London Councillor's Bold Move to Raise Awareness on Dangerous Roads

London, Ontario's Ward 1 Councillor, Hadleigh McAlister, took a dramatic approach to highlight the hazards of Hamilton Road at a recent city council meeting. Rocking an all-black outfit—a black suit jacket, tie, and pants—McAlister wanted to honor those who've tragically lost their lives on this perilous street.

McAlister is adamant that improvements are crucial to prevent more accidents and fatalities. He didn't just come dressed in a somber wardrobe for show; he passionately called for an in-depth study to redesign Hamilton Road, particularly the segment between Adelaide Street and Highbury Avenue. His hope? To include a financial proposal in the 2028-31 city budget cycle.

Speaking during the meeting, McAlister emphasized the severity of the situation. He shared some harrowing feedback from locals, describing Hamilton Road as 'a wild ride' and 'a white-knuckle racetrack.' London police have also flagged the road as particularly hazardous, making McAlister's appeal even more urgent.

Despite his compelling argument, McAlister's proposal was narrowly defeated in a 10-5 vote. Nonetheless, his impassioned plea did not go unnoticed. He called for short-term fixes the city has already enacted, such as enhanced lighting and better road markings. Emphasizing the urgent need for long-term solutions, McAlister's vision included wider sidewalks and bike lanes, transforming Hamilton Road into a safer, more pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare.

The Hamilton Road BIA backed his proposition, sending a supportive letter to the city's works committee. However, the council was divided. While some councillors recognized the area's recent safety improvements and existing projects, others agreed with McAlister’s frustration over the still-frequent accidents. Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis, for example, pointed to ongoing projects and argued that it was time to focus on other areas of the city.

McAlister's proposal was rooted in the broader ambition of the city's master mobility plan, aiming to have a third of all trips taken by bus, bike, or walking by 2050. The plan outlines future transportation projects, prioritizing safety and sustainability. Some councillors expressed concerns about prioritizing one road over others while multiple areas have been awaiting upgrades for years.

Mayor Josh Morgan acknowledged McAlister’s valid points but ultimately deferred to the comprehensive planning process, which prioritizes projects based on city-wide needs. The mayor suggested that McAlister’s request might eventually be addressed in upcoming corridor studies.

This recent debate over Hamilton Road reflects larger city planning challenges as London continues to grow. Many residents and local leaders agree that safety improvements are necessary, but pinpointing the exact areas for immediate attention remains a complex issue. With the master mobility plan's initial projects set to be unveiled soon, it will be interesting to see if Hamilton Road eventually receives the attention McAlister fervently believes it deserves.