You can also listen to Big G in Conversation on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Big G In Conversation
Join us as we talk all things City of Guelph. We’ll probe projects and policies, share the stories behind our strategies, discuss Council decisions, and explore the employees that serve this community.
Check out a new episode the second Tuesday of every month here, on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Big G In Conversation host: Wendy King
If you have questions about a podcast, or topics you’d like us to bring into future conversations, please email us at [email protected].
Getting around in winter: December 13, 2022
We’re talking with staff from the Public Works department to discuss getting around during the winter season. We’ll learn about the equipment used to clear snow away from sidewalks and roadways, what to do during significant weather events and how it’s determined which areas get cleared first.
150 Years of John McCrae
Every November, we all take a moment to remember. In doing so, we think of “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae. In this episode, we discover more about John McCrae’s link to Guelph.
One City. One Voice. Shared Purpose: October 18, 2022
On today’s show, we’re talking with staff from the strategic communications and community engagement departments to discuss One City. One Voice. Shared purpose, the city’s five year plan for enhancing communications and engaging with its employees and the community.
Guelph’s municipal election: September 13, 2022
It’s that time again, every four years Guelphites can vote for the mayor, City councillors and school board trustee. We’re talking with Guelph’s City Clerk to discuss the upcoming municipal election and learning about key voting dates, the different ways people can cast a ballot and other important things Guelph voters want to know.
Guelph’s Tree Canopy: August 8, 2022
Navigating Guelph roads during construction season: August 3, 2022
We’re at the height of construction season, so we’re talking with staff from Engineering and Transportation and Planning and Building Services about all thing’s construction in Guelph this summer. We’ll learn what major infrastructure projects are underway, how to better plan routes around construction in the city and ways we can all protect wildlife at the same time.
Recreation and Parks: June 9, 2022
It’s recreation and parks month and we’re talking with staff about the recently completed Guelph Trail Master Plan and what work is underway, great community partnerships that are helping to expand Guelph’s active transportation network, how the City’s equity, diversity and inclusion lens is applied to recreation programs and our parks to address needs in underserved communities and how community members can start a career at the City with seasonal position.
Economic recovery in Guelph: May 24, 2022
It’s been two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and we’re talking with staff from Economic Development and Tourism and the City’s Community Emergency Management Coordinator on planning for Guelph’s economic recovery as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. We’ll explore business continuity, how City programs have pivoted during a pandemic and development of the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy.
2022 Budget: November 12, 2021
As we reach the end of the year, many people are thinking about raking leaves, festive times, getting snow tires on the car, but at the City of Guelph we have our minds squarely focused on budget! Today, Tara Baker, Treasurer and General Manager of Finance, Karen Newland, Manager of Finance Client Services, and Greg Clark Manager, Financial Strategy & Long-Term Planning join our host to discuss the new budget.
Big G in Conversation 2022 Budget transcript
Zoning Bylaw Review “Know your zone”: November 10, 2021
On today’s show, we’re talking with the staff from Planning and Building Services about the Zoning Bylaw update and what that means for people who live and own property in Guelph. Let’s get to “know your zone”!
Big G in Conversation Know Your Zone transcript
The future of transportation in Guelph: October 6, 2021
On today’s show, we’re talking with the staff from Engineering and Transportation Services and Parks about how we help people move around Guelph by bike, mobility device, car or on foot!
Big G in Conversation The future of transportation in Guelph transcript
Building a Sustainable Future: September 7, 2021
On today’s show we’re talking with City staff about the plan to have all City facilities and operations using 100 per cent renewable energy sources by 2050. Joining us today is Heather Yates, Supervisor of Environmental Programs and Bryan Ho-Yan, Manager of Corporate Energy and Climate Change.
Big G in Conversation Building a Sustainable Future transcript
Capital investments: August 10, 2021
On today’s show we’re talking with staff from Engineering and Transportation Services, Facilities and Energy Management, and Finance, about how we plan and pay for capital infrastructure projects.
Big G in Conversation Capital Investments transcript
Measuring our success: July 13, 2021
In today’s episode, we’re talking with the folks from Strategy, Innovation, and Intergovernmental Services about measuring the City of Guelph’s success and creating a performance and data-driven culture.
Big G in Conversation Measuring our success transcript
Connecting Guelph: June 16, 2021
On today’s show we’re talking about all of the ways Guelph is becoming connected by the way we move around. And not just by car, but active transportation and transit hubs connected by city streets, parks and trails.
Big G in Conversation Connecting Guelph transcript
Guelph’s Anti-Racism Journey: May 11, 2021
On today’s show, we’re talking with four of Guelph’s community builders and equity leaders who are working to set the community standard for the elimination of systemic racism.
What’s the plan?: April 20, 2021
In this episode, we’re talking with the folks from Engineering and Transportation Services, Planning and Building Services, Economic Development and Tourism, and Culture and Recreation about the plan for shaping Guelph to be future ready!
Big G in Conversation What’s the plan transcript
Greening Guelph: March 16, 2021
In this episode, we’re talking all about our parks, trees, climate change and the other kind of green—the cost to reach goals in keeping Guelph green.
In Council Chamber: February 16, 2021
In today’s episode, we’re talking with the folks from the City Clerk’s office all about City Council—Council composition, ward boundary review, voting methods and so much more!
Moving in the Future: November 17, 2020
Wendy King takes a virtual ride with Guelph Transit to see what’s planned for the future of transit in Guelph and the impacts on the budget. Grab a seat and join us!
Service in the 21st Century: November 12, 2020
Host Wendy King talks with City staff about customer service, and Guelph’s plans to modernize service to residents and businesses.
Growing Pains: November 3, 2020
Host Wendy King talks to staff about the good and the challenge of growing the city of Guelph.
Building our city of Guelph: October 27, 2021
Big budget bucks… the cost of maintaining and replacing city infrastructure.
Impact of COVID-19: October 20, 2020
COVID-19 has left its mark on Guelph. Host Wendy King talks with staff about how this pandemic has hit City services, the community and of course, the budget.
2021 Budget: October 13, 2020
If the City of Guelph budget were a concert, what would it be like to be backstage? Wendy talks to City staff about their completely new budget process.