You would be hard pressed to find another person with the knowledge of and passion for London’s downtown as Kathy McLaughlin – a proud, lifelong Londoner.

In this week’s GRAND Walk, Daniel and Kathy start their conversation at what many would consider the true core of London, Ontario – the Forks of the Thames - and make their way to Victoria Park, another signature space in our city.

They pass the many shops and restaurants that make up our Downtown, stop to admire the architecture of the many historical buildings and share their thoughts on the gentrification that London is experiencing along with so many other cities in Canada and across the world.

As they walk by businesses like Bud Gardens, Jill’s Table, London Music Hall and Grace Restaurant – all hard hit by the pandemic -  a chance conversation with Mark Kitching, owner of Waldo’s on King and Mark’s Fine Meats demonstrates the resilience and positivity of London’s merchants and proprietors.

Daniel and Kathy share thoughts on the uniqueness of London and the importance of caring for the heart of our cities – our downtowns. And .. it must be noted that Daniel achieves hero-status in Kathy’s eyes by divulging his record-setting consumption of Boxcar Donuts - ours too!

Walk the walk or listen from wherever you are in London, Ontario or across the world.

How to Walk the Walk:

1. Look at the map and learn your route. If you have a printer, download and print the map or simply follow the map from your device when you arrive at the starting position. You can find the map on our website by clicking here.

2. Download the podcast.

3. Travel to starting position located on map.

4. Press play and keep directions close by.

5. Take a selfie along the route and tag us on social media @thegrandlondon

A transcript of the conversation with accompanying photos is posted on our website for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Communities or for those who prefer to read. Click here to access.

We invite you to access previous podcasts with Emma Donoghue, Dr. Alan Shepard, Marie Williams and Natasha George.

In our 6th and final GRAND Walk "There's Always Something New in Old East Village", Daniel is joined by special guest, Adam Sturgeon. Check back here on Saturday, November 7.