A controversy is brewing, once again, in the City of North Bay, over the best location and operational plan for a "warming centre" and "low barrier shelter" to serve unhoused residents. Coun. Mark King, chairman of the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board, joins the Echo Essentials podcast with hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale to discuss the issue. King doesn't support a consultant's report that recommended having a "homeless hub" of such services within three blocks of the downtown area many homeless, often with mental health and addiction issues, receive medical, pharmaceutical and other support services. King said the experience of having the "warming centre" in a variety of locations these past few years informs his viewpoint. He said the negative consequences for those living nearby or operating businesses indicates is substantial.Currently, the low barrier shelter is located beside the Northern Pines transitional housing project operating at the former OPP headquarters off Chippewa Street. That location is also problematic, he said, because of its close proximity to a high school, senior living centres and down the road to an elementary school and daycare. While open to the idea of a potential new location, he said the the Crisis Centre and Gathering Place soup kitchen warn of potential issues.King wanted to come on the podcast after this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGo6vsKcvnUBrent Kalinowski, North Bay's Community Safety and Well-Being Coordinator, joins Small Town Times editor Dave Dale and Between 2 Daves Co-Host Dave Mendicino to discuss his role, background and latest updates. A former police officer in Saskatchewan, Brent said he has believed for a long time there needs to be better community planning to deal with issues upstream so they don't fester into expensive and difficult to mend issues later. In the news most recently, the ad hoc council committee mandate was extended for another year. Some of the questions answer in this interview: How is Northern Pines and their transitional program doing to help people live independently? Where is the low barrier shelter component going to go? And is the Homeless Hub, recommended out of the DNSSAB homelessness study with a projected $2.6-million price tag, a cure for what ails the city?See the Community Safety and Well-Being Plan information on the city website: https://northbay.ca/our-community/com...See a BayToday story published this week about the Homeless Hub: https://www.baytoday.ca/local-news/a-new-homeless-hub-near-downtown-north-bay-8907898

Tripped! Is a new board game coming out this year that sees players travel around North America plus points offshore to complete objectives. Tripped! creator Eric Boutilier and Quinn & Sherry President Mark Sherry join the show to highlight their new creation, explain how to play and offer strategy tips.Mark is the co-creator of the Game of Things! and has used his expertise to help Eric re-design the game through many years and they are finally getting close to launch later in 2024.Vote between North Bay and Sudbury for the last remaining Northern Ontario to be named on the Tripped! Board Game: https://igottripped.com/Pre-Order and save here: https://get.trippedgame.com/0:00 Scott’s Stolen Truck Update11:26 Mark and Eric talk Tripped!23:29 Logistics of creating a board game 44:50 Wrapping it upExplore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at NorthBayEcho.ca.For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials.Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEchoProduction Credits:Hosts: Dave Dale & Scott ClarkProducer: Ben SargentContent Director: Dave DaleProduced by Clark Communications

Dr. Sachiko Nagasawa, of Bay Psychology, joins Echo Essentials co-hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale to talk about the various aspects of suicide, from 'survivor's guilt' to trends, contributing causes and strategies that help people manage their emotional health.The podcast was motivated by recent community losses and precedes the Chat4Chad gala fundraiser Saturday, May 25.Referenced in the discussion is a workbook Dr. Nagasawa pulled together during COVID to assist therapists and their patients face the impacts of isolation, uncertainty, stress and trauma:https://www.baypsychology.ca/workshops Also listen to the To North Bay With Love podcast with Wade Ringler, Chad Ringler's brother, and Mark Deacon, fundraiser coordinator with a family inspiration to help raise money for existing mental health programs through the North Bay Reginal Health Centre:https://www.northbayecho.ca/we-need-to-talk-about-mental-illness/https://www.chat4chad.ca/

Gisele Hebert, Executive Director of the Children’s Aid Society of Nipissing and Parry Sound, joins the Echo Essentials podcast to talk about the Elmwood Community Hub. She also speaks about her nearing retirement and reflecting on the evolution of CAS during her 39-year career.Scott and Dave also talk about his recent trip to Toronto and dealing with Scott’s truck being stolen.  0:00 Stolen Car10:40 Gisele talks about her time with Children’s Aid22:00 Elmwood’s revitalization Explore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at NorthBayEcho.ca.For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials.Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEchoProduction Credits:Hosts: Dave Dale & Scott ClarkProducer: Ben SargentContent Director: Dave DaleProduced by Clark Communications

It’s CMHA’s Mental Health Week and alongside the Kindness North Project we brought on Nipissing University Professor Dr Steven Arnocky. Dr Anocky speaks about the differences between altruistic and selfish behaviour in relation to acts of kindness. He also discusses a study he conducted that was picked up on a national levelTo learn more about the Kindness North Project visit: kindnessnorth.ca 0:00 Dr Arnocky talks altuirism16:00 Altruism and religion34:00 Community based kindnessExplore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at NorthBayEcho.ca.For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials.Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEchoProduction Credits:Hosts: Dave Dale & Scott ClarkProducer: Ben SargentContent Director: Dave DaleProduced by Clark Communications

Mayor Peter Chirico talked with Echo’s Uphar Singh at his office about the future of the city’s growth. Uphar, who is an international student, asks the mayor how North Bay is integrating students into the workforce and their impact on our economy.Dave and Scott also discuss the current water levels in the area, and do you need a midwife or is it better to just use the hospital.0:00 Water Levels are Causing Issues10:30 Do you need a midwife?17:45 Uphar talks to the Mayor29:00 Wrapping it all upExplore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at NorthBayEcho.ca.For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials.Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEchoProduction Credits:Hosts: Dave Dale & Scott ClarkProducer: Ben SargentContent Director: Dave DaleProduced by Clark Communications

Afghanistan war hero Jess Larochelle died last fall without the Canadian Victoria Cross being awarded him, as many in the military and veterans believe. Now there's a movement to have his mother, Anna Larochelle, designated by Canadian Legions as the national Silver Cross Mother.Retired Captain Mike Harrison and Andrew Larochelle, brother to Jess, join Echo Essential podcast co-hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale to discuss the merits of both campaigns. Harrison said it's become a political issue, likely because many of the supporters of Larochelle's medal review request are Conservatives. At the end, all agree it would be an excellent issue for Nipissing-Temiskaming MP Anthony Rota, a Liberal, to pick up and run with during his last term in office.Explore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at NorthBayEcho.ca.For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials.Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEchoProduction Credits:Hosts: Dave Dale & Scott ClarkProducer: Ben SargentContent Director: Dave DaleProduced by Clark Communications

Brian Callahan, a descendant of the Dionne family, joins the show to discuss the phenomenon that was the Dionne Quintuplets. Brian, who recently stepped down from the Quints Museum board, shares his perspective of how the exploitation of the quintuplets for financial gain affected the family (there were 14 children in all). He also reveals some hard truths as we approach the 90th anniversary of their birth.Dave and Scott also discuss the recent drama revolving around the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority. The Mattawa Conservation Authority turnover  0:0090th Birthday of Quints bittersweet 12:30The $3.8 million court case 31:45Outro 50:51Explore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at NorthBayEcho.ca.For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials.Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEchoProduction Credits:Hosts: Dave Dale & Scott ClarkProducer: Ben SargentContent Director: Dave DaleProduced by Clark Communications

North Bay resident John Best joins the show to talk about the PFAS levels in our water. He used to sell eggs he locally produced until he was told to stop due to the levels of PFAS found in them. Scott also opens the show confronting Dave about how he treated him on last week’s episode and brings the receipts, and while Dave offers a 'sorry you feel that' apology, he also turns the tables a bit. Scott has a bone to pick with Dave 0:00PFAS in our water 8:30Scott has a new marketing hack for PFAS infested eggs 32:30Outro 57:15Explore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at NorthBayEcho.ca.For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials.Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEchoProduction Credits:Hosts: Dave Dale & Scott ClarkProducer: Ben SargentContent Director: Dave DaleProduced by Clark Communications

Local historian Nestor Prisco joins the show to talk about a recent book he wrote called “Crown Attorney: Arthur George Browning”. The biography highlights North Bay’s first resident lawyer and his influence and work to build the community of North Bay.Scott and Dave also discuss the recent downtown fire and the realities of owning a building as a business owner.Intro 0:00North Bay’s first lawyer 12:30The last sheriff in Ontario 35:40Outro 1:03:35Explore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at NorthBayEcho.ca.For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials.Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEchoProduction Credits:Hosts: Dave Dale & Scott ClarkProducer: Ben SargentContent Director: Dave DaleProduced by Clark Communications

The RCAF’s 100th anniversary is this morning, April 1, and Echo Community Podcast Network is proud to present a special North Bay Echo Essentials episode featuring 22 Wing Commander Col. Richard Jolette and CWO Didier Pignatel.Host Scott Clark, a former 22 Wing Honorary Colonel 2013-2016, and guests cover the importance and history of the Royal Canadian Air Force, one of the oldest in the world. And they talk about how the RCAF remains a vital support to missions around the globe. Initially, North Bay was tasked to watch the northern horizon and now it has eyes across Canada, including all coasts, diligently watching for threats from each direction and within. “We went from observers with binoculars, whether on the ground or in the air, to satellites,” CWO Pignatel says, referring to the technological transformations, with Col. Jolette explaining that the mission has always been to deter and de-escalate continental incursions. On March 28, the RCAF conducted a flag-raising ceremony at 22 Wing North Bay CFB, home to 21 Aerospace Control and Warning Squadron. Immediately after, they joined municipal representatives to accept a city proclamation commemorating the significant milestone, as well as the air force’s foundations in North Bay.The city celebrates its 100th anniversary of incorporation next year in 2025. The RCAF presence in North Bay began in 1951 as part of the bi-national aerospace defence of North America with the NORAD North Bay and a series of fighter aircraft units for four decades. Centennial celebrations are planned throughout the year: A military gala is taking place April 18 in one of the Voyageur Aviation hangars, formerly used by the RCAF. Armed Forces Day in North Bay is June 19 and they are going all out by featuring the Snowbirds, Skyhawks and CF-18 Jets. Expect more special recognition at the Battle of Britain ceremonies in September and on Remembrance Day. RCAF members are also wearing a 100th RCAF patch on their uniform sleeves throughout the year.  See the North Bay Museum for background: https://www.northbaymuseum.com/gatewaytothesky/blog-post-title-four-rsxm4-hn5r3-lfmyw  For a full history of the RCAF, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/services/history-heritage.html  To check out the Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence at 22 Wing CFB: https://www.aerospacedefence.ca/

Former City Councillor Dave Mendicino joins Scott and Dave to talk about the upcoming 100th anniversary for North Bay.They talk about what the 100th anniversary means to each of them and the city as a whole and reminisce about some of their favourite memories. Intro 0:00North Bay’s 100th anniversary 16:10Who should come back to celebrate? 35:10Outro 59:30Explore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at NorthBayEcho.ca.For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials.Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEchoProduction Credits:Hosts: Dave Dale & Scott ClarkProducer: Ben SargentContent Director: Dave DaleProduced by Clark Communications

Local BayToday reporter Stu Campaigne joins Scott and Dave to talk about his recent articles he wrote about North Star Studios shutting down operations.They also discuss the importance of proper local journalism in our community to hold people accountable and make sure the citizens know what is happening in their city. Intro 0:00Stu talks local journalism 5:30Promises that aren’t kept 28:40Outro 48:35Explore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at NorthBayEcho.ca.For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials.Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEchoProduction Credits:Hosts: Dave Dale & Scott ClarkProducer: Ben SargentContent Director: Dave DaleProduced by Clark Communications

Deputy Mayor Maggie Horsfield joins Scott and Dave to talk about the budget process the city is going through this year. She explains why they need tax increase and where that money goes. Scott suggests that the Summer in the Park Festival was actually a great bang for the public buck after Maggie says the Summer Concert series, Bay Block Party and Capitol Centre’s Blues Festival is good for now.The hosts begin the episode chatting about what’s going on at city council with Dave ranting about procedural bylaw hypocrisy while Scott asks viewers: Whose cell phone on council would you like to look at if you had the chance?Dave and Scott alk about city council  0:00Maggie Horsfield talks budget 16:50Summer festivals in North Bay  36:00Outro 51:20Explore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at NorthBayEcho.ca.For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials.Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEchoProduction Credits:Hosts: Dave Dale & Scott ClarkProducer: Ben SargentContent Director: Dave DaleProduced by Clark Communications

Beverly Hillier, Manager, Planning & Building Services at the City of North Bay, joins the show to discuss the city’s viewpoint on developing lots in the Trout Lake watershed. The interview follows Echo Essential's podcast with Liza Vandermeer, of the Trout Lake Conservation Association, two weeks ago. Dave and Scott also recorded some banter at the North Bay Home and Garden Expo in the Echo podcast booth Feb. 23-25. Scott gets excited about Dave and North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico having a breakthrough, of sorts, in their icy relationship. Baby steps, the mayor waves at Dave 0:00Beverly Hillier joins from the city to discuss trout lake 14:30Peer reviewing the scientific findings 33:00Outro 59:00Explore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at NorthBayEcho.ca.For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials.Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEchoProduction Credits:Hosts: Dave Dale & Scott ClarkProducer: Ben SargentContent Director: Dave DaleProduced by Clark Communications

The Anishinabek Nation held the 8th Annual Lands and Resources Forum: Kina-Gego-Naabadosin—Everything is Connected, in North Bay recently. Dave, a former editor for the Anishinabek Nation 1993-2000, interviewed Grand Council Chief Reg Niganobe and Northern Superior Region Deputy Grand Council Chief Melvin Hardy. Scott, meanwhile, sat down with Jason Laronde, the Director of Land and Resources.The conversations revolve around what exactly the forum is meant to achieve and the issues the Anishinabek leaders are trying to resolve with the provincial and federal governments.In the introductory banter, however, Scott asks Dave to explain his salty relationship with former Anishinabek News director Maurice SwitzerScott talks about helping with the forum 0:00Reg and Melvin join to talk about the political battle between the nation and the government 13:00Jason joins Scott to talk about his role in the forum 32:00Outro 51:00Explore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at NorthBayEcho.ca.For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials.Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEchoProduction Credits:Hosts: Dave Dale & Scott ClarkProducer: Ben SargentContent Director: Dave DaleProduced by Clark Communications

Liza Vandermeer, a member of the Trout Lake Conservation Association, joins Scott and Dave to talk about what developing housing on Trout Lake would mean for our city and the dangers involved. Dave and Scott also talk about a previous Dave did on Small Town Times where he talked to local councillors Sara Inch and Jamie Lowery. Is Council going to change next election? 2:40Does Anthony Rota deserve an apology? 10:00Developing on trout lake 15:00Pollution issues 35:00Outro 52:00Explore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at NorthBayEcho.ca.For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials.Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEchoProduction Credits:Hosts: Dave Dale & Scott ClarkProducer: Ben SargentContent Director: Dave DaleProduced by Story Studio Network & Clark Communications

Don Curry, a local Immigration Consultant, joins Scott and Dave to talk about immigration to Canada and North Bay. He debunks some myths about immigration and also why it’s important for the economy. Dave and Scott also pose the question “is there a problem with how many international students have come over to study in Canada?” Dave and Scott talk about international students 2:40Don Curry joins the show to talk about immigration 10:20Roadblocks for international students 18:30What position is Canada in with immigration? 27:40Do students get a free ride financially? 36:34International relations affecting immigration 42:00What’s coming up next week? 49:00Explore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at NorthBayEcho.ca.For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials.Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEchoProduction Credits:Hosts: Dave Dale & Scott ClarkProducer: Ben SargentContent Director: Dave DaleProduced by Story Studio Network & Clark Communications

Shawn Flindall joins Scott and Dave to talk about some of the best snowmobile trails in the North Bay area and the impact mild winters have had on local snowmobilers. Dave and Scott also discuss the latest news around City Hall including a joke during a council meeting that may or may not have landed! Dave and Scott talk about the latest from city council 2:50Shawn gives his 3 best day trips 10:20Is Loon poop causing issues? 19:30What are the upcoming episodes for Echo Essentials? 25:40Explore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at NorthBayEcho.ca.For exclusive North Bay updates and insights, subscribe to our newsletter Echo Essentials.Stay connected with Echo on social media: @NorthBayEchoProduction Credits:Hosts: Dave Dale & Scott ClarkProducer: Ben SargentContent Director: Dave DaleProduced by Story Studio Network & Clark Communications

The Echo Essentials Podcast ties together all the elements of the North Bay Echo Community Podcast Network, hosted by Essentials newsletter editor Dave Dale and Echo's principal partner Scott Clark.Guests on the weekly show will reflect the challenges and issues facing North Bay while Scott and Dave discuss the topics and podcasts featured in the newsletter ... as well as upcoming projects.References to the To North Bay With Love, Backroads Bill, Frontline and Cheap Seats episodes will be common.The Echo Essentials Podcast drops online each Thursday at 2 p.m.Billed as North Bay’s oddest couple, Scott and Dave are patently different in both manner and outlook despite being born within a mile of each other and a month apart in 1965. Scott was born for theatre and built up a 20-year career in radio split between Toronto and North Bay before entering the marketing game with Clark Communications celebrating the 20-year milestone in 2024.Dave took the print media route, beginning in 1986 as a Canadore College student and taking a journalism journey through B.C., North Bay, Kapuskasing and Orillia before a seven-year stint with the Anishinabek News and 18 years as a Nugget reporter, photographer and columnist. He is also the publisher of the Back in the Bay Magazine, a quarterly print product with 12 editions since launching in 2021.Explore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at NorthBayEcho.ca.To inquire about being a guest or commenting on content, please email editor@northbayecho.caProduction Credits:Hosts: Dave Dale & Scott ClarkProducer: Ben SargentContent Specialist: Dave DaleProduced by Clark Communications