Downtown #Windsor was once packed with shops and tourists, but what made it special was the famed Norwich Block on Ouellette Avenue, home to many local businesses, including the legendary Fast Eddy’s Arcade before it was demolished in 1999. While Norwich Block is missed, Windsor continues to embrace its history, businesses, and thriving arts and culture scene.

When the Galleria mall first opened the whole city was thrilled, but local stores struggled to survive in its shadow. Now, with the city working hard on its revival, there’s a fresh perspective in downtown #London, ON.

“As the steel plant and everything else went, the people and them went. Everybody around here, younger people – I don’t blame them – they go to Alberta.” – Joe Gillis, Sydney, NS

“Gottingen Street, all the big stores were up there: Discount Shoeland, Woolworth’s. It was booming back in the ’60s.” – Stan Spencer, Halifax, NS

“Downtown Windsor was very dependent on American clientele, that was the base for their business, and that was just gone.” – Anastasia Adams, Windosr, ON