In a plot twist that could rival any soap opera, London, Ontario, has managed to both set records in housing construction and miss out on the provincial government's Building Faster Fund (BFF)—and no, in this case, BFF doesn't stand for Best Friends Forever, although London could certainly use a friend in the province right about now.

Here’s the scoop: The BFF is essentially a pot of gold at the end of the construction rainbow, designed to incentivize municipalities to meet ambitious housing targets by offering extra funding for infrastructure. You know, the essential stuff like roads, bridges, and magical portals (okay, maybe not that last one) that make it possible for people to actually live in these new houses.

Despite London issuing a whopping 5,300 residential building permits in a single year—a statistic that makes it seem like the city’s planners have been chugging espresso shots—the city still didn’t make the cut for the BFF. It’s as if London showed up to the provincials with a record-breaking science project and still got snubbed. Meanwhile, the skyline is bristling with over 20 construction cranes, looking more like a giant’s garden of metal flowers than a cityscape.

Even more jaw-dropping is the surge in permits for mid-density and high-density housing, which skyrocketed over 1,500% compared to the previous year. Yes, you read that right—1,500%. It's the kind of growth that even beanstalks would envy. Currently, London has about 7,100 high-density units under construction, proving the city isn't playing around when it comes to tackling the housing crisis. Or at least, it's trying not to.

But here's the catch: Missing out on the BFF funding is like trying to build a house of cards in a wind tunnel. It jeopardizes the momentum London has built up in its housing sector. Mayor Morgan is waving the flag of concern, emphasizing that without provincial support for infrastructure, London’s booming construction could hit a wall. And not the kind you can hang a picture on.

The province has set a goal to build 1.5 million new homes by 2031, a VERY ambitious target. London’s shortfall in qualifying for the BFF raises questions and eyebrows about how realistic these targets are, especially when the cities striving to meet them aren't getting the support they need.

However, all is not lost. London and other municipalities that missed the mark this year have the opportunity to apply for infrastructure funding in subsequent years. It's a bit like getting a second chance at a game show, minus the flashy lights and weirdo host.

Soooo, while London’s construction efforts are commendable, the city finds itself in a paradoxical predicament—breaking records but not making bank. It’s a reminder that in the race to build a better future, crossing the finish line requires not just speed but support. 

And maybe, just maybe, next year will be London’s year to finally be the BFF’s BFF.