Podcasts

Many of our cities’ biggest challenges right now are playing out inside public libraries. Willingly or not, library staff come face-to-face daily with issues relating to homelessness, substance use, mental and physical health, and, of course, education. As they continue to adapt to society’s needs and provide more services, their funding isn’t growing.

Author Adam Greenfield believes that we need a new kind of institution at the heart of each neighbourhood to prepare us for climate disaster. He calls it a “lifehouse.” He argues that this community hub could provide everything from refuge during emergencies, to ongoing services like daycare and workshops.

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the floods that devastated New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina struck. In many ways, New Orleans gave us a preview of what other cities would come up against in the face of climate disaster.

Last summer, Beth Sanders was getting ready to lead a new planning department for Jasper, Alberta when the municipality was evacuated due to wildfires. The fires ended up destroying around a third of the town.

It’s no secret that Canada is in a housing crisis. The gap between incomes and housing prices has been growing for decades, as governments of all political stripes have promised to ease the burden. So what would it take to finally end it?

Festivals can be a great excuse to get out and see something new. But they can also be disruptive to local residents and businesses. So when do they help a city thrive, and when are they more trouble than they’re worth? Host Mary Rowe gets the perspectives of two guests who helped shape iconic downtown…