The "sprint" to the Ontario Provincial Election on Feb. 27 is underway and the Echo Essentials Podcast #53 features discussion about the rational for a snap vote and how things might go in the Nipissing Riding.

Co-hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale talk about the known candidates (no name from the Liberals before this recording) and touch on the latest regarding the looming federal election.

The Near North School Board wants the province to fully review the inefficiencies and redundancies in the Ontario education system to free up funding for priority student needs. Trustee Bill Steer and Parker Robinson, president of the local secondary school teachers federation, join the Echo Essentials podcast with co-hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale to chat about the potential reduction in the number or shape of school boards.

In this week’s Echo Essentials Podcast, co-hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale sat down with Brian Baldwin, a retired North Bay resident, to discuss his opposition to the city’s plan to build a sanitary sewer pumping station at the corner of Premier Road and Lakeshore Drive, directly in front of his property. Baldwin recently presented his concerns to city council, highlighting transparency issues and questioning the suitability of the chosen site.

“It was just flabbergasting when I learned they were planning to put the station right in front of my house,” Baldwin said during the interview. “The last I’d heard, the car wash site was the preferred location, but the city said they couldn’t finalize that deal, and the plans were shifted without my knowledge.”

The facility, designed to manage sanitary sewer flow, will include a 12-foot-diameter well and a significant surface footprint for electrical equipment. Baldwin explained how the project would disrupt the aesthetic of the area, stating, “The footprint of this thing is enormous—about 30 feet long with tall panels and a generator. Even with landscaping, it’s hard to imagine it won’t be an eyesore.”

Baldwin expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the city. While some notices were mailed, he claims not all relevant documents reached him. “I didn’t receive the final report outlining the location change,” he said. “By the time I found out, decisions had already been made. I felt left out of the process.”

The 50th episode of the Echo Essentials Podcast marked a full-circle moment as Shawn Flindall, communications director of the North Bay Snowmobile Club, returned as the guest, having been the very first interviewee when the show launched a year ago.

Hosted by Scott Clark and Dave Dale, the episode delves into the vital role snowmobiling plays in Northern Ontario’s economy, the challenges faced by the industry, and the tireless efforts of volunteers who sustain this beloved activity.

Flindall emphasized the staggering economic impact of snowmobiling in Ontario, generating between $3 billion and $5 billion annually. Northern Ontario reaps significant benefits from this influx, particularly during the winter months when other economic activity is limited. From small-town gas stations to restaurants and repair shops, the ripple effect touches countless businesses. “This is a huge tribute to volunteerism,” Flindall remarked. Ontario boasts 180 snowmobile clubs,
 each managing hundreds of kilometers of trails.

Volunteers handle everything from landowner agreements to trail maintenance, ensuring the 33,000-kilometer network remains operational. “It’s remarkable what has been achieved by people giving their time freely,” he added.

Dale joked about snowmobiling has saved marriages because it gets at least one partner out of the house for extended periods to build trails and bridges, while couples can enjoy them on long rides together.


5:00 Vehicles parked on lakes issue raised in newsletter
13:04 Shawn Flindall, North Bay Snowmobile Club
17:00 Forecast not looking great for trails
19:00 Renewing land owner permits difficult
25:25 North Bay Toyota sponsor
29:00 $3 to 5 Billion impact provincially

The Echo Essentials Podcast this week features long-time Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota, who is retiring from federal politics after 16 years in Ottawa. Topics range from who might make a good candidate to lead the Liberal Party in the future to some of his highs and lows in office, including a flip flop on the issue of the gun registry legislation and the 18-vote loss to Conservative Jay Aspin in 2011.

In the pre-interview banter between co-hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale, you'll hear a discussion about how and why you won't hear Rota's take on the international incident that led to him resigning as Speaker of the House in the fall of 2023. Rota had addressed the issue in the interview but later asked for it to be edited out. Clark agreed to the edit, on the promise that Rota would come back and do a more fulsome discussion on the topic, and Dale provided his perspective on how such things can be handled in the future.

In today's episode of the Echo Essentials Podcast, co-host Dave Dale conducted an in-depth interview with North Bay Deputy Mayor Maggie Horsfield, who is also the chairwoman of the General Government Committee and the city’s budget chief.

Horsfield shared insights about the city’s ongoing budget process, her role as deputy mayor, and the challenges of her first term in office. Horsfield outlined the city’s approach to its 2025 budget, including a delayed timeline to allow thorough preparation. The process begins in January with the water and wastewater budgets and progresses to the operating and capital budgets in February and March.

She explained the importance of setting aside funds in advance to avoid sharp tax increases when significant projects, such as the Twin Pad Community Centre, move forward. Discussing the "Twin Pad" project, Horsfield emphasized the city’s long-term financial planning. Revenue from sources like the gas tax, casino funds, and the Municipal Accommodation Tax has been allocated toward this $63 million project to mitigate its impact on taxpayers. She acknowledged the complexity of balancing rising costs, collective bargaining pressures, and service partner budgets, which comprise nearly half the city’s overall expenses.

Horsfield also touched on other pressing matters, such as the potential city takeover of the local ski hill. She emphasized the need to weigh the ski hill’s community value against its financial feasibility and said negotiations were ongoing between the city and the conservation authority. Reflecting on her tenure, Horsfield highlighted the importance of improved communication with residents.

She launched a newsletter to provide updates and foster transparency, a move co-host Dale praised as a model for other city councilors. While she enjoys her role, Horsfield noted the steep learning curve and the challenge of making substantial progress within a single term. She suggested that a two-term commitment allows councilors to maximize their impact. When asked about her political ambitions, Horsfield expressed a strong interest in running for council again but remained non-committal about a mayoral bid.

For now, her focus is on continuing her work for the community and addressing key issues such as public safety, recreation, and transit. Horsfield believes that North Bay’s centennial celebrations in 2025 will rejuvenate community spirit. She expressed optimism about the year ahead, predicting a mix of challenges and opportunities with significant political, economic, and social events on the horizon.

The Echo Essentials Podcast #47 closes out 2024 with a review of recent controversial interviews and what's coming up in 2025, including a mixed-bag of political drama and the challenges of local media conducting investigative journalism in today's fractured market.

They discuss the attention being put on the Nipissing District Cassellhome Home for the Aged, a long-term care facility, and Castle Arms, a closely associated seniors living non-profit. We also talk about how much the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board can do when it comes to filling in the gaps of provincial funding for community needs, such as what the Gathering Place soup kitchen does.

Municipal, provincial and federal political drama is also discussed, including the potential for many open chairs on North Bay City Council in 2026.

The Echo Newsletter, recently re-designed with links to stories about podcasts, and its new poll feature, are highlighted.

North Bay Councilor Justine Mallah, Chairwoman of the Community Services Committee, joined co-hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale for this week’s Echo Essentials podcast to reflect on her first two years in office.

Mallah shares insights about her experiences, challenges, and achievements, offering a candid look at her role on city council. Mallah, who moved to the city in 2018, vaulted into the municipal spotlight in 2022 by securing the third-highest vote total.

“It was a steep learning curve. I very much appreciate having nine other council members and the mayor to learn from,” she said. Mallah emphasized the value of collaboration, explaining that differing perspectives among council members have helped her craft more effective policies. “If we just had my own perspective, I’d miss various interests or components,” she added.

Read the full story: https://www.northbayecho.ca/article/small-steps-make-a-difference/

In this week's Echo Essentials podcast, North Bay Councilor Chris Mayne sheds light on the intricate dynamics surrounding the Cassellholme refurbishment project and the controversial governance changes at Castle Arms.

Hosted by Dave Dale and guest co-host Stu Campaigne, the show provided a platform for an in-depth discussion on these critical issues, helping demystify a complex but vital topic for North Bay residents. Mayne, a longstanding member of the Cassellholme board and former chair of the Castle Arms board, reflected on his removal from the latter.

He described his tenure as one marked by significant contributions and a commitment to community-focused decision-making. Mayne highlighted the progress on the $121 million redevelopment of Cassellholme, a long-term care facility. Though the project is behind schedule by over a year, he expressed optimism about the eventual completion expected to take several more years. See its website for the latest information being shared about the redevelopment.

Read a full article based on the transcript of this podcast at the North Bay Echo website. It was generated by ChatGPT in a news-style complete with quotes. Send feedback and concerns about fact to [email protected]. https://www.northbayecho.ca/article/essentials-45-coun-chris-mayne-talks-about-being-voted-off-castle-arms-board-casselholme-update/

Today's Echo Essentials Podcast highlights the trials faced by the North Bay Gathering Place, a vital soup kitchen grappling with financial difficulties.

Hosted by Dave Dale with guest co-host Dave Mendicino, the conversation features Peter Gregory, chairman of the Gathering Place board, and Alicia Smith, operations manager.

Together, they discuss the impact of funding challenges, the organization’s restructuring efforts, and its future.

For a longer written account of the discussion, see the story on the NorthBayEcho.ca website at: https://www.northbayecho.ca/article/navigating-challenges-the-gathering-place-adapts-to-financial-strains/