In this final episode of a four-part series, host Mary Rowe presents highlights from conversations around innovative solutions to build community. Topics include the housing crisis and indigenous communities, challenges and innovations in Calgary's arts community, the potential of middle housing and inclusion of the elderly population, opportunities for innovation and solutions in addressing housing crises and equity, acquiring the vacant Hudson Bay Building for reconciliation, and inspiration, empowerment, and collaboration in addressing challenges in Canada's cities.
Collaboration and open conversation among city makers, government officials, and community leaders are essential for finding common solutions to address urban crises in Canadian cities.
The arts community plays a significant role in strengthening cities and promoting resilience, and initiatives like the Chinook Blast Winter Festival and the Creative Economy Guidebook have successfully revitalized Calgary's arts scene and fostered community connections.
Deep dives
The Power of Collaboration and Common Ground in Addressing Urban Crises
The podcast episode highlights the importance of collaboration and finding common ground in addressing the ongoing crises in urban centers across Canada. The speaker emphasizes the need for city makers, government officials, and community leaders to work together and discuss the issues openly and transparently. By advocating for change at all levels of government and including diverse voices, they believe that common solutions can be found to implement the necessary changes in cities.
The Indigenous Perspective on Housing and Crisis
The episode delves into the housing crisis faced by the indigenous communities in Canada. The speaker, Margaret Foll, CEO of the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, discusses the compounding crisis experienced by indigenous peoples due to colonization, urbanization, fires, and floods. She emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues from a common position and creating economic reconciliation. Margaret also highlights the success of initiatives like the Provincial Urban Rule in Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy, which aims to provide affordable housing and support services for urban indigenous people in British Columbia.
The Role of the Arts Community in Building Stronger Cities
The podcast explores the significant role of the arts community in strengthening cities and promoting resilience. Patty, the president and CEO of Calgary Arts Development, discusses the challenges faced by artists, including poverty and lack of support. She emphasizes the value of creativity and the contribution of the creative industries to Canada's GDP. Patty also shares examples of innovative initiatives, like the Chinook Blast Winter Festival and the Creative Economy Guidebook, that have helped revitalize Calgary's arts scene and foster community connections.
Middle Housing as a Solution to Housing Crisis
The episode highlights the potential of middle housing to address the housing crisis in Canadian cities. Al Karim, CEO of RNDSQR and an advocate for middle housing, discusses the need for alignment among policymakers to enable the delivery of missing housing at scale. He emphasizes the importance of empowering the elderly population and creating inclusive communities that provide diverse housing options. Al Karim also highlights the potential of middle housing in transforming established neighborhoods and making them more vibrant and affordable.
The power of community, with its ability to open minds and hearts, reminds us why most of us choose (despite the deepening issues) to live together in cities.
In this final of four CityTalk episodes recorded at CUI's State of Canada's Cities Summit in Ottawa on November 30th, host Mary Rowe presents highlights from afternoon conversations around innovative, uplifting solutions that build community.
See, hear and read more about the Summit at canurb.org.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode