London council approves heritage designation for former home of Indigenous doctor

London city council worked through a busy agenda Tuesday evening.

Councillors unanimously approved heritage designation for a house at 172 Central Ave., which was owned by Dr. Oronhyatekha, one of Canada’s first Indigenous physicians.

Meanwhile, council also voted to approve Medallion’s ask for $4.3 million in brownfield incentives to clean up contaminated soil at 391 South St.

WATCH: London, Ont. mayor temporarily stepping down after affair with deputy mayor

2:18 London, Ont. mayor temporarily stepping down after affair with deputy mayor

Green bins were on the agenda and the effort to divert 60 per cent of waste from the city’s landfill. Council voted to continue with public consultation on the waste diversion plan.

Council has asked staff to do a review of the city’s committees and report back within six months, although some politicians didn’t feel that would be enough time for an effective review. Coun. Phil Squire has expressed concerns that there are too many city committees, many of which rarely meet.

As for a proposed highrise north of Masonville Mall on North Centre Road, council voted to move that over to its next meeting.