'Lots of work to be done': Downtown London merchants seek changes

London's downtown business and property owners have made it clear they want changes from the body representing them.

Members of the London Downtown Business Association (LDBA) shared their concerns and frustrations at a tense annual general meeting with its board of directors on Tuesday.

Members voted not to receive a proposed 2019 budget and demanded the board provide a detailed breakdown of the numbers. They also approved a slate of directors on an interim basis.

Many also supported the creation of an ad hoc committee that would review the association's nomination and voting practices, including its bylaws. It was struck after a legal push from about 140 businesses.

"People felt like they didn't have enough information. I think we need to provide them with that information so that there's clear and transparent operation," said board chair Gerald Gallacher.

"I think this is a good way for them to get their message across. It's loud and clear. We got to change some things moving forward."

Concerns

The meeting highlighted growth and prosperity among businesses in the core. However, many of the merchants feel they aren't being represented.

"I think there is a lot of concern around how the business association is being operated and the information that's available to us as members. It seems there is very little transparency about what's going for the budget," said Gayle Harrison, an optician at Eyes on Richmond.

"They're not as focused about the things that are important to us but what's important to them," she added, noting she's lived and worked in downtown for three decades.

She said members want to know exactly how money is being spent, which is why a detailed budget was requested.

There was also contention around the nomination process. Some believe the current board shouldn't play the main role in choosing its incoming board members.

It was also revealed at the meeting that some association members did not receive the correct number of voting cards due to confusion around voting rights. Some members who are business owners are also property owners.

Ad hoc committee

The frustration began to build back in December, when dozens of businesses signed a petition calling for a comprehensive review of the association and its CEO.

Many turned to lawyer Michael Lerner to spearhead their fight. He now represents about 140 businesses.

Last Friday, Lerner met with board members and the lawyer representing the LDBA, Susan Toth. They agreed to create an ad hoc committee consisting of six members — three board members and three businesses — that would review the concerns raised.

"It's a clear roadmap how we get out of this situation," said Lerner. "This should be the committee that draws the map, the course for the organization going forward. It will deal with all of the issues that have been of concern to many of the members and hopefully it'll all be in the best interest of the downtown."

"What's clear is that there's lots of work to be done," said Toth. "The board is absolutely willing to do that hard work."

The committee will have until June to return to the association and board members with recommendations.

Numbers from 2018 annual report:

• 52 new businesses opened in the downtown (net growth was 30, because 22 other businesses closed)
• 90% of Dundas Place businesses and property owners were engaged in pre-construction meetings
• Nine marketing campaigns were implemented
• 2,425 pounds of winter greenery was installed in downtown planters