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

“He was chasing fish, he was feeding on mackerel, he put on about 200 pounds a day. They was getting worried he might be too big to come out through the gates.” – Annapolis Royal, NS

“Everythings okay! We’re just having a baby!” Kerryn Scarlett, Wolf Island, Ontario