At Home in Muskoka

I’m delighted to close season two of the podcast with a conversation with Fay Martin from Places for People. This is a critical listen for anyone struggling with a sense of hopelessness as we continue into a season of upheaval. As Fay says, “doing what you can with what you have is a great antidote for feeling powerless and vulnerable”. Join us as we talk about the importance of using community resources to address community issues as an alternative to waiting for somebody else to fix thingsShow NotesPlaces for People’s next fundraising campaign is selling degrees so they can repair the furnace in one of their properties. Donate today on their Facebook page: Turn Up the Heat for Places for People – Every Degree Makes a Difference!Research into the social tipping point for effective change cited by Fay (and hats off to Heather for pulling these results showing between 3% to 25% together for us): Social tipping dynamics for stabilizing Earth’s climate by 2050 | PNASSocial tipping point and optimismResearch Finds Tipping Point for Large-Scale Social Change | AnnenbergFind Places for People Online: Instagram: @p4phaliburtonFacebook: @placesforpeoplehaliburtonWebsite: https://www.placesforpeople.ca/Find the Muskoka Community Land Trust Online: Instagram: @muskokacltFacebook: @muskokacltLinkedIn:  @muskokacltWebsite: muskokacommunitylandtrust.orgPatreon: AtHomeinMuskoka Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beth Houston joins me in today’s episode to talk about Gravenhurst Against Poverty, a cornerstone organization in Muskoka that creates community through food, programming, and transportation. We talk about what GAP is doing right now, what it would like to do, and what it will take to make our big dreams for Gravenhurst come true.Show Notes: Read G.A.P.'s Impact Report and 2024-2028 Strategic PlanVolunteer in one of their many programsDonate to Gravenhurst Against PovertyMark your calendars for Coldest Night of the Year on February 22, 2025 and subscribe to the GAP newsletter to follow the detailsFind Gravenhurst Against Poverty Online:YouTube: Gravenhurst Against PovertyInstagram: @GravenhurstAgainstPovertyFacebook: @GravenhurstAgainstPovertyWebsite: gravenhurstagainstpoverty.comFind Us Online: Instagram: @muskokacltFacebook: @muskokacltLinkedIn:  @muskokacltWebsite: muskokacommunitylandtrust.orgPatreon: AtHomeinMuskoka Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode the Coordinator of the Alliance for a Liveable Ontario, Franz Hartmann, walks us through five ways to make homes affordable in Ontario. Five Ways Home is a project of hope by a staggering array of people from across the political spectrum, including environmentalists, planners, and farmers. Built on a foundation of deep research, it’s a set of actionable solutions to Ontario’s housing crisis that’s written for people, not policy-makers.Show NotesDownload Taking Action Together: Five Ways to Make Homes Affordable in OntarioWatch the Five Ways To Make Homes more Affordable videos: Introduction to Five Ways Home (3 min)Make housing affordable and part of liveable communities (1 min)Invest heavily in non-market affordable housing (1 min)Build smarter and faster (1 min)Build a wide variety of housing types (1 min)Build in the right Places (1 min)Click the Take Action button and share with your friends, family, neighbours, and MPPsFind Five Ways Home and the Alliance for a Liveable Ontario Online: YouTube: @liveableontarioInstagram: @allianceforaliveableontarioFacebook: @liveableontarioWebsite: fivewayshome.caFind Us Online: Instagram: @muskokacltFacebook: @muskokacltLinkedIn:  @muskokacltWebsite: muskokacommunitylandtrust.orgPatreon: AtHomeinMuskoka Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode, we meet Nat Pace, the network director of the Canadian Network of Community Land Trust. They lead us through the history of the modern land trust movement and the mission of the CNCLT to support the movement in Canada. A must-listen episode for anyone interested in organizing around community land stewardship.Show NotesAttend the 2024 Community Land Trust Summit on October 18-19th via livestreamLearn the history of New Communities Inc.Understand how community land trusts can facilitate the return of land to Indigenous communities.  Follow the progress of the Calgary Urban Indigenous Community Land Trust Development ProjectFind the Canadian Network of Community Land Trusts Online: YouTube: @canadianCLTsFacebook: @canadianCLTsLinkedIn: @canadian-network-of-community-land-trustsWebsite: communityland.caFind Us Online: Instagram: @muskokacltFacebook: @muskokacltLinkedIn: @muskokacltWebsite: muskokacommunitylandtrust.orgPatreon: AtHomeinMuskoka Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aaron Binder is a long–time business owner and entrepreneur across multiple industries, with political experience and a passion for environmental and micromobility advocacy. He’s the director of the Better Way Alliance, Canada’s member-driven, ethical employer network that invests in workers, knowing that they are their organization’s greatest assets. The Better Way Alliance advocates for decent employment practices and desperately needed commercial rent reform that develop resilient and community-focused Main Streets across Canada, including right here in Muskoka.Show NotesRead about the business case for ethical employmentJoin the Better Way AllianceRead the Commercial Rent ReportSupport the Commercial Renter Bill of RightsSee all the other cool stuff Aaron is up to at aaronbinder.comFind the Better Way Alliance Online: Twitter: @betterwaycanInstagram: @betterwayallianceFacebook: @betterwayallianceLinkedIn: @better-way-allianceWebsite: betterwayalliance.caFind Us Online: Twitter: @muskokaclt  Instagram: @muskokacltFacebook: @muskokacltLinkedIn: @muskokacltWebsite: muskokacommunitylandtrust.orgPatreon: AtHomeinMuskoka Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Len Ring from Climate Action Muskoka joins the show today to discuss the history of CAM, the urgency of taking action to stop global warming, the interconnectedness of climate action and community building, and what we can do (and are doing!) collectively and as individuals to mitigate climate change.Show Notes: Read about the intersection of climate and housing: Want to Fight Climate Change? Fix Housing | Task Force for Housing and ClimateSubscribe to the CAM Newsletter and the Muskoka Drawdown PodcastRead the Building Back Better seriesDownload the Climate Change Curriculum created in partnership with the Retired Teachers of Ontario [PDF]Join the Community Carbon ChallengeLearn about Muskoka’s Climate Action PlanFind Climate Action Muskoka Online: Facebook: @climateactionmuskokaInstagram: @climateactionmuskokaYouTube: @climateactionmuskoka5792Website: climateactionmuskoka.orgFind The Muskoka Community Land Trust Online: Instagram: @muskokacltFacebook: @muskokacltLinkedIn: @muskokacltWebsite: muskokacommunitylandtrust.orgPatreon: AtHomeinMuskoka Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Kate Trueland from Community Living South Muskoka and I as we discuss the impact inclusive spaces can have on the experience and enjoyment of Muskoka for residents and visitors with developmental and physical disabilities. Show Notes: Get your tickets for Music at the Meadows 2024Read By The Numbers: A statistical profile of people with mental health and addiction disabilities in Ontario [PDF]Subscribe to the Community Living South Muskoka NewsletterFind Community Living South Muskoka Online: Instagram: @community_living_south_muskoka, @musiccatthemeadows and @morrisonmeadowsFacebook: @CLSouthMuskokaYouTube: @communitylivingsouthmuskok6652LinkedIn:  @community-living-south-muskokaWebsite: clsm.on.caFind the Muskoka Community Land Trust Online: Instagram: @muskokacltFacebook: @muskokacltLinkedIn:  @muskokacltWebsite: muskokacommunitylandtrust.orgPatreon: AtHomeinMuskoka Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kelly Jones is a powerhouse community builder and anti-poverty advocate, and it’s likely you’ve already met her through her work at Bridges out of Poverty, the YWCA, Residents Against Muskoka Poverty, or Gravenhurst Against Poverty.In today’s episode, Kelly generously shares her story of building a life here in Muskoka, and uses it as an example of how life-changing an invitation into community can be.Show Notes: Find out more about 3DCP MuskokaRegister for the next Bridges out of Poverty workshopBecome a Circles AllyFind us Online: Instagram: @muskokacltFacebook: @muskokacltLinkedIn: @muskokacltWebsite: muskokacommunitylandtrust.orgPatreon: AtHomeinMuskoka Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2014, Dr. Norman Yan completely failed to retire from his career in the science of understanding the human impacts on Ontario’s lakes, how the damage can be fixed, and how future damage can be prevented. Why this failure to retire? Because he’s an integral member of of the Friends of the Muskoka Watershed, a local charity that turns science into community-wide action to protect the Muskoka watershed. You can support the work of the Friends of the Muskoka Watershed by donating at fotmw.org.In today’s episode of At Home in Muskoka, Dr. Yan joins me for a conversation about how the natural environment is part of our community, and what we can do to strengthen our relationship to the land and water of Muskoka. Show Notes: Donate to Friends of the Muskoka Watershed hereFollow Dr. Yan's Research hereRead A Lake Management Framework for Global Application hereFind the Friends of the Muskoka Watershed online: Facebook: @friendsofthemuskokawatershedInstagram: @friendsofthemuskokawatershedLinkedIn: @friends-of-the-muskoka-watershedX: @friendsmuskokawYouTube: Friends of the Muskoka WatershedFind the MCLT online: Twitter: @muskokaclt  Instagram: @muskokacltFacebook: @muskokacltLinkedIn:  @muskokacltWebsite: muskokacommunitylandtrust.orgPatreon: AtHomeinMuskoka Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve reached the end of the first season of At Home in Muskoka, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about the conversations we’ve had so far. In this final episode before our break to prepare for next season, I share the presentation I gave at Ignite Gravenhurst about community land trusts, and stewarding community assets for community health.If you are or know a community builder, either an individual or an organization, and have an idea for a good conversation to have on the podcast, please reach out by using our contact formCatch Season Two of At Home in Muskoka when it’s ready by following us online:Twitter: @muskokaclt  Instagram: @muskokacltFacebook: @muskokacltLinkedIn:  @muskokacltWebsite: muskokacommunitylandtrust.orgPatreon: AtHomeinMuskoka Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Lynn DeCaro from the Muskoka Community Foundation joins me to talk about Vital Signs, a bi-annual report that functions as a health and vitality check up across a range of sectors that are critical to the quality of life for our community. We discuss her path from Orrville to Muskoka, from bottle drives to community foundations, and from small actions to big impact. Show Notes: Read the current Vital Signs® report (and check out past ones too)Subscribe to the Muskoka Community Foundation newsletterCheck out Community Foundations of CanadaFind Muskoka Community Foundation Online:Twitter: @muskokacommfdnInstagram: @muskokacommfndFacebook: @muskokacommunityfoundationLinkedIn: @muskoka-community-foundationWebsite: muskokacommunityfoundation.caFind Us Online: Twitter: @muskokaclt  Instagram: @muskokacltFacebook: @muskokacltLinkedIn: @muskokacltWebsite: muskokacommunitylandtrust.orgPatreon: AtHomeinMuskoka Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m joined today by Suzanne Willett, Executive Director of Community Living Huntsville, to talk about what exactly Community Living does to support and advocate alongside people with developmental disabilities to live the lives they choose in their community. Show Notes: Become an inclusive landlord Donate to Community Living HuntsvilleEnjoy the next Huntsville’s Got Talent Find Us Online: Twitter: @muskokaclt  Instagram: @muskokacltFacebook: @muskokacltLinkedIn:  @muskokacltWebsite: muskokacommunitylandtrust.orgPatreon: AtHomeinMuskoka Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m joined today by Tom Fortier and Peter Kelley to talk about how our community is affected by the housing crisis. We discuss what the District Municipality of Muskoka is doing about it, including the work of the Muskoka Housing Task Force 2.0, and what we as community members can do about it both collectively and individually.Show Notes:Stay up to date with local projects at Engage MuskokaDistrict Municipality of Muskoka 10 Year Housing and Homelessness Plan (2020) and Annual Report (2022)Town of Huntsville Strategic PlanFind us Online: Twitter: @muskokaclt  Instagram: @muskokacltFacebook: @muskokacltLinkedIn:  @muskokacltWebsite: muskokacommunitylandtrust.orgPatreon: AtHomeinMuskoka Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Monk is the Vice President of Strategy and Corporate Programs for Explorer’s Edge, otherwise known as Regional Tourism Organization 12, the destination development organization for the region of Ontario that includes Muskoka. She’s a local girl with a deep and abiding love for our lakes and communities, and joins me today to talk about how a regenerative approach to the business of tourism aims higher than mere sustainability and helps ensure that the businesses, the environment, and the people who live here, work here, and visit here can thrive together.Show Notes: Explorer’s Edge/RTO12’s Regional Data HubRead Regeneration RisingCatalyst housingMuskoka Discovery Centre: Misko-Aski, Confluence of CulturesFind us Online: Twitter: @muskokaclt  Instagram: @muskokacltFacebook: @muskokacltLinkedIn: @muskokacltWebsite: muskokacommunitylandtrust.orgPatreon: AtHomeinMuskoka Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Town planner Jeremy Rand joins me in today's episode to talk about what an urban planner does, how the process works, and how communities can be strengthened (or weakened) through the planning, consultation, and development process.Show Notes:Ignite GravenhurstGeorgian Bay Rowing clubCharles Mahom, Strong TownsFind us online: Twitter: @muskokaclt  Instagram: @muskokacltFacebook: @muskokacltLinkedIn:  @muskokacltWebsite: muskokacommunitylandtrust.orgPatreon: AtHomeinMuskoka Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m joined today by Christopher Jordan-Stevens to talk about homelessness…or, more precisely, to talk about how we talk about homelessness, and how our understanding of both the problem and the solution come into focus when we keep the dignity of the people involved at the forefront of our minds.Show Notes: 2021 Muskoka Homeless Enumeration & By-Name ListRead: Homelessness is a Housing ProblemAbout Housing FirstMuskoka Homelessness Resources:The District: 705-645-2412 ext. 4363Canadian Mental Health Association crisis line (1-800-461-5424)Muskoka Victim Services: 1-844-762-9945Muskoka Women’s Shelters - Interval House (Bracebridge): 705-645-4461 or Chrysalis (Huntsville): 705-789-8488The Table Men’s Shelter (Huntsville): 705-783-5827Call 9-1-1 for emergency or crisis situations.Find us Online: Find us online: Twitter: @muskokaclt Instagram: @muskokacltFacebook: @muskokaclt LinkedIn:  Muskoka Community Land TrustWebsite: muskokacommunitylandtrust.orgPatreon: AtHomeinMuskoka Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finding secure, affordable, and appropriate housing is hard enough. For those with developmental disabilities, plotting a course through the many, many barriers to housing and finding community on the other side is exponentially more difficult. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Martha Beach and Olivia Thomas, Housing Navigators with Developmental Services Ontario, who explain their role and share tools and resources for individuals and families looking for stable, dignified housing.Show Notes: Register for the Housing Forum hereFind the Housing Navigator for your regionDevelopmental Services Ontario Housing ToolkitOntario Not for Profit Housing AssociationDistrict of Muskoka Secondary Suite FundingDistrict of Muskoka Accessibility Grants and Home Repair FundingFind us Online: Twitter: @muskokaclt Instagram: @muskokaclt Facebook: @muskokaclt LinkedIn:  Muskoka Community Land Trust Website: https://www.muskokacommunitylandtrust.org/Patreon: AtHomeinMuskoka Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today’s episode I’m joined by Brianna Goslin, who has been working with first time homebuyers in Muskoka since 2021 to navigate rapidly rising interest rates and find original ways to secure and afford housing. While the picture she paints may sound bleak, Brianna articulates a hopeful vision of community care that proves more than one thing can be true at any given moment.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.