Steve writes
July 17, 2026
Old East Village (OEV) is one of those areas that is easy to malign. It’s had its challenges as long as I can remember. Growing up in London, I knew it as EOA and it was generally an area that Londoners disparaged. In spite of those labels (and the challenges that inspired them), it’s also always had its charms and a vibrancy. It’s been a district full of unique shops, restaurants and bars. The Park Theatre (now Palace Theatre) was the place to go to for all the big blockbusters as it had a huge screen and amazing sound/acoustics that made movies like Raiders of the Lost Ark an immersive experience.
If you remember any of that, you probably also remember the “S curve” that was built into a couple of blocks of Dundas St in what is now the heart of OEV. It was installed in the late 70’s as a strategy to slow down commuters and get more people to stop and shop. It didn’t work. Retail suffered. Some closed and boarded up and some new retailers such as same day loans companies moved in. The road was straightened out again, some street parking came back but for several businesses, it was too late.
The current challenges of OEV have been in the making for decades. The social agencies that moved into the area settled there because that’s where their clients were. The social issues we all see in the area is a reflection of the growing homelessness and addictions crises. In spite of those challenges, there are so many bright spots. The residential neighbourhood has seen resurgence, several long-standing businesses have remained, some wonderful restaurants, cafes and arts organizations have moved in.
The challenges of OEV are well documented and covered extensively in media. While these are vital conversations as they can lead to improvements, what is often missing is conversation about the strengths of the neighbourhood. Yes, there are many of those too. In this week’s Steve’s Reflections I sat down with a shop owner I initially met while shopping in his store a couple of weeks ago. We spoke about why he has remained in the area for 25+ years and his thoughts on what makes OEV special and what can be done to improve it.
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Steve’s Reflections are Sponsor Highlight: Old East Village BIA
Here at The Loon, we are excited to announce that this week we welcome Old East Village BIA as a new supporter of The Loon. Old East Village BIA proudly represents the unique businesses and property owners in this area of London. You can contact them here: contact OEVBIA here.
Their mandate is to create a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable commercial corridor, at the heart of an inclusive community, where people live, work, shop, play, and produce. is dedicated to championing the businesses, events, restaurants, shops, and people that make the core of our city vibrant.
Steve’s Reflections is sponsored by Old East Village BIA
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