💛 A sweet local rescue story

Emma and I decided to take the train from London into Toronto while I was in town speaking at a conference. I wanted to avoid the usual Friday return traffic and make the trip a little less stressful.

The photo here is from the VIA Rail station before we boarded.  It was my first time riding VIA Rail in almost 30 years, and Emma absolutely loved it. Watching the scenery roll by was a much different pace than staring at brake lights on the 401 for hours.

While we were on the train, we spotted the new Canada Strong Pass from VIA Rail Canada. Kids can ride free with an adult, and travellers aged 18 - 24 receive 25% off between June 19 and September 7, 2026.

It looks like part of a broader push encouraging Canadians to explore more of the country closer to home this summer. Curious, has anyone else changed how they’re travelling this summer?

The Gist: A sad call turned into a very tender rescue for Strathroy-Caradoc police officer Aaron Fonville on May 28. After a doe was struck and killed by a car, Fonville found two tiny newborn fawns tucked away in the grass nearby. Officers wrapped the babies in blankets, brought them back to the station, and did their best to keep them safe until they could be transferred to Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge. The twins will stay there until they’re strong enough to return to the wild.

Why It Matters: It’s a gentle reminder that fawning season is happening right now across southwestern Ontario, which means tiny deer may be hiding quietly in tall grass, fields, and even backyards. These two are now in quarantine at the refuge and will eventually move to a larger natural enclosure, where they’ll learn to graze and grow before a planned release this September. A tough story, but a very sweet ending for two little locals.

The Gist: London City Council and Middlesex County Council have approved a new housing stability plan for 2026 through 2031, aimed at tackling homelessness, tight vacancy rates, and the growing challenge of finding an affordable place to live. The plan brings city and county efforts under one shared strategy and was shaped by input from more than 500 residents and local service providers. It focuses on building more housing, helping people stay housed, and better connecting health and social supports.

Why It Matters: Housing is one of those issues that touches almost every corner of the community, whether it’s a family trying to afford rent, a young adult hoping to stay close to home, or a neighbor going through a hard season. With one-bedroom rents averaging $1,529 last year and regional market rents up 22% since 2022, the pressure is real. The plan now heads to Ontario’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for approval, with more detailed next steps expected to come before council later this year.

Stepping through a faux meat cooler into Papi’s Steakhouse is an instant mood-setter for summer date nights. This speakeasy-style room serves up quiet, unhurried luxury, making it the ultimate destination to celebrate Dad this June.

Indulge in the tableside Caesar and a perfectly seared, buttery Hokkaido wagyu. Between the personalized printed menus and the impeccable service, it is an effortless way to make an evening feel genuinely exclusive.

Pro-tip: This space is strictly for guests 16 and older, and reservations are essential.

If the summer heat and Father’s Day have you looking for something a little more special, David E. White on Richmond Row is worth a stop.

Operating since 1987, the London shop brings together sharp menswear brands like Bugatchi, custom suiting, tailoring, dry cleaning, and a three-chair barbershop offering scissor cuts, hot towels, and walk-ins.

Pick up Truefitt & Hill grooming products, Saxx underwear, or a fresh summer shirt, and you’ve got a pretty solid Father’s Day gift, or a good excuse to treat yourself.

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.

🎪 Gathering on the Green | Wortley Village | 06/06 | More
44th annual Wortley street festival with 100+ local vendors and live music.

🎨 Ting Comic and Graphic Arts Festival | TAP Centre for Creativity | 06/06 | More
A visual arts exhibition celebrating regional illustrative talent and graphic design.

🚗 Antique & Classic Car Show | Vauxhall Park | 06/06 | More
Classic cars, kids' activities, food trucks, vendors, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

🌍 London Multicultural Festival | Covent Garden Market | 06/06-06/07 | More
Global rhythms and interactive folk dances animate the bustling downtown square.

🎵 Watoto Children’s Choir | St. Paul's Cathedral | 06/09 | More
Soaring vocal harmonies paired with joyful cultural rhythms and storytelling.

🎨 Summer Launch Party | Museum London | 06/11 | More
An all-ages night featuring hands-on studio crafting, live vinyl, and gallery openings.

🎸 Illscarlett: EPdemic 20th Anniversary | Rum Runners | 06/05 | More
Live performance: a fusion of gritty reggae-rock and upbeat punk-ska rhythms.

🐂 PBR Canada Cup Series | Canada Life Place | 06/05 | More
A nights of adrenaline-fueled sportsmanship and edge-of-your-seat stadium action.

💃 Bed By 10pm | Aura Cocktail Nightclub | 06/06 | More
Retro dance floor anthems packed with vibrant club visuals for early-evening revelers.

🎤 Snak The Ripper Live | The Rec Room Masonville | 06/06 | More
Gritty underground hip-hop energy with heavy bass lines and sharp lyricism.

🏆 Forest City London Music Awards | Aeolian Hall | 06/07 | More
Celebrating regional musical brilliance across multiple diverse genres.

🎭 Mamma Mia! (Closing Weekend) | The Palace Theatre | until 06/07 | More
Last few shows of a theatrical escape filled with infectious harmony and storytelling.

Thanks for reading! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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