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  • Let’s Talk About Placemaking: Scaling Impact, Building Community

    Placemaking is a powerful tool for fostering connection, strengthening local identity, and enhancing public spaces in ways that resonate with people’s lived experiences. It also plays a crucial role in helping communities recover from crises. The discussion highlighted placemaking as an instinctive and universal concept that transcends geography, culture, and history. Ryan Smolar underscored its…

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  • Good Neighbours, Strong Regions: Cultivating Regional, Cross-border Strategies to Build Local Economies

    The discussion highlighted the growing importance of cross-border and regional cooperation in strengthening local economies. Panellists emphasized that economic regions often span provincial and national borders, creating both challenges and opportunities. For example, Isabelle Veilleux noted that while Gatineau and Ottawa are physically close, differing regulations complicate labor mobility and transit systems. Strengthening collaboration across…

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  • When Global Hits Local: Navigating Tariffs on Canada’s Main Streets

    Mayor Justin Towndale of the City of Cornwall highlighted how deeply intertwined Canadian border communities are with their American neighbors. He emphasized that municipalities must address local challenges like housing, healthcare, and economic pressures while navigating the impact of tariffs and trade disruptions. Having already met with some of his peers in New York State,…

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  • From Policy to Prosperity: Local Economic Development That Works

    Panelists agreed that consumers are wielding significant power over the economy, particularly as they grapple with financial pressures. Gordon Stevens noted that consumers “start to talk and act with their pocketbooks” when facing challenges. Shelley Carroll echoed this, stating that “the consumer really is the boss right now,” emphasizing that their spending choices (or lack…

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  • Looking Ahead: What’s in store for urban Canada in 2025?

    The panelists unanimously agreed that housing, affordability, and homelessness continue to be some of the most pressing issues facing urban Canada in 2025. Mayor Andy Fillmore of Halifax emphasized, “Housing and homelessness, congestion and transit and affordability … Those are really the things that we’re wrestling with.” These challenges have eclipsed other important issues, such…

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  • Canadian flag waving with Parliament Buildings hill and Library in the background

    Leading the Way: Orienting Investments Around Place

    Note to readers: This video session was transcribed using auto-transcribing software.  Questions or concerns with the transcription can be directed to citytalk@canurb.org with “transcription” in the subject line.

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