Stevenson proposes enforceable Good Neighbour Agreements

LONDON, ON — Mayoral candidate Susan Stevenson is committing to bring a Good Neighbour Agreement framework to Council within her first 100 days, setting clear responsibilities for City-funded services, public reporting, and consequences when agreed obligations are not met.

“People deserve to feel safe where they live,” said Stevenson. “When the City funds a service, Londoners should know what is expected, who is responsible, and what happens when those obligations are not met.”

The proposed framework would cover City-funded or contracted shelters, homelessness services, housing stability programs, and housing providers, with requirements appropriate to each service. It would address site management, security, illegal substance use, litter and needle cleanup, complaint response, neighbourhood participation, and reporting. It would also identify the City’s responsibilities.

Stevenson would bring Council the framework, any costs, and implementation schedule, developed with neighbourhood representatives, service users, providers, and municipal teams. Implementation would proceed through new agreements, renewals, and negotiated amendments.

Documented breaches would trigger corrective action and follow-up. Persistent or serious failures could lead to contractual remedies, including non-renewal or termination where permitted, while maintaining essential services.

“Residents need to know who will respond, when they will hear back, and how an unresolved concern will be addressed,” Stevenson said. “Public funding must come with obligations people can understand and results they can see.”

Stevenson also proposes a coordinated response to recurring neighbourhood problems, a named contact and escalation route for complaints, and work with police and community partners to revamp Neighbourhood Watch.

As a separate commitment, Stevenson would bring Council a policy restricting the handing out of illegal drug use equipment by housing and shelter providers receiving municipal funding. The policy would define covered providers, distribution rules, oversight, and implementation arrangements, informed by legal and public health advice. It would be considered separately from Good Neighbour Agreements.