Canada Day festivities in London, Ont.

Canada Day festivities are underway in London, Ont. and around southwestern Ontario.

“The party has started all over the city,” says Josh Morgan, the mayor of London.

“There are events everywhere in every corner of the city. I see people here having a good time celebrating together, spending time with family, friends and loved ones in London.”

Where to see the Canada Day fireworks in London and the area

CTV caught up with Morgan at Dundas Place, where the London Heritage Council was hosting a big flex street event.

It was the second of many stops for Morgan.

“I was at Grosvenor Lodge and now I’m here at Dundas Place,” says Morgan.

“I’m heading east London, south London and then back into the city center later tonight.”

People were dressed in red from head to toe along Dundas, shopping, eating, listening to music and children playing.Greg Sturm, aka “Mr. Maple Leaf’ attended the Canada Day festivities at Dundas Place in London, Ontario on Monday, July 1, 2024. (Credit: Brent Lale/CTV London)

Greg Sturm goes by the name “Mr. Maple Leaf’. He was the one wearing the most colorful outfit with face paint and Canadian flag tattoos.

“It’s a great country and I think it’s the best country in the world,” says Sturm, whose outfits started with a baseball cap 36 years ago and have grown every year since.

His goal is to visit every province in the country and describe why he loves Canada.

“People are friendly, welcoming, and we’re always trying to help people,” says Sturm.

“It’s very rare if you see someone who is down on their luck or who needs a helping hand, that you don’t help them. It’s in our nature.”