March 2026 Old South Business Insider

MARCH AGENDA MEETING RECAP Thursday, Mar 12, 2026 5pm-6pm Location: Sidetrack Café ITEMS: Recognition of Service: Brock Merrifield Skylar Franke, Ward 11 City Update (Recycling change, Capital Grants, LTC, Supporting Housing) St Patrick's Day Event & September Irish Festival (Keith Doyle) Starting a Small Business SBC Seminar Old South Community Organization Update (Thames River Cleanup, Gathering on the Green, Old South EV charger) Business Community Roundtable (Black Walnut reopen, S&T Events on Wharncliffe, Grand Ave Board, Westland Gallery Move & Welcome Purdy Natural!) Forest City London Music Awards, Mario Circelli, Founder & Chair South Collegiate Bike Cage Project, Andrew - Bicyle Cafe Hutton House Summer Employment Program, Jeremy McCall Wortley Pride Update, Kathy Bell, President 1. Recognition of Service: Brock Merrifield The OSBA recognized Brock Merrifield, General Manager of Staples on Wellington, for his long-standing contributions to the Old South Business Association. Brock has been involved since the initial discussions about restarting the OSBA after the COVID-19 pandemic. He served as a founding member of the OSBA Inc. Board of Directors. Brock is retiring after 27 years with Staples & from the OSBA board as well. A plaque was presented in appreciation of his dedication and leadership. Brock encouraged members to stay involved in the community and continue contributing to local initiatives. 2. Skylar Franke, Ward 11 City Councillor Update Recycling Changes A reminder that as of January 1, 2026, small businesses and nonprofits that were previously serviced through residential recycling routes are no longer eligible. Approximately 535 organizations have been affected. Advocacy efforts are underway requesting the Province of Ontario allow municipal processing facilities to accept non-eligible sources again. A letter is being circulated to Business Improvement Areas (BIAs), the Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Centre, and Pillar for signatures supporting the request to the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks. Capital Grants Program Applications are open until March 18, 2026. The City has increased funding by $250,000 this year. Eligible uses include land purchases, building acquisition, or construction projects. Community organizations were encouraged to apply if eligible. London Transit Commission (LTC) Updates Approximately 20,000 new service hours will begin in September 2026. Around 10 routes will receive service improvements to increase frequency and reliability. Winter Shelter Planning The City will begin winter shelter planning earlier this year. A staff report is expected by the end of June outlining an enhanced model for the upcoming winter. The plan may include: A 24/7 warming centre, or At minimum, a warming centre open every night throughout the winter season. Supportive Housing Coves Landing, located on Elmwood Place, is opening with 50 supportive housing units. Grand Opening Event Date: April 9, 2026 Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Public attendance is welcome. The City has currently completed 400 of the 600 targeted highly supportive housing units planned over a three-year period and is on track to meet that goal. 3. London Irish Festival Presenter: Keith Doyle, London Irish Society Festival Details Event: London Irish Festival Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026 Organized by 10 local volunteers, about half from Old South. Inspired by a traditional Irish village festival. Event Highlights Main stage on the green Three smaller stages with entertainment throughout the day Irish storytellers and children’s storytelling at the library Kids zone, Irish Wolfhound group, and historical reenactment Food and Beverage Food by the Lions Club Ice cream by the Scouts Bar on the green run by the German Canadian Club Additional Activities Evening live music on restaurant patios Sponsor reception the night before at The Highland After-party Saturday night at the German Canadian Club Support and Sponsorship Supported by the City Councillor’s office and Tourism London. Organizers are seeking sponsors, and businesses are encouraged to decorate storefronts in September. Community Benefit A portion of proceeds will support the Boys and Girls Club.   4. Starting A Small Business Seminar information from the Small Business Centre regarding an upcoming seminar: Topic: Starting a Small Business Date: April 7, 2026 Time: 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Location: 900 King Street, London Cost: Free, in-person seminar More information on the seminar. 5. Old South Community Organization Updates Thames River Cleanup Date: April 18, 2026 Volunteers can register through the OSCO website (https://oscolondon.ca/)  & Facebook Event Page. Gathering on the Green Date: June 6, 2026 Craft Vendor Application Deadline: April 1 OSBA Participation: The Old South Business Association will host a tent at the event. Space will allow up to three businesses to rotate throughout the day selling products and services for free. Details to come. EV Charger Update The community EV charger in Old South is receiving an update at Village Auto Care. 6. Business Community Roundtable Business updates within the Old South community. Black Walnut Café reopened on Valentine’s Day after rebuilding from the fire. The café has seen a steady flow of customers returning to enjoy coffee and treats following the long-awaited reopening. The former bridal shop on Wharncliffe Road has transitioned to S and T Elite Events. About their complete event and wedding planning services: www.steliteevents.com Grand Ave Children’s Centre is looking for Board members to start in the Fall 2026. They can contact the Centre at 519 434 3151 or email Cheryl Read at grandave@execulink.com. Westland Gallery has relocated to the Art Exchange at 247 Wortley Road, near the intersection of Tecumseh and Wortley. Owners Al and Karen have returned to the area where they originally began their gallery operations.  7. Purdy Natural Grand Opening Presenter: Rokhsana, Purdy Natural Purdy Natural is opening in the former Westland Gallery location. New Location 156 Wortley Road Grand Opening Date: March 21, 2026 About the Business A wellness boutique specializing in natural products. The company produces its own skincare line and carries: Locally made natural skincare Canadian natural products Jewelry Gifts More about Purdy Natural: www.purdynatural.ca Business History Operating for over 15 years 11 years located on Mount Pleasant The grand opening coincides with: The store’s anniversary The first day of spring 8. Forest City London Music Awards Presenter: Mario Circelli, Founder & Chair Mario provided an overview of the upcoming Forest City London Music Awards and London Music Week, taking place June 6–14, 2026. Highlights: The event celebrates its 24th year of recognizing local music. Two award ceremonies will bookend the festival: Volume One: Jazz, classical, and world music awards. Final Awards Ceremony: Pop and rock categories at London Music Hall. A city-wide event called “London Live After Five” will take place on June 10, activating business districts with live music performances, including in Old South, sponsored by the OSBA. The event continues to promote local musicians and supports performers by ensuring they are paid for performances. More about the FCLMAs: www.fclma.ca 9. South Collegiate Bike Cage Project Presenter: Andrew (Bicycle Café) Andrew shared details about a proposed secure bike parking cage at South Collegiate Institute. Key points: The project aims to address ongoing bike theft issues at the school. Goal: $30,000 total project funding. Current funds raised: $18,000. Approximately $12,000 still required to complete the project. The initiative is described as “shovel-ready.” Community partners and supporters include local businesses, community organizations, and the City of London. Members were encouraged to review the information provided and consider supporting the project. Sponsorship support letter 10. Hutton House Summer Employment Program Presenter: Jeremy McCall, Hutton House Jeremy introduced a summer employment opportunity for businesses. Comparison with Canada Summer Jobs Program For-profit businesses Eligible for 8 or 16 weeks 50% wage reimbursement Nonprofit organizations Eligible for 8 or 16 weeks 100% wage reimbursement Hutton House Program Provides 100% wage reimbursement for 12 weeks. Designed for entry-level summer positions. Businesses encouraged to apply if they: Missed the Canada Summer Jobs deadline Were not approved for funding Need additional summer staffing support More information - Flyer - Program & Placement Details - intake@huttonhouse.com - 519.472.6381 11. Wortley Pride Presenter: Kathy Bell, President, Wortley Pride Kathy shared updates about Wortley Pride, now entering its fifth year. The organization originally grew out of the Old South Community Organization and has expanded significantly. Current Activities Monthly community events Two annual bazaars: Spring Bazaar Holiday Bazaar Free holiday meal serving approximately 100 people who cannot return home for the holidays A new comedy night in partnership with Yuk Yuk’s Main Stage Performer Juno-nominated artist Shawnee Kish A two-spirited Indigenous and queer performer Performance will take place on the main stage during the event. Vendor Participation The event will feature approximately 100 local artisan vendors. Ways Businesses Can Participate Sponsorship Sponsorship packages were available at the meeting. In-kind sponsorships are also welcome. Example: Blue Elephant has donated a tent each year. Sponsor recognition includes: Social media promotion Recognition on the main stage Storefront Decorating Contest Businesses are invited to decorate storefronts in five colours for the month of June. Participation steps: Decorate storefront. Take a photo. Post to social media. Tag Wortley Pride using the official hashtag. Contest Details Winner chosen based on public votes and social media engagement. Winner announced June 13 on the main stage. Prize: Two VIP tickets to any Wortley Pride event in 2026. Contact wortleypride.london@gmail.com More information Mark your calendar with upcoming OSBA Meetings! Full list here: Meetings schedule & locations Or import the full schedule into your calendar with this calendar link: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=c_cac6d04119e668640f4f29fc2fb21595b1df58f21633bf999aace735c96edd73%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America%2FToronto It's great to have the Black Walnut Café open once again as a cherished gathering spot.  It's been a long-awaited, and well celebrated reopening by the entire community, including the Old South Business Association. We also extend a special welcome to Virginia and her team at S&T Elite Events, who have transformed the former bridal shop on Wharncliffe Road into a premier destination for complete event and wedding planning services. Joining the neighborhood at 156 Wortley Road is Rokhsana and the Purdy Natural team, who will be opening in the former Westland Gallery location. Their grand opening is set for March 21st, marking their 15th anniversary, where they'll continue to offer their self-produced skincare lines, natural products, jewelry, and gifts. Meanwhile, Westland Gallery fans can find their new home at the former Art Exchange building at 247 Wortley Road. As always, it was a pleasure to connect with our local entrepreneurs at the Old South Business Association meeting, with a special thanks to Sidetrack Café for hosting us this month. As we look forward to the arrival of warmer weather, we remain dedicated to growing this incredible business community for the benefit of our residents and the hardworking small business owners who tirelessly pour their hearts into everything they do. Sincerely, Ian Ian Sterling Leishman President Old South Business Association 190 Wortley Road LL10 London, Ontario N6C 4Y7,  info@OldSouthBA.com www.OldSouthBA.com, facebook.com/OldSouthBA The most recent Old South business mixer at Luan's Seafood & Grill: ↓ ↓ ↓ The next Old South Business Mixer! ↓ ↓ ↓ With free hors d'oeuvres and first drink! ↓ ↓ ↓ Full 2026 Schedule! ↓ ↓ ↓ Do you know of a new business in Old South? Message us! We're looking for the newest exciting additions to our amazing business community. If you have seen a new business open up in the area, we'd love to know about it. Would you like some OSBA pens or an outdoor sticker for your business? Contact us! If you're conducting business in Old South, you're welcome to attend.  We also encourage you to get more involved and join the OSBA for just $100! www.OldSouthBA.com/join Whether you're already a member or just curious, you’re always welcome to join our Agenda Meetings. We share updates that impact Old South businesses and discuss ways to strengthen our local business community. www.OldSouthBA.com/join   Join us in reaching new heights, strengthening each others business and the Old South neighbourhood as a whole! NEXT OSBA EVENTS: (Mark you calendars!) - Old South Business Mixer: Thursday, February 12th, 4:30-6pm @ Luan's Seafood & Grill, 315 Wellington Road with free first drink & hors d'oeuvres. - OSBA Agenda Meeting: Thursday, March 12th, 5p-6p @ the Sidetrack Café, 136 Wortley Road. > Full Calendar of events Hopefully we'll see you soon! Board of Directors Old South Business Association 190 Wortley Road LL10 London, Ontario N6C 4Y7,  info@OldSouthBA.com www.OldSouthBA.com, facebook.com/OldSouthBA   (Annual Membership dues: Only $100! / Business outside of Old South: Only $150!) Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.