Building the East London Community Centre & Infrastructure
Working on the Railroads
I’ve lived in London for more than 20 years. That whole time, city councils have been discussing ways to fix traffic woes presented by CP and CN railways that run through the city. Sometimes it seemed they were planning on a hope and a prayer that CN and CP would magically stop sending trains through London (and remember many of the traffic problems are the results poor planning decisions by the city as it grew around the tracks).
I have a lot of respect for Councillor Jesse Helmer. He and I don’t always agree, but he was absolutely correct when he told the London Free Press this week that it is time to stop “stringing people along” on the idea that city hall can convince CP and CN to share tracks, or do anything else that will cut the train traffic in London (see: http://lfpress.com/news/local-news/rail-relocation-dreams-dashed-in-london-for-now).
It is time face facts: Continue Reading
Campaign BBQ with MP Mathyssen, Cheryl Miller, & Ward 7’s Josh Morgan
Launching the Shawn Lewis for Ward 2 City Councillor Campaign with an east London backyard BBQ Meet & Greet, Shawn was joined by local Member of Parliament Irene Mathyssen, former City Councillor and past Conservative candidate Cheryl Miller and Ward 7’s Josh Morgan.
Is The Force With London Council Candidate?
How big of a Star Wars fan is Shawn Lewis?
So big, he will be celebrating his love of the sci-fi saga by announcing his candidacy for city council in Ward 2 by waiting until May 4 — known as Star Wars Day among geeks. Continue Reading
Time for Someone New to Represent Ward 2
I’m literally on the wrong side of the tracks to be able to say I live in Ward 2. But arbitrary lines on a map don’t define community. I’ve called east London’s Argyle neighbourhood home for more than 20 years.
Argyle—or Ward 2—is where I work, shop, and play. It’s where my heart is. Home. Continue Reading
Better Transit, a To-Do List that isn’t all about BRT
Let’s be honest eliminating poverty in a generation. Not something a City Council can do by itself. Bringing more jobs? Well, a city council can create a good environment for that to happen in again not something a city council can do on it’s own.
But fixing transit…that folks is something that with leadership at City Council and through it at the London Transit Commission, that is something that can be done! Transit is something wholly under the city’s control. Continue Reading
The Friday Roundtable: Former City Councillor Cheryl Miller, local Broadcast legend Steve Garrison, & Shawn Lewis
Talking about local school boards pulling funding from high school theatre production of “Prom Queen”, (true story of an LGBT student’s fight to take his boyfriend to prom), the first poll on issues in the 2018 municipal election and the mayor race, and more.
Apology to London’s LGBT Community Must Come From Council
When I first arrived in London (much younger) the Mayor of the day was defending herself and her council at the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal for refusing to declare Gay Pride Weekend in the city. As a gay person who was still in the closet at the time, it certainly made it feel like the city really didn’t want me or–anyone like me–to make London home. Continue Reading
Talking Tourism Goals for London
On October 25th, I had the chance for the third time this year to sit down with the chief of Tourism London, John Winston. The impact of tourism on our local economy is really underestimated by most London residents, but it is huge.
Oct 18th AM980 Roundtable: Councillor Jared Zaifman & Shawn Lewis
AM980’s Craig Needles talks with Shawn Lewis & Councillor Jared Zaifman about the passing of the Tragically Hip’s Gord Downie, and also Council’s latest…the possibility an International Plowing Match in London and should we really want one?