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

“…that was such a novelty. Santa Claus started visiting there instead of downtown and that pulled people away” – Carole Werre, Medicine Hat, AB