Shows
Searching for SolutionsArt in Action: Climate — Art, Science, and Community SolutionsIn this episode of Searching for Solutions, host Walter Sendzik is joined by Dr. Julia Baird, Associate Professor at Brock University, for a timely conversation about Art in Action: Climate—a groundbreaking 10-day arts and climate festival launching in Niagara in January 2026 and centred on the work of world-renowned artist Edward Burtynsky.Together, they explore how art can make the climate crisis more tangible, why Niagara is a powerful place to host a major climate-focused arts festival, and how the Art in Action: Climate Symposium brings researchers, artists, Indigenous voices, educators, and community le...
2025-12-1542 minSearching for SolutionsBreaking the Cycle — Reducing Domestic Violence in Our CommunitiesIntimate partner violence is a crisis that affects every community — a form of harm that happens behind closed doors, where trust should exist but fear and control often take hold.In Canada, more than 117,000 people reported experiencing intimate partner violence in a single year — the vast majority women and girls. In Niagara, 86% of victims are female, and the numbers are rising.In this episode, host Walter Sendzik speaks with Nicole Regehr from Gillian’s Place about what it will take — locally, provincially, and nationally — to reduce domestic and intimate partner vi...
2025-12-0542 minSearching for SolutionsThe Rise of Online Sports Gambling (Part 1 of 2)Online sports gambling is growing faster than almost anyone imagined — and young men are being hit the hardest. Since Canada legalized single-event betting in 2021, gambling has shifted from an occasional activity to a 24/7 digital marketplace embedded in sports culture, social media, and entertainment.Revenues have surged into the billions. Research shows that 1 in 5 young men aged 18–24 gamble online weekly, with rising rates of financial stress, anxiety, and early signs of addiction. Doctors across the country are warning that relentless advertising — especially on social platforms and during major sporting events — is “grooming a generation for gambling dependency.”In this ep...
2025-12-0543 minSearching for SolutionsThe Rise of Online Sports Gambling (Part 2 of 2)In Part Two of our deep dive into the rise of online sports gambling, we shift from the problem to the people on the front lines of the solution. This episode focuses on the young men across Canada who are being hit hardest by the rapid growth of digital sports betting — and on the supports available when gambling starts to take control.Our guest is Marnie Proctor, Health Promoter with Community Addiction Services of Niagara (CASON), an organization leading the response to gambling-related harm in Niagara. Marnie shares what CASON is seeing on the ground: th...
2025-12-0539 minSearching for SolutionsUnpacking "The How" in Getting More Housing BuiltIn this episode, host Walter Sendzik sits down with Drew Toth, CEO and Founder of Elevate Living, to discuss the housing crisis. Drew shares his blueprint for unlocking more housing supply, describing the crisis as a Rubik’s Cube—complex, with many interdependent moves that must align for meaningful solutions. Together, they explore practical strategies, development challenges, and innovative approaches to accelerate housing construction and improve affordability.
2025-06-2741 minSearching for SolutionsBuilding a business case to better manage the intake of housingWorking on the frontlines with people experiencing homelessness — or those living one crisis away from it — is some of the most demanding and critical work in our community. While many agencies include housing support in their mandates, the system remains fragmented and difficult to navigate.In this episode, host Walter Sendzik speaks with Karrie Porter, a former St. Catharines city councillor and long-time social housing advocate. Karrie shares her vision for a more connected, coordinated approach to housing support — one that bridges the divide between frontline workers and those in urgent need of safe, stable housing
2025-06-1642 minSearching for SolutionsFrom Data to Dignity: Tackling Homelessness in NiagaraHow did the City of Houston manage to significantly reduce homelessness? The answer lies in an unexpected but powerful tool: accurate, real-time data. On this episode of Searching for Solutions, we explore how data is transforming the fight against homelessness — both globally and right here in Niagara.Host Walter Sendzik is joined by Jeffrey Sinclair, Homelessness Services Manager at Niagara Region, to discuss the Built for Zero model — an innovative approach that prioritizes data-driven strategies to understand and address homelessness at the individual level. We dive into how Niagara is a...
2025-06-1642 minSearching for SolutionsCreating accessory dwelling units within residential neighbourhoods could unlock more affordable housingCities are changes planning regulations and offering incentives for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units as a means to create more affordable livings spaces.Xavier Toby, founder of Axe Building in St. Catharines, Ontario, has a created a one-stop shop for prefabricated housing services from studio units to four-bed accessory dwelling units built with state-of-the-art and sustainable materials and technologies to help homeowners affordably build accessory dwellings. And when Property Brothers - the popular HGTV show featuring Drew and Jonathan - join a Council meeting to talk about the benefits of accessory dwelling units incentive p...
2025-01-3041 minSearching for SolutionsToboggan Flats isn't about places to sled, it's about creating affordable living spaces for young peopleWhen you talk to young people entering the working world, one of their biggest concerns is securing affordable housing. The bigger the city, the more difficult it is to find safe and affordable housing for young people. On this episode of Searching for Solutions, we talk with Robert Barnard, founder of Toboggan Flats and Theodore Heintzman, Research and Outreach Coordinator at Toboggan Flats about creating living spaces for young people from repurposed vacant in downtowns across Canada. Finding new and creative ways to house people is one of the keys to addressing the housing shortages in...
2025-01-3047 minSearching for SolutionsCan empathy be a key to getting people to act when it comes to climate change?The world's climate is accelerating due to humans. It's a fact. Humans have the abilities to alter this pathway that is currently leading towards greater environmental disasters, but what is getting in the way?Dr. Julia Baird, Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Human Dimensions of Water Resources and Water Resilience and Associate Professor at Brock University's Environmental Sustainability Research Centre is exploring the role of empathy as it relates to gaining positive traction on climate actions. On this episode of Searching for Solutions, we talk about water sustainability, the importance of empathy as a means t...
2024-11-2142 minSearching for SolutionsLeadership in a crisis with Jeff LehmanMayors are often the front lines of leadership. In any given community, it is the mayor who is the most visible elected official. During times of crisis, there is a role to play for a mayor to help lead a city through a challenging period. Jeff Lehman, former Mayor of Barrie, and current Chair of Muskoka District Council shares his experiences during some challenging times as mayor from destructive tornadoes to the pandemic. Elected officials - especially at the local level - can play an important role in helping to manage a community through a crisis.
2024-11-2045 minSearching for SolutionsOshawa Mayor Dan Carter talks about his journey from homelessness to becoming mayor of mid-size Canadian cityThe political debate around homelessness often falls into two camps. Some Canadians feel threatened by homeless people, believing they are a source of crime, and some business owners think they keep customers away. People in that camp mostly just want them gone from the streets. The other camp argues that they are citizens in desperate need rather than a nuisance.Mayor Dan Carter, who is now in his second term as Mayor of Oshawa, Ontario, has made dealing with homeless people, addictions and mental health issues top priorities during his time as mayor. In this e...
2024-10-0245 minSearching for SolutionsHow socks can make a difference with Sam BaioIdeas on how to help in communities come in all shapes and sizes. No idea is too big and no idea is too small when it comes finding ways to help those who are struggling with homelessness. Sometimes great ideas coming while driving on a highway late at night listening to the radio. Sam Baio, founder of Socks for Change, founded a unique social enterprise while listening to a radio program about homelessness and the impact Canadian winters have on the feet of those who are struggling on our streets. Baio, also founder of West 49, the Canadian...
2024-02-2943 minSearching for SolutionsHow to turn down the dial on anger and rage with Julie ChristiansenWe are living in a period of increasing rage and anger driven by the polarization of politics and social media. Last fall Pollara Strategic Insights’ Rage Index showed Canadians are an angry bunch and it has an impact on communities, workplaces and families. Julie A. Christiansen is an award-winning speaker, author, and therapist with nearly 30 years of experience in the community services field. Her latest book The Rise of Rage is a timely self-discovery book that focuses on learning about anger, what fuels it and how to gain control of it before it controls your life.
2024-02-2945 minSearching for SolutionsA new company looks to unlock spaces within homes to provide housing for studentsIn university and college towns, the pressure for housing has exhausted the housing market due to a continuous increase in enrolments that hasn't been matched by an increase in on-campus student living spaces. This has created an even more intense housing crisis for those communities. On this episode of Searching for Solutions, Rylan Kinnon, Co-Founder & CEO of SpacesShared talks about a novel homesharing technology that lets students who are looking for a safe, affordable place to stay quickly and affordably connect with older adult hosts. Launched in 2023, SpacesShared matches compatible students and older adults interested in homesharing. i...
2024-02-2943 minSearching for SolutionsUnderstanding the cause and effects of traumaLearning about trauma and its impact on the human mind and body is a way to unlock understanding about the long term impacts of trauma. To gain a better understanding of the issues of addictions, homelessness and mental health, a trauma informed community approach has been gaining traction as a way to develop better programs and policies to help peopleOn this episode Lori Gill, founder of the Attachment and Trauma Treatment Centre for Healing Niagara , explains the impacts of trauma in a person's life and how trauma informed care is an important part of the healing...
2024-01-2342 minSearching for SolutionsHow to deal with tensions in your life and in community with Tim ArnoldOne of the most foundational books that I read during my time as Mayor of St. Catharines was written by Tim Arnold called The Power of Healthy Tension. It was a powerful book that gave me the tools to understand that tensions in relationships - both personal and at work - are not all bad and in fact we live with tension every day. It's how we manage the tensions that makes the difference. Tim followed up The Power of Healthy with Lead with And, and it was another game changer...
2024-01-2342 minSearching for SolutionsBusinesses can make a difference in communities and FirstOntario Credit Union is leading the wayWhen it comes to social issues facing communities, businesses must play a role to help create pathways to solutions. Beyond the writing of a cheque, businesses (large and small) can be at the table to help communities navigate through the significant social challenges facing cities and towns. Lloyd Smith, CEO of FirstOntario Credit Union is leading by example. Through the empowerment of its employees to get involved in communities, to partnering with NGOs and developers to build purpose-built housing to getting personally involved in local community projects, Lloyd discusses the importance of building sustainable communities through the l...
2024-01-0744 minSearching for SolutionsThe toxicity of drugs is putting more youth in danger of overdose deaths - what can be done to stop this before it is too late?Fatal overdoses from opioids and other illicit drugs are now the leading cause of death for youth aged 10 to 18 in British Columbia, a development that underscores the urgency of the province’s toxic drug crisis. The numbers are trending in the same direction in provinces across the country. Clearly, youth drug and alcohol addiction is a crisis that must be faced and approached through education and counseling. Andrew Laugher is a 23 years old who has struggled with addiction, mental illness, and homelessness. Through the support of a counselor, Andrew embarked on a journey through recovery and is now...
2024-01-0746 minSearching for SolutionsDoes safer drug supply have a role to play in the opioid epidemic?Until the opioid epidemic touches your family or friends, concepts like safer drug supply are quite polarizing especially in Canadian politics. The concept is controversial but addictions is a complex affliction and through a better understanding of safer drug supply for drug users, can it be a part of a larger program that saves lives?Dr. Andrea Sereda is a leading voice in Canada advocating for the use of safer drug supplies to stem the number of people who are dying from overdoses. She is a physician focused on street-level, at-risk programs working at the London InterCommunity H...
2024-01-0743 minSearching for SolutionsWhy have food banks become a fixture in someone's life rather than a temporary place for assistanceFood banks across Canada were designed to be places for people to access food during an emergency. Now, it seems that food banks have become the backstop for more and more people as food insecurity reaches levels not seen in generations. Betty Lou Souter, who has been involved with food banks for more than 40 years, has been on the frontlines of the rise in food insecurity that has created a perfect storm that is overwhelming food banks. If food banks are the canary in the coal mine, society is reaching a breaking point regarding income inequality and t...
2024-01-0747 minSearching for SolutionsDesigning better systems of mental health and addictions care through lived experiencesWhen we talk about addictions and the complexities of homelessness and mental health, there is often a empty chair at the table - the person with lived experience. It has become increasingly clear that creating programs and systems of care with input from those with lived experiences often creates better outcomes. On this episode Janice Arnoldi, host of Life Unscripted on the Bell Media network, talks about her personal journey living with bipolar disorder (manic depression) and how it has informed her approach to mental health and addictions. Janice is a successful entrepreneur and mental health advocate i...
2024-01-0741 minSearching for SolutionsPolicing and the Opioid Epidemic with Port Hope Chief of Police Tim FarquharsonThe opioid epidemic has stretched the resources of communities. Downtowns have become centres for extensive and excessive drug use often out in the open and in public spaces. People look to the police to address this complex issue but is it up to the police to lead the efforts to find solutions to societal issue? Port Hope Police Service Chief Tim Farquharson joins me to talk about the role of policing in addressing the opioid epidemic. Chief Farquharson is a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Drug Advisory Committee and is also the past C...
2024-01-0745 minSearching for SolutionsWhat role do safe consumption sites play in addressing the opioid epidemic?The opioid epidemic has gripped communities large and small across North America. The rapid rise of addictions has also created pressures on health care and addiction support systems. The introduction of safe consumption sites were created to provide a safe space for drug use that also offered opportunities for people to connect with care providers in ways that can't be done on the streets. Talia Storm, Director of StreetWorks Services at Positive Living Niagara talks about how safe consumption sites work, and how harm reduction is a critical piece in creating pathways for people who are struggling w...
2024-01-0744 minSearching for SolutionsHomeless shelters were designed to be places of temporary place relief, but what happened?When a church opened a homeless shelter, it was due to an urgent need to temporarily house people that had no place to live. Now, over 20 years later, the Southridge Shelter in Niagara continues to be a place for those seeking a respite and the need has only continued to increase. On this episode, Annie Froese Director of Homelessness Services at Southridge Shelter discusses the complexities of today's shelters and how these temporary places of shelter should only be a brief stop on person's journey from homelessness to permanent housing. Shelters are a critical part of...
2024-01-0741 minSearching for SolutionsA blueprint for addressing the housing crisis in CanadaDr. Mike Moffat joined forces with a group of leading housing experts in Canada to produce a blueprint on how to address the growing housing crisis. It comes at a crucial time as governments at all levels need find ways to build more housing. On this episode of Searching for Solutions, Dr. Moffat focuses on the key recommendations from the National Housing Accord. The solutions for unlocking a housing boom are there - it just needs leadership at all levels of government. For more information on the National Housing Accord - check out https://www.nationalhousingaccord.ca
2023-11-1841 minSearching for SolutionsHow a community-based common agenda can be the catalyst of positive changeVisionary leader and pioneer in the work of poverty reduction in Canada, Paul Born pulled together a set of tools to guide communities in a process that leads to better outcomes of everyone. Founder of BE Community and Co-Founder of Tamarack Institute and Vibrant Communities, Paul is a social innovator, teacher and practitioner.On this episode of Searching for Solutions, Paul talks about his latest book - Breakthrough Community Change and how a common agenda approach can be the catalyst for positive change in communities. Paul has coached, taught and inspired countless community leaders to effect changes i...
2023-11-1844 minSearching for SolutionsTaking medical care to where people need it the mostDr. Karl Stobbe practiced rural medicine for 20 plus so he understood the concept that medical care needs to find ways to meet people where they are - not the other way around. An accomplished physician, Dr. Stobbe took his years of practice and teaching and built a new medical practice in Niagara that took a team of doctors and nurses into homelessness encampments and shelters to deliver medical care to those who need it the most and who have very limited access to primary medical care. The results have been impactful. On this episode of Searching for S...
2023-11-1841 minSearching for SolutionsCan municipal housing targets be a tool to get more homes built?St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe was one of the first municipalities in Ontario to set an ambitious target to build 11,000 homes over the next decade. Understanding that houses are not built by municipalities, what is the reason for setting housing targets?On this episode of Searching for Solutions, Mayor Siscoe explains how housing targets by municipalities can be used as a tool to accelerate the number of new homes being built in a community and how it can be a tool to encourage Council and staff to make key decisions to remove obstacles and create incentives to...
2023-11-1040 minSearching for SolutionsA father's tragic loss led to the creation of a campaign aimed at saving the lives of young peopleAfter the accidental overdose death of Steve Borisenko’s young son Jacob in 2021 Steve wanted find a way to help youth who are struggling with substance use as well as their parents. With the help of community partners and Moonbase, a local multi-media marketing company, a new digital resource guide and marketing campaign was created to help address the rising number of youth substance overdoses and deaths in Niagara.On this episode of Searching for Solutions, Steve talks about the creation of the website www.savemylife.ca and how it has become a tool to help young pe...
2023-11-1042 minSearching for SolutionsFocusing on diversion to tackle youth homelessnessAccording to Without a Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey, 20% of the homeless population in Canada is comprised of youth between the ages of 13-24. In a given year, there are at least 35,000-40,000 youth experiencing homelessness. Finding ways to keep youth from entering homelessness needs to be a priority for communities. This episode of Searching for Solutions features an insightful conversation with Mike Lethby, Executive Director of RAFT, an innovative youth resource outreach and homeless shelter for teens in Niagara. The keys to reducing youth homelessness start with support and diversion and Mike travels across Canada sho...
2023-11-0641 minSearching for SolutionsCanada's homelessness crisis has a direct connection to lack of housing supplyOne of the most pressing issues facing communities across Canada is the increase in people experiencing homelessness. From big cities to small towns, it's no longer possible to not see the impacts of a housing crisis that was years in the making. More than 250,000 people are unhoused in Canada - that is a number that should shock people - and it keeps growing. On this episode of Searching for Solutions, Tim Richter, CEO of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness puts into perspective how a slow boiling housing crisis has created the conditions that has led to r...
2023-10-1444 minSearching for SolutionsMunicipal planning can been a barrier to new housing developments, but it doesn't have to be this wayOne of the key intersections between getting a housing project built centres on the process between municipal planning offices and developers. Planning policies, which are approved by Councils and guided by provincial (and sometimes regional) policy directions are often complex and cumbersome. As a former mayor of a mid-size city in Canada, the delays in the planning department was one of the most common complaints. Now how valid all of the complaints where is open for interpretation - but there is truth in the middle. On this episode of Searching for Solutions, Mary Lou Tanner, President of N...
2023-09-1954 minSearching for SolutionsThe need for more rental housing in CanadaThe need for newly constructed rental housing has never been greater in Canada. Afer a building boom of large scale rental units in the 1970s - supply for purpose built rental buildings has fallen far behind the demand. On this issue of Searching for Solutions, Tony Irwin President & CEO Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) takes us through the challenges faced by the rental development community. This is a critical missing piece in the housing crisis, and Tony provides important insights into what needs to be done to reignite a rental housing building boom in the c...
2023-09-1845 minSearching for SolutionsA disruptive approach to building social housing just might be the answerThe cost to build social housing has become prohibitive for many not-for-profit housing organizations, but an innovative approach between a developer, a credit union and a housing provider proves that new ways of thinking are needed to build more social housing in our communities. On this episode of Searching for Solutions, Lori Beech, Executive Director of Bethlehem Housing and Support Services talks about a unique partnership with PenTerra Development and First Ontario Credit Union that created the largest social housing project in Niagara. It's a new way to finance, build and maintain a housing complex that gives t...
2023-09-1743 minSearching for SolutionsEveryone deserves to have a place to call home with Jeff Nevin CEO of IndwellFrom a small group home in Hamilton in the 1970s to one of the largest purpose built housing not-for-profits in Canada, Indwell is a leading organization that has developed a strategy that is providing people who have struggled in life with housing that is designed to meet them where they are on their journey. This episode of Searching for Solutions featuring Jeff Nevin, CEO of Indwell. Indwell is making a BIG difference in the housing crisis in Southern Ontario - listen to learn more about this amazing organization.
2023-09-1743 minSearching for SolutionsComplexities of building large scale housing developmentsBuilding large scale housing complexes takes a lot of time. From conceptual designs to government approvals to shovels in ground - a 10+ storey building can take between 5 - 7 years to complete. As governments develop plans to build millions on new housing units in Canada, high rise housing structures will be a key piece of meeting this housing targets. On this episode of Searching for Solution, we learn more about the challenges of building high rise housing structures with Shaheryar Mian, Vice President of LJM Developments. LJM has built in many cities in Southern Ontario and Shaheryar has th...
2023-09-0547 minSearching for SolutionsLooking at alternative housing designs with Aloft Housing & Elevate LivingOne of the key parts of the housing crisis is affordability. On this episode of Searching for Solutions, we feature two entrepreneurs who are using design and new technologies to provide purpose built homes for people. Keith Gowans is the CEO of Aloft Housing , a modular design and manufacturing company that creates custom units that can built above existing parking lots and open spaces and can be placed in backyards as secondary suites. Drew Toth, CEO of the Toth Group and Elevate Living is focused on building studio units with in a smaller footprint that fe...
2023-08-1747 min
Searching for SolutionsA look at Canada's housing crisisIn this episode of Searching for Solutions, we take a look at Canada's Housing Crisis. With the help of Mike Moffatt, Assistant Professor in the Business, Economics and Public Policy Group at Ivey School, Western University and Senior Director, Policy and Innovation at the Smart Prosperity Institute, we examine the causes of the national housing crisis and what all levels of government can do to turn back the rising tide of housing insecurity. I’ve been following Mike for a while on social media and his ability to synthesize data into easy to understand facts was...
2023-08-1643 min
Searching for SolutionsIt all starts with an ideaThis is the premiere episode of Searching for Solutions with Walter Sendzik. Former mayor of a mid-size city in Canada, Walter created the Compassionate City Project in St. Catharines during his time as mayor. With a focus on transforming the community and helping those experiencing some of life's most difficult challenges - Walter brought a new lens to some of society's more pressing challenges. After eight years as mayor and witnessing first hand the impacts of those struggling with mental health, additions, homelessness, food insecurity and more, Walter launched Searching for Solutions with Bell Media in partnership with FirstOntario...
2023-08-1238 min