Shows
Amazing PlacesS2 #35 What's The Word? w/ Erika PalmerWelcome to the final podcast of 2022. We had originally intended this episode to be an upbeat look ahead, talking about the One Word “resolution” you can use that might help in planning and inspiring you, our dear listeners.
It still is, but we’re also going to share true confessions and deep thoughts on a year of podcasting for Michele. Some people make it look easy. For some people, it is easy. Sometimes tech works smoothly. Sometimes tech fails disastrously. Sometimes equipment fails. Sometimes equipment breaks. Some glitches can be edited out. Sometimes no amount...2022-12-3120 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #34 The Tao of Kevin w/ Kevin MunnAccording to Wikipedia, Tao is “the natural order of the universe, whose character one's intuition must discern to realise the potential for individual wisdom… Its name…came from Chinese, where it signifies the way, path, route, road, or sometimes more loosely doctrine, principle, or holistic belief’.
Sometimes we choose the path, and sometimes our path is chosen for us. For those with a disability, one’s path can veer drastically from what we had planned.
Listen along as Michele talks to Kevin Munn, Peer Support Coordinator, at the Victoria Disability Resource Centre.
He touches on...2022-12-1624 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #33 One Year Later - The Anniversary Show w/ Dean MurdockOne year ago this week, on November 15th 2021, Dean Murdock recorded an episode with Michele Sealey, introducing her as the new (temporary) Host of the Amazing Places Podcast. As Dean had decided to run for Mayor of Saanich he wanted to step back, and asked Michele to fill in for the coming year.
Well, it has been quite a year since that day! The main event has, of course, been Dean's successful bid for the Mayoralty.
So on the anniversary of that podcast, they sat down once again to chat. This true passing-of-the-torch episode looks...2022-11-1817 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #28 How To Train Your Voice w/ Jess GibbardJess Gibbard is changing the world around her, by helping others. As a trans woman, she's taking the lessons she's learned about her voice, and turning them into lessons for others facing a similar situation. Jess launched TransVoiceCoach.com to help others change/train their voice to better suit their new selves.
She gives us a peek into the science behind our voices, and a training demonstration. She's going back to school for additional speech training, and hopes to one day build her business to the point that she can help anyone dissatisfied with...2022-08-0528 min
Amazing PlacesAn Amazing New Day w/ SolomonThis week I am very honoured to have my friend Solomon join me. He became a Canadian citizen in a citizenship ceremony on the day we recorded. His pure joy and happiness touched me, a Canadian by birth.
We met for tea shortly after the ceremony was done. He had stopped on the way at the Dutch Bakery to pick up some of his favourite treats for a celebration. He didn’t stop grinning the entire time we talked! Although he has lived here for 6 years, it was like he was looking around our community with new ey...2022-07-2216 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #26 Amazing Grants for Community w/ Ryan PainterHearing “Gaming Branch” may cause different reactions in some, but for non-profits across the province, it can mean the difference in what programmes and services they are able to offer.
Ryan Painter, Executive Director of Charityworks.ca, is here to explain what the Community Gaming Grant Programme (dispersed by the British Columbia Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch) is all about, as well as what charities, organisations, and activities can qualify for funding.
Last year, the Gaming Branch handed out $140M in BC to deserving groups! If you want to learn how your group can apply for...2022-07-1524 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #25 An Amazing Summer w/ Laurel CollinsWhat’s amazing in the world of a Member of Parliament? Her riding; the people, the places, and the events that are happening in Victoria, Oak Bay, and part of Saanich.
MP Laurel Collins joins us to talk about what she enjoys/has enjoyed doing this summer. We hope you are inspired to get outside or get involved, and enjoy what's on offer!
Here are some of the events, places, and organisations that we discuss:
Beacon Hill Park
Moss Street Market
James Bay Market
Vic...2022-07-0815 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #24 Unpacking The Salt Legacy w/ Meaghan McDonaldWhat did you do for your summer holiday last year? Meaghan McDonald of Salt Legacy, spent 8 weeks with a team, working to clean 300kms of remote and "pristine" beaches on the West Coast of BC. Cleaning up 210 tons of garbage and waste to be exact. Almost half of the 210 tons was fishing ropes and nets. Approximately 60% of the total items recovered were able to be recycled.
That's what Salt Legacy is all about - recycling as upcycling. Meaghan had a goal of building strong connections between individuals and the ocean, in order to raise awareness and educate...2022-06-2427 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #23 Taking A Deep Dive w/ Larry WedgewoodTaking a deep dive - or a beginner’s dive if you prefer - into local scuba diving sites, is PADI Master Instructor and Course Director, Larry Wedgewood. Born and raised in Greater Victoria, little did he know that his first class years ago, at Frank White’s in downtown Victoria, would change the course of his life.
He has traveled and dived all over the world, owned his own dive business in Thailand, and now splits his time between Saanich and Edmonton. Larry describes the highlights of a few local dive sites, as well as answering the...2022-06-1930 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #22 Spilling The (Scarlet Runner) Beans w/ Lana PophamWe’re very happy to welcome the Honourable Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food, to this week’s episode!
If you’ve learned anything by now, you’ll know that since Michele became the Podcast Lead on Amazing Places, she doesn’t really “do” politics, even with a government minister on the show. Instead, she wants to talk about what is growing in Lana’s garden this Spring!
Lana’s roots (pun fully intended) stretch back to growing up on Quadra Island, where growing food, raising animals, and harvesting from the sea was a way of life. She c...2022-06-1022 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #21 Quiet(er) Places are Amazing Places w/ Teale Phelps BondaroffThere's been a lot of talk in the news lately regarding noise, and specifically about gas-powered garden and landscaping equipment. The District of Oak Bay Council recently voted to phase out the residential use of all gas-powered gardening tools, over the next 3 years. The whir of lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and grass trimmers are just one type of noise pollution that we face. This episode we have Dr Teale Phelps Bondaroff to talk about how noise affects people and the environment, how it impacts our ability to form community, as well as show the detrimental effects on our communities.
2022-06-0334 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #20 - From Dogpatch to Desirable w/ Stew YoungA few weeks back, Langford’s Mayor, Stew Young, sat down with us to talk about a specific park. As these podcasts do, the discussion wound around to other subjects.
This episode brings you all the rest of the conversation - some reminiscing about the Langford of old, and the actions and visions shaping Langford of the future.
The City has bold plans for housing, education - secondary and post, environment, traffic, jobs, and economy, which the Mayor describes as a full-service, sustainable, and self-sustained community and full-circle lifestyle.2022-05-2013 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #19 One Planet Student Challenge w/ Cora HallsworthThis week we welcome Cora Hallsworth, Senior Associate with One Earth, and Lead on One Planet Saanich. She joins us to talk about the One Planet Student Challenge.
One Planet BC helps communities across the province understand sustainability priorities – and take action. Speaking of action, you need to take action too, to get in on this Challenge, as it ends May 20th!
The Student Challenge is an invitation to any Middle or Secondary School student in the Capital Region area, to submit in video or illustration format, showing ways to...2022-05-1319 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #18 Parks and Recreation w/ Stew YoungThis week’s episode started as a conversation at the memorial service for the late Langford Fire Chief Al LeQuesne (Ret’d). Langford Mayor Stew Young mentioned a new park being named in the Chief’s honour, in consideration of his 44 years of service to the community.
As someone who worked next to the Chief for a few of those years, I was happy to hear about the park, and wanted to learn more, and even happier to learn that what makes the park unique will be the fully-accessible features and equipment.
It will be a reva...2022-05-0817 min
Amazing PlacesWeek on WednesdayIntroducing Week on Wednesday with Amazing Places.
Sometimes there’s interesting events happening in the region that we’re interested in, but aren’t able to turn into a podcast, or a representative isn’t available. So we thought we’d round up a few each week and let you know some highlights.
Emergency Preparedness Week until May 7th
Federal, provincial, regional, and many municipal governments have information and activities for Emergency Preparedness Week. You can find preparedness tips, YouTube videos, prizes, classes/info sessions, etc. Some are through your local fire d...2022-05-0503 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #17 Museums and More! w/ Sonia NicholsonMuseums are not dusty relics of the past - they are us; reflecting our history, showcasing what we value, helping us understand and appreciate the past. They give us a sense of our place in the world, and help us learn lessons of those who have gone before.
International Museum Day is coming up on May 18th, so this episode we have archivist Sonia Nicholson from the Saanich Pioneer Society & Log Cabin Museum.
The Society has been around since the late 1860s, with the Saanich Pioneer Museum built in 1933. Although located in what is now C...2022-04-2923 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #16 Earth DayThis week we’re trying something different. As you might have noticed, we sometimes like to try new things. We like to stretch our wings a little. But we get it, change might not be your thing. That’s okay. Sometimes we need time to adjust. So if you aren’t into this week’s style of podcast, that’s okay. Come back next week, when we promise, we’ll return to our usual broadcasting format. ;)
Today is Earth Day. Instead of talking about whatever, we decided to let the earth, and nature, do the talking. By collecting a...2022-04-2228 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #15 Be Scottish For A Weekend w/ Carl JensenFor 159 years, neither wars nor pandemics have stopped the venerable Victoria Highland Games from happening each year. We’re fortunate to have Carl Jensen, the former Athletic Director of the Games, and current Central Saanich Councillor, give us an overview of what to expect next month.
The Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival is a premier event that takes place Saturday May 21st and Sunday May 22nd at Topaz Park in Victoria. There are so many events that weekend - and a special parade and preview event the weekend before - so you’ll want to take a li...2022-04-1530 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #14 The Accessible Peninsula w/ Heather GartshoreThis week we sat down with Heather Gartshore, Councillor with the District of North Saanich to talk about accessibility on the Saanich Peninsula, and what sparked the new Saanich Peninsula Accessibility Advisory Committee.
Previous to the pandemic, there had been an annual Access Awareness Day held in Sidney. Last year, Councillor Terri O'Keeffe from the Town of Sidney, reached out to others on ways to move forward.
The group that formed, Councillor O’Keeffe, Councillor Gartshore, Councillor Gord Newton from the Municipality of Central Saanich, North Saanich resident Charlene Froom, Central Saanich resident Dave Willows, an...2022-04-0817 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #13 Books On Bowker w/ Sidney HurstOur lucky 13th episode of Season 2 takes us to Oak Bay.
At the confluence of school district land and municipal land, lies a section of daylighted and restored Bowker Creek. It’s here that we met Sidney Hurst, proud builder of the 600th Little Free Library in the Greater Victoria Placemaking Network.
While talking about the 600th little library - named "Bowker Creek Books" - was our initial reason for reaching out to her, it was refreshing to sit down with a such a knowledgeable, eager, and community-minded young person.
To say that Si...2022-04-0119 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #12 Spring Wander - Centennial ParkWe’ve changed it up this week! Haven’t we all spent enough time inside? We sure have, so we decided to go outside and explore an amazing place.
Come along as we wander through Centennial Park in Saanichton. Established in 1958, this park covers 18.42 hectares/45.5 acres is a green jewel in the heart of Central Saanich. An accessible park with something for everyone, it has everything from sports to forest to picnics to hiking to relaxing and contemplating life.
Speculate with us as to what lies in the deep tree root hole. Hmmm…? Meet the cute B...2022-03-2515 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #11 Community Hubs and Coral Reefs w/ Teale Phelps BondaroffLFLs: Community Hubs and Coral Reefs
When is a Little Free Library like a coral reef? When Teale Phelps Bondaroff explains the role that libraries play in our local neighbourhoods, as they form hubs that attract the community.
Teale is on the Board of the Greater Victoria Placemaking Network, is a Principal with The Idea Tree Consulting, and the current Lead on the Pocket Places Project. Started in 2017, the Project has overseen the mapping, building, promoting, and stocking of little libraries in our area.
H...2022-03-1834 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #10 What’s New In North Quadra w/ Trevor BarryWhat’s New In North Quadra?
Is this week’s episode about the North Quadra Community Association, or about Beckwith Park? Both figure prominently as we talk to the new NQCA President, Trevor Barry. He joins us to talk about what’s new and what’s happening in their area.
Speaking of new, Michele gets reminded that the new term for the Saanich Public Works Yard, is now the Saanich Operations Centre, as we touch on what’s possibly changing at that location.
We talk about leadership, and how to encourage that within a community...2022-03-1236 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #09 Better Mobility Saanich w/ Dean MurdockSo we're turning the tables and we're flipping the script on the original Amazing Places Podcast host this week.
After a few months of shows on her own, Michele has invited Dean Murdock back to the podcast. This time he's here as the spokesperson for Better Mobility Saanich. This community-based group advocates for improving mobility in Saanich, to have it a more mobility-friendly place for all - from children to seniors, and through all modes of travel.
We touch on CBC comedy, and the possibility of doing a parenting humour podcast.
Plus, Dean...2022-03-0430 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #08 Trees, Traffic, and more w/ Basil LangevinIf you haven't yet heard of Basil Langevin, Amazing Places is happy to introduce you.
Basil has been leading an LGBT non-profit for seven years, and is an amazing advocate for safer streets and active transportation models.
A multi-faceted individual, he does a lot of behind-the-scenes work in our community, from research on traffic safety, to pulling invasive species and planting native species. In conversation, Basil brings facts and strategies on ways to improve our municipality.
Check his posts on Twitter at @BasilLangevin, and be sure to watch for his website - BasilLangevin...2022-02-2525 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #07 Ubuntu and Social Changemaking w/ Moussa MagassaAn educator and facilitator at the University of Victoria, an online instructor at the University of BC, an associate faculty at Royal Roads University, a changemaker in the community, and a human rights and equity advocate in Canada, Dr Moussa Magassa brings his quiet wisdom to Amazing Places.
He shares with us the concept of Ubuntu, and how it shapes his personal belief system. Humans and humanity are also at the core of how Moussa interacts with the world: ‘Celebration is because we have people to celebrate with’.
In this month of February, designated as Blac...2022-02-1829 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #06 A Safe Place is an Amazing Place w/ Eric MisenerWhat could be a more amazing place than an inclusive safe place? There will be safe places for more people locally, thanks to Eric Misener, a constable with the Saanich Police Dept.
Police-initiated, but with fulsome community input, Eric spearheaded the Saanich Police Safe Place programme, which originated with Seattle Police Dept.
The Saanich PD Safe Place programme aims to increase safety for marginalised members of our community, including the IBPOC, LGBTQ2S, and unhoused communities. Along with SPD colleagues, the group consulted with the Greater Victoria Police Diversity Advisory Committee, Victoria Pride Society and...2022-02-1134 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #05 Amazing is right HERE! w/ Fiona BrambleAmazing is right HERE!
As the Founder, CEO, & Managing Editor of HERE Magazine, and the parent organisation, REP Here In Canada, Fiona Bramble is constantly in motion. Fortunately, we were able to have her sit down long enough to have a chat.
While Fiona and HERE are based in Victoria, she connects people and communities across Canada. Both funny and touching, she shares stories about newcomers, immigrants, and refugees along the way. She has gathered a wide array of people and organisations around her to collaborate on some amazing events and programmes. From arts to...2022-02-0434 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #04 Cowper's Caper - A Saanich Scandal! w/ Kimberly HeadIn advance of a municipal election in the early 1900s, there was a scandal that hit Saanich.
Saanich Archives Specialist, Kimberly Head, tells us the tale of Cowper’s Caper - when Municipal Clerk Hector Cowper embezzled thousands from the Municipality of Saanich!
Where did the money go, and was Hector the only thief involved? Who gave him glowing character references? Join us for local intrigue, mystery, and a look at how differently such scandals were handled back then.
When you’re done listening, check out the Saanich Archives at https://saanich.ca/arch...2022-01-2835 min
Amazing PlacesColwood Is Calling w/ Gordie LoganColwood is calling. Here at Amazing Places, we heard the call, so we invited Colwood Councillor Gordie Logan to join us this week. We’ve got parks and politics on the table, and especially the jewel - Latoria Creek Park.
Give us a listen; you’ll learn how extensive the Colwood park network really is, what’s planned for this summer, his personal apple fritter recommendation, park accessibility, and even the location of a hidden gem. That’s right - he spills the tea on a Colwood secret!
In true gremlin style, it appears one snuck in...2022-01-2134 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #02 What Lies Beneath Us w/ John CassidyWhile we could have talked to seismologist John Cassidy for hours, we managed to pack a whole lot of information into 30 minutes. Join us as he takes us on a learning journey, covering the 3 types of local earthquakes, which municipality in the CRD is the geological newcomer, how to know that a tsunami has been generated, revealing just how close the Devil's Mountain Fault is to Victoria, giving us a whole lot of resources, and telling us the fascinating story behind an upcoming 322nd anniversary!
https://earthquakescanada.nrcan.gc.ca/index-en.php
https://www.oceannetworks...2022-01-1431 min
Amazing PlacesS2 #01 Community Options and Options for Community w/ Kathleen BurtonA small organisation with a big heart, Community Options for Children and Families works rather quietly in our region, supporting children, adults, and families.
In true, "It takes a village" style, COCF Executive Director Kathleen Burton explains who supports them in supporting community. Learn about opportunities on how you can join in this village, as well as a wonderful fundraiser that local business Heirloom Linens is doing to support COCF.
Please join us for our Season 2 opener, as we talk about volunteering, tie-dyeing, community, government, planting flowers, not-for-profits, and barbeques and picnics! 2022-01-0720 min
Amazing Places#66 What are you doing for YOU this coming year? w/ Colin PlantAre you making a resolution that you want, or that you're "supposed" to want? Teacher, Saanich Councillor, and CRD Chair Colin Plant, joins us this week to talk about parks, hiking, favourite local brunch spot, physical fitness, mental wellness, and New Year's resolutions.
At this time last year, Colin and his wife Catherine went for a hike, and agreed to make time for health and each other, every week. They have managed to keep that resolution all year long in 2021. Listen along for his insight into how he managed to do that, and how you might too i...2021-12-3115 minAmazing Places#65 'Twas A Snufflewort Christmas (reading) w/ Jean PaetkauAs Christmas Eve falls on a Friday this year, we decided to change it up this week. We're publishing a day early, and this is not your usual Amazing Places podcast!
Author and award-winning journalist Jean Paetkau has returned to bring us all a special treat: she's reading her holiday poem, "Twas A Snufflewort Christmas".
We've positioned it as a bedtime story for children, but use it however you wish, whether before your afternoon nap, or to settle the little ones for a long winter's nap.
Kerchiefs and caps optional. ;)2021-12-2306 minAmazing Places#64 What's that on the school roof? w/ Ed WiebeDid you know that your local school might be part of the School-Based Weather Station Network, victoriaweather.ca? Schools up and down Vancouver Island, as well as a few other buildings, have compact weather stations on their rooves!
Ed Wiebe, from UVIC's School of Earth and Ocean Sciences, joins us on this episode, to give us the history of the project, the challenges during a pandemic, and fascinating weather info from cold fronts to a meteotsunami!
While I've used the website for years to check weather in my neighbourhood, Ed provides much more context as t...2021-12-1826 min
Amazing Places#63 The World of Snuffleworts w/ Jean PaetkauHow did you spend the height of the pandemic? Step in to the world of the Snuffleworts, with award-winning journalist Jean Paetkau, who along with her 2 children, wrote a wonderful tale that adults and children can enjoy.2021-12-0417 min
Amazing Places#62 Are you prepared? w/ Ian FossEpisode 62 of Amazing Places! Are you prepared for natural and climate disasters? This week we're talking to local emergency preparedness expert, Ian Foss. Originally intended this episode to highlight his baking exploits during the pandemic, recent emergencies in BC have us focusing on how we can prepare for such emergencies. (And we still managed to fit in some baking!)2021-11-2620 min
Amazing Places#61 Stay Amazing! w/ Michele SealeyEpisode 61 of Amazing Places! This week Michele Sealey, local writer and communications specialist, steps in front of the microphone for a special episode that's all about Amazing Places!2021-11-1923 min
Amazing Places#60 What's a Woonerf? w/ John O'Brien & Robin DraderEpisode 60 of Amazing Places! What even is a Woonerf?? You may have seen it at Oaklands Rise. Or maybe you've been impressed by them in European cities. John O'Brien & Robin Drader drop by the podcast to tell us about the sidewalk-free walking experience that is the Oaklands Rise Woonerf.
https://www.im-creator.com/free/oaklandsrise/oaklandsrisewoonerf2021-09-2429 min
Amazing Places#59 Supporting our community's most vulnerable w/ Adam Richards & Joanne LinkaEpisode 59 of Amazing Places! The Cridge Centre for the Family has been a fixture in our community for 148 years. Adam Richards and Joanne Linka stop by the podcast to talk about the amazing services and people who support our community's most vulnerable.
Adam Richards is the Cridge Centre CEO. Joanne Linka is the Manager, Communications and Fund Development.
Check out the Cridge Centre services: https://cridge.org/2021-09-1733 min
Amazing Places#58 Election 2021: Housing w/ Leo SpalteholzA special federal election episode of Amazing Places! Housing is a major issue in this election. Housing Analyst, Leo Spalteholz is on the podcast this week to tell us what each of the federal parties is promising and what it will mean for getting housing built in the Capital Region.
Leo is a contributor to the blog househuntvictoria.ca2021-09-1033 min
Amazing Places#57 Diverse & inclusive housing in Saanich w/ Zac de VriesEpisode 57 of Amazing Places! Will Saanich succeed in creating more housing in the community? Saanich Councillor Zac de Vries is back on the podcast this week to talk about Saanich's brand new Housing Strategy. We discuss some of the actions identified in the strategy and what it will take to have a meaningful impact.
You can find Saanich's Housing Strategy here: https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Community/Documents/Planning/housing-strategy-web.pdf2021-09-0320 min
Amazing Places#56 "The perfect highway alternative" - Rapid Transit w/ Eric DohertyEpisode 56 of Amazing Places! We spend millions on highways, overpasses and fly-overs and end up with the same result - more traffic. Eric Doherty thinks that investing in Rapid Transit will move more people, more quickly, with fewer GHG emissions.
Eric Doherty is the co-chair of Greater Victoria Acting Together’s Climate Action Research Team
Check out Greater Victoria Acting Together http://www.gvat.ca/2021-08-2735 min
Amazing Places#55 Sustainable transportation w/ Neil ArasonEpisode 55 of Amazing Places! Neil Arason is back to talk about sustainable transportation. We discuss the environmental impacts of motor vehicles and our transportation system. Neil offers more sustainable solutions, including the 15-minute city and inter-city rail travel.
Neil is a road safety expert and author of No Accident: Eliminating Injury and Death on Canadian Roads
https://www.wlupress.wlu.ca/Books/N/No-Accident22021-08-2032 min
Amazing Places#54 Painting the streets w/ Dr. Teale Phelps BondaroffEpisode 54 of Amazing Places! Creating places for people is a passion for my returning guest this week. Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff has his third turn on the podcast to talk about the growing number of Little Free Libraries and why we should put art on the roads.2021-08-1332 min
Amazing Places#53 A life changed w/ Sher Wilson*The content of this episode may be disturbing for some listeners*
Episode 53 of Amazing Places! This week, Sher Wilson joins us to share the incredible story of her son Matthew's experience of transformation with the support of staff at the Wilkinson Correctional Centre in Greater Victoria. Sher's story is a powerful one that she hopes will raise awareness about the need for mental heath support in our correctional system.
Read Sher’s story in the Saanich News: https://www.saanichnews.com/news/mother-says-sons-life-turned-around-at-saanich-jail/2021-08-0636 min
Amazing Places#52 "Homelessness is definitely a solvable problem" w/ Nicole ChalandEpisode 52 of Amazing Places! Nicole Chaland is the author of a recent report on solving homelessness in the Capital Region. We discuss the major findings and recommendations of the report and if it might really make a meaningful difference.2021-07-3033 min
Amazing Places#51 Places for people w/ Lorne Daniel and Ray StraatsmaEpisode 51 of Amazing Places! Placemaking is all about creating people-centred places. This week, Lorne Daniel and Ray Straatsma of the Greater Victoria Placemaking Network join the podcast to discuss the benefits of "sticky places" where people want to spend time together.
Lorne Daniel is the founder of the Greater Victoria Pacemaking Network. Ray Straatsma is the Chair and long-time board member.
Check out the Greater Victoria Placemaking Network: https://victoriaplacemaking.ca/2021-07-2337 min
Amazing Places#50 Tilting toward affordability w/ Lisa HelpsEpisode 50 of Amazing Places! This week we’re celebrating 1 year of the podcast with our 50th episode. Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps returns to the podcast this week to talk about tilting toward affordability in Victoria. We discuss her recent blog post and ideas about the zoning process and ways to shorten the protracted approval process with the intent of creating more housing for people in Victoria.2021-07-1734 min
Amazing PlacesCelebrating 1 year of Amazing Places Podcast!This week we celebrate 1 year of Amazing Places Podcast! What have been your favourite episodes and topics, and what do you want to hear more of? Send me a tweet or facebook message:
https://www.facebook.com/AmazingPlacesPodcast
https://twitter.com/amazingplacepod2021-07-1301 min
Amazing Places#49 The future is mobile w/ Todd LitmanEpisode 49 of Amazing Places! New mobility technologies allow people to scoot, ride, and maybe even fly like never before. However, they can also impose surprising problems. How should communities prepare?
Todd Litman, Executive Director of Victoria Transport Policy Institute, is the author of a new book - “New Mobilities: Smart Planning for Emerging Transportation Technologies”
https://islandpress.org/books/new-mobilities
"Planning for New Mobilities: Preparing for Innovative Transportation Technologies and Services"
https://bit.ly/2U99Hlw
https://vtpi.org/Smart%20Growth%20Network_New%20Mobilities_24June2021.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3ByMwRRK4JGG7umVTDUd-ET-CyZtprlbSvP1R3z_PooKKkFwJ8VZBK0OA2021-07-0937 min
Amazing Places#48 Reclamation & Indigenous Resurgence w/ Dr. Jeff CorntasselEpisode 48 of Amazing Places! Reclaiming the Indigenous names of significant places is a small but meaningful step of Reconciliation. This week, Dr. Jeff Corntassel joins the podcast to talk about the importance of the land and the names it’s given. We also discuss July 1 as a day of reflection and mourning.
Dr. Jeff Corntassel is a citizen of Cherokee Nation, Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies and Associate Director of UVic’s Centre for Indigenous Research and Community-led Engagement2021-06-3029 min
Amazing Places#47 Challenging Victoria's Community Associations w/ Dr. Jeremy Caradonna & Alieda BlandfordEpisode 47 of Amazing Places! What’s the role of the community association? Do they really represent their communities? Dr. Jeremy Caradonna and Alieda Blandford are rocking the boat in Fernwood. With a scathing op-ed and the launch of Fernwood Forward, they’re on a mission to challenge the Fernwood Community Association.
Check out Jeremy’s op-ed in the Capital Daily: https://www.capitaldaily.ca/news/op-ed-community-associations2021-06-2537 min
Amazing Places#46 Regional transportation solutions w/ Rebecca MersereauEpisode 46 of Amazing Places! Does the South Island need a TransLink? This week, Rebecca Mersereau, Saanich Councillor & CRD Board Vice Chair is my guest. We discuss the region's transportation priorities. Is this our chance to solve the the South Island's transportation challenges? Is a new transportation authority in the cards?2021-06-1833 min
Amazing Places#45 Housing crisis solutions w/ Leo SpalteholzEpisode 45 of Amazing Places! How can we change this housing crisis we're in? My guest this week is Leo Spalteholz, analyst at House Hunt Victoria and contributor to Homes for Living. We discuss solutions to Greater Victoria's housing crisis.
Check out Leo's blog, House Hunt Victoria: https://househuntvictoria.ca/
Leo's housing advocacy group, Homes for Living: https://www.housesforliving.ca/2021-06-1134 minAmazing Places#44 Reinventing our streets w/ Kevin Krizek & David KingEpisode 44 of Amazing Places! What is the future of our streets? How about a little variety? Cars have been the dominant use of the roads for a century. As we enter an era of experimenting with different ways of using our streets, we realize their untapped potential for community benefit. This week, I'm joined by Kevin Krizek, Professor of Environmental Design at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and David King, Urban Planning faculty at Arizona State University. Kevin and David share their vision for prioritizing multi-modal transport systems that promote access.
Check out some of Kevin and...2021-06-0436 minAmazing Places#43 Who leashed the dogs up? w/ Judy BrownoffEpisode 43 of Amazing Places! There's been a lot of barking in the District of Saanich recently. As Council considers changes to off-leash rules for dogs in parks, there's concern it's happening without consultation. This week Saanich Councillor Judy Brownoff joins the podcast to discuss a temporary off-leash pilot, a motion to leash-up dogs in three Saanich parks, and we even talk about food trucks!2021-05-2833 minAmazing Places#42 Creating equitable and inclusive housing w/ Tamara KrawchenkoEpisode 42 of Amazing Places! How do we create more equitable and inclusive housing in our communities? This week, Tamara Krawchenko, Assistant Professor at UVic's School of Public Administration, joins the podcast. We discuss the history of exclusionary land use practices and how all level of governments have responsibility to create more equitable and inclusive housing in our communities.2021-05-2131 minAmazing Places#41 Family Cycling w/ Robert Kemp & Edward PullmanEpisode 41 of Amazing Places! Family cycling is on the rise in the capital region and all over the world. This week, Robert Kemp, owner of Bishop's Family Cycles, and Edward Pullman, co-chair of Capital Bike, join the podcast to discuss why riding with the family has become so popular. We discuss cargo bikes, infrastructure and our region's cycling culture.
Check out Bishop's Family Cycles - https://www.familycycles.ca/
You can also join Capital Bike - https://capitalbike.ca/2021-05-1439 minAmazing Places#40 Know when to fold 'em - No casino for Saanich w/ Fred HaynesEpisode 40 of Amazing Places! This week Saanich Council voted unanimously to reject a casino in the community. Mayor Fred Haynes had been describing the benefits of a potential casino. On Monday night he joined his Council colleagues in rejecting the idea. He joins the podcast this week to discuss what motivated Council's choice and what other opportunities exist for economic development in Saanich.
This episode was edited after it was originally published.2021-05-1435 minAmazing Places#39 Future of Transit w/ Susan BriceEpisode 39 of Amazing Places! What’s the pandemic’s impact on transit? What does the future of transit look like in our region? This week Susan Brice, Victoria Regional Transit Commissioner Chair and Saanich Councillor, joins us to discuss our transit future.2021-04-3032 minAmazing Places#38 Capital Bike w/ Meredith James & Corey BurgerEpisode 38 of Amazing Places! There's a new cycling advocacy group in town! Capital Bike is the new name for the merger of the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition and Bike to Work Victoria. This week, Meredith James, Co-Chair of Capital Bike, and Corey Burger, Policy and Infrastructure Chair of Capital Bike, join me to discuss the new group and what it means for cycling in our region.
Find out more: https://capitalbike.ca/
Watch the Capital Bike announcement event: https://youtu.be/HYIKb1Eh4nU
2021-04-2352 minAmazing Places#37 - “If not here, then where?” - A panel discussion on Missing Middle housingEpisode 37 of Amazing Places is a special live episode! This week we held a live discussion via zoom with a panel of guests, talking about housing in the Capital Region. Panelist are Rebecca Mersereau, Saanich Councillor & CRD Director; Julian West, Urban Thrive Developments; Christine Lintott, Christine Lintott Architects; and Matt Dell, President, South Jubilee Neighbourhood Association. Panelists take questions that were submitted in advance and through the zoom chat.2021-04-161h 25Amazing Places#36 Supporting our local businesses w/ Katrina Dwulit and Jeff BrayEpisode 36 of Amazing Places! We're in Wave Three of the pandemic. This week's provincial health orders are meant to keep us safe but are making it hard for our favourite local businesses to stay open. What can we do to support local businesses? Katrina Dwulit, founder and ED of the Esquimalt Farmers Market and Jeff Bray, ED of the Downtown Victoria Business Association are my guests this week.2021-04-0934 min
Amazing PlacesPromo: Amazing Places Live! A panel discussion on housingJoin us for a special Live episode of Amazing Places on April 14! Our podcast panel discussion is all about housing (missing middle, infill, etc). Our panelists:
Rebecca Mersereau, Saanich Councillor
Julian West, Urban Thrive Developments
Christine Lintott, Christine Lintott Architects
Matt Dell, President, South Jubilee Neighbourhood Association
Send your housing questions via Twitter or Facebook
Check out the live event details here: https://fb.me/e/OVUvAKCw2021-04-0202 minAmazing Places#35 Better Mobility Saanich w/ Elise Cote & Sarah FrumentoEpisode 35 of Amazing Places! This week we introduce the new advocacy group, Better Mobility Saanich. Elise Cote, Sarah Frumento and I are founding members of this group, dedicated to advocating for road safety improvements for all road users. We discuss our activities to successfully persuade Saanich Council to revise its Neighbourhood Speed Limit pilot to 30k/h from 40k/h.
You can join Better Mobility Saanich: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bettermobility2021-03-2643 minAmazing Places#34 Eliminating racial discrimination w/ Sharmarke DubowEpisode 34 of Amazing Places! This week we recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21. My guest is first-term Victoria City Councillor Sharmarke Dubow. Sharmarke shares his own experience as a refugee and the racial discrimination he's encountered as an elected official. We discuss the power of empathy and the work for us all to call out discrimination and raise up the voices of the vulnerable and underrepresented.2021-03-1944 minAmazing Places#33 Saanich’s Housing Strategy w/ Zac de VriesEpisode 33 of Amazing Places! This week Saanich Councillor and Housing Task Force Chair Zac de Vries joins us to discuss Saanich’s forthcoming Housing Strategy2021-03-1232 minAmazing Places#32 Creating access to nature w/ Tim CormodeEpisode 32 of Amazing Places! This week, Power to Be CEO and Founder Tim Cormode stops by the podcast to talk about why it's important to give everyone the chance to explore and enjoy nature. Power to Be creates access to nature for youth, families and adults living with cognitive, physical, financial, and social barriers.
Check out Power to Be: https://powertobe.ca/2021-03-0630 minAmazing Places#31 Farm or wetland preserve? Can Panama Flats be both? w/ Linda Geggie and Hollis HodsonEpisode 31 of Amazing Places! This week we talk about the future of Saanich's Panama Flats. Neighbours want to see the land turned into a wetland preserve. Others want to see the land used for food production. Is there a chance that Panama Flats can be both? My guests this week are Linda Geggie of the Capital Region Food and Agricultural Initiatives Roundtable and Hollis Hodson, President of the Residents Association of Strawberry Vale, Marigold and Glanford.2021-02-2649 minAmazing Places#30 Is building height a big deal? w/ Matt Dell and Thomas GuerreroEpisode 30 of Amazing Places! What's the big deal about building height? This week Matt Dell and Thomas Guerrero join the podcast to discuss development downtown Victoria and in our residential neighbourhoods. Matt Dell is the host of Best Coast Political Podcast. Thomas Guerrero is the author of Sidewalking Victoria.2021-02-1940 minAmazing Places#29 Livable roads for Rural Saanich w/ Pam Harrison and Sarah FrumentoEpisode 29 of Amazing Places! The rural parts of our community offer a quiet charm that's so unlike the busy urban core. But for area residents, more needs to be done to address the speed and volume of traffic that detracts from their quality of life. This week, Pam Harrison and Sarah Frumento from the group Livable Roads for Rural Saanich join the podcast to discuss the traffic calming interventions they want to see for their neighbourhood.2021-02-1237 minAmazing Places#28 Healthy planet, Healthy people w/ Dr. Trevor HancockEpisode 28 of Amazing Places! We're living well beyond the capacity for our one planet to support us. How do we begin to turn the ship toward one planet living? This week, Dr. Trevor Hancock joins us to talk about his Conversations for a One Planet Region and creating connections for a healthier population.
Find out more about Conversations for a One Planet Region here: https://oneplanetconversations.ca/2021-02-0532 minAmazing Places#27 Connecting with nature w/ Suzanne Samborski and Eva RicciusEpisode 27 of Amazing Places! This week, we're talking about finding happiness in our natural environments. Suzanne Samborski, Director of Saanich's Parks, Recreation and Community Services, and Eva Riccius, Saanich's Parks Manager join the podcast to talk about the benefits to our health and well-being that Saanich's 170 special spaces have to offer.2021-01-3030 minAmazing Places#26 Victoria's tiny homes & slow streets w/ Jeremy LovedayEpisode 26 of Amazing Places! This week Victoria City Councillor and CRD Director Jeremy Loveday joins the podcast. 2021 is off to a busy start in the City of Victoria. We discuss creating transition housing for some of Victoria's homeless population and a 30km/h speed limit pilot for Victoria's neighbourhood streets.2021-01-2231 minAmazing Places#25 Pulling together for the Pandemic recovery w/ Maja TaitEpisode 25 of Amazing Places! This week Sooke Mayor and Union of BC Municipalities Past President Maja Tait joins the podcast. How do communities prepare for the year ahead? We discuss working with senior governments and communities across the province to shore up municipal programs and services during the challenging year ahead, and what do residents expect from their governments in a post-pandemic world?2021-01-1534 minAmazing Places#24 What the New Year brings w/ Judy BrownoffEpisode 24 of Amazing Places! This week Saanich Councillor Judy Brownoff joins the podcast to talk about what 2021 could bring. We cover the gamut with discussions about active transportation, climate change, age-friendly communities, parking requirements and meeting the growing need for housing in Saanich.2021-01-0934 minAmazing Places#23 Creating connections w/ Dr. Teale Phelps BondaroffEpisode 23 of Amazing Places! This week Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff returns to the podcast to discuss loneliness. This holiday season is going to be different than years past. For those who live alone, it could feel very lonely. Teale and I discuss the effects of loneliness and isolation and things that communities, governments and NGOs can do to help rebuild networks to connect us.2020-12-1336 minAmazing Places#22 Speaking with a Collective Voice w/ Colin PlantEpisode 22 of Amazing Places! This week, CRD Board Chair and 2-term Saanich Councillor, Colin Plant joins the podcast. We discuss the region’s approach to climate change, transportation and pandemic response and recovery.2020-12-0430 minAmazing Places#21 Unleashing the City’s potential w/ Lisa HelpsEpisode 21 of Amazing Places! City of Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps joins us this week. Mayor Helps says it’s the job of city governments to create places where people feel like they belong. We talk about active transportation, creating well-being, pandemic patios, downtown holiday shopping and becoming a 21st Century city.2020-11-2736 minAmazing Places#20 Building compact, mixed-use communities w/ Luke Mari, Julian West and Ryan JabsEpisode 20 of Amazing Places! This week, we talk to the builders in our communities. Community leaders espouse car-free, transit and active transporation-oriented development. What are the barriers to making it happen in our urban and suburban centres? Luke Mari, Aryze Developments; Julian West, Urban Thrive; and Ryan Jabs, Lapis Homes join the podcast to talk about building compact, mixed-used communities that's geared toward sustainable mobility options like transit and active transportation.2020-11-2039 minAmazing Places#19 Buying local this holiday season w/ Jeff Bray, Caitlynn Neal & Katrina DwulitEpisode 19 of Amazing Places! The holiday season is nearly upon us. This year, things look quite different for our holiday plans. What can we do to support local businesses? This week my guests are Jeff Bray, Exec Director of the Downtown Victoria Business Association; Caitlynn Neal, Founder of the YYJ Craft Crawl; and Katrina Dwulit, coordinator of the Market Collective by Shi Studio.
Check out the YYJ Craft Crawl: https://www.yyjcraftcrawl.com/
Market Collective by Shi Studio: https://market-collective-by-shi-studio.business.site/
I recorded the Intro theme. Transition themes are courtesy of Anchor.fm2020-11-1332 minAmazing Places#18 Cycling in our cities w/ Ray Straatsma and Corey BurgerEpisode 18 of Amazing Places! This week, Ray Straatsma and Corey Burger, two prominent local cycling advocates, join us to discuss Greater Victoria's growing cycling network and why creating safe spaces for cyclists to ride is crucial to our commuting future. Ray Straatsma is a Board Director of the BC Cycling Coalition. Corey Burger is Policy and Infrastructure Chair of the Greater Victoria Cycling Coalition.
Intro theme: That's me on guitar. Thanks for putting up with it!2020-11-0738 minAmazing Places#17 High cost of free parking w/ Todd LitmanEpisode 17 of Amazing Places! This week, Todd Litman, Executive Director of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute joins the podcast to talk about the hidden costs of free parking. There's no such thing as free parking. Whether it's the added construction costs of underground parking or the spot outside your house, parking costs add up.
Check out Todd's work at the Victoria Transport Policy Institute https://www.vtpi.org/
Cities for Everyone is a community organization that supports more affordable housing and transportation in order to provide security, mobility and opportunity for people with all incomes...2020-10-3043 minAmazing Places#16 Slower speeds for Saanich streets w/ Rebecca MersereauEpisode 16 of Amazing Places! This week first-term Saanich Councillor Rebecca Mersereau joins the podcast. We discuss Saanich's request to reduce speeds for neighbourhood streets as part of a provincial pilot project. Slower speeds save lives, promote active transportation and helps contribute to affordability in an expensive region.
Check out Councillor Mersereau's bio:
https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/local-government/mayor-council/meet-your-council/rebecca-mersereau.html
Check out the news story on the reduced speeds pilot:
https://www.cheknews.ca/saanich-speed-reduction-711993/
Intro theme courtesy of Bensound.com2020-10-2532 minAmazing Places#15 South Island Transportation w/ David ScreechEpisode 15 of Amazing Places! How do we solve the region's transportation challenges? This week my guest is View Royal Mayor David Screech. We discuss improving transportation in the South Island, including better transit service, E&N and Light Rail, and regional trails.
Check out Mayor Screech's bio:
https://www.viewroyal.ca/EN/main/town/mayor-council/meet-mayor-council.html#Mayor
Intro theme courtesy of bensound.com2020-10-2524 minAmazing Places#14 BC Election on the South Island w/ Dan Reeve and Travis PatersonA special BC Election episode of Amazing Places! This week, my guests are Dan Reeve, Political Science Instructor at Camosun College, and Travis Paterson, Reporter at Black Press. We take a look at the parties' major policy announcements and the issues that affect the South Island: Homelessness, transportation, and housing (among others). What will voters decide to do on October 24?
Intro theme courtesy of bensound.com2020-10-2546 minAmazing Places#13 Right of Way w/ Angie SchmittEpisode 13 of Amazing Places! This week my guest is Angie Schmitt, Author of Right of Way: Race, Class and the Silent Epidemic of Pedestrian Deaths in America. Angie encourages us to reframe the problem of pedestrian deaths and serious injury by acknowledging the role of racism and classism in the public response to these deaths, and energizing advocacy around road safety.
You can check out Angie's book here:
https://islandpress.org/books/right-way
Listeners can receive a 20% discount with the code SCHMITT when ordering directly from the publisher.
Special thanks to Neil Arason for connecting us with Angie. Check out...2020-10-2525 minAmazing Places#12 Creating a diversity of housing options w/ Andrew AppletonEpisode 12 of Amazing Places! This week, Oak Bay Councillor Andrew Appleton joins us to discuss housing in Oak Bay. Oak Bay’s a great place to live but it can be tough to find affordable housing options for newcomers. Council recently approved the community's first legal duplex. What can Oak Bay do to create more housing options to keep the community thriving?
Here's the story on the Oak Bay duplex:
https://www.vicnews.com/news/oak-bays-second-legal-duplex-to-be-stratified
Here's Councillor Appleton's bio:
https://www.oakbay.ca/municipal-hall/mayor-council/council-profiles
Intro theme courtesy of Bensound.com2020-10-2526 minAmazing Places#11 Creating Happiness w/ Mitchell ReardonEpisode 11 of the Amazing Places! This week, we talk to Mitchell Reardon, Senior Planner at the Happy City consultancy. The Happy City book inspired a movement in communities all over the world. Creating happier places by rethinking public and private spaces for everyone to access and enjoy. We discuss the Happy City's approach and reaction to its many ventures in creating happiness in our cities, towns, villages and districts.
Check out the Happy City
https://thehappycity.com/
You can read this great book by their founder, Charles Montgomery
https://thehappycity.com/the-book/
Intro theme courtesy of Bensound.com2020-10-2533 minAmazing Places#10 Ahead of its time - Colwood's Ocean Blvd experiment w/ Gordie LoganEpisode 10 of Amazing Places! This week, long-time Colwood City Councillor Gordie Logan joins the podcast. We discuss that City's temporary closure of Ocean Boulevard to vehicle traffic. The move inspired scores of families, visitors and even food trucks to descend on the newly-opened pedestrian-only space. Why then did Council voted to re-open the road in mid-September? We find out this week, on the Amazing Places.
Check out the story here:
https://www.timescolonist.com/ocean-boulevard-will-reopen-to-motor-traffic-colwood-council-decides-1.24195520
Here's Gordie's bio:
https://www.colwood.ca/city-hall/mayor-council/mayor-council-profile
Intro theme courtesy of Bensound.com2020-10-2522 minAmazing Places#9 We're in the driver's seat! How can we eliminate injury and death on our roads? w/ Neil ArasonEpisode nine of the Amazing Places! This week Neil Arason, author of No Accident: Eliminating Injury and Death on Canadian Roads joins the podcast to discuss road safety for all road users. We take a look at proposed changes to Prospect Lake rd, discuss why slower speeds save lives, and how communities can achieve Vision Zero.
Here's the story on the changes to Prospect Lake rd:
https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/we-heard-the-concerns-saanich-announces-safety-upgrades-for-prospect-lake-road-1.5027085
Check out Neil's Book:
https://www.wlupress.wlu.ca/Books/N/No-Accident2
Intro theme courtesy of Bensound.com2020-10-2528 minAmazing Places#8 Be bold! Re-leveling our streets as public space w/ Patrick JohnstoneEpisode eight of the Amazing Places! This week two-term New Westminster City Councillor Patrick Johnstone joins the podcast. We take a look at some of initiatives that community is trying to re-level the balance between car use and other users for public space in the City.
Find out more about what Patrick and his colleagues are up to:
https://patrickjohnstone.ca/2020/07/calmer-streets.html
Intro theme courtesy of bensound.com2020-10-2423 minAmazing Places#7 Cheers! Celebrating Greater Victoria's Craft Beer Culture w/ Cora Barber, Gary Lindsay, Ryan Orr and Dave DicksonEpisode seven of the Amazing Places! A special episode celebrating Greater Victoria’s craft beer culture. This week our guests are Cora Barber from Lighthouse, Gary Lindsay from Driftwood, Ryan Orr from Sooke Ocean Brewery (SOB) and Dave Dickson from Hoyne.
The brewers discuss supporting their communities, the support they get from their communities, a future for patios and more tasting space, and what makes Greater Victoria’s craft beer culture so special.
https://www.lighthousebrewing.com/
https://driftwoodbeer.com
http://www.sookeoceansidebrewery.com
https://hoynebrewing.ca
Intr...2020-10-2431 minAmazing Places#6 A little bit quirky! Placemaking in our communities w/ Michelle MulderEpisode six on the Amazing Places! This week, Michelle Mulder, author of Home Sweet Neighbourhood: Transforming Cities One Block at a Time, joins the podcast to discuss Placemaking in Greater Victoria and around the world. From small, low-cost changes in your neighbourhood to large infrastructure projects, Placemaking transforms places to draw people together.
Check out Michelle's book:
https://www.orcabook.com/Home-Sweet-Neighborhood-P3988.aspx
You can also check out Michelle's website:
http://www.michellemulder.com/
Intro theme courtesy of bensound.com2020-10-2432 minAmazing Places#5 The future is local w/ Thomas GuerreroEpisode 5 of the Amazing Places podcast! Greater Victoria's response to COVID-19 has produced many changes. Some of which may have lasting effects. In this episode, Thomas Guerrero of Sidewalking Victoria joins the podcast to discuss the new urbanism that's emerging. Is this the end of Commuter Culture? Are mandatory parking minimums a thing of the past?
You can find Sidewalking Victoria here:
https://www.sidewalkingvictoria.com/
Or on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TMMGuerrero
And on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sidewalkingvic/
Even on Facebook:
https://www.facebook...2020-10-2422 minAmazing Places#4 Walkable communities w/ Alix TierEpisode 4 of the Amazing Places! Does creating more walkable neighbourhoods really have to be a war on the car? This week, Alix Tier from BEST - Better Environmentally Sound Transportation, joins the podcast to discuss Living Streets. We look at small, affordable changes communities can make to improve walkability for pedestrians and make life a little better for all users.
Be sure to take the Living Streets survey to win a prize!
https://www.best.bc.ca/living-streets-survey
Intro theme courtesy of bensound.com2020-10-2426 minAmazing Places#3 Urban green spaces w/ Ned TaylorEpisode 3 of the Amazing Places podcast! We know about the importance of parks and green spaces for our health and well-being, and as places for people to get together or seek refuge and solitude. Should that include food trucks and alcohol? In this episode, Saanich Councillor Ned Taylor joins the podcast to discuss changes to Saanich's parks to make them more dynamic places. We also touch on creating new, "pocket parks" in places where green spaces are lacking.
Intro theme courtesy of bensound.com2020-10-2427 minAmazing Places#2 Just try it! Will pilot projects define the new normal? w/ Travis PatersonEpisode 2 of Amazing Places! Will the loss of 4 parking spots put Oak Bay shops out of business? Patios replace parking in Fernwood. Will pilot projects define the new normal? Black Press Report Travis Paterson joins the podcast this week to share his perspective on what's going on for shop owners and patrons in Oak Bay and Fernwood.
Check out Travis's article here:
https://www.vancouverislandfreedaily.com/business/owners-say-loss-of-parking-pushes-businesses-to-the-brink/
Intro theme courtesy of Bensound.com2020-10-2428 minAmazing Places#1 Re-imagining our public spaces w/ Dr. Teale Phelps BondaroffEpisode 1 of Amazing Places! My first guest is Dr. Teale Phelps Bondaroff. Give up parking for patios? Expand trails for “social cycling?” We discuss the "new normal" and repurposing our public spaces.
You can check out our Times Colonist Op-Ed here:
https://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/op-ed/comment-let-s-reimagine-our-streets-and-give-pedestrians-priority
Intro theme courtesy of Bensound.com2020-10-2427 min