London, ON: One of Canada’s Greenest Cities?

In the final episode of our series, we’re looking at cycling in London. Molly talks with guests Ben Cowie (London Bicycle Café) and Luis Patricio (London Cycle Link) about cycling infrastructure and the goal of a connected grid of bike lanes for all ages and abilities.

The 3Rs have become 5Rs: refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and rot. Or 6 if you add reimagine—and we are.

In our second episode looking at local food growth in London, Ontario, Molly talks to Western University professor and community activator Dr. Gabor Sass about the various urban agriculture initiatives he's been involved with, and ways that individuals and community groups can support each other in growing more food in the city.

We also look into the City of London's Urban Agriculture Strategy, the opportunities it has made possible, and the exclusion of urban hens from the strategy. And we get excited about gardening and the benefits it offers.

In this first of two episodes looking at local food, we consider the goal of London becoming food self-sufficient.

Mariam Waliji talks about Urban Roots London (the city’s urban farm), On The Move Organics food box delivery program, and the Root Cellar restaurant, as well as food security and the effects of climate change and the pandemic on local food systems.

Mike Bloxam of the London Food Bank outlines the many food rescue programs and on-site growing projects underway at the London Food Bank, that made it the first food bank in Canada to offer 50% fresh food to clients.

In our second episode on Deshkan Ziibi, or the Thames River, we look at the river's health from a personal perspective. What effect can individuals have on water health?

First we hear from Barry Orr, sewer outreach and control inspector for the City of London. Barry explains how London's sewer and water treatment systems work, and dishes the dirt on Londoners' good and bad flushing habits.

Then we have a conversation with Indigenous educator Wahsayzee Deleary, in which Wahsayzee and Molly discuss the importance of building personal relationships with water and the river, through education, connection and prayer.

In the first of two episodes on Deshkan Ziibi, or the Thames River (which runs through the city of London) we look at the river’s health and the goal of being able to swim in, fish from and drink from the river safely.

With our guests, we consider the names of the river, it’s geography and health over time, and the current and future challenge of climate change. We talk about the sewage system and the problem of combined sewers and overflow. And we ask whose responsibility it is to keep the water clean, and who bears the brunt when it’s not.

Guests include: Emma Young and Brandon Graham from the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation’s Treaty, Lands and Environment team, Pat Donnelly from the City of London, and Karen Maaskant from the Upper Thames Valley Conservation Authority.

London, Ontario has long been calling itself the Forest City. In this, the first episode of the podcast, we ask if the city is deserving of that name.

Our guest speakers share their thoughts to help answer this question. They examine the history of London’s forests and how invasive plants, insect species, and climate change are impacting London’s trees. Molly also learns tips to help the City of London reach the goal of 34% tree canopy cover by 2065.

Guests include: Emma Young and Brandon Graham from the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation’s Treaty, Lands and Environment team; Brandon Williamson, Land Management Technician at the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority; and Jill-Anne Spence, Manager of Urban Forestry for the City of London.