1. London Local Mythbusters
A Report on Local Citizen Perceptions
Prepared for
Robert T. Anderson, Board President
Amir Farahi, Executive Director
Arthur Gonzales, Chief Research Officer
London Institute for Public Policy
Prepared by
Alana Cameron
Benjamin Charlebois
Moses Monterroza
December 13, 2015

2. i
Executive Summary
This investigative paper was commissioned to study public opinion with regards to the
economy, local politics, academic institutions, technology, environmental issues and
sociocultural factors. The informal investigation sought from residents normative statements
pertaining to the above aspects and then conducted literature reviews to determine the
accuracy of those statements, and thus the accuracy of the public’s perception of the matter.
Highlighted within this report are three concerns which were well-represented in
surveys with Londoners. Concerning the environment, survey respondents believed that
London’s recycling options were dated and not comprehensive enough, compared to other
cities of various sizes. Guelph and Toronto were mentioned more than any others. Upon review
it was confirmed that London’s recycling system was inefficient, particularly with regards to
splitting of recycled items which is not done in nearby Guelph and Waterloo. However, while
complaints were made regarding London’s lack of compost options, the costs incurred upon
other cities who do have composting initiatives have been substantial enough to justify
London’s previously documented reluctance.
One of the primary economic concerns of Londoners was a perceived lack of youth jobs.
Upon review of relevant statistics it was confirmed that London is among the worst in the
province for unemployment among youth aged 15 to 24. It is unclear, however, whether
Londoners are generating these perceptions based upon legitimate observations, or simply
projections based on the conversations at the provincial or national level.
Lastly, interviewees expressed disinterest in the city’s downtown core, stating concerns
with the aesthetics and cleanliness of downtown. Londoners similarly believed that there was
very little to do downtown, and many admitted that this perception resulted from their
perception of the core’s aesthetics. Upon review, it would appear that London’s core is lacking
in investment particularly with development and upkeep. However, numerous initiatives to
improve the city’s core are currently in place and have been for some years.

3. ii
Table of Contents
Executive Summary…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. i
Methodology………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....... 1
Opinions on the Environment……………………………………………………………………………………………. 1
Is Recycling Up to Par?............................................................................................... 1
The Feasibility of Composting………………………………………………………………………………… 2
Opinions on Culture………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
Millennial Engagement in London…………………….…………………………………………………… 3
What is there to Do Here?................................……………………………………………………… 4
Opinions on the Economy…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
Concluding Remarks………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6
Works Cited………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7

4. 1
Methodology
The data in this study are based on interviews conducted in several regions across London. In
an effort to cover the diverse perceptions across London we surveyed the north, south, west,
and east ends of the city. We interviewed families and individuals belonging to various quintiles
and ethnicities. Structurally, we coded the data by extracting overarching themes from each
interview and categorized them accordingly. Once compiled, we collectively decided which
themes appeared most often and found that environmental, economic, academic, and
sociocultural topics were referenced the most. We then researched the existing grey literature
in regards to the aforementioned topics, and dispelled myths purported by the interviewees;
we also confirmed any truths mentioned in the interviews.
Opinions on the Environment
“The requirement of splitting recycling in London is outdated. Failure to properly split
your recycling results in a heavy fine that is unwarranted and unreasonable. Other cities
have taken on the one blue bin recycling program, green composting bin program, and
throw out less.”
As seen clearly in interviews, any questions pertaining to the environment and waste disposal in
London ignited negative responses from the participants. A clear trend in the participant
responses was Londoner’s dissatisfaction with London keeping up to date with environmental
development including single bin recycling, composting options, and less waste.
Is Recycling Up to Par?
After a review of the recycling and garbage page on the official London website, the Londoner’s
dislike of their recycling and garbage programs seems warranted. The splitting of recycling in
London is not an easy task to perform for the average citizen. The splitting system consists of
the containers blue box and the paper blue box. While this system might appear simple, the
materials that go in each box do not necessarily align with the name of the blue box. Many
paper products with lamination such as paper cups, cardboard cans, and juice/milk containers
are to be put in the containers blue bin which can become confusing quite fast (Curbside
Recycling). However, many other paper products with lamination like magazines and catalogues
are to be put in the papers blue box (Curbside Recycling). Paper products such as construction

5. 2
paper and dark-coloured paper are not to be recycled but thrown in the garbage (Curbside
Recycling). Due to the lack of items that can be recycled such a batteries and coat hangers
(Curbside Recycling), garbage collection in London is a heavy task and has resulted in an
overabundance of waste dumping in London.
Therefore the splitting causes confusion, and much effort to complete properly. Due to the
time commitment needed to spilt and the confusion of splitting to many Londoners, the task of
splitting much of the time is completed improperly. The result is a yearly fine that is usually just
over $200.00 (Curbside Recycling). The website does show development in the recycling
program to allow for more items in the blue bins including paper cups, ice cream tubs, and rigid
plastic packaging (Curbside Recycling). However, many of the respondents were more
concerned about an updated blue box program that had one blue box rather than a recycling
program that included more recyclable items. The mass amounts of waste collection are
frustrating Londoners due to a growing public concern of the environment.
The Feasibility of Composting
All respondents compared London to other cities including Toronto, Guelph, and Waterloo in
desiring of London’s lack of green bin capacity. Toronto was an unreasonable comparison due
its larger size, bigger population, more equipped economic abilities, and faster development.
Guelph and Waterloo are more feasible comparisons. After reviewing two newspaper articles,
Londoners’ expectations of a green bin program being developed might not be too reasonable.
Both residents of Waterloo and Guelph have had considerable tax increases, composting
facilities are underused, and much more money is being spent on the program than expected
(Green Bin Costs Soar: Are They Worth It?). Waterloo taxpayers pay $654 annually to fund the
compost program; a 30% increase since the implementation of the program, and these cost
increases are likely to increase over the next 20 years (Green Bin Costs Soar: Are They Worth
It?). Many government officials have questioned whether the green box program was worth it
due to the fact that only one year of landfill is saved (Green Bin Costs Soar: Are They Worth It?).
The green box program was also introduced in Guelph in 1996 costing $40,000.00 but failed
significantly and was shut down in 2006 (Green Bin Costs Soar: Are They Worth It?). The
program was revived a few years later at a cost of $32 million (Green Bin Costs Soar: Are They
Worth It?). The increase of taxes has affected Guelph residents and will continue to into the
future. There composting system is greatly underused and has resulted in no revenue from the
program (Green Bin Costs Soar: Are They Worth It?). Both cities acknowledge that composting
is an important responsibility to environmental protection but admit that the green box
program has hurt their cities financially and has come into question for its usefulness regularly

6. 3
(Green Bin Costs Soar: Are They Worth It?). London’s choice to not participate in the green bin
program was a smart decision to avoid economic hardships in its government and for its
citizens.
Opinions on Culture
“The downtown region is underdeveloped and aesthetically displeasing. There’s nothing
happening here.”
In regards to the socio-cultural aspects of London, many of the interviewees believed the
cultural scene to be lacking in variety and eclecticism. As a whole, many interviewees believed
that London has developed little economically and as a result the downtown center has
suffered greatly. The general aesthetic of the downtown area - stores, buildings, infrastructure,
and roads - are run-down and poorly kept. The stores that do open up in the city core are not
family friendly; there are too many clubs, weed shops, empty buildings, and undesirable looking
places. On average, Londoners were dismayed specifically by the Dundas and Richmond area;
for the most part, we were told that that specific region harbours undesirable characters and is
dangerous during the night time. Aside from the “regular” attractions - the Grand Theatre,
Budweiser Gardens - there simply was not enough to do in London according to the
interviewees. Many believed that what London needs is a revitalization of the downtown core
to make it more of an attraction for the diverse London population. This diverse population
includes families, professionals, and the millennial population. Right now, it is believed that the
downtown region only attracts the lower income demographic.
Millennial Engagement in London
In general, the myths surrounding London’s culture revolves around the appearance of city and
its propensity to accommodate its diverse populations. While it is true that London, as of right
now, is aesthetically displeasing, it is not entirely true that London lacks events and cultural
expression. For one, London houses a thriving arts scene amongst the millennial demographic.
The media publication LondonFuse is a good example of this; It works to consolidate the many
arts projects - be it music, visual arts, or media - into a format that encourages participation
from the public. By allowing for any group to post their events and publicize their art,
LondonFuse bolsters the arts scene by providing a platform for local artists. In conjunction with
the post-secondary institutions and their multiple arts programs, LondonFuse is a great
representation of the real thriving arts scene in London.

7. 4
What is there to Do Here?
London is no Toronto in terms of its output of cultural expression, however, it still holds up in
terms of its family friendly events. Aside from the Grande Theatre, there is also Original Kids,
Palace Theatre, and the Arts Project in terms of theatre.. The London Convention Centre also
provides annual events such as Jeans ‘n Classics that attempts to appeal to younger age groups
with concerts and rock shows (London Convention Center). Just recently, it also hosted
London’s second Comicon which attracted over 5,000 participants (Forest City Comicon).
The food culture, an aspect of London that was highly criticized, is fairly eclectic with Latin
American food cuisines (Su Casa, Casa Blanca, Che Resto Bar, Lo Nuestro Latin Restaurant),
Asian Food restaurants (Take Sushi, Dragon Boat Chinese Food, Green Tea Asian Cuisine,
Mandarin), Middle Eastern Restaurants (Paramount Fine Foods, Barakat Restaurant, Dooly’s
Shawarma & Falafel), of those listed there are far more as well. There are also small shops such
as The Early Bird where the general atmosphere is unique and friendly.
In terms of London’s future plan, there have been plans and efforts proposed by the city
council. This includes “Our Move Forward: London’s Downtown Plan.” This 77 page document
includes transformational projects with efforts to reduce gridlock, congestion, and to make the
downtown area more aesthetically appealing. The project “aims to build on the success of
Richmond Street, north of Queens Avenue, and create a stronger link between commercial
activities along Dundas Street and those on Richmond Street” (1-2). It seeks to improve the
transit system and create a hub for cultural development. Along with this plan there is also My
Dundas, which is a “creative community discussion led by the City of London about
transforming Dundas street…[into] the most exciting street and unique destination in London”
(1-2). While these projects are incredibly ambitious and somewhat unfeasible, it is still an
example of London’s desire to move into a progressive direction - the city is not necessarily
static and moving without direction. There are initiative being put in place to try and transform
the city into a cultural hub.
In conclusion, the socio-cultural perceptions of London are largely based on the way the city
looks, rather than what it actually has to offer. Based on the interviews we conducted, it is
suggested that London increase its efforts solely on the revitalization of the downtown core.
While that is easier said than done, a revitalization will attract business and further develop the
cultural.

8. 5
Opinions on the Economy
“There aren’t enough jobs for youth in London.”
One common theme in these surveys was an appreciation of the post-secondary institutions we
have here in London, namely the University of Western Ontario and Fanshawe College. London
is the fifth largest metropolitan area in Ontario, after Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton and Kitchener.
While all of these cities boast at least one major post-secondary institution, Londoners perceive
their city to be the largest in Southwestern Ontario which is distinctly independent of the
Greater Toronto Area, and thus there is a greater expectation that London should be able to
make use of the talent and expertise generated here.
The notion that London is not adequately retaining talent was commonly represented in this
survey. Some respondents felt that London was not engaging youth and students while they
were here, thereby reducing their chances of developing roots and relationships that might
keep them in the city, while others felt that London’s failures were predominantly its inability to
provide jobs for recent graduates. In either case it would appear that a review of the youth
employment metrics of London and other Ontario cities would be prudent in determining
whether or not this perception was valid.
According to a report commissioned by the City of London, London’s unemployment rate in
2014 was 7.6%, slightly higher than the provincial average of 7.3% (London Community
Economic Roadmap – Technical Report). Unemployment for youth aged 15 to 24 in London was
more than double, at 15.7%, which was the third highest in the province after Windsor (16.5%)
and Kingston (16.0%) (Technical Report). The report suggests that high youth unemployment is
explained by a skills gap between the local labour force and the needs of employers (Technical
Report).
London’s post-secondary institutions should reasonably be able to provide labour for most of
the city’s needs. If there is a skills gap as suggested, it would appear that London is not
satisfactorily convincing graduates to stay in the city despite the availability of work. While
numbers for Fanshawe are difficult to ascertain, 86% of Western graduates leave London after
graduating (The Insiders Guide to the Colleges, 2014).This information is both a blessing and a
curse. While it suggests that London is failing to provide competitive alternatives to a large
number of students, it also suggests that the solutions to some of our problems could be under
our noses, and stuck here in four year intervals, no less.

9. 6
It would appear that Londoners’ perspectives of youth unemployment are accurate, although
the extent to which it is linked with London’s graduate exodus is unclear. It is also unclear as to
where Londoners derive these perceptions. Perusing the news reveals that youth
unemployment is a topic of discussion across Ontario, and the lack of employment prospects
for youth and recent graduates in particular was a topic of importance during the recent
election campaign of the now-governing Liberal Party. It is therefore unclear to what extent
Londoners’ perceptions are based upon their observations in London or their assumption that
general trends are simply active in this city as well. In either regard, London would benefit from
further research in this area as it determines how to better take advantage of the labour force
it generates each year in its post-secondary institutions.
Concluding Remarks
Overall, this study was quite successful in debunking myths and clarifying truths within the
London community. We discovered that public perception does not necessarily provide an
accurate description for London as a city and for what it has to offer. We were able to collect a
fruitful amount and selection of people from various backgrounds during our canvassing. As a
quantitative study, the research could have been improved if we had a larger sample size.
However, the quality of interviews and information we collected made up for the smaller
amount of participants. The diversity of our participants was strong as it included people of
different genders, ethnicities, social class, and location of residence in London.
The identification of common myths and truths among the participants was an easy task due to
willing and knowledgeable participants, fairly long interviews, and adequate collection of the
data. The gathering of research was successful in collecting information from various
categories. Our paper touched on the topics culture, environment, and economics. However,
several other topics were collected in our data including transportation, travel, infrastructure,
academics, technology, and politics. Due to limited time and space, we were unable to touch on
every subject and chose to focus on the topics that had the most data and resources.

10. 7
Works Cited
Comicon. “Forest City Comicon.” November 11, 2015. http://www.forestcitycomicon.ca/
London Canada. “Curbside Recycling.” November 11, 2015. http://www.london.ca/residents/
Garbage-Recycling/Recycling/Pages/FAQ's.aspx
London, Ontario City Council. Our Move Forward: London’s Downtown Plan. 2015.
Millier Dickenson Blais. “London Community Economic Roadmap – Technical Report.” April 2,
2015.
Outhit, Jeff. Waterloo Region Record. July 27, 2013.http://www.therecord.com/news-
story/3912486-green-bin-costs-soar-are-they-worth-it-/
Tourism London. “Downtown London.” November 11, 2015. http://www.downtownlondon.ca/
Tourism London. “London Convention Center.” November 11, 2015.
http://londoncc.com/events
Tourism London. “London Fuse.” November 11, 2015. http://londonfuse.ca/
Tourism London. “My Dundas.” November 11, 2015. http://www.mydundas.ca
Yale Daily News. “The Insiders Guide to the Colleges.” New York: St. Martins Press. 2014.