Plans by Sifton Properties to build an office tower along the Thames River were rejected last night by the city's planning committee after waves of citizens objected.
The rejection of a five-storey building at Riverside Drive and Wonderland Road serves only as a recommendation to city council, which meets Monday.
But it appears the final political decision will be the same in the face of public opposition politicians and a city planner described as "unprecedented."
"I've processed over 200 applications and this is, by far, the most interest we've had in an application," city planner Chuck Parker told a gallery packed with residents from Oakridge Acres and beyond.
The rejection was unanimous and included the council member who is likely its most ardent advocate of growth, Roger Caranci.
Asked if he was disappointed by the outcome, Sifton vice-president Phil Masschelein said the outcome was expected. "It's obviously a political issue and I'll leave it at that."
About 250 Londoners have written to oppose the office tower, many attending last night's meeting. While most spoke of the harm they believe the development would cause to traffic, the river and the beauty of the area, a few questioned Sifton's commitment to the city, one speculating former generations of the Sifton family, who gave so much to London, wouldn't have considered building in the face of such opposition.
Later, Masschelein disputed the claim: "Sifton is probably the most reputable company in London and that continues."
Yesterday's vote brought a smile to Monica Jarabek, who spearheaded opposition as the chairperson of the Oakridge Riverside Community Association.
Sifton's efforts led to a strong citizen response to protect the entire corridor of the Thames River, she said.
"And we were able to show that people's voices do count," Jarabek said.
Several planning committee members said it was high time the city consider a freeze on all new development along the river until a long-delayed study on how to protect it is finished. They also pointed to work by a UWO scientist who projects much more severe flooding cause by global warming.