Community by Design: Exploring Social Infrastructure in Waterloo Region Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/community-by-design-exploring-social-infurstruction-in-waterloo-region Community By Design: Exploring Social Infrastructure in Waterloo Region is a 5-episode podcast series that takes you on a tour of some of the most critical social infrastructure in Waterloo Region, where creative connectors are using everyday spaces—libraries, schools, public squares—to build belonging and social connection. Through conversations with a variety of community builders, this show reveals how intentional design and grassroots ingenuity are weaving a stronger social fabric across our communities. Produced by Midtown Radio and supported by the Waterloo Region Community Foundation, each episode uncovers the inspiring ways ordinary people are creating extraordinary connections in the places we gather, learn, and grow together. Midtown Radio 2026 db837213-8a3b-5de1-bfbf-57843df2ce31 yes en Sat, 21 Mar 2026 12:00:05 -0400 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 12:01:40 -0400 https://www.midtownradio.ca/ https://img.transistorcdn.com/wqqdA6EiXYeWj2Va9-XD-ls4BLHLe1CbRuNsxG9jAdk/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8yZTQ3/NjE1MzY4NjgzOTVi/YWFmNWM0YWU1ZTQz/NWUzYS5wbmc.jpg Community by Design: Exploring Social Infrastructure in Waterloo Region https://www.midtownradio.ca/ episodic Midtown Radio Community By Design: Exploring Social Infrastructure in Waterloo Region is a 5-episode podcast series that takes you on a tour of some of the most critical social infrastructure in Waterloo Region, where creative connectors are using everyday spaces—libraries, schools, public squares—to build belonging and social connection. Through conversations with a variety of community builders, this show reveals how intentional design and grassroots ingenuity are weaving a stronger social fabric across our communities. Produced by Midtown Radio and supported by the Waterloo Region Community Foundation, each episode uncovers the inspiring ways ordinary people are creating extraordinary connections in the places we gather, learn, and grow together. Community By Design: Exploring Social Infrastructure in Waterloo Region is a 5-episode podcast series that takes you on a tour of some of the most critical social infrastructure in Waterloo Region, where creative connectors are using everyday spaces—libraries, schools, public squares—to build belonging and social connection. David Harmes / Jay Harrison midtownradiokw@gmail.com No No Bonus Episode: Live from KPL 7 7 Bonus Episode: Live from KPL full 37197a3f-11c6-4705-8a84-c684044b4f65 https://CommunitybyDesign.transistor.fm/s1/7 To celebrate the release of the Community Design Podcast, Midtown Radio partnered with the Waterloo Region Community Foundation and the Kitchener Public Library to host a community conversation on January 22nd, in the Kitchener Public Library (KPL) theater. Over 120 community members joined us for a conversation about the importance of social infrastructure in the Waterloo Region. 

Host Danielle Deveau was joined by Jay Harrison, Producer and Host for Community by Design, Nathan Stretch, Senior Manager of Community Development and INsights at the Kitchener Public Library, and Jeyas Balaskanthan, Executive Director at the Uptown Waterloo BIA. 

Here is a recording of the event, starting with an introduction from Eric Avner, President and CEO at the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. 


]]> To celebrate the release of the Community Design Podcast, Midtown Radio partnered with the Waterloo Region Community Foundation and the Kitchener Public Library to host a community conversation on January 22nd, in the Kitchener Public Library (KPL) theater. Over 120 community members joined us for a conversation about the importance of social infrastructure in the Waterloo Region. 

Host Danielle Deveau was joined by Jay Harrison, Producer and Host for Community by Design, Nathan Stretch, Senior Manager of Community Development and INsights at the Kitchener Public Library, and Jeyas Balaskanthan, Executive Director at the Uptown Waterloo BIA. 

Here is a recording of the event, starting with an introduction from Eric Avner, President and CEO at the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. 


]]> Sat, 21 Mar 2026 12:00:00 -0400 Midtown Radio Midtown Radio 3601 To celebrate the release of the Community Design Podcast, Midtown Radio partnered with the Waterloo Region Community Foundation and the Kitchener Public Library to host a community conversation on January 22nd, in the Kitchener Public Library (KPL) theater. Over 120 community members joined us for a conversation about the importance of social infrastructure in the Waterloo Region. 

Host Danielle Deveau was joined by Jay Harrison, Producer and Host for Community by Design, Nathan Stretch, Senior Manager of Community Development and INsights at the Kitchener Public Library, and Jeyas Balaskanthan, Executive Director at the Uptown Waterloo BIA. 

Here is a recording of the event, starting with an introduction from Eric Avner, President and CEO at the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. 


]]> No Won’t You Be My Neighbour 5 5 Won’t You Be My Neighbour full 6cdf35d2-00dd-477a-8e55-336a3b9a958e https://CommunitybyDesign.transistor.fm/s1/5 As Waterloo Region grows toward one million people, this episode reveals why some of the most crucial social infrastructure isn't built from the top down, but grows from the ground up—where residents identify their own needs, youth are trusted as leaders today (not tomorrow), and neighborhoods become dense enough with connection to create a safety net for those who need it. Through conversations with a veteran community center director, and the cross-sector One Million Neighbours project, we discover how the neighborhood scale is the site of some of our most critical social infrastructure.

THANKS TO OUR GUESTS

Kim Fowler, Executive Director of Fiddlesticks Community Centre

Chanelle Martin, Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator at Fiddlesticks Community Centre

Sam Nabi, Coordinator of One Million Neighbours


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

One Million Neighbours website

Fiddlesticks website

Waterloo Region Community Foundation’s work on social infrastructure


CREDITS

Jay Harrison, Host/Producer/Editor

Karyn Atkins, Writer/Reporter

Deren Atkins, Editor

David Harmes, Executive Producer/Engineer


MUSIC 

courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Main theme music - Rocket Jr: High Tech

Transition music - Par Hagstrom: Snakes and Fire (Instrumental Version), and Loyae: Level Up,  Loving Caliber: Lose (Instrumental Version) 


This show was made possible by the support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. 


Follow Midtown Radio for more local content

@midtownradiokw

midtownradio.ca 

Download the Midtown Radio app to listen live and on-demand

]]> As Waterloo Region grows toward one million people, this episode reveals why some of the most crucial social infrastructure isn't built from the top down, but grows from the ground up—where residents identify their own needs, youth are trusted as leaders today (not tomorrow), and neighborhoods become dense enough with connection to create a safety net for those who need it. Through conversations with a veteran community center director, and the cross-sector One Million Neighbours project, we discover how the neighborhood scale is the site of some of our most critical social infrastructure.

THANKS TO OUR GUESTS

Kim Fowler, Executive Director of Fiddlesticks Community Centre

Chanelle Martin, Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator at Fiddlesticks Community Centre

Sam Nabi, Coordinator of One Million Neighbours


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

One Million Neighbours website

Fiddlesticks website

Waterloo Region Community Foundation’s work on social infrastructure


CREDITS

Jay Harrison, Host/Producer/Editor

Karyn Atkins, Writer/Reporter

Deren Atkins, Editor

David Harmes, Executive Producer/Engineer


MUSIC 

courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Main theme music - Rocket Jr: High Tech

Transition music - Par Hagstrom: Snakes and Fire (Instrumental Version), and Loyae: Level Up,  Loving Caliber: Lose (Instrumental Version) 


This show was made possible by the support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. 


Follow Midtown Radio for more local content

@midtownradiokw

midtownradio.ca 

Download the Midtown Radio app to listen live and on-demand

]]> Sat, 14 Feb 2026 11:55:00 -0500 Midtown Radio Midtown Radio 2515 As Waterloo Region grows toward one million people, this episode reveals why some of the most crucial social infrastructure isn't built from the top down, but grows from the ground up—where residents identify their own needs, youth are trusted as leaders today (not tomorrow), and neighborhoods become dense enough with connection to create a safety net for those who need it. Through conversations with a veteran community center director, and the cross-sector One Million Neighbours project, we discover how the neighborhood scale is the site of some of our most critical social infrastructure.

THANKS TO OUR GUESTS

Kim Fowler, Executive Director of Fiddlesticks Community Centre

Chanelle Martin, Volunteer and Community Engagement Coordinator at Fiddlesticks Community Centre

Sam Nabi, Coordinator of One Million Neighbours


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

One Million Neighbours website

Fiddlesticks website

Waterloo Region Community Foundation’s work on social infrastructure


CREDITS

Jay Harrison, Host/Producer/Editor

Karyn Atkins, Writer/Reporter

Deren Atkins, Editor

David Harmes, Executive Producer/Engineer


MUSIC 

courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Main theme music - Rocket Jr: High Tech

Transition music - Par Hagstrom: Snakes and Fire (Instrumental Version), and Loyae: Level Up,  Loving Caliber: Lose (Instrumental Version) 


This show was made possible by the support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. 


Follow Midtown Radio for more local content

@midtownradiokw

midtownradio.ca 

Download the Midtown Radio app to listen live and on-demand

]]> No Do You Hear What I Hear: Local Media 4 4 Do You Hear What I Hear: Local Media full a42a9689-9735-4fdd-8278-dd11b8c0e880 https://CommunitybyDesign.transistor.fm/s1/4 When a local newspaper investigation saves taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, it's more than just good journalism—it's infrastructure in action. In this episode, we explore how local media serves as part of the connective tissue of community life, from holding power accountable to helping you connect with the people in your community. But with over 600 news outlets closing across Canada since 2008, we ask: what happens when the ties that bind us together start to unravel?


THANKS TO OUR GUESTS

Mirko Petricevic, Chief Ink-stigator (co-ordinator) of Ink-stained wretches

Irene Schmidt-Adeney, Writer at Ayr News

Sue Foxton, Mayor of North Dumfries


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Resources for supporting local journalism from the Ink-stained Wretches website

Ayr News


CREDITS

Jay Harrison, Host/Producer/Editor

Karyn Atkins, Writer

Deren Atkins, Editor

David Harmes, Executive Producer/Engineer


MUSIC 

courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Main theme music - Rocket Jr: High Tech

Transition music - Par Hagstrom: Snakes and Fire (Instrumental Version), and Loyae: Level Up


This show was made possible by the support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. 


Follow Midtown Radio for more local content

@midtownradiokw

midtownradio.ca 

Download the Midtown Radio app to listen live and on-demand

]]> When a local newspaper investigation saves taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, it's more than just good journalism—it's infrastructure in action. In this episode, we explore how local media serves as part of the connective tissue of community life, from holding power accountable to helping you connect with the people in your community. But with over 600 news outlets closing across Canada since 2008, we ask: what happens when the ties that bind us together start to unravel?


THANKS TO OUR GUESTS

Mirko Petricevic, Chief Ink-stigator (co-ordinator) of Ink-stained wretches

Irene Schmidt-Adeney, Writer at Ayr News

Sue Foxton, Mayor of North Dumfries


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Resources for supporting local journalism from the Ink-stained Wretches website

Ayr News


CREDITS

Jay Harrison, Host/Producer/Editor

Karyn Atkins, Writer

Deren Atkins, Editor

David Harmes, Executive Producer/Engineer


MUSIC 

courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Main theme music - Rocket Jr: High Tech

Transition music - Par Hagstrom: Snakes and Fire (Instrumental Version), and Loyae: Level Up


This show was made possible by the support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. 


Follow Midtown Radio for more local content

@midtownradiokw

midtownradio.ca 

Download the Midtown Radio app to listen live and on-demand

]]> Sat, 07 Feb 2026 11:55:00 -0500 Midtown Radio Midtown Radio 1911 When a local newspaper investigation saves taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, it's more than just good journalism—it's infrastructure in action. In this episode, we explore how local media serves as part of the connective tissue of community life, from holding power accountable to helping you connect with the people in your community. But with over 600 news outlets closing across Canada since 2008, we ask: what happens when the ties that bind us together start to unravel?


THANKS TO OUR GUESTS

Mirko Petricevic, Chief Ink-stigator (co-ordinator) of Ink-stained wretches

Irene Schmidt-Adeney, Writer at Ayr News

Sue Foxton, Mayor of North Dumfries


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Resources for supporting local journalism from the Ink-stained Wretches website

Ayr News


CREDITS

Jay Harrison, Host/Producer/Editor

Karyn Atkins, Writer

Deren Atkins, Editor

David Harmes, Executive Producer/Engineer


MUSIC 

courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Main theme music - Rocket Jr: High Tech

Transition music - Par Hagstrom: Snakes and Fire (Instrumental Version), and Loyae: Level Up


This show was made possible by the support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. 


Follow Midtown Radio for more local content

@midtownradiokw

midtownradio.ca 

Download the Midtown Radio app to listen live and on-demand

]]> No I Can Tell That We Are Going to Be Friends: Schools as Havens 3 3 I Can Tell That We Are Going to Be Friends: Schools as Havens full da16bb7b-7d18-4380-b3e6-aabcda1fc216 https://CommunitybyDesign.transistor.fm/s1/3 From students organizing delegations at school board meetings to parents building audio libraries in 28 languages, this episode reveals the simple and profound ways that schools act as social infrastructure. In this episode, we meet Quinn, a high school student co-leading a local Gender Sexuality Alliance who knows that community can literally save lives, and Taarini, a parent who helped to create a program for connecting newcomer families across cultural and linguistic barriers at her children’s school. Through powerful conversations with education expert Laura Mae Lindo, we discover that schools aren't just buildings where learning happens—they're landing places where young people and families are creating havens of belonging, one story, one connection, one act of care at a time.


THANKS TO OUR GUESTS

Laura Mae Lindo, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Director of Black Studies at the University of Waterloo

Quinn Palmer, Student leader in the GSA at Waterloo Collegiate Institute

Taarini Chopra, Parent at King Edward Public School


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Waterloo Region District School Board student census


CREDITS

Jay Harrison, Host/Producer/Editor

Karyn Atkins, Writer/Reporter

Deren Atkins, Editor

David Harmes, Executive Producer/Engineer


MUSIC 

courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Main theme music - Rocket Jr: High Tech

Transition music - Par Hagstrom: Snakes and Fire (Instrumental Version), and Loyae: Level Up


This show was made possible by the support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. 


Follow Midtown Radio for more local content

@midtownradiokw

midtownradio.ca 

Download the Midtown Radio app to listen live and on-demand

]]> From students organizing delegations at school board meetings to parents building audio libraries in 28 languages, this episode reveals the simple and profound ways that schools act as social infrastructure. In this episode, we meet Quinn, a high school student co-leading a local Gender Sexuality Alliance who knows that community can literally save lives, and Taarini, a parent who helped to create a program for connecting newcomer families across cultural and linguistic barriers at her children’s school. Through powerful conversations with education expert Laura Mae Lindo, we discover that schools aren't just buildings where learning happens—they're landing places where young people and families are creating havens of belonging, one story, one connection, one act of care at a time.


THANKS TO OUR GUESTS

Laura Mae Lindo, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Director of Black Studies at the University of Waterloo

Quinn Palmer, Student leader in the GSA at Waterloo Collegiate Institute

Taarini Chopra, Parent at King Edward Public School


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Waterloo Region District School Board student census


CREDITS

Jay Harrison, Host/Producer/Editor

Karyn Atkins, Writer/Reporter

Deren Atkins, Editor

David Harmes, Executive Producer/Engineer


MUSIC 

courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Main theme music - Rocket Jr: High Tech

Transition music - Par Hagstrom: Snakes and Fire (Instrumental Version), and Loyae: Level Up


This show was made possible by the support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. 


Follow Midtown Radio for more local content

@midtownradiokw

midtownradio.ca 

Download the Midtown Radio app to listen live and on-demand

]]> Sat, 31 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500 Midtown Radio Midtown Radio 1793 From students organizing delegations at school board meetings to parents building audio libraries in 28 languages, this episode reveals the simple and profound ways that schools act as social infrastructure. In this episode, we meet Quinn, a high school student co-leading a local Gender Sexuality Alliance who knows that community can literally save lives, and Taarini, a parent who helped to create a program for connecting newcomer families across cultural and linguistic barriers at her children’s school. Through powerful conversations with education expert Laura Mae Lindo, we discover that schools aren't just buildings where learning happens—they're landing places where young people and families are creating havens of belonging, one story, one connection, one act of care at a time.


THANKS TO OUR GUESTS

Laura Mae Lindo, Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Director of Black Studies at the University of Waterloo

Quinn Palmer, Student leader in the GSA at Waterloo Collegiate Institute

Taarini Chopra, Parent at King Edward Public School


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Waterloo Region District School Board student census


CREDITS

Jay Harrison, Host/Producer/Editor

Karyn Atkins, Writer/Reporter

Deren Atkins, Editor

David Harmes, Executive Producer/Engineer


MUSIC 

courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Main theme music - Rocket Jr: High Tech

Transition music - Par Hagstrom: Snakes and Fire (Instrumental Version), and Loyae: Level Up


This show was made possible by the support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. 


Follow Midtown Radio for more local content

@midtownradiokw

midtownradio.ca 

Download the Midtown Radio app to listen live and on-demand

]]> No Meet Me at the Square 2 2 Meet Me at the Square full d6dcd317-7dab-47de-8365-e53aff58bfe3 https://CommunitybyDesign.transistor.fm/s1/2 Public squares have been gathering places for thousands of years, but do they truly serve everyone in today's increasingly diverse communities? This episode explores two very different town squares in Waterloo Region – Waterloo Town Square and the Gaslight District – to understand what makes these spaces work, revealing that while public squares can help people encounter difference, they don't automatically create belonging or deep understanding. Making them truly inclusive requires thoughtful design, intentional programming, and grappling with difficult questions about who belongs in public space. As our region grows toward one million people and housing becomes less affordable, these free gathering spaces aren't just nice to have - they're essential infrastructure for the human spirit.

THANKS TO OUR GUESTS

Ryan Lok, PhD Candidate at the University of Waterloo School of Planning

Jeyas Balaskanthan, Executive Director of the Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area

Scott Higgins, President of HIP Developments

Sheri Roberts, City of Cambridge Councilor for Ward 2


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Uptown Waterloo BIA

Gaslight District


CREDITS

Jay Harrison, Host/Producer

Karyn Atkins, Writer

Deren Atkins, Editor

Shrijith Ramaswami, Editor

David Harmes, Executive Producer/Engineer


MUSIC 

courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Main theme music - Rocket Jr: High Tech

Transition music - Par Hagstrom: Snakes and Fire (Instrumental Version), and Loyae: Level Up


This show was made possible by the support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation.

]]> Public squares have been gathering places for thousands of years, but do they truly serve everyone in today's increasingly diverse communities? This episode explores two very different town squares in Waterloo Region – Waterloo Town Square and the Gaslight District – to understand what makes these spaces work, revealing that while public squares can help people encounter difference, they don't automatically create belonging or deep understanding. Making them truly inclusive requires thoughtful design, intentional programming, and grappling with difficult questions about who belongs in public space. As our region grows toward one million people and housing becomes less affordable, these free gathering spaces aren't just nice to have - they're essential infrastructure for the human spirit.

THANKS TO OUR GUESTS

Ryan Lok, PhD Candidate at the University of Waterloo School of Planning

Jeyas Balaskanthan, Executive Director of the Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area

Scott Higgins, President of HIP Developments

Sheri Roberts, City of Cambridge Councilor for Ward 2


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Uptown Waterloo BIA

Gaslight District


CREDITS

Jay Harrison, Host/Producer

Karyn Atkins, Writer

Deren Atkins, Editor

Shrijith Ramaswami, Editor

David Harmes, Executive Producer/Engineer


MUSIC 

courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Main theme music - Rocket Jr: High Tech

Transition music - Par Hagstrom: Snakes and Fire (Instrumental Version), and Loyae: Level Up


This show was made possible by the support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation.

]]> Sat, 24 Jan 2026 11:59:00 -0500 Midtown Radio Midtown Radio 1815 Public squares have been gathering places for thousands of years, but do they truly serve everyone in today's increasingly diverse communities? This episode explores two very different town squares in Waterloo Region – Waterloo Town Square and the Gaslight District – to understand what makes these spaces work, revealing that while public squares can help people encounter difference, they don't automatically create belonging or deep understanding. Making them truly inclusive requires thoughtful design, intentional programming, and grappling with difficult questions about who belongs in public space. As our region grows toward one million people and housing becomes less affordable, these free gathering spaces aren't just nice to have - they're essential infrastructure for the human spirit.

THANKS TO OUR GUESTS

Ryan Lok, PhD Candidate at the University of Waterloo School of Planning

Jeyas Balaskanthan, Executive Director of the Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area

Scott Higgins, President of HIP Developments

Sheri Roberts, City of Cambridge Councilor for Ward 2


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Uptown Waterloo BIA

Gaslight District


CREDITS

Jay Harrison, Host/Producer

Karyn Atkins, Writer

Deren Atkins, Editor

Shrijith Ramaswami, Editor

David Harmes, Executive Producer/Engineer


MUSIC 

courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Main theme music - Rocket Jr: High Tech

Transition music - Par Hagstrom: Snakes and Fire (Instrumental Version), and Loyae: Level Up


This show was made possible by the support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation.

]]> No More Than Books: Building Community at the Library 1 1 More Than Books: Building Community at the Library full eef5d727-8467-471d-b445-1e2998851533 https://CommunitybyDesign.transistor.fm/s1/1 Local expert Troy Glover shows us why social infrastructure is the invisible glue that holds a community together. Through the lens of public libraries, this episode uncovers how these everyday spaces are actually "palaces for people," quietly helping to transform strangers into neighbors and isolated individuals into thriving communities. As Waterloo Region grows toward becoming home to one million people by 2050, this episode asks a crucial question: will we invest in the social infrastructure that turns a growing population into a connected community, or will we let our social fabric fray?

THANKS TO OUR GUESTS

Troy Glover, Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo

Nathan Stretch, Senior Manager of Community Development and Insights

at Kitchener Public Library

Cristina McLaren, Manager of Library Services for the Region of Waterloo Libraries


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Waterloo Region Community Foundation’s 2025 Vital Signs report

Gehl Institute report on social infrastructure

ActivateYourNeighbourhood.ca 


CREDITS

Jay Harrison, Host/Producer

Karyn Atkins, Writer/Reporter

Deren Atkins, Editor

Shrijith Ramaswami, Editor

David Harmes, Executive Producer/Engineer


MUSIC 

courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Main theme music - Rocket Jr: High Tech

Transition music - Par Hagstrom: Snakes and Fire (Instrumental Version), and Loyae: Level Up


This show was made possible by the support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. 


Follow Midtown Radio for more local content

@midtownradiokw

midtownradio.ca 

Download the Midtown Radio app to listen live and on-demand

]]> Local expert Troy Glover shows us why social infrastructure is the invisible glue that holds a community together. Through the lens of public libraries, this episode uncovers how these everyday spaces are actually "palaces for people," quietly helping to transform strangers into neighbors and isolated individuals into thriving communities. As Waterloo Region grows toward becoming home to one million people by 2050, this episode asks a crucial question: will we invest in the social infrastructure that turns a growing population into a connected community, or will we let our social fabric fray?

THANKS TO OUR GUESTS

Troy Glover, Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo

Nathan Stretch, Senior Manager of Community Development and Insights

at Kitchener Public Library

Cristina McLaren, Manager of Library Services for the Region of Waterloo Libraries


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Waterloo Region Community Foundation’s 2025 Vital Signs report

Gehl Institute report on social infrastructure

ActivateYourNeighbourhood.ca 


CREDITS

Jay Harrison, Host/Producer

Karyn Atkins, Writer/Reporter

Deren Atkins, Editor

Shrijith Ramaswami, Editor

David Harmes, Executive Producer/Engineer


MUSIC 

courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Main theme music - Rocket Jr: High Tech

Transition music - Par Hagstrom: Snakes and Fire (Instrumental Version), and Loyae: Level Up


This show was made possible by the support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. 


Follow Midtown Radio for more local content

@midtownradiokw

midtownradio.ca 

Download the Midtown Radio app to listen live and on-demand

]]> Sat, 17 Jan 2026 10:45:00 -0500 Midtown Radio Midtown Radio 2495 Local expert Troy Glover shows us why social infrastructure is the invisible glue that holds a community together. Through the lens of public libraries, this episode uncovers how these everyday spaces are actually "palaces for people," quietly helping to transform strangers into neighbors and isolated individuals into thriving communities. As Waterloo Region grows toward becoming home to one million people by 2050, this episode asks a crucial question: will we invest in the social infrastructure that turns a growing population into a connected community, or will we let our social fabric fray?

THANKS TO OUR GUESTS

Troy Glover, Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo

Nathan Stretch, Senior Manager of Community Development and Insights

at Kitchener Public Library

Cristina McLaren, Manager of Library Services for the Region of Waterloo Libraries


ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Waterloo Region Community Foundation’s 2025 Vital Signs report

Gehl Institute report on social infrastructure

ActivateYourNeighbourhood.ca 


CREDITS

Jay Harrison, Host/Producer

Karyn Atkins, Writer/Reporter

Deren Atkins, Editor

Shrijith Ramaswami, Editor

David Harmes, Executive Producer/Engineer


MUSIC 

courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Main theme music - Rocket Jr: High Tech

Transition music - Par Hagstrom: Snakes and Fire (Instrumental Version), and Loyae: Level Up


This show was made possible by the support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation. 


Follow Midtown Radio for more local content

@midtownradiokw

midtownradio.ca 

Download the Midtown Radio app to listen live and on-demand

]]> No Community by Design: Trailer (what is Social Infrastructure?) 6 6 Community by Design: Trailer (what is Social Infrastructure?) full a1034964-6367-41e6-83ce-a0e5598d02e4 https://CommunitybyDesign.transistor.fm/s1/6 Join host, Jay Harrison, for a five-part series on social infrastructure in Waterloo Region. Starting January 17, 2026 you can tune in to Midtown Radio (midtownradio.ca) on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00am ET to listen along with your neighbours. Follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to catch up with past episodes. 
Music from Rocket Jr. courtesy of Epidemic Sound 

]]> Join host, Jay Harrison, for a five-part series on social infrastructure in Waterloo Region. Starting January 17, 2026 you can tune in to Midtown Radio (midtownradio.ca) on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00am ET to listen along with your neighbours. Follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to catch up with past episodes. 
Music from Rocket Jr. courtesy of Epidemic Sound 

]]> Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:22:58 -0500 Midtown Radio Midtown Radio 59 Join host, Jay Harrison, for a five-part series on social infrastructure in Waterloo Region. Starting January 17, 2026 you can tune in to Midtown Radio (midtownradio.ca) on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00am ET to listen along with your neighbours. Follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to catch up with past episodes. 
Music from Rocket Jr. courtesy of Epidemic Sound 

]]> No