The London Free Press asked Ward 3 candidates in London’s 2026 municipal election to answer a survey to help voters evaluate the people running for the job. Here are my complete answers:
For your convenience, this is the link to the full LFP article.
Name: Ben Durham
Age: 32
Occupation: Creative director, video producer, entrepreneur
Family: Happily married to the most amazing and supportive wife in London.
1. Do you live or own property in the ward you are running in?
I live and own a home in Ward 3.
2. The base salary for councillors elected in October will be boosted to more than $94,000, with a recommendation that council should be treated as a full-time job as a result.
Will council be your sole occupation?
Yes, if elected as Ward 3 city councillor, this will be my sole full-time occupation.
In addition, if I had been at that table, I would have moved two amendments to the proposal:
- Remove the part-time option entirely (because we are no longer a small city), and
- Scale back the increase to a more modest, fiscally responsible number, rather than 35%
3. What are your top three priorities, if elected?
- Smarter traffic, safer streets
- Financial accountability
- Tackle homelessness now
Read more at bendurham.ca
4. Which city politician, past or present, do you best identify with?
None. I’m my own person and I don’t pattern myself after other leaders.
5. What is your vision for London?
My vision of London is one where:
London’s taken a leadership role by learning from successes around the world and adapting them for our city’s specific economic and geographic needs.
Transportation is modernized and allows more options for more people. Congestion is reduced, commutes are pleasant and predictable, and we’ve adapted well to our vibrant mid-sized city of London, Ontario.
The homelessness crisis is a thing of the past and the downtown is a bustling district with a strong pulse. Communities across London all have their own distinct personalities and draws but because of everyone tirelessly fighting for a better London together, we accomplish what many thought to be impossible: a brighter future for London.
6. What is the biggest challenge facing London right now?
Most people say “homelessness” is London’s biggest challenge (when asked).
However, after knocking on thousands of doors across Ward 3 and tallying residents’ concerns, it’s clear to me (with a sample size of thousands) that traffic-related issues such as road work co-ordination, traffic congestion, street safety (speeding), and road maintenance are cumulatively their most major concern.
That’s why, since day one, I’ve made “Smarter Traffic, Safer Streets” the NUMBER ONE PILLAR for my platform.
7. What sets you apart from other candidates?
I’m the charismatic and strategic leader Ward 3 needs right now.
I’m firm but kind and determined to get things done.
No one else can outwork my dedication and time management skills.
I wake up at 7am, work until 3pm, and then tirelessly canvass 3-9pm, and then get the best sleeps of my life. And I have been doing this 6 days per week for the last few months and will continue to do so until October 26th (election day).
Support & Vote for Ben Durham in Ward 3
If you’ve read this far, I’m glad you’re so interested about the candidates. Only 25.50% of eligible voters actually got out to vote in 2022’s municipal election, here in London… so make sure you get out and vote!
I’m Ben Durham and I’m running to be your next Ward 3 City Councillor. I live here in Ward 3 and have been advocating for our neighbours for years.
This is the kind of work I’ll bring to City Council: digging into the details, talking to residents, getting real answers for the concerns that affect your everyday life, and voting for a better London.
On October 26, I’m asking for your vote. You can also vote on one of the 8 other early voting dates in October!
Specifically, advance voting is on:
Oct 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10
from 10am to 8pm.
Learn More About My Platform →