Canvassing in the SoHo Community

Touching base in the SoHo Community of Ward 13

It’s been wonderful seeing so many familiar faces while my team and I canvass in SoHo (South of Horton), and hearing the good-news stories from the residents of this vibrant neighbourhood. For instance, the revitalization of Nelson Park, located at the south end of Clarence St, has given neighbourhood children (and their parents) a new place to play and meet. I was there on a Wednesday evening, and found three families still at play and it was getting dark. One of the adults commented that the new playground had become very popular, and every evening this summer has been a gathering place.

I visited the Middlesex London Housing Corporation building at 241 Simcoe Street for the open house and barbeque celebrating their Communities in Bloom project. Congratulations to all the participants on creating this lovely spot.

More good news from SoHo is about the Red Antiquities building on the corner of Wellington and Hill Streets. This one-of-a-kind heritage building had been threatened with demolition. However, it was purchased this summer, and plans are underway to restore and renovate the 137-year-old building. (You can read about what’s happening at http://www.redantiquitiesbuilding.com/.) It was one of the many intriguing stops during this year’s Doors Open London.

The neighbourhood, like many others in our Ward 13, continues to have its challenges, but with the continuing work with the City on the Community Improvement Plan, and the strong and growing SoHo community association, I expect more exciting developments.