The Old East Village Business Improvement Area (OEV BIA) is putting London City Hall on notice — it’s re-focussing on its core responsibilities and will no longer fund programs that address the impacts of the district’s homelessness and drug crisis. “We’re going back to our mandate. We’re going back to the grass roots of what a BIA is all about,” said Executive Director Kevin Morrison. Morrison says that means focusing on marketing, business promotion, and beautification, while leaving responsibility for addressing social challenges to city hall, the provincial government, and police. “We’ve been taking care of the private property clean-up for our business owners. We’ve been taking care of window replacements, and we do get a lot of windows smashed. Plus the vandalism (and) graffiti removal. We also had security measures in place,” he explained. “But that funding’s gone.” Morrison emphasizes he isn’t complaining, adding that he’s worked well with city management. However, he wants the incoming council to understand that the BIA is staying in its lane. “We’ll take responsibility for the mandate of a BIA. You take the responsibility for what you’re saying is safe streets,” Morrison asserted. “It was talked about in the recent election, so now it’s time to take a look at it. We’ve got a new council, so step up to the plate!” “It’s okay to just stay in your own lane, but like (drivers), you also share that freeway. So maybe if everybody gets to the table together, and were proactive, perhaps we can get things done,” he added. The BIA’s renewed focus includes a revitalization campaign dubbed “Why Wait?” Morrison says last year council ignored his 44-page plan to expand the Downtown Master Plan to include Old East Village, but he says the business district can’t wait any longer. “They’re looking at investing $48 million to revitalize downtown (called) Reimagine Downtown. So I say, why wait? That money isn’t even going to be available until probably the end of 2028. We don’t have that long (in OEV), so we’re going to invest $48,000-- and we start on Monday.” The BIA’s “Why Wait?” campaign incorporates feedback from its members, with the goal of bringing more Londoners back to the area. “We did a survey. People love the planters. It adds a little bit of vibrancy. You’re going to see street banners. You’re going to see many events at our local businesses, and I’m talking to local artists (about) doing mini-events,” said Morrison. Those mini-events could see participants create two pieces of art, one to take home and a second to be used for fundraising in the district. The BIA has also launched “Friends of OEV”, an affiliate membership program allowing those outside its official boundary to participate in the neighbourhood’s revitalization. “There’s a lot of exciting initiatives! I say stay tuned, and why wait?” said Morrison.
