The controversial eight-storey student apartment project proposed to be built on Sarnia Road has been turned down by the city of London.
City council held a meeting on Monday, during which they discussed the matter of the project, which has gained major attention recently for its proposed location, size, and cost. After a debate on the floor, the vote on the project failed by a margin of two votes for to 13 against.
The project had previously been approved on Sept. 9 after a review that saw the planned apartment’s height boosted from six storeys to eight, and today represented the vote to re-zone the area where the apartment was set to be built.
The discussion of the project saw spirited debate in favour and against it. Ward 6 councillor Sam Trosow spoke at length in opposition, objecting to the cost of the apartments (which he cited at being $1,200 per bedroom) among other things, in a speech that received praise from mayor Josh Morgan. Ward 4 councillor Susan Stevenson also voiced her disapproval for the project, stating that she believed there could’ve been more open discussions on the project.
Conversely, Ward 2 councillor and deputy mayor Shawn Lewis voiced his approval for the apartment project, saying that while “Change is hard” for neighbourhoods such as Sherwood Forest and Orchard Park where the apartment was set to be built, he believed the project needed to move forward. Mayor Morgan also voiced his support for the project.
A row of signs protesting against the Sarnia road student apartment proposal. City council voted down the project on Monday much to the approval of the protestors.
Photo by: Curtis Stokman
The viewing public also made their opinions heard during the debates. Several people in the public viewing gallery brought signs urging councillors to “Vote No” on the project. When the motion failed, several of them applauded, to which mayor Morgan reminded them that the council chamber is meant to be a neutral place and that expressions such as theirs are not a part of proceedings.
With the vote, where the Sarnia Road project might go from here remains to be seen.
