Barry's stated campaign priorities.
Barry believes London needs to reconsider how it approaches homelessness, including how resources are allocated and how people experiencing homelessness are supported.
London currently operates a range of homelessness-prevention, shelter, housing and support programs. The City and Middlesex County's current Housing Stability Action Plan focuses on prevention, diversion, housing supply and coordinated supports. Barry believes London should examine whether existing resources are producing the outcomes Londoners expect and whether there are more effective ways to use public funds.
Barry has proposed two approaches.
Barry believes that reducing the number of people experiencing homelessness in London would allow community organizations, churches and charities to focus their resources more effectively on those who remain.
Barry's position: London should examine alternatives to the current approach and find a way to provide people with a path toward stability while reducing the long-term financial burden on taxpayers.
“The homeless need hope and London needs a break.”
Barry Douglas Jacklin
Barry believes municipal government has a responsibility to use taxpayer dollars carefully, transparently and responsibly.
He believes taxation should be approached cautiously and that municipal departments and major initiatives should be subject to meaningful scrutiny before additional spending is committed.
Barry would prioritize reviewing municipal expenditures, identifying waste and duplication, and examining whether proposed projects provide sufficient value to London taxpayers.
He also believes residents should have a meaningful opportunity to understand and participate in decisions that affect their neighbourhoods and their tax bills.
For Barry, accountability means being accountable to all Londoners, not only to those who supported an elected official.
Barry believes London should work within its means rather than assuming that additional taxation is always the solution to rising costs.
He proposes greater scrutiny of municipal spending and a stronger focus on demonstrating value before new expenditures are approved.
Barry believes major municipal projects should receive transparent public discussion before substantial long-term financial commitments are made.
“Oversight of those who are spending tax dollars is what I offer. Not a blank cheque.”
Barry Douglas Jacklin
Barry's position on the proposed Emergency Services Campus, which he refers to as "Cop City".
Barry believes London should reconsider the scale, cost and priorities of the proposed Emergency Services Campus.
The project developed from a need for expanded firefighter training facilities and has since evolved into a joint campus serving the London Fire Department, London Police Service and emergency management. The City has identified a 50-acre site at 3243 Manning Drive, with the project planned in phases and including training facilities, scenario simulation and indoor and outdoor firing ranges.
Barry's concern is whether this level of investment is financially responsible for London at this time. He believes taxpayers are looking for greater accountability, fiscal responsibility and relief from the continued growth of municipal costs.
He also has concerns about the land and environmental implications of locating a large emergency-services training campus on agricultural-area lands. The City states that its planning and agricultural assessments found the proposed use could proceed with minimal impact on nearby agricultural operations. Barry does not share that assessment and believes the environmental and long-term infrastructure costs deserve continued scrutiny.
Barry also questions the scope of police training contemplated by the project. In his view, military-style equipment and tactics raise important questions about the appropriate role of policing and the relationship between police services and the communities they serve. He believes those questions deserve public discussion before London commits to a major long-term investment.
If elected Mayor, Barry would seek to delay the Emergency Services Campus during his term while the City reassesses its costs, priorities, environmental considerations and alternatives.
“London needs to reduce its tax burden and Londoners want a nicer, friendlier place to live. We have more urgent priorities.”
Barry Douglas Jacklin, Mayoral Candidate
Barry believes London needs a more deliberate approach to infrastructure planning and construction.
London is currently undertaking a substantial amount of infrastructure work. The City's 2026 Renew London program includes approximately $285 million in new projects, in addition to approximately $100 million in work already underway. Major projects are affecting roads, bridges, transit routes and other infrastructure across the city.
Barry believes essential repairs and upgrades must continue, but that the City should carefully consider the timing and priority of additional projects.
Barry proposes prioritizing the completion of major projects already underway before committing to additional discretionary projects.
His goal is to give London an opportunity to assess completed projects, gather feedback from residents and businesses, and use that information to improve future planning.
Barry believes residents should have meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions affecting their neighbourhoods.
As Mayor, he says he would take a more direct approach to community engagement, including visiting affected neighbourhoods and speaking with residents about what they need.
Barry believes infrastructure decisions should be guided by a longer-term vision rather than short-term opportunities.
“London needs a pause, not a stop — just a breather.”
Barry Douglas Jacklin