Roger Caranci, a 61-year-old realtor, is making a return to the political arena by running for a council seat in Ward 1. This area in east London was previously under his representation during his tenure as a councillor from 2000 to 2010. The incumbent, Hadleigh McAlister, who assumed office as a rookie in 2022, is Caranci’s main competition in the upcoming election, with Janette Larocque having withdrawn from the race.
Caranci, after a 16-year hiatus from city hall, has identified the city’s handling of London’s housing and homelessness crisis as his primary concern. He believes that the city is struggling to address the issue effectively and emphasizes the need for greater involvement from provincial and federal governments. If elected, Caranci intends to scrutinize the city’s financial support to partner agencies offering homeless services, notably questioning the spending of Ark Aid Street Mission, a key service provider.
Expressing dismay over the lack of transparency in spending, Caranci pointed out recent job postings at Ark Aid with substantial salaries as a cause for concern. He also criticized the city’s allocation of funds for homeless initiatives, including the establishment and operation of a 60-unit micro shelter site in south London.
In contrast, McAlister, the incumbent, acknowledges the necessity of higher government intervention in addressing homelessness but stresses the city’s ongoing role in providing support. He underlines the importance of investments that yield long-term solutions. McAlister faces pressure from Caranci, who, like fellow candidate Susan Stevenson, believes areas like Old East Village are disproportionately burdened by homeless services.
Both candidates agree on the city’s pressing infrastructure needs and the importance of efficient project management. McAlister highlights his efforts in repurposing vacant properties, a prevalent issue in Ward 1. While they concur on these matters, neither candidate supports the upcoming Bus Rapid Transit system, preferring Light Rail Transit instead.
The council and mayoral elections in London are scheduled for October 26, where voters will decide the future direction of their city.