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Gord was one of the key members of this committee that focused on rejuvenating our vital downtown core. He was the one who led the fight to make the John Labatt Centre a 10,000 seat facility even though the consultants recommended 6,500. He faced harsh public criticism with courage and dignity, and was one of the key leaders at the Council table when this vital downtown plan was debated. The result of the city's $100M investment has been increased downtown assessment, thousands of new residents living downtown, a vigorous new energy for our core, and a vastly improved downtown for Londoners. It was also Gord's idea to put the London Sports Hall of Fame in the JLC. Today, people are welcoming the revitalization of our downtown. It is a safe place, and has become the heart of the city's entertainment, dining, cultural, art and heritage areas, while still remaining an attractive niche retail shopping destination. The key has been adding thousands of new residents living in the downtown core. All of a sudden, downtown London is a hot destination, as Londoners rediscover the heart of our city.
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