An idea some Londoners feel would be divisive will be back on politicians' radar next week -- whether or not to declare London a sanctuary city.
A report by the Centre for Organizational Effectiveness, a group hired last September to review and summarize community feedback on the designation, goes to the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee on Monday. City staff have not offered a recommendation on the idea, instead suggesting councillors accept the report for information purposes.
Councillor Tanya Park first pitched the proposal to make London a sanctuary city last year in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's push to stop people from Syria, Iran, Sudan, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, and Somalia from entering the United States. A sanctuary city can either be defined as a place that welcomes and supports all immigrants or as a city that limits its cooperation with federal immigration officials so non-status people can access services without fear of deportation.
Over 170 people took part in public consultations on the topic last spring, another 46 sent letters and emails to city hall. Many of those who participated suggested not using the term "sanctuary city" as it incites fear in residents, and gets negative media attention. Others worried the cost would drain city resources and there would be an increase in crime.
"There was a clear divide between people who were supportive and those against the designation of becoming a Sanctuary City," the staff report says.
If London were to become a sanctuary city, it is unlikely the number of non-status individuals flowing in from other cities in Canada would be significant, according to city staff.