September 14, 2026
Good morning, London. I’m Matt Brown and this is Buckle Up. It’s your weekly update about all things London, brought to you by London Ontario Online News; that’s The Loon for short.
Listen to this week’s Episode:
If you’ve listened before, you know that every Monday morning I host this program with a member from our team, or a special guest, to give you the information you need to prepare for the week ahead.
With me today is one of the five London Ontario Online News co-owners, and regular Loon contributor, Mike Donachie.
On this podcast episode, Mike and and I discuss:
Four very different campaign launches hosted by four very different mayoral candidates.
There are currently 12 candidates running for mayor. You can find information about all of them, as well as all of the council candidates, incumbents, and challengers alike, by visiting London.ca
The Urban League of London is hosting 14 all candidates meetings, right across London between September 9th and October 1st.
London Ontario Online News is proud to partner with the Urban League on this initiative. Our team helped write the questions. At least one member from The Loon will be attending each meeting. Stop by and say hello. You can learn more about the meeting schedule here.
You can also watch these meetings on Rogers Television.
London Ontario Online News has been asked to participate in Rogers Television’s Mayoral Debate.
The debate will be moderated by Christine Taleski. London Ontario Online News members; Mike Donachie, Steve Cordes, and I prepared the questions and we’ll be asking them, as well. Watch for it soon on Rogers Television.
Construction:
Colonel Talbot Road will be closed between Glanworth Drive and Tempo Road from September 11 to November 27 as part of a Ministry of Transportation (MTO) highway improvement project.
Learn more about that here.
Buses begin using London’s first centre-running bus lanes on Thursday, September 3, 2026
On Sunday, September 6, London Transit (LTC) Express Route 90 will begin using a small, completed section of London’s first centre running bus lanes on Wellington Road between Simcoe Street and Grand Avenue. Learn more about that here.
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Sponsor Highlight: Hamilton Road BIA
Thanks, as always, to show sponsor Hamilton Road BIA. The Hamilton Road Business Improvement Area (BIA) develops, advocates, promotes, and invests in the unique community in; Economic Development, Beautification and Marketing, and Promotion while simultaneously honouring the rich history and diversity of the Hamilton Road area.
Buckle Up is sponsored by Hamilton Road BIA
www.hamroad.com
Supporting independent local journalism in our community
What’s happening in London this week:
Western Fair:
The 149th Western Fair runs September 11–20, so it’s happening throughout the entire week you’re asking about. Tourism London describes it as featuring rides, carnival food, live entertainment and more.
Music this week:
All kinds of concerts at the Western Fair.
All kinds of concerts this week at Rum Runners and London Music Hall.
Thursday, Sept. 17 - 18 is Rock The Runway: Limp Bizkit | Cypress Hill | The Dirty Nil + JJ Wilde Note: Location has changed to Harris Park.
Sports:
Friday, Sept. 18 — London Knights vs. Windsor Spitfires. The London Knights’ season opener at Canada Life Place.
The Weekend:
Saturday, Sept. 19 — Nuit Blanche London London’s major all-night contemporary art event in the downtown area.
Saturday, Sept. 19 — La Cantina: A Celebration of Latin Music & Culture
Sept. 19–20 — Doors Open London.
on A weekend opportunity to explore notable buildings and sites around London.
Sunday, Sept. 20 — London Pokémon and TCG Show At Centennial Hall.
Sunday, Sept. 20 — Terry Fox Run London At Springbank Gardens / Guy Lombardo Pavilion.
Photo courtesy of Tourism London Terry Fox - A true Canadian Hero. Terry and his run had strong ties to London. There is a documentary being shown at the Forest City Film Festival that will highlight that - October 15 to 25. Stay tuned, we’ll be talking a lot more about that festival in the weeks to come.
The Loon (London Ontario Online News) lineup
New content every day:
We’ve teamed up to send you a new feature every weekday:
Monday - Buckle Up - podcast with Matt Brown - SPONSORED BY HAMILTON ROAD BIA
Tuesday - Ward Tours with Cedric Richards - SPONSORED BY LONDON BICYCLE CAFÉ
Wednesday - City Hall Notes by Mike Donachie - SPONSORED BY SPERO LAW
Thursday - the Forest City Arts and Culture Roundup by Diana Tamblyn - SPONSORED BY DOWNTOWN LONDON
Friday - Reflecting, with Steve Cordes - SPONSORED BY OLD EAST VILLAGE BIA
Coming soon - Every other Saturday, new episodes of The Matt Brown Podcast - SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE.
And free on Fridays: the ROUNDUP, briefing you on the stories you need to know, gathered in one place. Regular analysis of the issues affecting London and the region.
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If you’ve been following what we’ve been up to here at The Loon you’ll know that we are bringing together London voices to deliver fresh content each weekday. Through podcasts, articles, video features, and in-depth analysis, we cover the civic decisions, local issues, arts and culture, and community stories that matter most.
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