And you’ve probably noticed his billboard costumes are always changing, depending on what people are talking about or what holiday is coming up. One day he’s up there in a superhero cape, another day he’s sporting bunny ears or parodying your favourite reality TV show.

Until fairly recently, the mortgage broker focused his creativity and graphic design background on digital ads.

“Then I said, you know, why don’t we try something different,” he said.

 

The first billboard design for Mike Hattim.
(Credit: Mike Hattim / @mike.hattim on Instagram)

It almost didn’t happen. A few days before The Broker was scheduled to go up, Hattim called his rep at Pattison Outdoor Advertising Billboards to say he had buyer’s remorse. It was a terrible idea, he thought.

“She’s like, ‘no, no, it’s amazing,'” Hattim recalled. “You’re going to love it.”

The billboard got a lot of response after it was put up. And while not all responses were positive, he liked that people were talking.

“You got a guy selling cars, he’s got a car advertisement, you know, real estate, mortgages, you name the industry,” said Hattim, who has been a mortgabe broker for 23 years and works with Dominion Lending Centres. He started to ask, “If it’s a sales perspective, it’s how can I become a little bit more noticeable?”

The way Hattim gets more noticeable is by doing something that stands out; in more ways than one. For example, you can often see six identical versions of his latest billboard beside each other at Wortley Road and Stanley Street.

Mixed reactions for his billboards can be found all over social media.

“Mike Hattim, please chill,” said one thread on Reddit that shows the group of six billboards adorned by Hattim in a superhero cape.

“I am begging you to chill on the billboard ads. I cannot escape them,” wrote the user scorpio_sunshine98. “The love island-inspired ad you did last summer is etched into my mind in a bad way. . . It’s a lot to take in at 8am on the way to work. I urge you to dial it back.”

But while the thread drew 171 comments, many of them urged Hattim to continue.

“neverchill,” wrote one user. “You make me smile when I see these,” wrote another.

Mike Hattim, please chill
byu/scorpio_sunshine98 inlondonontario

Hattim said he does most of the work to come up wtih the billboards and Pattison’s team also helps.

Every year when Hattim restarts his billboard campaign, they brainstorm ideas of what to do. He makes sure to hit the holiday billboards including Christmas, Valentines day, and more related to special months.

Most of these designs are made in Photoshop by Hattim as he learned the software in school.

These are some more designs Mike used over the years:

Hattim’s biggest design was his parody on the show Love Island. According to his analytics, it had the biggest response through online activity.

According to Hattim, many of his designs don’t get noticed and not everything works.

He says some designs even don’t make the cut or they are on the edge of being implemented. Hattim says he gives it a shot anyways.

The cost of billboard advertising

While Hattim does have a presence on social media, he says the billboards have been the most expensive and the most successful option.

“It’s one of those options where you don’t go out and just do one for a few months and that’s the end of it,” said Hattim. “It’s a commitment long term, just like a commercial or a radio commercial or TV commercial, any of those things. You need long term viewership in order for it to start to maintain and bring back some value. So it’s a heavy initial investment.”

Hattim budgets around $10,000 a month, depending on the time of year and what is happening.

The budget is towards 15 to 20 billboards, ranging from month to month.

Hattim says he is now noticing the effect of the billboards to his business after nine years. People initially for a few years acknowledged the billboards and say something to Hattim.

Now when people book appointments with Hattim, He says 9 out of 10 people bring up these creative billboards. Many seeing them years in advance and contacting mike when they need him.

Who is Mike Hattim?

In addition to being a mortgage broker, Hattim is a proud supporter of the Humane Society. He was also an advocate for the most recent London location on Dundas Street, east of Highbury.

Hattim also supports the Cancer Foundation and local GoFundMe’s.

For those who have gone to Basha Lebanese Restobar on Hyde Park, you may have seen a drink on the menu called “The Mike Hattim.” The drink was named after him as his cousin owns the restaurant.

As a nod to his past, Hattim has an IMDB page for two movies he executive produced for. Mike says it was not glamourous as he had friends in the film industry and they were “more or less investments.”

The show marked the end of a nearly 50-year era for CIXX-FM, which launched in 1978 as Canada’s first licensed campus radio station dedicated to teaching broadcast radio and journalism students.

Last year, Fanshawe announced that it was suspending the station because it couldn’t afford to run it any longer. But earlier this year, the college accepted a proposal from a London community nonprofit named WeRise, which is now exploring ways to keep the station running.

For Fanshawe radio and media production students, Thursday’s morning show was emotional, marking the end of years spent learning live radio and building on-air experience.

Emily Slagter

“It’s become like a family to me,” said Emily Slagter, a graduating student in the program. “It felt like a space where I could be creative and understand how a real radio station works.”

Julia Seitz and Connor Brooks

Her peers Julia Seitz and Connor Brooks, who hosted the last live show, highlighted the challenges and learning moments along the way.

“A lot of firsts… launching songs, forgetting to turn on the mic, even making mistakes on air,” Seitz said.

Brooks said being part of the station’s history made the experience meaningful.

“I’m incredibly privileged to sit in a chair that so many other broadcasters have sat in,” he said.

Over the past 50 years, many producers, journalists and broadcasters have gotten their start behind the mic of 106.9 The X.

During the show, Brooks and Seitz thanked Fanshawe staff, instructors and listeners for their support throughout the program.

“None of this happens if you’re not out there listening,” Brooks said.

]]> https://www.1069thex.com/2026/04/16/fanshawe-students-sign-off-from-106-9-the-x-after-final-broadcast/feed/ 0 https://www.1069thex.com/2026/04/15/ontario-expands-alcohol-rules-in-provincial-parks/ https://www.1069thex.com/2026/04/15/ontario-expands-alcohol-rules-in-provincial-parks/#respond Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:10:40 +0000 Theodore Ramharack 2026-04-15T20:10:40+00:00 https://d173.cms.socastsrm.com/?p=150078 Komoka Provincial Park near London, Ont., is seen in this file photo. (Eh Canada Travel) The province is expanding where alcohol is permitted in provincial parks, allowing guests to drink in public more than just over campsites.

The province said the change would allow grownups greater leeway to enjoy parks, allowing alcohol in designated day-use areas including beaches and picnic places, but it keeps restrictions around playgrounds and sports facilities.

“For too long, Ontario’s alcohol rules haven’t kept up with how people responsibly enjoy public spaces,” the province said in its announcement, wrapping it in a package on the modernization of policies.

London-area residents could see the impacts with great impact at Komoka Provincial Park, a popular day-use spot outside the city.

Nearby parks such as Port Burwell Provincial Park and Pinery Provincial Park may also experience changes, particularly in prime beach and picnic areas.

The new rules affect only provincial parks. More nearby spaces, such as the Wildwood Conservation Area, work under separate rules.

Some guests may appreciate the increased flexibility, but there are questions as to how rules will be implemented, particularly during crowded summer months of the year at busy parks.

Across the festivals social media’s Wednesday morning, they announced performances from Cypress Hill, the Dirty Nil, and headliner Limp Bizkit.

Dates were announced in the post for Rock the Runway to be from Sept. 17 to 19.

There has been one band yet to be announced to perform between the Dirty Nil and Cypress Hill.

Tickets for Rock the Runway go live on April 20 at 10 a.m. Tickets available for purchase through the Rock the Runway website and eventbrite.

Many students, especially international students, report that adjusting to new routines is challenging.

Shubhpreet Singh (film production)

For some students, academic demands can make exam time even more challenging.

“I try to study in small parts instead of doing everything at once, and I make sure I actually understand it before moving on, because that helps me remember better,” said Shubhpreet Singh, a film production student.

Singh says adjusting to a new academic schedule as an international student adds extra pressure during exam season.

Pavneet Kaur (Early Childhood Education)

Pavneet Kaur, an Early Childhood Education student, says planning her day helps her stay organized during exams.

“I usually make a simple plan for my day and try to study a little at a time. I also take breaks so I don’t get too stressed out,” she said. Kaur has back-to-back exams this week.

Kaur says balancing work and studies while managing her schedule can be difficult.

Brian Nelles (Centre Director of Oxford Learning North)

Oxford Learning London North Centre director Brian Nelles says these challenges are common during exam season.

He says stress often comes from feeling unprepared due to time-management and organizational issues. He suggests slowing down, breaking study material into smaller parts, and checking understanding while reading.

A city spokesperson says the break was reported just before 3 a.m.

“Water flow is under control, and preparations are underway to begin excavation,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

“At this stage, crews are assessing the extent of the damage to determine how much pipe will need to be replaced.”

The city posted the road closure and repair on Facebook at 6:30 a.m. advising drivers to avoid the area.

XFM News was on scene Tuesday morning, capturing video that shows the scope of the cleanup and repair work at the intersection.

London’s roadwork website, Renew London, reports the intersection to be closed until Friday at 11 p.m.

London Transit Commission announced temporary detours on Twitter/X for routes 10, 15, 25 and 27. LTC says to check their realtime site for detour details.

The City of London says it will provide updates as information becomes available.

Sarnia Police Service responded to reports of gunshots at the Lambton college campus bar early Friday morning.

Police say two male suspects from London were directly involved in the homicide, one as the alleged shooter and the other as an accomplice.

Photo of Oudom “Richard” Bun (Credit: Sarnia Police Service)

Police obtained search warrants on Saturday for two residences in London, one on Boulle Street and the other on Stonehenge Place. The warrants were executed with the assistance of the London Police Emergency Response Unit and other investigators. A vehicle associated with the shooting was seized.

During the search, police arrested 23‑year‑old Oudom “Richard” Bun, who has been charged with second‑degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.

Photo of Kyaw “Chin” Doe (Credit: Sarnia Police Service)

• Accessory after the fact to murder
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm
• Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition
• Careless storage of ammunition
• Possession of a prohibited device
• Possession of a weapon obtained by crime

Photo of Dane Nisbet (Credit: LinkedIn)

The shooting left two people injured and claimed the life of 20-year-old Dane Nisbet.

Nisbet was a talented hockey player who played for teams such as the Sarnia-Lambton Jr. Sting, Mooretown Flags, Sarnia Legionnaires and the North Middlesex Stars.

“Dane will be remembered for his kindness, determination, and always looking out for his teammates.” said the Stars in a post on instagram.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by North Middlesex Stars (@nmstarshockey)

London reported a loss of about 3,000 jobs from February to March.

London’s unemployment rate has risen over the past few months with 8.8 per cent in February and 8.2 per cent in January.

The London unemployment rate includes Strathroy, St. Thomas and parts of Elgin and Middlesex counties.

The next highest unemployment rate following London is Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo at 8.6 per cent. Barrie and Windsor follow close behind with an unemployment rate of 8.5 per cent.

Ontario’s unemployment rate held steady at 7.6 per cent but the province has lost almost 5,800 jobs — more than half from the London-area.

The London-area unemployment rate is currently above the provincial average by 1.5 percent, and national average by 2.4 per cent.

The Canada unemployment rate of 6.7 per cent stayed the same from February.

The Swedish home furnishings retailer first established a presence in London with a design studio at CF Masonville Place in 2021. The design studio then became a “plan and order” outlet in 2024 and moved to 3120 Wonderland Rd. S. The location allows customers to book one‑on‑one appointments with design experts to plan and purchase furnishings for delivery or pickup.

A statement released Thursday announced the new small format store to be “designed to make affordable, functional, and inspiring home furnishings more convenient” and will focus on everyday essentials and quick visits.

“At IKEA, we’re on an exciting journey to transform our business to be more accessible, affordable, and sustainable to our customers no matter how they choose to shop with us,” says Selwyn Crittendon, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA Canada. “As we approach our 50th anniversary in Canada this year, we are moving with speed to ensure that we continue to meet our customers’ evolving needs and dreams at home, guided by our founding vision to create a better everyday life for the many.”

The smaller IKEA store is planned to open where the Hudson’s Bay closed in White Oaks Mall. The store has no exact opening date but is expected to arrive in fall 2026.

Visitors to the new London location can expect to find:

• Inspiring room settings and smart solutions for a better, more sustainable life at home
• A compact layout of about 43,000 square feet (one-fifth the size of IKEA Burlington) with a portion of the full IKEA range (more than 2,000 home essentials and seasonal favourites) available in-store for cash-and-carry
• The ability to order the full IKEA product offering with flexible delivery and pickup options
• Knowledgeable co-workers offering simple planning services
• A selection of IKEA food

The London IKEA is the first of 20 new small format stores opening across North America and Europe