Handful of city services closed until Jan. 2

A Londoner who has "lived experience with poverty" is unhappy that most city services, including Ontario Works,closed last weekand won't reopen until Tuesday, Jan. 2.

Mel Sheehan was upset to find signs at city offices Friday saying the closure will include four and a half regular business days.

"I don't think that as a city that's trying to take homelessness and poverty as a priority. We should not be shutting out those people from accessing social services during a very stressful and very difficult time for my friends on the street," said Sheehan.

She's particularly concerned how the closurewill affect clients of Ontario Works, a provincial program administered by the city that provides financial assistance for basic needs like housing and food.

City closures

The city has posted its complete list of holiday closures herebut essentially the administrative offices are now shut down until Tuesday, Jan. 2.

City of London spokesperson Pat McKaguesaid the holiday hours have been in place for "a number of years."

She also points out that although administrative offices are closed, it's not a complete closure because a number of city services willcontinue through the holidaysat a reduced schedule.

She also said the city took steps to let people know about the closure, with notices at city buildings and a post on their website.McKaguealso said many managers are on call to deal with any emergencies.