New report projects London population to hit 500,000 this decade
A consultant’s report projecting London’s population, employment, and housing growth over the upcoming three decades (2021-2051) is going to the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee meeting on Dec. 6.
Prepared by Watson and Associates Economists, the growth forecasts will guide municipal decision making to ensure municipal decisions take growth estimates into consideration.
“These initiatives include, but are not limited to, budget forecasts, development charges studies and updates, community plans and strategies, servicing needs assessments, economic development initiatives, the municipal comprehensive review of the Official Plan (London Plan) and the associated land needs assessment for the urban growth boundary, as well as mobility master planning,” the report reads.
A chart illustrates London, Ont.'s forecasted population growth over the next three decades. (Source: City of London)
Based on the “medium growth scenario,” London’s population is expected to reach 500,000 between 2026 and 2031. By the year 2051, the city’s population is projected to reach 647,500.
Housing starts will remain strong, with annual average new units estimated at 3,280. That’s higher than the recent historical average of 2,390 per year.
“New housing units are also projected to continue the trend towards medium- and high-density units, with single and semi-detached low-density units projected to account for less than 30 per cent of new starts,” the report added.
A chart illustrates London, Ont.'s forecasted population growth over the next three decades. (Source: City of London)
The report also forecasts positive job growth over the next three decades.
“Employment growth is expected to be very strong, with an annual average growth of 1.6 per cent or 4,010 jobs per year to 2051. This is considerably higher than the historical annual growth rate of 0.5 per cent from years 2001 to 2021,” the report reads.
The total number of jobs in London will reach 317,500 by 2051.
A chart illustrates London, Ont.'s forecasted population growth over the next three decades. (Source: City of London)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
Disappointment widespread over budget's proposed $200-month disability benefit funding
Advocacy groups across Canada are expressing widespread disappointment about the amount of funding earmarked in the 2024 federal budget for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit.
BREAKING Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
Earthquake jolts southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 hit southern Japan late on Wednesday, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, without issuing a tsunami warning.
ArriveCan contractor to be admonished by MPs in extraordinarily rare parliamentary display
Enacting an extraordinarily rarely used parliamentary power, MPs have summoned an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon to be admonished publicly for failing to answer their questions.
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
Gas prices across Ontario expected to climb to levels not seen since 2022, analyst says
Ontario is going to see a big jump at the pumps later this week as gas prices in the province hit levels not seen in nearly two years, according to one industry analyst.
Ancient skeletons unearthed in France reveal Mafia-style killings
More than 5,500 years ago, two women were tied up and probably buried alive in a ritual sacrifice, using a form of torture associated today with the Italian Mafia, according to an analysis of skeletons discovered at an archeological site in southwest France.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s sons have released a single together
A new Lennon and McCartney collaboration is the last thing anybody expected.