London task forces make 32 recommendations to address COVID-19 impacts

Two London task forces have come up with ideas about howbusinesses and social services can deal with the current COVID-19 pandemic, and begin to recover once lifereturnsto normal.

Mayor Ed Holder and Deputy Mayor Jesse Helmer launched the task forces three weeks ago. This is their first report, after more than a dozen conversations with more than 200 people since then, explained Holder.

All in all, the report includes 32 recommendations.The full list can be foundhere.

The recommendationsinclude having all levels of government communicate new programs in clear language that is easy for people to understand, expanding and transforming services to ensure women and kids facing domestic violence have a safe place to go. The report also discusses how the city can meet thebasic needs London's homeless population.

The report, which synthesizes what has been heard during the task force meetings, is being shared with city council, civic administration, and the city's MPs and MPPs.

"I think it becomes the baseline as we go forward over the next number of weeks and look to understand the impacts of these organizations and associations, and the people they represent," said Holder, adding that the recommendations are fluid and can be changed or added to as circumstances evolve.

Holder also pointed out that some of the recommendations have already been turned into action. For example, during a meeting last Tuesday, he said city council approved eight essential municipal projects which will keep people employed.

The city has also set up 26 comfort stations in the core area and waived interest and penalties on unpaid property tax, and is looking to defer property tax payments, the report said.

During future meetings of each task force, Holder said they'll discuss ongoing impact and specific steps the city can take. He said each group is growing, as more organizations and stakeholders ask to participate.

"This has probably been the broadest based consulting that London has done, on an area, on such a broad area, that I'm aware of. And it's critically important because we're at a pivotal moment in time," he said.