Growing Guelph

Growing Guelph
  • 5.0 (4)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

🌱 Sharing stories of the people building, creating, and growing the Guelph community. 🎙️ Tune in for inspiring conversations with changemakers, innovators, and local leaders. 💬 #GrowingGuelph Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. JAN 31

    Meg Forestell-Page – Guelph Public Library – Tools for a Connected Community

    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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    53 min

  2. JAN 23

    Dan Atkins & Michelle Campbell – Guelph Public Library – Beyond Books

    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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min

  3. JAN 14

    Tom Armitage - The SEED - Breaking Barriers to Good Food

    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 Security Thanks 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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m

  4. 2025-10-15

    Samantha Wellhauser-Bells & Alex Cairney – Guelph Public Library & Welcoming Streets – Compassion in Community Spaces

    In this first episode of a special three-part series with the Guelph Public Library, we explore how libraries are transforming into vital third spaces—offering not just books, but life-saving support, community care, and inclusive spaces for all. Support Growing Guelph - https://www.patreon.com/growingguelph Host Jordan Sloggett speaks with Samantha Wellhauser-Bells, Main Library Branch Supervisor at the Guelph Public Library, and Alex Cairney, Outreach Worker with the Welcoming Streets Initiative. Together, they discuss: The evolving role of libraries as inclusive, public third spacesThe importance of harm reduction supports, including free naloxone kitsReal stories of community support, recovery, and connectionBuilding empathy, safety, and wellbeing in public spacesHow partnerships like Welcoming Streets and the library are changing livesThis episode highlights the human stories behind public policy, the essential services libraries provide beyond books, and how collaboration can lead to safer, healthier communities. Guests this episode:Samantha Wellhauser-Bells is the Main Library Branch Supervisor at Guelph Public Library. With a background in public service and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, Samantha helps guide the library’s role as a vital, welcoming community space. Alex Cairney (he/him) is an Outreach Worker with the Welcoming Streets Initiative, where he works to support vulnerable individuals in downtown Guelph. Alex and his team provide compassionate, on-the-ground assistance, de-escalation, and connections to critical services. Relevant Links:Guelph Public Library – About Us - https://www.guelphpl.ca/en/about-us/about-us.aspx?_mid_=33528Naloxone Kits Now Available at Guelph Library – GuelphToday.com - https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/guelph-library-giving-out-naloxone-spray-kits-at-main-branch-10455430Welcoming Streets Initiative – Guelph CHC - https://guelphchc.ca/welcoming-streets/Welcoming Streets Evaluation Report (PDF) - https://guelphchc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Guelph-Welcoming-Streets-Initiative-Evaluation.pdf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 6m

  5. 2025-09-28

    Kendall Kent – It’s Okay Studio – Design Meets Community

    Support Growing Guelph on Patreon - https://patreon.com/growingguelph Connect with Kendall Website: 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 29m

  6. 2025-09-15

    Anna Morozova & Bobby Raffin – Guelph Fashion Week – Stitching Community Together

    Anna Morozova & Bobby Raffin – Guelph Fashion Week – Stitching Community Together In 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 – @iamannamorozova Anna's Event Agency: @wearenewsociety Bobby Raffin – @bobbyraffin Bobby's Shop Three Pieces: @three.pieces.ca Guelph Fashion Week Tickets: Eventbrite – Guelph Fashion Week Media Coverage: GuelphToday – Guelph is getting its first Fashion Week Support Growing Guelph on Patreon - https://patreon.com/growingguelph Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min

  7. 2025-09-05

    Teresa Johnston & Sue Wilkinson - CIBC Run for the Cure Guelph - Movement with purpose

    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/@guelphrun Support Growing Guelph on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GrowingGuelph Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min

  8. 2025-08-22

    Randy Freese - Guelph Indigenous Community Council - Reconciliation in Practice

    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/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 19m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

🌱 Sharing stories of the people building, creating, and growing the Guelph community. 🎙️ Tune in for inspiring conversations with changemakers, innovators, and local leaders. 💬 #GrowingGuelph Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Growing Guelph
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jordan Sloggett
  • Show Website
    Growing Guelph