London, Ontario

London is a city in southwestern Ontario, Canada on the Quebec City-Windsor Corridor with a metropolitan area population of about 432,451; the city proper has a population of about 360,000 (2005). London is the seat of Middlesex County, at the forks of the Thames River, almost exactly halfway between Toronto and Detroit. It is located at {{coor dm|43|2|N|81|9|W|}}. London and the surrounding area (roughly, the territory between Kitchener and Chatham) is collectively known as Western Ontario.

Crime

Crime in London is low for a city of its size, although the Hell's Angels have set up a chapter in town and formerly housed a chapter of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. Marijuana is widely available illegally. Ecstasy and special K are uncommon. London has a small crack problem, with the downtown eastside containing some crack houses and dealers. Pharmaceutical drugs, such as morphine, oxycodone and other opiates are increasing in use. The central eastside of the city is thought of as being less safe than other parts of the city, with the adage "EoA" (East of Adelaide) meaning that one is in the bad part of town. Prostitution is a key problem in this area. However, there have been attempts by the residents of the community East of Adelaide to "own" the term "EoA" as well as promoting business and cultural development in that area of the city, as well as reducing negative stigma attached to the area.

Related Topics:
Hell's Angels - Outlaws Motorcycle Club - Marijuana - Ecstasy - Special K - Crack - Morphine - Oxycodone - Prostitution

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Special City of London initiatives in Old East London such as the proposed creation of the Old East Heritage Conservation District under Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act, special Building Code policies and Facade Restoration Programs are helping to create a renewed sense of vigour in the East London Business District.

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