Best Walter Sendzk Podcasts (2025)

1
Toboggan Flats isn't about places to sled, it's about creating affordable living spaces for young people 47:59

3M ago47:59

47:59

When you talk to young people entering the working world, one of their biggest concerns is securing affordable housing. The bigger the city, the more difficult it is to find safe and affordable housing for young people. On this episode of Searching for Solutions, we talk with Robert Barnard, founder of Toboggan Flats and Theodore Heintzman, Researc…

1
Creating accessory dwelling units within residential neighbourhoods could unlock more affordable housing 41:00

3M ago41:00

41:00

Cities are changes planning regulations and offering incentives for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units as a means to create more affordable livings spaces. Xavier Toby, founder of Axe Building in St. Catharines, Ontario, has a created a one-stop shop for prefabricated housing services from studio units to four-bed accessory dwelling units…

1
Can empathy be a key to getting people to act when it comes to climate change? 42:50

6M ago42:50

42:50

The world's climate is accelerating due to humans. It's a fact. Humans have the abilities to alter this pathway that is currently leading towards greater environmental disasters, but what is getting in the way? Dr. Julia Baird, Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Human Dimensions of Water Resources and Water Resilience and Associate Professor at Broc…

1
Leadership in a crisis with Jeff Lehman 45:28

6M ago45:28

45:28

Mayors are often the front lines of leadership. In any given community, it is the mayor who is the most visible elected official. During times of crisis, there is a role to play for a mayor to help lead a city through a challenging period. Jeff Lehman, former Mayor of Barrie, and current Chair of Muskoka District Council shares his experiences duri…

1
Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter talks about his journey from homelessness to becoming mayor of mid-size Canadian city 45:27

7M ago45:27

45:27

The political debate around homelessness often falls into two camps. Some Canadians feel threatened by homeless people, believing they are a source of crime, and some business owners think they keep customers away. People in that camp mostly just want them gone from the streets. The other camp argues that they are citizens in desperate need rather …

1
A new company looks to unlock spaces within homes to provide housing for students 43:21

1y ago43:21

43:21

In university and college towns, the pressure for housing has exhausted the housing market due to a continuous increase in enrolments that hasn't been matched by an increase in on-campus student living spaces. This has created an even more intense housing crisis for those communities. On this episode of Searching for Solutions, Rylan Kinnon, Co-Fou…

1
How to turn down the dial on anger and rage with Julie Christiansen 45:59

1y ago45:59

45:59

We are living in a period of increasing rage and anger driven by the polarization of politics and social media. Last fall Pollara Strategic Insights’ Rage Index showed Canadians are an angry bunch and it has an impact on communities, workplaces and families. Julie A. Christiansen is an award-winning speaker, author, and therapist with nearly 30 yea…

1
How socks can make a difference with Sam Baio 43:15

1y ago43:15

43:15

Ideas on how to help in communities come in all shapes and sizes. No idea is too big and no idea is too small when it comes finding ways to help those who are struggling with homelessness. Sometimes great ideas coming while driving on a highway late at night listening to the radio. Sam Baio, founder of Socks for Change, founded a unique social ente…

1
Understanding the cause and effects of trauma 42:09

1+ y ago42:09

42:09

Learning about trauma and its impact on the human mind and body is a way to unlock understanding about the long term impacts of trauma. To gain a better understanding of the issues of addictions, homelessness and mental health, a trauma informed community approach has been gaining traction as a way to develop better programs and policies to help pe…

1
How to deal with tensions in your life and in community with Tim Arnold 42:31

1+ y ago42:31

42:31

One of the most foundational books that I read during my time as Mayor of St. Catharines was written by Tim Arnold called The Power of Healthy Tension. It was a powerful book that gave me the tools to understand that tensions in relationships - both personal and at work - are not all bad and in fact we live with tension every day. It's how we manag…

1
Homeless shelters were designed to be places of temporary place relief, but what happened? 41:32

1+ y ago41:32

41:32

When a church opened a homeless shelter, it was due to an urgent need to temporarily house people that had no place to live. Now, over 20 years later, the Southridge Shelter in Niagara continues to be a place for those seeking a respite and the need has only continued to increase. On this episode, Annie Froese Director of Homelessness Services at S…

1
What role do safe consumption sites play in addressing the opioid epidemic? 44:13

1+ y ago44:13

44:13

The opioid epidemic has gripped communities large and small across North America. The rapid rise of addictions has also created pressures on health care and addiction support systems. The introduction of safe consumption sites were created to provide a safe space for drug use that also offered opportunities for people to connect with care providers…

1
Policing and the Opioid Epidemic with Port Hope Chief of Police Tim Farquharson 45:03

1+ y ago45:03

45:03

The opioid epidemic has stretched the resources of communities. Downtowns have become centres for extensive and excessive drug use often out in the open and in public spaces. People look to the police to address this complex issue but is it up to the police to lead the efforts to find solutions to societal issue? Port Hope Police Service Chief Tim …

1
Designing better systems of mental health and addictions care through lived experiences 41:48

1+ y ago41:48

41:48

When we talk about addictions and the complexities of homelessness and mental health, there is often a empty chair at the table - the person with lived experience. It has become increasingly clear that creating programs and systems of care with input from those with lived experiences often creates better outcomes. On this episode Janice Arnoldi, ho…

1
Why have food banks become a fixture in someone's life rather than a temporary place for assistance 47:41

1+ y ago47:41

47:41

Food banks across Canada were designed to be places for people to access food during an emergency. Now, it seems that food banks have become the backstop for more and more people as food insecurity reaches levels not seen in generations. Betty Lou Souter, who has been involved with food banks for more than 40 years, has been on the frontlines of th…

1
Businesses can make a difference in communities and FirstOntario Credit Union is leading the way 44:21

1+ y ago44:21

44:21

When it comes to social issues facing communities, businesses must play a role to help create pathways to solutions. Beyond the writing of a cheque, businesses (large and small) can be at the table to help communities navigate through the significant social challenges facing cities and towns. Lloyd Smith, CEO of FirstOntario Credit Union is leading…

1
Does safer drug supply have a role to play in the opioid epidemic? 43:57

1+ y ago43:57

43:57

Until the opioid epidemic touches your family or friends, concepts like safer drug supply are quite polarizing especially in Canadian politics. The concept is controversial but addictions is a complex affliction and through a better understanding of safer drug supply for drug users, can it be a part of a larger program that saves lives? Dr. Andrea …

1
The toxicity of drugs is putting more youth in danger of overdose deaths - what can be done to stop this before it is too late? 46:55

1+ y ago46:55

46:55

Fatal overdoses from opioids and other illicit drugs are now the leading cause of death for youth aged 10 to 18 in British Columbia, a development that underscores the urgency of the province’s toxic drug crisis. The numbers are trending in the same direction in provinces across the country. Clearly, youth drug and alcohol addiction is a crisis tha…

1
Taking medical care to where people need it the most 41:35

1+ y ago41:35

41:35

Dr. Karl Stobbe practiced rural medicine for 20 plus so he understood the concept that medical care needs to find ways to meet people where they are - not the other way around. An accomplished physician, Dr. Stobbe took his years of practice and teaching and built a new medical practice in Niagara that took a team of doctors and nurses into homeles…

1
How a community-based common agenda can be the catalyst of positive change 44:37

1+ y ago44:37

44:37

Visionary leader and pioneer in the work of poverty reduction in Canada, Paul Born pulled together a set of tools to guide communities in a process that leads to better outcomes of everyone. Founder of BE Community and Co-Founder of Tamarack Institute and Vibrant Communities, Paul is a social innovator, teacher and practitioner. On this episode of …

1
A blueprint for addressing the housing crisis in Canada 41:57

1+ y ago41:57

41:57

Dr. Mike Moffat joined forces with a group of leading housing experts in Canada to produce a blueprint on how to address the growing housing crisis. It comes at a crucial time as governments at all levels need find ways to build more housing. On this episode of Searching for Solutions, Dr. Moffat focuses on the key recommendations from the National…

1
Can municipal housing targets be a tool to get more homes built? 40:48

1+ y ago40:48

40:48

St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe was one of the first municipalities in Ontario to set an ambitious target to build 11,000 homes over the next decade. Understanding that houses are not built by municipalities, what is the reason for setting housing targets? On this episode of Searching for Solutions, Mayor Siscoe explains how housing targets by muni…

1
A father's tragic loss led to the creation of a campaign aimed at saving the lives of young people 42:49

1+ y ago42:49

42:49

After the accidental overdose death of Steve Borisenko’s young son Jacob in 2021 Steve wanted find a way to help youth who are struggling with substance use as well as their parents. With the help of community partners and Moonbase, a local multi-media marketing company, a new digital resource guide and marketing campaign was created to help addres…

1
Focusing on diversion to tackle youth homelessness 41:47

1+ y ago41:47

41:47

According to Without a Home: The National Youth Homelessness Survey, 20% of the homeless population in Canada is comprised of youth between the ages of 13-24. In a given year, there are at least 35,000-40,000 youth experiencing homelessness. Finding ways to keep youth from entering homelessness needs to be a priority for communities. This episode o…

1
Canada's homelessness crisis has a direct connection to lack of housing supply 44:10

1+ y ago44:10

44:10

One of the most pressing issues facing communities across Canada is the increase in people experiencing homelessness. From big cities to small towns, it's no longer possible to not see the impacts of a housing crisis that was years in the making. More than 250,000 people are unhoused in Canada - that is a number that should shock people - and it ke…

1
Municipal planning can been a barrier to new housing developments, but it doesn't have to be this way 54:17

1+ y ago54:17

54:17

One of the key intersections between getting a housing project built centres on the process between municipal planning offices and developers. Planning policies, which are approved by Councils and guided by provincial (and sometimes regional) policy directions are often complex and cumbersome. As a former mayor of a mid-size city in Canada, the del…

1
The need for more rental housing in Canada 45:46

1+ y ago45:46

45:46

The need for newly constructed rental housing has never been greater in Canada. Afer a building boom of large scale rental units in the 1970s - supply for purpose built rental buildings has fallen far behind the demand. On this issue of Searching for Solutions, Tony Irwin President & CEO Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO) take…

1
A disruptive approach to building social housing just might be the answer 43:00

1+ y ago43:00

43:00

The cost to build social housing has become prohibitive for many not-for-profit housing organizations, but an innovative approach between a developer, a credit union and a housing provider proves that new ways of thinking are needed to build more social housing in our communities. On this episode of Searching for Solutions, Lori Beech, Executive Di…

1
Everyone deserves to have a place to call home with Jeff Nevin CEO of Indwell 43:38

1+ y ago43:38

43:38

From a small group home in Hamilton in the 1970s to one of the largest purpose built housing not-for-profits in Canada, Indwell is a leading organization that has developed a strategy that is providing people who have struggled in life with housing that is designed to meet them where they are on their journey. This episode of Searching for Solution…

1
Complexities of building large scale housing developments 47:59

1+ y ago47:59

47:59

Building large scale housing complexes takes a lot of time. From conceptual designs to government approvals to shovels in ground - a 10+ storey building can take between 5 - 7 years to complete. As governments develop plans to build millions on new housing units in Canada, high rise housing structures will be a key piece of meeting this housing tar…

1
Looking at alternative housing designs with Aloft Housing & Elevate Living 47:14

1+ y ago47:14

47:14

One of the key parts of the housing crisis is affordability. On this episode of Searching for Solutions, we feature two entrepreneurs who are using design and new technologies to provide purpose built homes for people. Keith Gowans is the CEO of Aloft Housing , a modular design and manufacturing company that creates custom units that can built abov…

1
A look at Canada's housing crisis 43:37

1+ y ago43:37

43:37

In this episode of Searching for Solutions, we take a look at Canada's Housing Crisis. With the help of Mike Moffatt, Assistant Professor in the Business, Economics and Public Policy Group at Ivey School, Western University and Senior Director, Policy and Innovation at the Smart Prosperity Institute, we examine the causes of the national housing cr…

1
It all starts with an idea 38:10

2y ago38:10

38:10

This is the premiere episode of Searching for Solutions with Walter Sendzik. Former mayor of a mid-size city in Canada, Walter created the Compassionate City Project in St. Catharines during his time as mayor. With a focus on transforming the community and helping those experiencing some of life's most difficult challenges - Walter brought a new le…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Walter Sendzk Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
Searching for Solutions

Walter Sendzk

1
Toboggan Flats isn't about places to sled, it's about creating affordable living spaces for young people 47:59

1
Creating accessory dwelling units within residential neighbourhoods could unlock more affordable housing 41:00

1
Can empathy be a key to getting people to act when it comes to climate change? 42:50

1
Leadership in a crisis with Jeff Lehman 45:28

1
Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter talks about his journey from homelessness to becoming mayor of mid-size Canadian city 45:27

1
A new company looks to unlock spaces within homes to provide housing for students 43:21

1
How to turn down the dial on anger and rage with Julie Christiansen 45:59

1
How socks can make a difference with Sam Baio 43:15

1
Understanding the cause and effects of trauma 42:09

1
How to deal with tensions in your life and in community with Tim Arnold 42:31

1
Homeless shelters were designed to be places of temporary place relief, but what happened? 41:32

1
What role do safe consumption sites play in addressing the opioid epidemic? 44:13

1
Policing and the Opioid Epidemic with Port Hope Chief of Police Tim Farquharson 45:03

1
Designing better systems of mental health and addictions care through lived experiences 41:48

1
Why have food banks become a fixture in someone's life rather than a temporary place for assistance 47:41

1
Businesses can make a difference in communities and FirstOntario Credit Union is leading the way 44:21

1
Does safer drug supply have a role to play in the opioid epidemic? 43:57

1
The toxicity of drugs is putting more youth in danger of overdose deaths - what can be done to stop this before it is too late? 46:55

1
Taking medical care to where people need it the most 41:35

1
How a community-based common agenda can be the catalyst of positive change 44:37

1
A blueprint for addressing the housing crisis in Canada 41:57

1
Can municipal housing targets be a tool to get more homes built? 40:48

1
A father's tragic loss led to the creation of a campaign aimed at saving the lives of young people 42:49

1
Focusing on diversion to tackle youth homelessness 41:47

1
Canada's homelessness crisis has a direct connection to lack of housing supply 44:10

1
Municipal planning can been a barrier to new housing developments, but it doesn't have to be this way 54:17

1
The need for more rental housing in Canada 45:46

1
A disruptive approach to building social housing just might be the answer 43:00

1
Everyone deserves to have a place to call home with Jeff Nevin CEO of Indwell 43:38

1
Complexities of building large scale housing developments 47:59

1
Looking at alternative housing designs with Aloft Housing & Elevate Living 47:14

1
A look at Canada's housing crisis 43:37

1
It all starts with an idea 38:10