‘We just need you to fix the damn problem’: Head of OEV BIA calls on city hall for more help keeping streets clean

The OEV BIA is planning to send the city a bill for clean up efforts outside of area businesses. CTV’s Bryan Bicknell explains why.

The head of London’s Old East Village (OEV) Business Improvement Association (BIA) is calling for more help from London City Hall to keep the area clean.

It follows news that three local businesses have announced their plans to close shop and leave the OEV, including Black Mountain Design Group on Dundas Street.

Owner Hali Gallerno says she doesn’t feel safe in the area.

“And then I’ve got people that are sitting in front of my door. They’re doing drugs. We’ve seen weapons in peoples’ pockets. I’ve seen twice now, people holding guns. Whether they’re real guns or not, I don’t know. So, there’s those kinds of issues. I’m here by myself most of the time. So, for me, it’s very scary,” she explained.

OEV BIA General Manager Kevin Morrison says he just learned of two more business that are leaving, the names of which have not yet been made public.

He’s calling the city to do more in the area to keep the streets clean and provide businesses with more incentive to stay.

“We don’t need money. What we need is our streets cleared, clean, safe, that we can increase our foot traffic. We don’t need the money. We just need you to fix the damn problem,” he said.

The BIA is also asking city hall for more than $14,000 reimbursement for keeping the properties of local non-profits cleaned over the last eight months of 2025. The work includes garbage removal, needle disposal, cleaning biohazards, and removal of graffiti.

He says the affected properties are not members of the BIA, but contribute to the community through culture and tourism.

“We’re talking about the Banting House, the historic site with the museum. We’re talking about the Palace Theatre. We’re talking about Clay Works with the Learning Centre. We’re talking about Aeolian Hall,” he said.

Despite the challenges, there are still some businesses in OEV that are finding success.

Renee’s Sandwich Shop on Dundas Street has been open for 16 months, and owner Renee Kaplansky says so far, so good.

“This is an amazing district. We have the Kellogg’s, which is just down the street, the Hard Rock Hotel. We have the Western Fair District. It’s a mix between young families, people all around, we just like this area,” she said.