Ian Sterling Leishman

Leishman: office-to-residential conversion is key; the $35,000/unit loan isn't enough — needs stronger incentives, fewer barriers.

• Current $35,000-per-unit forgivable loan 'is not enough'
• Needs stronger incentives, streamlined approvals, fewer barriers
• More conversions viable with the right incentives

Confidence:High

Leishman: a 26.9% tax increase over four years hurts affordability — keep increases near inflation with disciplined spending.

• A 26.9% tax increase over four years makes affordability harder
• Tax increases should generally stay near inflation
• Achieved through careful budgeting and disciplined spending

Confidence:High

Slams BRT cost growth ($281M to $454M for half the project), demands reliable transit and backs rail and airport expansion.

• Asked how he would improve transit, Leishman said the BRT project grew from about $281 million to $454 million while delivering only half the original project, which he calls serious mismanagement.
• Says the London Transit Commission's 90% on-time target should be a minimum standard, and backs high-speed rail to Windsor, Toronto and Quebec and more flights out of London's airport.

Confidence:High

This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.

Think we’ve got this wrong?

Warns against overbuilding, saying London should build for what it has and prioritize safety and essential repairs.

• Asked how London should determine which infrastructure investments proceed first, Leishman said: 'Don't build a superhighway for a dirt road problem' — build for what exists while preparing responsibly for expected growth.
• Wants public safety and essential infrastructure first, citing the $250,000 BRT bus shelters as wasteful, and aggressive pursuit of provincial and federal infrastructure funding.

Confidence:High

Leishman would work with LEDC to leverage London's workforce in healthcare, education, manufacturing and tech to attract employers.

• Leverage skilled workforce and strengths in healthcare, education, manufacturing, digital tech
• Entice Western and Fanshawe graduates to stay
• Accountability: measurable targets on residential and business growth, occupancy, pedestrian activity

Confidence:High

Wants the largest measurable emission cuts first, with the City leading by example on its own buildings and operations.

• Asked about the Climate Emergency Action Plan, Leishman said the City should focus on actions delivering the largest measurable emission reductions while keeping them affordable.
• Says the City should look at its own operations first and lead by example, asking staff to find the most cost-effective ways to cut energy use and emissions in City buildings with clear reporting.

Confidence:High

This candidate has spoken about this issue more than once. Each statement is shown with its own source.

Think we’ve got this wrong?

Backs traffic safety and slowing vehicles to protect pedestrians and cyclists

• Asked why his top three priorities are important; named 'safe streets and downtown,' including traffic safety and slowing vehicles to protect pedestrians and cyclists.

Confidence:High

Says $11M in urgent heating upgrades for City Hall, Centennial Hall, Museum London and the library must come first.

• Asked which cultural infrastructure should be prioritised, Leishman said the downtown steam-heating phase-out means City Hall, Centennial Hall, Museum London and the Central Library need new heating systems, estimated at $11 million.
• Says protecting and maintaining existing cultural spaces should be a priority, while continuing to invest in artists, programs and spaces that give those buildings life.

Confidence:High