Breezy Breakfast Radio Hour

We all know that this economic crisis has been unkind to community-based services, the people who use them, and the workers who hold them together.

 

The community living centres and day programs hosted through Community Living Guelph Wellington (CLGW) are one community support that has been in tension during recent months, with shifting directions coming from management. First, it was announced that day programs would be cancelled entirely, and the individual services model that the pandemic brought about would become the new normal. This could have forced many individuals, parents, and caregivers to seek out prohibitively expensive private care.

 

A strong campaign in defence of day programs was mounted, which has partly changed management's plans -- they say now that the centres and day programs will continue -- but advocates are not convinced that the battle is over.

 

On Thursday, March 18th, we were joined by three guests: Joanne Smithers, front line staff at CLGW and president of her bargaining unit; Fred Hahn, president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees - Ontario; and Jennifer MacKenzie, parent to one of the day program's participants. We thought it was a fruitful and passionate discussion in defense of day programs, and autonomy for all.

 

This discussion was co-moderated by Phil Allt and Tanya Gevaert.

 

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This episode of the Breezy Breakfast Radio Hour was recorded on Thursday, March 11th.

 

Our special guest was Dominica McPherson of the Guelph & Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination, who introduced us to the Yes In My Backyard campaign. With supportive housing at top of mind for many Guelph residents and activists, this was a timely conversation. Here's a preview, from Dominica herself:

 

"When everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home, our whole community benefits, and yet there are people experiencing homelessness and households facing core housing need in our community. Solving the affordable housing and homelessness crisis requires action and investment by all levels of government, and community action and support to make it possible. That's why the Guelph & Wellington Task Force for Poverty Elimination has launched a Yes in My Backyard campaign. Learn more about the campaign, one of its current action areas - permanent supportive housing, and how you can show your support for a welcoming community where everyone has the housing they need!"

 

This session was co-moderated by James Gordon and Tanya Gevaert.

 

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On Thursday, March 4, we were honoured to have MPP Laura Mae Lindo, Omelnisaa Hassan Elfaki, and Professor Karen Houle on as our special guests, who led us in recognition of International Women's Day. It was an excellent back-and-forth between the guests, on a multitude of topics, including Omelnisaa's land-based work here in Guelph.

 

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On Thursday, February 25, the City of Guelph's new General Manager of Planning and Building Services, Krista Walkey, appeared as a guest to talk about all things planning. Want to hear about inclusionary zoning? The city's planning goals? The inner workings of City Hall's planning department? If yes, then this might be your episode.

 

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On Thursday, February 18, we came back to the open mic, where Breezy audience members were invited to collaboratively influence the flow of conversation.

In this open mic, we covered a lot of ground. We started with a discourse on remote voting methods, in light of the City Council decision to accept mail-in voting and reject online options (for now), and eventually moved into a long discussion on supportive housing, with contributors outlining the difference between a municipal housing strategy vs. what is possible with larger scales. Other topics touched on include debunking a conspiracy theory, radon gas infiltration, an idea for repurposing land near the Two Rivers for Indigenous interests, and supporting our neighbours who struggle with addictions and isolation.

 

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On this episode, recorded February 11, 2021, Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie appeared for a summary of the 2021 State of the City address he delivered at a Chamber of Commerce virtual event, and then was questioned by the Breezy Breakfast crowd. This episode starts off with a conversation between our meeting moderator Dustin Brown and Mandy Hiscocks from Guelph OPIRG, during which they sum up the meeting and reflect on the value of Breezy Breakfast.

 

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On this episode, recorded January 28, 2021, we welcome special guests Skyler Williams of 1492 Land Back Lane, and Guelph local Bruce Weaver. The breakfast theme is governance systems -- specifically, how do Indigenous governance systems and Settler governance systems clash? What are the consequences and lessons to be learned of Land Back and colonial conflict? And what are the implications for us as individuals and as a community?

 

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Special guests Mike Marcolongo and James Fisher speak about the need to manage growth sustainably, both in Guelph and the Greenbelt.

MPP Mike Schreiner, Conservation Authority advocate Bill Mungall, and Mississaugas of the Credit Elder Nancy Rowe speak about the threats the Ford Government has posed to Conservation Authorities and green spaces.

Our monthly session where those participating on the weekly Zoom call can introduce their own topics for discussion. This one covered Heritage, Covid, Ward Boundaries, and a report on the PIN Network's Snow Angel Program.