to have private developers provide some portion of the housing within their new market projects as affordable housing."

More info is available at the Wellesley Institute's site.

In Episode 5 of Dale TV,

Dale Henderson suggested that any requests to the city for festival or event funding must first prove that they can match those funds with private investment. 

Dale believes the city currently gives out too much money, and by making groups prove there is enough interest to raise private funds for it, applying groups would be more responsible and the city would save money while only funding successful or popular events.

On episode 5 of Dale TV, Dale Henderson suggests that the city combine the maintenance departments of fire/police/ltc/parks and other city departments. By having a central maintenance depot and staff, Dale believes the city can cut down on operating costs for it's various departments. Presumably, there would either be a central depot, or everything would operate out of the LTC bus depot.

Have a central maintenance department to cut down on costs.

A suggestion for the built environment, particularly downtown: 

There have been several recent attempts to improve the downtown streetscapes, including better street furniture and the addition of some street art and greenery. These are nice to see, but I'm not really sure Downtown London streets look any better as a result. 

It strikes me that one of the things that most strongly detracts from the aesthetic experience of downtown is the variety and quality of the local business signs.  Considering Richmond or Dundas, we see a lot of old, damaged, makeshift, and generally ugly signs that make the street look cluttered and unattractive. Having some more uniform quality, size, and design might really help improve the look of downtown streets and also help local businesses. 

My suggestion: Develop a Downtown Signage Fund that would contribute to downtown businesses wishing to improve their signs, according to some predetermined design parameters.  This would provide an incentive for businesses wanting to improve their advertising, and also help improve the streetscape.  

There could be a set amount set aside for the fund every year.  We could require applications by local businesses who would propose designs.  The fund would not cover the entire cost of a sign, but could help to defray costs enough to provide a significant incentive. 

I think this would have more "bang" than a lot of other streetscape beautification initiatives, and would also directly help downtown businesses who would not otherwise be able to invest in new signs. 

In Episode 5 of Dale TV, City Councilor Dale Henderson suggested that the city could combine the vehicle maintenance departments of London's fire, police, LTC and parks, as well as combining the IT departments of City hall, library, police, convention centre, tourism London and other offices.

Dale stated that by having a central maintenance and IT department, service duplication and city costs could be reduced. 

Episode 5 of Dale TV, Dale Henderson suggests that city employees could have a suggestion box in which they can identify potential cost savings or efficiencies. In return for these suggestions, the employee to suggest it would receive a 10% commission on all savings achieved by the idea's implementation. 

The idea is similar to his idea for a dedicated City savings department 

In Episode four of Dale TV, Dale Henderson states that police budgets are too high and must be reigned in. He suggests that an auxiliary police force could be maintained to enforce traffic laws and police public events such as festivals and parades. Dale believes that this auxiliary force, or relying on trainees, will allow the police to focus on serious crimes while reducing the city's budget.

On episode four of his DALE TV webcast, Dale suggested the city should establish a savings department. The department (of about 5 people) to focus exclusively on the identification of cost reductions and the more efficient application of services. Dale suggests that the cost of the department would be entirely based on paying it’s employees 10% of the savings that they can identify and implement.

He believes this is a great way to encourage creative solutions at minimum cost.

In Episode 4 of Dale TV, 

Dale Henderson stated that he would like to see if programs and operations traditionally run by the city, such as the issuing of building permits, building inspections and the issuing of parking tickets, could be better run if put to tender for private bidding. These private companies could either bid for entire contracts or compete against other private businesses or the city itself.

Dale did not say he believed these private operators WOULD be cheaper, but only that it was worth trying to see what would happen.

On his web show, Dale Henderson talked about the idea of a hotel room surcharge.

Currently hotels benefit greatly from London’s attempts to bring in tourists. Dale believes that in return for this benefit, there should be a surcharge on hotel rooms of “A buck or two” to go towards festival, tourism and advertising for the city. Dale sees the idea as a reciprocal arrangement between the city and hotels, as the funding raised would promote larger draws of tourists in to the city.

The idea was proposed in Toronto after the SARS outbreak and was supported by the hotel industry as well, but died because municipalities don’t have taxation rights. 

From episode 4 of Dale TV,

Dale suggests that while The Grand Theatre and Orchestra London are great for the city in their ability to draw tourists and attention to the city, we should look at private operators to see if the same can be done without cost to the city. Using Bud Gardens as an example of a private operator who, with initial city funds, has driven entertainment dollars in to the city, Dale wonders if a private theatre company or a private orchestra could have the same effect. Dale thinks that a private business might be better at running such an operation efficiently and drawing top talent to the city, while freeing up city funds for other ideas.

Dale Henderson stated on his TV program that he would like to work with CPR to have the railway moved outside of the city. The immediate benefit would be reduced traffic by taking railway crossings off of main city streets. Once done, Dale also proposed the posibility of Budd Cars (small single train cars with the engine built in) to operate on these lines, taking passengers to and from Toronto.

Dale believes the cheaper Budd cars could operate every hour and a half on these new lines. he also believes that moving the rail lines would allow the city to work on new traffic, public transport and cycle infrastructure initiatives. 

In the third episode of Dale TV, Dale Henderson stated the need to alleviate London's traffic concerns. He believes this is best done by building a northern wing of a ring road between the 402 and Veterans Memorial Parkway. To foster this idea, Dale suggests annexation of northern municipalities so that London may have more say in where a road north of the city is built. To accommodate these municipalities, tax breaks and sewage services would be offered.

London's growing desire and production of organic and local is good for the Environment and its residents' health. But more can be done. Currently there are a lot of unused lawns in London, and most likely a lot of experienced gardeners who would love to have more space. Many cities have Urban Garden share programs that allow people to volunteer their yards to experienced gardeners. 

It's a great way to take the pressure off community gardens (as well as cut down wait times). There can be variation in Garden Share programs, allowing the city to see what works best for it. 

Here's the Wikipedia page on Garden Shares

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_sharing

With free wifi being established in the core, why not take things a step further and expand wifi city wide? Making London "The Internet City" would be a big boon to not just London's image, but also the information/technology sector.

I don't really know what the costs involved in such a venture would be, but it would certainly benefit the London economy by making things easier for startups and entrepreneurs as well as benefitting Londoners.

There are two big problems with our property taxes: they are too high, and too low.

While it may sound a bit crazy to create a new currency, Peterborough is doing just that. The Kawartha Loon will be supported by a variety of local merchants, food suppliers and businesses who become members of the exchange.

offered at a 10% discount to the Canadian dollar, the currency will allow for strengthened local trade to promote commerce and employment opportunities within the region.

A similar idea in the form of Downtown bucks gift cards is currently employed by London. But having a far reaching exchange to promote all manner of local services would considerably increase the amount of money that stays in the London area instead of leaving it.

I lived in Ottawa until 2007. Since at LEAST 2005, the OC Transpo was fully integrated with Google Maps, meaning you could go to Gmaps, enter 2 addresses, and you were given all sorts of possible routes, their times, the transfer times, etc.

Example: http://i.imgur.com/UNlhHL7.jpg

The LTC desperately needs to do something like this to make trip planning less tedious. The "interactive" map looks like it was Xeroxed in 1986. Every single route on it is blue. It actually has to redraw when you zoom. The UI is god awful.

Nothing on the LTC site can compare to Google maps (which is also very available on mobile devices.

The current meetings where the public can voice concerns and offer input on the LTCs operations take place before most people are out of work (4PM IIRC). This makes no sense, and only serves to limit the amount of input the LTC so badly needs.

Unlike cut trees that die shortly after or plastic trees which just don't smell like Christmas, Living Christmas Trees great. They're smaller Christmas trees in pots that come spring time, can be planted outside.

I found this Christmas that living trees were not available from London nurseries or tree farms. This could be rectified to London's benefit. If Reforest London could source a local tree grower to provide living, potted christmas trees independently or through private garden centers, a reciprocal relationship could be utilized. Reforest london would heavily promote the purchase of Living trees as an Eco London friendly initiative and, in return for the free advertising, the tree lot or nursery would donate a small portion of the proceeds to Reforest London and the Million tree challenge.

The private growers and sellers find a new stream of profit and free advertising, Reforest London receives funding and Londoners get to feel good about their Christmas choice and make the city a better place in the act.

Google Grants provides up to $330 USD per day ($10,000 USD per month!) in free AdWords to qualifying Canadian charities. The relatively brief online form is here: http://www.google.ca/intl/en/grants/apply.html

It would be neat if we could organize a contest or hackathon -- perhaps with prize money or funding from Awesome London? -- to see who can get the most charities signed up for this program.

I could see individuals with expertise in online marketing, as well as some digital/advertising firms in London, working on this project.

Councillor Dale Henderson recently suggested that the city should encourage citizens to donate funds above and beyond the property taxes that they pay.

Canadian municipalities are "qualified donees" according to the Canadian Revenue Agency and are able to issue tax receipts.

See, for example, this page at the City of Windsor.

It's a small idea, but small ideas can make a big difference. There are some great bike trails in London, but there is an east end disconnect that needs to be fixed. The trails through Kiwanis park run are not connected to the trails on the river which would allow us to bike into the core. This is should be a relatively small fix, by running a tunnel through the railroad berm and connecting the two ends of the existing bike trails.

It would be great to have bus service after the bars close. Perhaps a special bus to London and Fanshawe.

We should be encouraging the adoption of SeeClickFix in London. This service has been used to fix over 275,000 non-emergency issues in cities all over North America.

The city's engineering division, the mayor's office, staff at Western and the Urban League of London are all watching the London area via SeeClickFix already.

You can register and start using SeeClickFix right now.

A transit advisory committee to advise the LTC on transit issues.

It would be great if Grand River CarShare or some other car sharing service setup in London. Details on the Grand River service are in this article by London Community News. If they receive 100 members from London, they'll setup with three cars.

Updated: there is a community car share co-operative that operates in Hamilton, Waterloo and Niagara.

It would be helpful to have a budget infographic that communicates the major aspects of the city's planned revenue and expenditures for 2013 and longer term capital spending. Matt Elliott has created a good one for Toronto: http://t.co/ehOeRuiA

Toronto has a helpful service called 311. It's a simple three digit phone number that residents can call for all sorts of inquiries related to the city. Worth investigating for London. http://www.toronto.ca/311/faq.htm

Similar to how Waterloo integrates work experience into its undergraduate programs, Western should offer co-op programs. This would help to expose students to job opportunities and expose employers to the talent at Western.

I have heard that ambulances frequently get caught at the train crossing at Commissioners and Adelaide while on their way to and from Victoria Hospital. It would be nice if train traffic did not disrupt the common route for these emergency medical care providers.

What about a web series where an individual (or show host) volunteers at a different organization each episode?

Somewhat along the lines of Dirty Jobs or Ed’s UP.

Each episode would serve as a video promotion for the organization as well as an introduction to some of the positions they have on a regular basis which require volunteers.

This would also let volunteers learn about the expected commitment and benefits of volunteering at each location.

For example, I really didn’t know what the Glen Carin Community Resource Centre offered until I saw it’s AGM video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i5anGnwYSk

After a few recent experiences at my residence, I feel there is a need for stronger bylaws with respect to door-to-door sales people.

Consumers already are screaming for a "code of conduct" in the door-to-door utility market, but one has not materialized. (see http://www.burnedatthedoor.com/survey.php)

Some door-to-door salespeople use questionable, if not illegal tactics to get information and pressure homeowners into a sale. An excellent 2009 CBC Marketplace episode goes behind the scenes and speaks to some of the salespeople who admit to the questionable practices. http://www.cbc.ca/marketplace/2009/power_of_persuasion/main.html

We currently have a very weak "hawkers and pedlars" bylaw which doesn't go much further than describing the business and stating that they need a license. See London Business Licensing By-law, Part 10 (page 27) http://www.london.ca/By-laws/PDFs/business_licensing.pdf.

My hope would be to include requirements for clear identification of the company they represent and to carry an official city provided "hawker and pedlar" ID which must be presented if requested. Failure to do so should include enforcement measures and possibly fines or loss of license for companies with repeat violations. See City of Newmarket By-law Number 2002-151 Schedule 12 - Hawkers and Pedlars, Part C - Enforcement http://www.newmarket.ca/en/townhall/resources/270310_Schedule_12_Hawkers_and_Pedlars.pdf

In this dawning era of information and social media, we have yet to strike an appropriate balance in the ethical use of Twitter and Facebook while conducting business, but I do not believe that the outright banning of their use is the correct way to go. As elected representatives, there is an obligation for all councillors to communicate with their constituents, and the citizens of London at large, and social media has proven to be a cost effective, and efficient way of making that happen. That being said, there are lines that do get crossed with regards to the frequency, timing, and content of this style of communication, and this too must be addressed.

In an effort to better accommodate the needs of the public for information, and satisfy the requirement for decorum and respect during council and committee meetings, I would suggest that council consider hiring a media specialist to live-broadcast all meetings through the internet, as well as to have a dedicated council twitter account that the specialist can update during the proceedings with all appropriate information. This would allow council to focus on their business, while better streamlining the flow of information to the rest of the city. This media specialist could also handle incoming requests and comments, and direct them to the appropriate councillor via the existing computer terminals that are installed in the chamber. After meetings, I would encourage all councillors to continue the dialogue through their own social media accounts, and receive more individualized feedback through that method.

The emergence of social media is indeed rewriting some of the rules surrounding etiquette, but I believe that a balance can be achieved.

London has a library system that is worth bragging about. Not only should we work to stop the proposed cuts but we should celebrate and use what we have. Let's come up with ways to limit the budgetary cuts that will result in service cuts. Let's then look at how we can use our libraries - the physical plant and the expertise - to provide even more community support to people in London. 

As climate change becomes more of a reality and as we experience more extreme weather, such as the drought this past summer, city gardeners, foresters and planners could work with residents, community associations and experts (Reforest London, Carolinian Canada, Thames Talbot Land Trust) to make our public and residential lands more drought resistant. Planting and planning to minimize water needs will soon be essential. 

Right now the city is struggling with items incorrectly sorted into blue bins and garbage. The addition of green bins, a good and necessary thing, will add to sorting confusion. The City of Ottawa has a handy tool on its website that London should consider.

http://ottawa.ca/online_services/recycling/items/305_en.html

Murals on utility boxes around the city. There is a good example of this on Queens Ave near the old library already. A committe of volunteers would select several utility boxes in the city at a time. Artists would propose a design. The best designs (approptiate for the neighbourhood ) would be selected. The committee would file the paperwork for city council approval to speed up the process. In a few years there would be art all over the city. 

The city of Chicago has a sustainable backyards program that provides rebates to residents who make improvements to their backyards that help to clean the environment: trees, native plants, composting bins and rain barrels.

http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/cdot/provdrs/conservation_outreachgreenprograms/svcs/chicago_sustainablebackyardprogram.html

"

Sustainable Backyards Rebates

Rebate forms are available to Chicago residents for up to 50% off their next local purchase of:

TREES (up to $100 back)

NATIVE PLANTS (up to $60 back)

COMPOST BINS (up to $50 back)

RAIN BARRELS (up to $40 back)

Rebate amounts were allocated based on the value of the ecosystem services provided by each product. Ecosystem services are the additional benefits of healthy ecosystems, including stormwater management, improved air quality, and improved human health.

Trees can provide many benefits to our quality of life; for each tree we plant we receive ecosystems services valued at roughly $1,200 over the life of that tree. All of these environmentally-friendly products are worth the investment!

Residents will not need to participate in a Sustainable Backyards Workshop to receive a rebate form, but are encouraged to attend a workshop to learn more about how to install, plant, and maintain these green infrastructure best management practices.

PLEASE NOTE: The City of Chicago will no longer sell subsidized rain barrels or compost bins."

Currently, there are 10 building inspectors on staff at the City of London (up from 8 in 2002). There are also more than 9,000 active building permits (up from 4,394 in 2002). Between 75-85% of permits are responded to within the legislated timeframes of 10-20 days.

A few years ago (2008-2009), an additional inspector was hired to focus on cleaning up old permits. We lost that additional inspector in 2010.

The 0% tax freeze target will likely mean a cost reduction for building approvals of $62,000. So we may lose another building inspector.

We should be increasing, not decreasing, the number of building inspectors.

Community Composting initiatives are groups of vounteers who make organic waste composting available to a self-determined neighbourhood or area. Each group chooses an operating model best suited to its needs, resources, and expected outcomes. A city-wide network of Community Composting groups shares information, ideas, and resources, and acts as a hub for people interested in participating in and expanding the program. 

http://in-s-anity.amandastratton.com/community-composting-its-not-crazy/

Community schools are the beating heart of communities and cities alike. Keeping our schools in our neighbourhoods allows for children to walk to class, promoting healthy living, a strong sense of community, and envionmental stweardship to both our current and next generation. Local schools also promote closer friendships in children and families, and invite more parental involvement in education.

If you want a more vibrant downtown you need easier highway access. Make Hamilton Road from Highbury a below ground level highway to downtown.

Try fixing the layout of this unnoticed website to help serious contenders actually consider reading anything here.

Also, try taking the time to think about why there are no arts-related suggestion tabs here and how that might relate to a more widespread, London-centric issue.

If you can't figure it out, don't worry too hard because no one's going to care or notice anyways.

Extend right turning lane at Wellington & Commisonners on southwest side to Shoppers Drug Mart

Have a look at what one area of Dallas did to try to revitalize the fading Elmwood neighbourhood:

http://www.good.is/post/good-ideas-for-cities-encouraging-small-businesses/

Why not start or promote" buy London" to support local business. Too many people in London think "out of town" is better. For example, London's new web site could have been done right here. CCAC London has an exclusive contract with Medi-Gas an American company, hospitals' food service done by a U.S. company and buy their food from Sysco, another American outfit, when we have suppliers such as Signet Foods and Bedell's right here in town.

I am very concerned with the growing problem of scooters and other unlicensed motorized vehicles using our roadways. At this point in time personally I have just missed hitting some these vehicles. Any altercation with these  vehicles is gong to be devastating likely meaning a serious injury or death involved. Legal problems aside, how can we prevent serious life altering events from happening.

I firmly believe London only has two geographic features going for it.  Our in-city wooded areas and our river.  We need to capitalize on what we have and make it more attractive to both tourists and those who live here.  However, with the dam maintence and subsequent failure starting back in 2006, we've lost this asset to a long drawn-out court battle.

Specfically, I'm thinking of spots like the Embassy, the Brunswick House, etc that may or may not have development plans but sure look ugly for years on end to be the home of as many handfulls of flowering seeds as possible.  Understanding that they would/could dissappear once development commences. 

This is a bit of a pie-in-the-sky idea. We are an urban hub in the middle of one of the most fertile agriculture regions in North America. An agricultural research complex/science centre would spur industry innovation, engage Western University, retain/attract tech workers and scientists, and provide a regional attraction for the growing (excuse the pun) agri-tourism industry. If a new building would need to be constructed, I'd suggest it be close to Western's research farm.

Thinking big, but that's what this is for, right? 

Want to alleviate a good portion of rush hour traffic?  Why not use the existing rail lines that currently haul goods through the city, and move people from the outskirts, to downtown?  A sort of GO train within the London region.  How many times have you been late for work, stuck in traffic on Oxford St. while a train zooms overhead at Talbot Street?  There would be the cost of platforms, leasing, or renting the use from CN or CP, there would also be the scheduling (those existing trains would undoubtedly take priority) and of course the trains themselves don't come cheap.  London's population is not huge, so a few train cars would likely suffice, Trains come in to downtown london from 4 different directions, imagine parking the car, or walking to the Rona parking lot on Wonderland, jumping on the train, and zooming down to downtown for work.  After work, head to a class at Fanshawe College, which is just a short walk from the Second Street platform.  Visitors that arrive on a flight from London International Airport could jump on the airport shuttle to the platform at Veterans Memorial Parkway, then take the train to its western terminus at Komoka for a short stroll through town before grabbing the train back to visit family at Victoria hospital, which is not far from the Adelaide and Commissioners stop. A big concert at the JLC?  Why fight for downtown parking, visitors from Toronto could park in Dorchester, take the train downtown, grab dinner and see the show before bypassing all of the stop lights on their way back to Dorchester.

Sure it would be a huge undertaking, and would likely never see the light of day, but something to think about.  This would create more foot traffic downtown, take the pressure off of the need for downtown parking, and create strong bedroom communities around the train stops.  There are train tracks everywhere in the area, why not embrace them instead of loathing them?

In some municipalities, groups have brokered relationships with building owners to allow exterior faces of buildings to be used a mural space. Boston has some beautiful examples; so does Quebec City. OPIRG in Guelph was also involved in a similar endeavour. Images of community - past, present and future; history; story-telling might all be represented. London has some fabulous artists who are known, and some yet to be discovered. http://www.ramblingtraveler.com/2007/05/wall-murals-of-quebec-city.html

Rather than having buses travel down suburbian streets, does it make sense to have them focus on travelling the core routes then make an arrangement with the cab companies so that people can get a home pick-up and drop off at a main route location? Maybe the bus pass can be expanded to cover the cab 'transfer"? Benefits: faster ride service, buses only on heavy routes, minimize need to expand routes. Unknown: cost