Discover one of London, Ontario’s hidden gems: The Coves Urban Wilds — 85 hectares of wetlands, forests, trails, and rare wildlife right in the heart of the city.

In this blog post, we dive into the history, ecology, and activities at The Coves:
🌳 Scenic walking & biking trails
🦉 Birdwatching, paddling & photography
🌿 Indigenous heritage, conservation & restoration

👉 Read the full story here: https://johnnyonfilm.com/category/history/

Whether you’re local to London or visiting Ontario, The Coves offers a rare mix of biodiversity, community spirit, and peaceful escapes from the city.

The Coves Urban Wilds – London, Ontario’s Hidden Natural Oasis

Discover the legacy of Isaac Crouse (1825–1915) — the builder who shaped London, Ontario’s historic bridges. From the iconic Blackfriars Bridge to Meadowlily, Dundas, King, Oxford, and Wellington crossings, Crouse’s work connected the city and supported its growth in the late 1800s.

In this post, we explore:
🌉 The story of Blackfriars Bridge, one of Canada’s oldest working iron bridges
🏗️ How Crouse’s craftsmanship helped define London’s infrastructure
📜 The commemorative plaque honoring his contributions

👉 Read the full story here: https://johnnyonfilm.com/category/history/

Over 140 years later, Crouse’s bridges remain standing — living history that still carries Londoners today.

Isaac Crouse – The Bridge Builder Who Shaped London, Ontario

Nestled along the Thames River, Gibbons Park is one of London, Ontario’s most beloved green spaces — a perfect blend of history, nature, and community.

In this post, we explore:
🚶 Walking & cycling trails on the Thames Valley Parkway
🏊 Outdoor pool, splash pad & playgrounds for families
🎾 Tennis courts, fitness stations & picnic areas
🍂 Seasonal beauty from spring blooms to autumn colors

👉 Read the full story here: https://johnnyonfilm.com/category/history/

From family picnics to university joggers, birdwatching to quiet riverside strolls, Gibbons Park is more than a park — it’s a community hub and a heartbeat of London life.

Gibbons Park – A Green Gem in the Heart of London, Ontario

At the heart of downtown London, Ontario, the Forks of the Thames Beautification Project (dedicated July 5, 1984) transformed the riverfront into one of the city’s most cherished green spaces.

In this post, we look at:
🌊 How the Forks became a hub of community and nature
🏛️ The 1984 project and its major contributors
🌿 Conservation efforts that shaped today’s riverside trails

👉 Read the full story here: https://johnnyonfilm.com/category/history/

More than 40 years later, the Forks remains a living legacy — where London’s history, nature, and community meet.

Johnny and Emmy