Buckle Up, September 21, 2026
Good morning, London. I’m Matt Brown and this is Buckle Up, Sponsored by the Hamilton Road BIA. This is 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 co-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 a special guest co-host and London Leader. Dr. Carol Dyck. Carol has been a candidate for the Green Party of Canada and of Ontario a total of 5 times and she has recently earned her Ph.D.. She is a Lecturer at Huron University, London, Ontario. And specializes in International Environmental Law, Maritime Law, Governance and International Relations.
On this episode Carol and I discuss:
Rogers Television’s Mayoral Debate.
You can watch it on Rogers Television or on their YouTube Channel.
Carol’s prediction on voter turnout.
Carol spoke about this on Craig Needles’ latest roundtable. You can listen here.
Mayoral Candidate Susan Stevenson’s tax pledge announcement.
A pledge to keep municipal property-tax increases at a maximum of 1% in both 2027 and 2028. For the final 2 years of the term, Stephenson pledged to keep the increase at or under inflation.
Jack Moulton, London Free Press: London mayor hopeful Susan Stevenson takes aim at tax hikes with new pledge
Daryl Newcombe, CTV News: Stevenson pledges tax increases under one per cent through 2028 and below inflation following two years, Morgan fires back.
Devon Peacock, 980 CFPL: Morning Show Podcast: Stevenson’s tax pledge
Mayoral candidate and incumbent, Josh Morgan made a Pledge to Freeze City of London Recreation Fees for the first 2 years of the upcoming term.
Jack Moulton, London Free Press: Josh Morgan pledges two-year freeze on London recreation fees.
Kristylee Varley, CTV News: London mayoral candidate pledges two-year freeze on recreation fees.
Melissa Yee-James, Rogers tv Community News: Josh Morgan Commits to Affordable Recreational Programs — coverage of the “Freeze the Fees”
Note: 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’s all candidate meetings that are taking place across London, right now.
You can learn more about these meeting here. Missed the date or can’t make the meeting? Rogers Television will be broadcasting each of them regularly as election day approaches. The Loon has been thrilled to partner with the Urban League this year - we wrote many of the questions and have been helping to promote the events. For a grass roots, not-for-profit, volunteer led organization, they really have gone above and beyond with this initiative.
Construction:
Base Line Road East will close for underground servicing work
The City of London advises that, starting Monday, September 21, Base Line Road East will be closed between High Street and Ridout Street South until approximately September 24 while private underground servicing work connects water, storm sewers, and sanitary sewers to a property in the area.
A detour will be posted via High Street, Emery Street East, and Ridout Street South. The south sidewalk will also be closed. Access to homes in the area will be maintained. Some LTC routes will be impacted. Please check the London Transit Commission website for the most up-to-date information on bus schedules.
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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?:
Music & Concerts
Erra – Drift Outlives the Earth Tour w/ Vianova, Chamber, Resolve — London Music Hall — Monday, September 21, 6:30 PM
Old Friends: The Songs of Simon & Garfunkel — Aeolian Hall — Thursday, September 24, 7:30 PM
Relive the Music 50s 60s & 70s — Centennial Hall — Thursday, September 24, 7:00 PM
The White Buffalo — Rum Runners — Friday, September 25, 8:00 PM
Two of Us: The Songs of Lennon & McCartney — Aeolian Hall — Friday, September 25, 7:30 PM
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Concert: Rebecca Hass — von Kuster Hall, Western University — Friday, September 25, 12:30–1:30 PM — Free
Theatre & Performing Arts
School of Rock — Grand Theatre — September 22–October 3
The Great Gatsby — Palace Theatre — September 24–October 4
Festivals & Community Events
Punk Rock Flea Fest — September 22–26 — Exhibition at TAP, concerts, vendors, skating and other activities throughout the week
Growing Chefs! Ontario Pizza Party Fundraiser #4 — Growing Chefs! Ontario HQ — Friday, September 25, 5:30–9:00 PM
Oktober Fall Fest at Beer Kitchen – Week One — Beer Kitchen, 100 Kellogg Lane — September 25–27
Culture, History & Museums
Ska-Nah-Doht Museum Revitalization Recognition Event — Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum — Wednesday, September 23
Culture Walk: Hidden Secrets of Downtown — Museum London — Thursday, September 24, 6:00–7:15 PM
Film & Cinema
The Silence of the Lambs — Hyland Cinema — Friday, September 25, 6:45 PM
Michael Mann’s Manhunter: The Final Cut — Hyland Cinema — September 25–26
Primetime — Hyland Cinema — September 25–27
Sports
London Knights vs. Owen Sound Attack — Canada Life Place — Friday, September 25
Source: LondonTourism.ca
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 BIATuesday - Ward Tours with Cedric Richards
SPONSORED BY LONDON BICYCLE CAFÉWednesday - City Hall Notes by Mike Donachie
SPONSORED BY SPERO LAWThursday - the Forest City Arts and Culture Roundup by Diana Tamblyn
SPONSORED BY DOWNTOWN LONDONFriday - Reflections with Steve Cordes
SPONSORED BY OLD EAST VILLAGE BIA
Also on Fridays: the local news ROUNDUP.
Every other Saturday: The Matt Brown Podcast. It's the show about all things local, and maybe some other stuff too. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE.
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.
Thank you to the almost 80 individuals who have already taken out a paid subscription to support this work. If that’s not you just yet, you can help too. A subscription to The Loon gives you more than news - it gives you the insight to understand your city better while helping sustain independent local journalism for the future. If you’re not in a position to take out a paid subscription, that’s okay too, we’re glad you’re here with us. And, everyone - you can help by following and sharing The Loon, far and wide - with your family, neighbours, colleagues and friends.
