Growing Guelph

Episode Description:In the final episode of my three-part series with the Guelph Public Library, I speak with Meg Forestell-Page, Manager of Public Service, about the wide-reaching and innovative ways libraries are expanding access and building community across Guelph.Meg walks me through her role at the library and the many ways her team helps meet evolving needs in our digital and social world. We explore how the library supports digital equity, offers personalized tech help, and helps residents stay informed and safe in an age of rapid information and online scams. I also talk with Meg about the incredible range of resources beyond books—including the Library of Things—and how the library remains a flexible, inclusive third space for everyone in Guelph.Topics we discuss: The Guelph Wellington Digital Equity CoalitionDigital skills programming and scam awarenessReaching underserved and equity-deserving communitiesInnovative collections like the Library of ThingsHow the library is adapting to the future of AI and information overloadThe library’s role in building empathy, access, and communityRelevant Links:Guelph Public Library – About Us - https://www.guelphpl.ca/en/about-us/about-us.aspxGuelph Public Library – Programs & Events - https://www.guelphpl.ca/en/programs-events/programs-and-events.aspxLibrary of Things – Guelph Public Library - https://www.guelphpl.ca/en/collections/library-of-things.aspxGuelph Wellington Digital Equity Coalition - https://guelphchc.ca/gwdec/Guelph Public Library Strategic Plan - https://www.guelphpl.ca/en/about-us/strategic-plan.aspx

Episode Description:In part two of our three-part series with the Guelph Public Library, we sit down with Dan Atkins, CEO, and Michelle Campbell, Deputy CEO, to explore the deeper public value that libraries bring to our community.Together, we discuss their paths into library leadership, the challenges and opportunities they’ve encountered, and how the Guelph Public Library continues to evolve. From the launch of their new strategic plan to the vision behind the soon-to-be-built Central Library, Dan and Michelle reflect on what it means to serve a diverse and growing city like Guelph.We cover:How the library decides where to invest time and energyInnovative ways the library is expanding what it offers to the publicWhy access and belonging remain central to their missionHow libraries balance being inclusive spaces while meeting public expectationsTheir hopes for the future of the library and its role in community buildingThis episode highlights the leadership behind one of Guelph’s most vital institutions and how libraries continue to shape the social and civic fabric of our city.Relevant Links:Guelph Public Library – About Us - https://www.guelphpl.ca/en/about-us/about-us.aspxGuelph Public Library Strategic Plan 2025–2028 – From Barriers to Bridges: - https://www.guelphpl.ca/en/about-us/strategic-plan.aspxGuelph Central Library Project (via City of Guelph) - https://guelph.ca/city-hall/planning-and-development/city-building-projects/baker-district/Recent news article on Dan Atkins, new CEO: - https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/familiar-face-is-the-new-new-ceo-of-guelph-public-library-9877362

In this episode of Growing Guelph, we sit down with Tom Armitage, Manager of The SEED, a community food project of the Guelph Community Health Centre. The SEED is redefining how we think about food insecurity—with a focus on dignity, access, and collaboration. From sliding scale markets to Fresh Food prescriptions, The SEED is at the heart of building a more equitable food system in Guelph.We trace Tom’s personal journey from studying graphic design to organic agriculture, and his deep roots in local food through programs like Backyard Bounty. Tom also shares how his graduate work under Dr. Evan Fraser helped shape the foundation of The SEED.Topics We Cover:Tom’s transition from design to food justiceThe early days of The SEED and its community-driven beginningsSliding scale markets, upcycled kitchens, and Fresh Food RxHow The SEED collaborates with other Guelph organizationsFood insecurity in Guelph—what’s at the root, and what’s needed to fix itEmbedding equity and dignity into food accessHow you can get involved—volunteer, donate, or advocateLearn More About The SEED:Website: theseedguelph.caInstagram: @theseedguelph https://www.instagram.com/seedguelphFacebook: facebook.com/TheSEEDGuelph📰 Related Articles & Resources:Tom Armitage Profile – U of GGuelph CHC Leadership TeamGuelphToday: Health Care Award for Tom ArmitageGuelph Mercury: Sliding Scale MarketsVolunteers Power Food SecurityThanks for tuning in—and for sticking with the show after a short hiatus! More conversations with local changemakers are coming your way soon. Until then, let’s keep Growing Guelph!

Support Growing Guelph on Patreon - https://patreon.com/growingguelphConnect with KendallWebsite: itsokaystudio.comInstagram: instagram.com/itsokaystudio/On this episode of Growing Guelph, I talk with Kendall Kent — designer, creative thinker, and the heart behind It’s Okay Studio. You’ll hear the story of her Brand Giveaway (where she provides pro bono design support to local businesses doing good) and how that project connects to bigger questions she’s exploring: mental health, creativity, AI, work styles, and how we navigate living and working in Guelph.We dive into:Kendall’s journey into design and how she’s using her skills to empower community-minded businessesWhat she learned from executing her first Brand Giveaway (the Refill Bar was her winner!)The role of AI tools in creative lives — pros, ethics, and the psychological sideThe landscape of mental health, isolation, generational differences, and how creativity sometimes becomes a form of reflectionQuestions of free will, the intersection of psychology and branding, and how she balances the abstract with the everyday

Anna Morozova & Bobby Raffin – Guelph Fashion Week – Stitching Community TogetherIn this episode, we sit down with Anna Morozova and Bobby Raffin, the duo behind the first-ever Guelph Fashion Week. We talk about what it takes to launch a fashion week in a city known more for its farmers’ market than runways, and how fashion, sustainability, and collaboration are all woven into this new event.Guelph Fashion week kicks off this week on Thursday Sept 18th. Links & Mentions:Guelph Fashion Week on Instagram - http://instagram.com/guelphfashionweek/Anna Morozova – @iamannamorozovaAnna's Event Agency: @wearenewsocietyBobby Raffin – @bobbyraffinBobby's Shop Three Pieces: @three.pieces.caGuelph Fashion Week Tickets:Eventbrite – Guelph Fashion WeekMedia Coverage:GuelphToday – Guelph is getting its first Fashion WeekSupport Growing Guelph on Patreon - https://patreon.com/growingguelph

Teresa Johnston (co–run director) and her sister Sue Wilkinson (social media & comms) join me on the podcast to share their family’s story and how the Guelph Run for the Cure is growing as it moves to the University of Guelph this October. We cover what event day looks like, why you don’t have to run to take part, and simple ways to register, donate, or volunteer. This year the Guelph Run for the Cure takes place on Sunday October 5th, 2025.LinksRegister / Donate / Volunteer (Canadian Cancer Society – CIBC Run for the Cure) - https://support.cancer.ca/site/TR/RunfortheCure/RFTC_NW_even_?pg=entry&fr_id=30461Facebook: @RunfortheCureGuelph - https://www.facebook.com/RunfortheCureGuelph/Instagram: @runforthecure_guelph - https://www.instagram.com/runforthecure_guelph/TikTok: @guelphrun - https://www.tiktok.com/@guelphrunSupport Growing Guelph on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GrowingGuelph

Episode Description: In this episode, I sat down with to speak with Randy Freese of the Guelph Indigenous Community Council (GICC) about identity, land, and community. Randy shares his personal journey, the origins and mission of the GICC, and what it means to decolonize spaces and systems in Guelph today.Whether you’re new to the work of reconciliation or deeply involved in local activism, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of Guelph’s Indigenous landscape.Links: Guelph Indigenous Community Council Website: https://gindigenouscc.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GuelphIndigenousCC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gicc_ontario/

Support Growing Guelph on Patreon!If you enjoy Growing Guelph and want to help support local storytelling, I’ve launched a Patreon!For as little as a buck a month, you’ll get early, ad-free episodes, the chance to submit questions for guests, and help shape future topics.It’s totally optional, but it helps keep this project going — and growing.👉 Check it out at patreon.com/growingguelphIn this episode, I talk with longtime local advocate P. Brian Skerrett about the vision for a new national urban park on the historic Guelph Reformatory lands. We explore Brian’s deep connection to the site, his work with Heritage Guelph, and the heritage designation under the Ontario Heritage Act that is shaping the future of this space.We dive into the rich and complex legacy of the reformatory itself, the early roots of judicial reform in Canada, and why preserving this land matters—not just historically, but socially and ecologically. Brian shares his recent work with Guelph Museums, a public exhibit and walking tour, and the collaborative design efforts by Gareth Lind of Lind Design in support of the movement.Our conversation touches on the evolving relationship with local government, the role of organizations like the Yorklands Green Hub and the Guelph Hiking Trail Club, and the possibility of linking Guelph’s river and green spaces into one connected ecological corridor. We also discuss Indigenous history at the site, the legacy of the “Native Sons,” and broader themes of incarceration and reconciliation in Canada.As Guelph approaches its bicentennial in 2027, this project offers a chance to reflect on how land, history, and community can come together. We close with a look at how listeners can help support and shape the future of this vital green space. LinksUrban Park Guelph initiative: urbanparkguelph.comBrian’s recent walking tour with Guelph Museums: Explore the Reformatory GroundsWant to help shape future episodes or support the show?👉 Join the community on PatreonThanks for listening to Growing Guelph — where we celebrate the people shaping a stronger, more connected city.