Civically Speaking Podcast with Host, Lenore Swystun and Co-Host, Christina Cherneskey

Lenore Swystun, Host, Civically Speaking on Saskatoon's Community Radio Station, CFCR.ca 90.5 FM with co-host, Christina Cherneskey

Civically speaking is a podcast that focuses on all things civic - focusing in on Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, and wider political, geopolitical, and related issues facing us in a 21st-century word. Host, Lenore Swystun, a Registered Professional Planner, Sociologist, and Facilitator together with Communications Specialist and former Journalist, Christina Cherneskey, invites guests and guest panels to discuss all things current and topical. Civically Speaking episodes are self-produced and aired weekly on Saskatoon's community radio station cfcr.ca along with providing podcast versions and special videocast and podcast direct specials. Tune in, try it, and we promise you'll find yourself coming back for more. We talk planning, politics, people - civically speaking!

  1. 6d ago

    PT 1 and PT 2 Being Good Neighbours

    Send us Fan Mail Dear Listeners, What does it really mean to be a good neighbour in a changing city? In this episode, Christina and I move through a series of seemingly different civic issues that ultimately come back to the same question: how do we live well alongside one another? The conversation begins with a recent bylaw appeal involving a house found to exceed permitted height and width requirements, and the consequences that follow when development does not comply with established rules. From there, the discussion turns to the closure of Prairie Harm Reduction, calls for provincial leaders to see conditions firsthand, and the need for municipal, provincial and federal governments to work together when addressing homelessness, addictions and community safety. The conversation then moves into smoking regulations, the Riversdale BID, public space and a discussion around tent communities. These issues raise difficult questions about compassion, responsibility, public health, safety and what happens when competing uses of shared spaces collide. In the second half, Christina and Lenore broaden the discussion to neighbourhood conversations, and a discussion why branding local concerns as NIMBY, not in my back yard, may not be helping to bring about good neighbourhoods.  When several houses on the same block go up for sale...when infill changes the scale or character of a street...when public spaces become de facto shelter...or when regulations affect one group differently than another...what happens next matters. At its heart, this episode is about moving beyond either/or thinking. Not development versus neighbourhoods. Not housed versus unhoused. Not enforcement versus compassion. Not individual rights versus collective responsibility. It is about becoming good neighbours...and building a city where decisions are judged not only by what we intended, but by what they actually produce. Have a listen. Support local media. Civically Speaking, Lenore and Christina Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

  2. Jun 25

    PT 1 and 2 Civically Speaking - Local Affairs in SK and Farther Afield

    Send us Fan Mail Hello Dear Listeners, My apologies for the delayed upload this week. I'm still in the midst of transferring files, programs, and what seems like an endless collection of digital gremlins from one laptop to another. Technology certainly has a way of keeping us humble! This week's episode takes us on quite a journey. In Part One, we stay close to home as we explore some of the stories shaping Saskatoon and Saskatchewan. We discuss the proposed Downtown Event and Entertainment District (DEED), why the Provincial Auditor's work deserves far more attention than it often receives, and several other stories that invite us to think about the future of our communities, our public institutions, and the decisions we're making today that will shape tomorrow. Then, in Part Two, we widen the lens considerably. Together we'll travel from the Middle East to Europe, from Africa to the Arctic, and from Washington to the FIFA World Cup. Along the way, we'll explore not only what is happening, but why these stories matter here in Saskatchewan. We'll also look at global public health, climate adaptation, food security, critical minerals, the future of agriculture, and some of the scientific discoveries quietly reshaping our world. One of the things I've always believed is that good citizenship begins with curiosity. The more we understand the forces shaping our communities, our country, and our world, the better equipped we are to participate in the conversations that matter. My hope is that Civically Speaking continues to be a place where we move beyond the headlines, ask thoughtful questions, and explore the stories behind the stories. Christina is hoping to be back beside the microphone with me sometime next week, and I know many of you will be delighted to hear her voice again. In the meantime, I hope you're enjoying this first official week of summer in Saskatchewan. Whether you're listening from a city neighbourhood, a small town, the farm, the lake, or somewhere along one of our beautiful highways, thank you for making Civically Speaking part of your week. Thank you, as always, for your thoughtful emails, questions, and story ideas. They remind me that civic conversation is something we build together. This has been Civically Speaking. Because informed citizens build stronger communities. Until next time... be kind, be curious, and stay civically engaged  Lenore Research Note: The stories discussed in this episode are based on publicly available information from a range of local, provincial, national, and international news organizations, government publications, academic and research institutions, and international agencies. Wherever possible, original and primary sources have been consulted to help ensure the information shared is accurate and current at the time of recording. As with all developing news stories, events may continue to evolve after this episode is published. Civically Speaking- Saskatoon Saskatchewan's #1 show about civic issues.

About

Civically speaking is a podcast that focuses on all things civic - focusing in on Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, and wider political, geopolitical, and related issues facing us in a 21st-century word. Host, Lenore Swystun, a Registered Professional Planner, Sociologist, and Facilitator together with Communications Specialist and former Journalist, Christina Cherneskey, invites guests and guest panels to discuss all things current and topical. Civically Speaking episodes are self-produced and aired weekly on Saskatoon's community radio station cfcr.ca along with providing podcast versions and special videocast and podcast direct specials. Tune in, try it, and we promise you'll find yourself coming back for more. We talk planning, politics, people - civically speaking!