Breezy Breakfast Radio Hour

Episode 231: Royal City Mission, our new home

After a much enjoyed reprieve over August we are back with a new season and a new home for Breezy Breakfast at Royal City Mission, 50 Quebec Street.  To mark the occasion and to get us acquainted with our new home we sat down with Adam Kahn, lead chef at RCM and Matthew Brjnas, operations and finance manager, to talk about what RCM is all about and why they are so important to Guelph's downtown core.  Matthew updates us on much needed shower and laundry facilities that recently opened and Adam gets our bellies grumbling talking about some tried and true meals he's been serving up.  Did we mention the smoked cheddar butter chicken?  Listen in to get more details on that!

 

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The Breezy Breakfast Radio Hour is broadcast Mondays at 9 AM on CFRU 93.3 FM.

Episode 229: 2024 Police Report... and the budget

In this episode of Breezy Breakfast we’re turning our attention to the Guelph Police Service’s recently released 2024 Annual Report, and addressing commonly raised concerns and questions on policing, accountability, and community safety.

Guests Police Chief Gord Cobey and City Councilor and Police Board member Phil Allt, share their insights and highlights from the report as well as some of the challenges faced with policing in Guelph overall.  We talk about some of the new initiatives such as the Intimate Partner Violence and Human Trafficking unit (IPVHT) and the Community Services Operations Centre;  we get into some stats on the reduction of crime and increased safety; and of course, it wouldn't be a policing conversation with out touching on the budget.  

For an added bonus to our podcast this week, check out the Dispelling Human Trafficking Myths, video, a collaborative project from Guelph Police Services and Victim Services Wellington, Guelph/Wellington Women In Crisis, and Crime Stoppers Guelph/Wellington.  If you or someone you know is in need, please reach out.

Women in Crisis Guelph: (519) 836-5710

Victim Services Guelph: (519) 824-1212 ext 7304

GPS Intimate Partner Violence: ipv@guelphpolice.ca 

 

Find us on Facebook at Breezy Breakfast.
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The Breezy Breakfast Radio Hour is broadcast Mondays at 9 AM on CFRU 93.3 FM.

Episode 228: Renoviction Victory

In this episode of Breezy Breakfast we're talking with Stephanie Glendenning, the Executive Director of the Legal Clinic of Guelph and Wellington County.  Glendenning and the clinic have been key plyers in a recent fight against sweeping 'renoviction' notices, also known as an N13's, at Brant Ave in Guelph.  The tenants organized and formed a tenant association, and, with support from the Brant Ave Neighborhood Group and the Legal Clinic of Guelph and Wellington, the N13 notices were rescinded.  Glendenning takes through what that organizing looked like, how renovictions are playing out in Guelph, and what tools are available or missing when it comes to protecting housing security.

Additional shout out to Taylor Pace of Guelph Today who was not able to join us for the discussion, but who's coverage on this issue has been exceptional. 

 

Stephanie Glendenning - assumed the Executive Director role at the Guelph-Wellington Legal Clinic in 2024. With a background in community legal advocacy, she supports tenants navigating housing insecurity and works to advance access to justice across the region.

 

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The Breezy Breakfast Radio Hour is broadcast Mondays at 9 AM on CFRU 93.3 FM.

Episode 227: So You Wanna Be A City Councilor

In this episode of Breezy Breakfast, we're talking about the Ward 6 vacancy at Guelph City Council, and the decision to opt for an appointment rather than election.  Guelph Politico’s Adam Donaldson walks us through the context of this rare mid-term appointment and offers his perspective on the most important issues facing Ward 6.  Adam is joined by current Ward 4 councilor Linda Busuttil and Ward 1 councilor Erin Caton and hosted by Breezy's own, Ward 3 councilor Phil Allt.  These councilors share their thoughts on what they believe an ideal candidate should bring to the table, from experience and community engagement, to character and vision.  Listen in for all the details.

 

Adam Donaldson is the founder of Guelph Politico, an independent local news site focused on city politics and civic issues. With over a decade of experience covering Guelph City Hall, Adam is known for his clear, accessible reporting and thoughtful analysis. He also co-hosts Open Sources Guelph on CFRU 93.3 FM.

 

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The Breezy Breakfast Radio Hour is broadcast Mondays at 9 AM on CFRU 93.3 FM.

 

Episode 226: Canada Day Updates with Sonic Unyon

In this episode of Breezy Breakfast, we talk with Tim Potocic about the upcoming Canada Day celebrations in Guelph.  With the Rotary Club officially stepping back last year, Sonic Unyon, best known for running one of Ontario’s largest urban arts festivals, Supercrawl, was thrilled to win the bid!  They’ll be bringing all of their hometown experience to Guelph’s Canada Day at Riverside Park, coordinating everything from live music and food vendors to family programming and, of course, fireworks.  Listen in for all the details and background on how Sonic Unyon came to be the promoter for Guelph's Canada Day celebrations, where and how they source talent and what they have in store for us on the day!

 

Tim Potocic
President and co-owner of Hamilton-based production company Sonic Unyon (pronounced 'onion').

 

Find us on Facebook at Breezy Breakfast.
@Breezy Bullhorn marks the spot on X.
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The Breezy Breakfast Radio Hour is broadcast Mondays at 9 AM on CFRU 93.3 FM.

 

Episode 225: Rolling with Bike Month

In this episode of Breezy Breakfast, we’re celebrating Bike Month with a show that highlights just how many ways cycling weaves through our community.  Whether you ride for fun, transportation, the environment, or mobility at any age, there's something for you.  Our guests this week, come together at the intersection of shared passion and purpose in a way that feels uniquely Guelph. Join as we chat with Mary, Mike and Lorenz about the diverse ways they engage with cycling and the community!

 

Mary Rife
Known affectionately as “Guelph’s Bike Lady,” Mary has spent over 14 years fixing up unwanted bikes and selling them to support charity. 

Lorenz Calcagno
President of GORBA (Guelph Off-Road Bicycling Association) and chair of the board for the G2G Rail Trail development (among other committees), Lorenz is a passionate advocate for cycling infrastructure.

Mike Von Dehn
Realtor at Von Dehn Homes, and an enthusiastic lifelong cyclist, Mike merges business and sustainability by cycling to viewings and even bringing clients along for the ride.

 

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The Breezy Breakfast Radio Hour is broadcast Mondays at 9 AM on CFRU 93.3 FM.

 

Episode 224: City Hall update with Phil Allt

In this episode of Breezy Breakfast we take a look at what's been happening at Guelph City Hall.  Ward 3 Councilor, Phil Allt is on the mic, taking our questions and giving us added insight from the one with a seat at the table.  Discussions range from the opposition to Bills 5 and 17 and the ring of fire; the Ward 6 councilor vacancy; the housing crisis and its impact on the the unhoused and one's mental health, and more!  Have a listen.

 

Find us on Facebook at Breezy Breakfast.
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The Breezy Breakfast Radio Hour is broadcast Mondays at 9 AM on CFRU 93.3 FM.

Episode 223: Resistance & Resilience Guelph

In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at a growing grassroots movement Resistance and Resilience Guelph with two of the founders and local party leaders, Janice Folk-Dawson and Anne-Marie Zajdlik. Born out of rising concerns about political, economic, and social instability, this initiative asks what it means for a community like Guelph to be truly ready for crisis. And just as importantly, who’s already living in crisis and being left behind.

Janice Folk-Dawson - Janice is a long-time labour leader and advocate for workers’ rights and social justice. Her leadership within the NDP party, Ontario Federation of Labour, and her deep involvement in community organizing in Guelph have made her a respected voice for collective action and solidarity.

Dr Anne-Marie Zajdlik - Anne-Marie brings decades of experience in health equity and HIV/AIDS advocacy, and is a committed leader within the Green Party. She offers a vital perspective on how community health, climate justice, and social resilience come together in local organizing.

 

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The Breezy Breakfast Radio Hour is broadcast Mondays at 9 AM on CFRU 93.3 FM.

Episode 222: A Splash of Summer Fun!

Summer is on its way—and in Guelph, that means music festivals, sizzling ribs, global celebrations, and a whole lot of sunshine. Today on Breezy Breakfast, we’re diving into the season with a line-up of local organizers who help make summer in our city feel vibrant, connected, and alive. Have a listen!

 

Cinthuja Leon - Executive Director of the Guelph & District Multicultural Festival Saturday, June 13-15 at Riverside Park, with performances, food, and community booths representing cultures from around the world.

Kate Johnson - Hillside Festival Hillside Festival July 18-20 on Guelph Lake Island. With a powerhouse lineup including Bells Larsen, Absolute Losers, Milk & Bone and more, Hillside blends art, community, and environmental care into an unforgettable weekend.

Debbie Stanley - Volunteer Coordinator for Rotary Ribfest August 22–24 at Riverside Park, and come hungry—there’ll be ribs, music, vendors, and family-friendly fun.

Pat Gage - Guelph-Wellington Seniors Association, where she serves as President and champions for older adult engagement. 

Find us on Facebook at Breezy Breakfast.
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Join us in person 8 AM on Thursdays - location announced weekly.

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The Breezy Breakfast Radio Hour is broadcast Mondays at 9 AM on CFRU 93.3 FM.

 

Episode 221: DIY Maker Spaces

The benefit of getting away from our devices is becoming more apparent and some say that DIY is on the rise.  On this episode of Breezy Breakfast we talk with Jessica Simmons of Lucent Glass, Becky Swainson of Gather + Make and Patrick Lameront of Diyode about the politics behind sewing and art, the need for third spaces and why making together is always better.  We'll also hear about the the DIY spaces they provide for us to increase our skillsets, while engaging with our community.  

Plus, surprise appearance from Anna Baggio of Wetlands League and Evan Ferrari of eMERGE to get us up to speed on what Bill 5 is all about and how it affects us here in Guelph.

Jessica Simmons, owner and founder of Lucent Glass

Becky Swainson, creator of Gather + Make

Patrick Lameront, vice president of Diyode

 

The Breezy Breakfast Radio Hour is broadcast Mondays at 9 AM on CFRU 93.3 FM.
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Breezy Breakfast:  where the coffee is always hot and the guests are very cool.