💸 How a $1,000 giveaway is driving people back downtown

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Emma and I recently picked up our annual pass to Fanshawe Conservation Area and headed out for a hike along the Lake Trail. When we reached the dam, it brought back a fun memory from a couple of years ago when this area of the park was being used for filming. At the time, Arnold Schwarzenegger and the crew were onsite shooting scenes for Season 2 of FUBAR with Netflix.

It’s always interesting how often film crews pop up around here. Even shows like The Boys have filmed in the area. Side note: Anyone else watching the final season on Amazon Prime Video?

Between moments like that and the trails themselves, it’s a pretty great place to spend time. We’re looking forward to getting out there a lot more this summer.

Happy May 2-4 weekend everyone!

200 Years of London

Before highways, there were rails.

In the 1850s, railway lines reached London and connected it to Toronto, Windsor, and the United States. What had been a regional town suddenly found itself on a network.

And networks change things.

Farm goods that once took days to move could now leave in hours. Materials arrived faster. Markets got bigger. What you could build… and how fast you could grow… shifted almost overnight.

But it wasn’t just goods.

People arrived with skills, ideas, and ambition. Others passed through and saw opportunity. The rhythm of the city started to change, shaped by schedules, shipments, and the steady pull of movement.

London became more than a place on a map.

It became a place in motion.

A place you didn’t just pass through. You stopped. You built. You stayed.

🛍️ Downtown London's gift card push is back

The Gist: The Downtown London Business Improvement Area (BIA) is offering $1,000 in weekly draws for shoppers who spend more than $15 at a downtown business and either upload their receipt or leave a business review online. The campaign runs through June 14, with six weekly $1,000 prizes split between the entrant and the participating business.

Why It Matters: It's the third year of the BIA's "retail therapy" push, designed to drive foot traffic into downtown shops still working through a long stretch of revitalisation. Up to 20 receipts or reviews per business can be submitted weekly, so frequent downtowners can stack their entries.

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🩺 $15M coming for London's family doctor shortage

The Gist: The province announced last Friday that London, Middlesex and Elgin will share $15 million in new funding to connect roughly 33,000 area residents to a primary care provider. Middlesex County and London will receive nearly $11 million of the funding, and Elgin County will receive $4.05 million, with the Thames Valley Family Health Team leading the rollout.

Why It Matters: Finding a family doctor in this region has been a years-long struggle, and the area has grown fast. The funding directly targets the wait list, with new hires and expanded clinic capacity expected over the coming months.

What’s Next: The Ford government has set a goal of connecting every Ontarian to a doctor or primary care provider by 2029, with this announcement adding to earlier provincial investments in the region.

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🥖 A Parisian pocket on Richmond Street

432 Richmond Street

Step inside David’s Bistro and the bustle of Richmond Row fades fast. Since 1998, chef David Chapman has been serving up a cozy, European-inspired escape with red walls, checkered tablecloths, jazz in the background, and art tucked everywhere you look.

The menu changes often, with a daily prix fixe, regular favorites, and chalkboard features. Locals point to dishes like the duck and pistachio terrine, French onion tart, duck leg confit, and a thoughtful European wine list. It’s an intimate spot, so reservations are a good idea.

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📚 The bookshop with its own mobile unit

1025 Elias Street

Brown and Dickson was opened over a decade ago by Vanessa Brown and Jason Dickson, two published authors who believed London still wanted a bookshop with real, thoughtful recommendations. They were right.

Today, the shop spans three floors of used and rare books, from literary classics and local history to offbeat finds, artist’s books, and the occasional standout first edition. Their seasonal bookmobile pops up around the city from April to November, and if you’re looking for your next read, they’re always happy to chat, make a recommendation, set something aside, or ship it your way.

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Need a great realtor in London or Port Stanley?
Email Silver Phoenix at [email protected]. He’ll focus on your lifestyle goals and neighbourhood needs to find the right home in a community you’ll love being a part of.

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🛶 Children's Water Festival Family Night | Fanshawe Conservation Area | 05/14 | More
Free canoeing, live bird shows, food trucks, and water-themed play.

🎆 Westminster Community Fireworks | Nicholas Wilson Park | 05/16 | More
Enjoy food trucks and live music by the Doug Varty Band before the evening display.

🧺 Outdoor Farmers Market | Rotary Square | 05/16 | More
A vibrant Saturday staple featuring seasonal treats and unique local finds.

🌱 West Lion’s Park Spring Planting | West Lion’s Park | 05/16 | More
Join the local food forest team to plant seasonal shrubs and perennials.

🏠 Opening Weekend | Fanshawe Pioneer Village | 05/16–05/18 | More
Explore heritage buildings and historical demonstrations to kick off the 67th season.

⚡London Collectables Expo | Centennial Hall | 05/17 | More
Browse over 90 tables of comics, vinyl, retro games, and pop culture treasures.

🎤 Armanii & Stalk Ashley | Vice Supper Club | 05/14 | More
Dynamic live concert showcase during the artists' worldwide tour stop.

🤘 In Flames w/ Thrown & Distant | London Music Hall | 05/15 | More
Legendary Swedish melodic death metal and heavy support acts live in concert.