Forest City Insider

London is getting 5 new nonstop flights!

Plus: A $30M rocket facility, spooky fall fun & 11 days of film!

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After touring the old Middlesex jail, I wanted to follow one of its most infamous stories a little further. So a friend and I headed to Lucan to visit the Donnelly Museum and dig into the local history behind the legend.

The Donnelly story is one of those pieces of Southwestern Ontario history where fact, folklore and family feud have become tightly tangled together.

Screenshot 2026-10-09 123510

If you are new and don’t know the story: After five members of the Donnelly family were murdered near Lucan in February 1880, the accused were brought to the Middlesex County Courthouse in London. The first murder trial ended with a hung jury; a second trial resulted in an acquittal. No one was ever convicted for the massacre.

  Local Lowdown 
 

✈️ Porter Airlines adds 5 nonstop routes from London

The Gist: More travel options are coming to London! Porter Airlines is launching five year-round nonstop routes from London International Airport beginning in spring 2027. Travellers will be able to fly directly to Edmonton, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa and Vancouver, with the first flights taking off in April. All five routes will feature aircraft with no middle seats.

Why It Matters: For London-area travellers, this means more opportunities to fly across Canada without driving to Toronto Pearson or making connections along the way. The new routes will make London International Airport a more convenient option for both business trips and family vacations.

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🚀 $30M rocket testing facility coming to London

The Gist: Canada Rocket Company has broken ground on a $30 million rocket engine testing facility at London International Airport. Named after London-born astronaut Jeremy Hansen, the site will feature up to three engine testing stands alongside a 12,000-square-foot office and fabrication building. The facility is expected to be fully operational by 2028.

Why It Matters: The project is expected to create at least 40 local jobs over the next 18 months and bring new aerospace opportunities to the region. The company is also developing training partnerships with Western University and Fanshawe College, potentially opening doors for local students interested in engineering and aerospace careers.

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  Featured Home 
 
2849 HEARDCREEK TRAIL photo tour
2849 HEARDCREEK TRAIL - 4 beds • 3.5 baths • 3,000 sq ft
🌱  Reader Shout Out

Forest City Terrariums

Forest City Terrariums is a brand-new, one-woman London business creating tiny self-sustaining gardens in glass jars, planted by hand with moss, ferns and miniature trees. You won’t find them in stores yet, but you can see them in person at the Fall Market at Green Hills Country Club on Sunday, October 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s founder Erica’s very first market, and she’s even offering coffee if you stop by her booth. A tiny forest under glass definitely qualifies as a hidden gem.

Forest City Terrariums
Follow on Instagram  →
  Restaurant Radar 
 

🔥 Bold spices, sizzling grills & Pakistani favorites

Resto (99)
1288 Commissioners Rd W, London, ON

Kashmir Grill brings the rich flavors of Pakistani and Indian cooking to west London. The menu is packed with favorites like creamy butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, flavorful biryani and sizzling kebabs, along with plenty of vegetarian options.

For something a little different, try the grilled lamb chops or gather a few hungry friends for the Kashmiri Mixed Grill, a generous spread of chicken, beef kebabs, naan and rice. Whether you're craving something mild and creamy or a dish with a little extra kick, there's plenty to explore!

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  On the Market 
 
43 DUNDEE COURT - $524,900
1197 SMITHER ROAD - $699,000
1312 SANDBAR STREET - $925,000
  Business Brief 
 

💆 Serene scalp rituals with herbal infusions

Business - 2026-10-09T122852.469
1101 Jalna Blvd, London, ON

Head in the Clouds Head Spa brings Vietnamese-inspired scalp treatments to south London! These relaxing sessions combine scalp cleansing, exfoliation and massage, with treatments designed to help relieve tension and leave your hair and scalp feeling refreshed.

Whether you're looking for a little self-care or a thoughtful gift, it's a unique way to unwind.

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🍂  Insider Events

General Dynamics Land Systems Canada Presents: Fall Flavours… A Tasting!

Come taste, connect, and celebrate the season with us.

Experience the magic of autumn at the GCCRC Annual Fall Flavours…a Tasting, a delicious multi-taster event celebrating the fresh flavours of the season. Each taster is thoughtfully prepared to showcase the best local and seasonal ingredients, bringing the warmth and richness of Fall to your plate.

Our facility will be transformed into a cozy, inviting space, complete with the sights, scents, and tastes of autumn. Gather with friends, meet new people, and savour an afternoon of culinary delight in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Date: November 6th, 2026
Location:244 Adelaide St S
Tickets: $40 per ticket
Mystery Boxes: $25 per box. Pick a number and win a prize.

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Get Your Tickets  →

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  Local Events 
 
Forest City Film Festival 2026
Featured Event
 
Forest City Film Festival 2026
Thursday, October 15 – Sunday, October 25 at 6:00 PM
Various Venues / London
Celebrate 11 days of film with screenings, premieres, filmmaker Q&As and special events showcasing local talent and acclaimed movies from around the world.
Learn More →
THU
15
FAMILY
TD Free Family Fun NightLondon
London Children's Museum|5‌:0‌0‌ PM
Enjoy an evening of hands-on play and interactive learning for young children.
Learn More
Oct 1‌6‌ – 3‌1
COMMUNITY
Return to the Abandoned Village, Fanshawe Pioneer Village
Fanshawe Pioneer Village|7‌:0‌0‌ PM
ByronScaryHouse turns the Village into a place of terror this Halloween!
Learn More
SAT
17
MARKET
The Fall London Shopping Extravaganza EventLondon
Oakridge Presbyterian Church|1‌0‌:0‌0‌ AM
Browse unique creations and artisanal goods from dozens of local small businesses.
Learn More
SAT
17
FAMILY
Halloween in ArgyleLondon
Argyle BIA|1‌1‌:0‌0‌ AM
Enjoy community trick-or-treating, giant monsters, and festive costume contests with the family.
Learn More
SAT
17
FESTIVAL
Coven FestLondon
Dundas Place|1‌:0‌0‌ PM
Explore a Halloween-themed street market filled with crystals, oddities, spooky decorations, handmade goods and local vendors. Costumes encouraged!
Learn More
SAT
17
FOOD
Harvest Tea at the MuseumLondon
Eldon House|1‌:0‌0‌ PM
Savor artisan charcuterie and premium loose-leaf tea in an elegant historic setting.
Learn More
  Memes 
 
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