In this episode of City Lab Conversations, Darren (he/him) and Priya (she/her) dive into the ongoing transition from Safe Consumption Sites (CTS) to Homeless Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) hubs in Ontario. They discuss the implications of this shift, its impact on cities like Hamilton—currently facing significant challenges with the opioid crisis—and why the closure of CTS sites raises concerns about harm reduction efforts. 

Drawing from expert opinions, current literature, and personal reflections, Darren and Priya explore whether this recovery-focused model can fill the gap left by harm reduction programs. They highlight the voices of healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community advocates while raising critical questions about the effectiveness of these changes. 

This episode invites listeners to reflect on the balance between public health and recovery approaches and consider the role of education and advocacy in shaping solutions. 

Tune in to hear how harm reduction intersects with policy and why it matters for communities like Hamilton. 

Former CityLAB Semester in Residence student Daniella Mikanovsky researched sidewalk snow removal in Hamilton as part of her undergraduate thesis. In this episode, Daniella speaks about the recent changes that the City of Hamilton made to its sidewalk snow clearing policy, and what this means for the future of the City.

Recorded By: Ananya Yadav and Julia Menezes

In this episode, Gabriella Christopher and Ned Nolan discuss their respective experiences delegating as citizens to Hamilton City Hall. They discuss the delegation process, where citizens can go for support, and the opportunities and challenges that have emerged for delegates in the context of the pandemic.

Recorded By: Ananya Yadav and Julia Menezes

Interested in delegating as a citizen to Hamilton City Hall? Delegate registration information can be found on the City of Hamilton’s website: https://www.hamilton.ca/council-committee

In 2013, Calgary and its surrounding areas were overcome by a devastating flood. The city paid billions in damage and suffered a great human cost - with 5 lives lost. In the aftermath of this calamity, the City of Calgary understood the importance of mitigating flood risk and building a flood-resilient city for the future.

Tanya Laing, who is a Watershed Planning Strategist at the City of Calgary, discusses the work the city has done in flood-risk management to prevent such a catastrophe from occurring again.

Recorded By: Ananya Yadav, Wendy Zhang (CityLAB SIR Climate Change Resiliency Team) 

Edited By: Wendy Zhang

Tune in to hear Tanya Laing, Heather Galbraith, and Jill Curley from the City of Calgary tell us about Calgary’s climate plans. They speak about the beginnings of their climate program and how the 2013 Calgary floods ignited a commitment to better climate resiliency plans in the city. They also discuss how they engaged with the public to build a better plan for all.

Recorded By: Ananya Yadav, Derya Demirci, Henry Challen, Wendy Zhang (CityLAB SIR Climate Change Resiliency Team)

This episode is Part 2 of our interview with the Executive Director of the Bay Area Restoration Council, Chris McLaughlin. Chris talks about effective stormwater management strategies, and shares how BARC engages with community members to get them involved in the change-making process in Hamilton.

Recorded By: Ananya Yadav, Derya Demirci, Henry Challen, Wendy Zhang (CityLAB SIR Climate Change Resiliency Team)

This episode features a conversation with the Executive Director of the Bay Area Restoration Council (BARC), Chris McLaughlin. He talks about how he got involved with BARC and then describes the type of work that the organization is involved in, along with their working relationship with the City of Hamilton. Chris further talks about the problem of subjective data metrics and explains why he thinks Hamilton must handle stormwater more effectively.

Recorded By: Ananya Yadav, Derya Demirci, Henry Challen, Wendy Zhang (CityLAB SIR Climate Change Resiliency Team)

In this episode, McMaster Research Shop participants Chelsea Barranger, Fairuz Karim, and Marzan Hamid speak about their ‘Nowhere to Go’ project with the Beasley Neighbourhood Association. They emphasize the need for more public discourse in Hamilton surrounding public washrooms that are accessible, sustainable, and community-driven. Listen to this episode, then check-out @HamOntWashrooms on Instagram and Twitter to join the conversation!

Recorded By: Ananya Yadav and Julia Menezes

Interested in learning more about the Research Shop and the ‘Nowhere to Go’ report? Visit: community.mcmaster.ca/research-shop

This episode features a conversation with Bianca Caramento who is the Manager of the Bay Area Climate Change Council. Learn more about what the BACC does and how it works together with other organizations and the City to catalyze climate action in Hamilton!

Recorded By: Ananya Yadav, Derya Demirci, Henry Challen, Wendy Zhang (CityLAB SIR Climate Change Resiliency Team)

This is part 2 of our conversation with Jon Davey, who is the environment and climate change committee chair for the North End Neighborhood Association (NENA). In this episode, Jon talks about the challenges of getting political support for climate change policies and dealing with difficult stakeholders. He shares his thoughts about the sustainability of the Pier 8 development and the importance of sustainable public transportation for all. Be sure to check out Part 1 as well, where Jon talks about some of the greatest challenges facing Hamilton with regards to climate change and how North End residents are helping to make a positive difference in the community.

Recorded By: Ananya Yadav, Derya Demirci, Henry Challen, Wendy Zhang (CityLAB SIR Climate Change Resiliency Team)