Last week, the Committee of the Whole heard about the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan Open Spaces Systems Strategy, staff’s proposal for how parkland and open spaces will be mapped out in the development of Clair-Maltby. Just about anything Clair-Maltby related is controversial, especially the debate about parkland placement, so how did the members of city council navigate this minefield? Continue reading “GUELPH POLITICAST #212 – The Clash Over Clair-Maltby Part 2: All About Parks”
What started as a mysterious new illness that effectively shutdown the Chinese city of Wuhan is now a global health emergency as medical professionals around the world are trying to diagnose, quarantine, and contain the Coronavirus, or COVID-19 as the kids are calling it. New cases seem to be popping up on an hourly basis, but how concerned should we be? Let’s talk to the professionals! Continue reading “GUELPH POLITICAST #211 – A Novel Podcast on Coronavirus”
We’re presently in the middle of Freedom to Read Week, a national celebration of free expression that takes place in libraries, schools and arts venues across Canada. It’s a powerful reminder that issues of free expression and censorship are still prevalent here in Canada, and in other places around the world, so we’re going to remind you of that with a couple of previous Politicast interviews. Continue reading “GUELPH POLITICAST Replay – Freedom to Read Week”
An ongoing segment here on the Politicast involves taking a closer look at development issues, and this week’s timely entry of the series will look at the under-appreciated cousin of NIMBYism, YIMBYism! NIMBY, or “Not in MY Backyard,” dates back to the 80s, and has become a controversial term when it comes to growth in Ontario’s cities, but one group in Waterloo Region is now trying to turn the tables. Continue reading “GUELPH POLITICAST #210 – On Development Part III: Why Not YIMBY?”
What goes on inside the head of Guelph’s mayor? When did he start to becoming interested in politics? What influenced him along the way? What considerations does he take into account as he makes decisions? If you’ve ever wondered about these, or similar questions, then this is going to be a podcast you’re going to want to press play on! Continue reading “GUELPH POLITICAST #209 – Inside the Mind of Cam Guthrie”
One of the likely contenders to win Best Picture at this year’s Oscars is 1917, Sam Mendes’ film about two soldiers racing through enemy territory on a mission to save hundreds of their fellow soldiers. It’s good, but but how does the movie, and it’s exceptional attention to detail, stand up to the scrutiny of experts who know all the ins and outs of the Great War? Continue reading “GUELPH POLITICAST #208 – The Real 1917”
Shakiba Shayani became the new President and CEO of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce on September 9, 2019, which was two days before the Federal election, during which the Chamber exerts tremendous influence as the organizers of the main local debate, and it was two months before the start of the annual municipal budget process, during which the Chamber President always presents. Talking about being thrown into the deep end. Continue reading “GUELPH POLITICAST #207 – What Can the Chamber Do For This Podcast?”
For 12 years and 900 episodes, Fred Penner entertained kids every weekday morning on CBC by inviting them to his Place, which was through the woods, along the river shore and accessed via a downed log hidden by some shrubs. It offered generations of kids access to a world of song, story and make-believe, and it’s a world that Penner’s still taking kids to one tour stop at a time. Continue reading “GUELPH POLITICAST #206 – Penner’s Place on Politico”
We’re coming up on the annual Organic Conference at the University of Guelph, a tradition that’s been around for nearly 40 years, long before “going organic” was a thing. Make no mistake: organic is big business now, a method of food production and farming that in Canada alone is worth $5.4 billion. In Guelph though, the annual Organic Conference is where this trend gets back to its roots. Pun intended. Continue reading “GUELPH POLITICAST #205 – Got Organic?”
There are signs that many people in our community want 2020 to be the year of housing. After a long, unsustainable hiatus on the development of supportive, social and affordable housing, all parties are eager to attack a problem that’s only ever getting worse. Sounds good, but do you remember what happened the last time everyone was eager for action on homelessness? Continue reading “GUELPH POLITICAST #204 – The 106 Beaumont Saga”
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