Adam Dennis, the Battalion's new president and director of hockey operations, visits the Echo Essentials Podcast studio and talks about his hockey journey as a Memorial Cup winner, NHL-drafted goalie and European league pro ... and how that experience shapes how he develops players.ln the pre-interview banter, co-host and Echo owner Scott Clark takes co-host Dave Dale to task for getting something wrong in a previous podcast about Mayor Peter Chirico. They also discuss the recent hike to bus far rates and whether the city is doing a "cash grab" as more people (especially international students) use the service.

Town Hall rules, ward system and political motivations are discussed by co-hosts Dave Dale and Scott Clark in this episode of the Echo Essentials Podcast. Media coverage of a recent City of North Bay outreach event sparks the discussion, that also touches on the issue raised in a recent Letter to the Editor suggesting that city councilors should be required to live within the city limits.CORRECTION NOTE: In the video, Dave Dale said Coun. Mark King was the only elected official residing outside the city limits (he lives in East Ferris, although he has property in North Bay), however, Coun. Gary Gardiner has a similar situation living in the Municipality of Callander (and owns property in North Bay). Both previously resided in North Bay.The featured guest is Dermot Wilson, who manages a regional group that curates opportunities for artistic expression, including participation in the Broken Forests effort to pay attention to the harvesting of wood and its impact around the world. Wilson, along with Nipissing First Nation's Don Chretien, recently returned from Poland and were in British Colombia and South America earlier this year. "This is part of who we are ... so let's get in there and see it," Wilson said, adding that just the effort to go out into the areas being harvested makes an impact on what happens.The Nipissing Regional Curatorial Collective, which also goes by NOVAH (Northern Ontario Visual Artists Hive), has established public galleries at several businesses, including 176 Lakeshore and 222 McIntyre St. East.

Tony Limina and Peter Rooney join the Echo Essentials podcast to talk about the Kennedy Fall Fellowship, a 62-year tradition where North Bay business owners and community leaders gather for a social event on the French River.Co-host Scott Clark, who has attended several of the gatherings, references the positive benefits of the casual interactions between some of the most active movers and shakers in the city.Co-host Dave Dale reads several excerpts from WKP Kennedy's book 'North Bay' that provides a chronological history of the community, with the manuscript delivered to the printer just days before his fatal heart attack while returning from the French River in the fall of 1961.

It's been a year since the Echo Community Podcasting Network launched in North Bay with the goal of amplifying community story-tellers, creating shows and complementing existing media with the credo: "Local voices should be heard."Since then we've produced more than 200 episodes of a variety of podcasts and 100 Echo Essentials newsletters reaching tens of thousands of listeners and viewers, beginning with the To North Bay With Love podcast hosted by Lisa Boivin.This week, founder Scott Clark and consulting partners Erin Trafford and Dave Trafford, of Story Studio Network, and Echo content director Dave Dale go over the highs and lows of an ever-evolving industry. We talk about how some of the assumptions we made were wrong, what pivots were necessary, the reality of the business and the big opportunities to come.

Joining the Echo Essentials Podcast today is former North Bay deputy mayor and 16-year councilor Tanya Vrebosch, who expressed frustration about how the first half of this term is going.Coun. Vrebosch first took a seat in the council chamber in 2008 after placing 11th in the previous municipal election, but then filled a vacant seat mid-term. It was when Maureen Boldt, a paralegal, was removed from council after missing too many meetings while serving house arrest for the unauthorized practice of laws.As one example, Vrebosch said council's approval of subsidies for the Laurentian Ski Hill, using the city's reserves last year and again this year, came without enough due diligence of the financial operations. She says her requests for information, and attempts to have the matter discussed as part of this year's budget deliberations, have been disregarded.Vrebosch finished seventh in the 2022 election after serving two terms as deputy mayor and another as chairwoman of engineering and works. She ran under the Liberal banner in the 2022 provincial election, placing third.0:001:00 Scott gives up on city hall windows issue3:00 Change in media capacity discussed12:15 Sponsor ad for Voyageur Aviation12:45 Tanya joins the podcast22:24 Dave chimes in23:07 Sponsor ad for Laframboise Realty24:00 Laurentian Ski Hill question raised33:00 Castle Arms issue raised34:00 Is Vrebosch "ostracized"?37:00 Needle collection issue40:00 Political future42:40 Twin pad project45:45 Live read ad for Casey's46.36 Dave changes tune on arena

Paul McLean drops by the Echo Essential Podcast studio to talk about the resurgence of minor baseball in North Bay. The owner of Source for Sports describes how the newest iteration of the diamond sport offers a Panther 'travel' team system with a 'local' league foundation.McLean, with his boy's 9U team fresh off a provincial championship tournament experience in Sault Ste. Marie on Labour Day weekend, also shares how he and other volunteers are also bringing new energy into 'Hockey for Beginners,' including this weekend's involvement with the OHL North Bay Battalion's preseason fan frenzy activities.During the pre-interview banter, co-hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale remember their very-limited sports experience as children and their involvement as parents.

Uphar, this week's Echo Essentials guest, is an international student from Punjab, India who is entering his second year as a Nipissing University marketing student while working part-time at Clark Communications, which owns the North Bay Echo Community Podcast Network. Co-hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale invited Uphar into the studio as he celebrated his first year in North Bay to talk about his experience so far.Uphar sheds light on the intense pressure international students are under to achieve not only their educational pursuits but also qualify for work permits that they hope will lead to permanent residency. He said they have to navigate through many challenges, including harsh economic realities and evolving rules set by the federal government. That is why recent protests erupted, Uphar said, as tens of thousands face deportations because certain work experiences no longer count toward their scorecard.Uphar also talks about online racism, including this summer's "poopgate" that led to virtual battlegrounds between different races. He also describes the exploitation some students face when financial issues force them to work 'under the table' for unscrupulous Canadians of East Indian descent.In the banter before the interview, Scott and Dave talk about North Bay's Community Survey, the Bay Block Party and BayToday's Aug. 9 article by Stu Campaign that looks into the massive revenue Canadore College gains from international students.See the article here: https://www.baytoday.ca/local-news/canadore-to-repeat-record-167m-in-international-student-fees-9328179See the Small Town Times interview with Uphar last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSmi0hX7_Ok&t=52s

Scott McLeod Shabogesic visits the Echo Essentials Podcast studio to talk about his nine-year tenure as chief of Nipissing First Nation, his future and specific challenges his community has overcome and continues to face.One of the primary topics covered was how the Robinson Huron Treaty Annuity lawsuit and subsequent court rulings and settlement that worked to divide many of the 21 communities involved. Scott describes how the process unfolded, explains 1850 Treaty history, the split between the community as a whole and individuals, and how he advocated for a larger portion to go to the future of the community.Scott said it was a factor in him losing the election, especially with cheques not going out until after the election, but says new Chief Cathy Bellefeuille was a good choice to replace him. In the pre-interview banter between co-hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale, it's noted that at least one viewer is starting to like Dave more now than when he was writing salty columns for BayToday and The Nugget.

Echo Essentials Podcast co-hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale discuss the history of North Bay's past and current community events. They cover the successful recipes and challenges they face, while referencing the Aug. 24 Block Party, on-going Summer Concert Series, the old and potentially-revived Northern Ontario Country Music Singing Contest, former Heritage Festival and former Summer Concert in the Park iterations.Their featured guest, meanwhile, is Redpath Mining Group's senior vice-president Dave Hansman, who shares the history of the company and its founder, Jim Redpath, including the principles that continue to guide the company. Redpath is one of North Bay's largest private sector employers with 290 people living here and almost 10,000 others working for its various corporations globally.0:00 2:52 Block Party, Summer Concerts14:00 Scott is looking 'lobsterish'17:40 Voyager Aviation Sponsor Message18:40 Redpath's Sr. VP Dave Hansman22:06 Community Building here and abroad27:15 Jim Redpath's Support of Arts31:10 Principles of Sustainability - ESG34: 00 Roy Slack, Alex Speirs37:00 Mining is not 'Dark, Dirty and Dangerous' anymore43:20 Laframboise Realty Sponsor Message48:15 Coolest place traveling for work?51:40 Mining is here to stay52:44 The Jarvis Clark Connection

This week's Echo Essentials podcast is half banter between co-hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale before bringing seemingly-ostracized Coun. Jamie Lowery to discuss the progress and lack there of half-way into the four-year term.Scott asks Dave about him stepping into a bit of Facebook "goo" while offering criticism about how a media release was republished by The Nugget as "submitted" without further attribution, unlike the credible job by BayToday staff, while also suggesting a news issue deserved more treatment by both. As for Coun. Lowery, Scott wants to know why so many people don't like dealing with him and Dave notes that his work as the chief executive officer of Casselholme Home for the Aged burned some bridges at the city. Meanwhile, Lowery said he considers himself an independent serving constituents and he's not inclined to play the game of voting for a councillor's motion to leverage a vote back in return.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Gateway Home Hardware podcast discussion2:26 Dave eats with strangers at Terry’s Place3:35 East End Variety, Demarcos, Billy Booth Store5:41 Himalayan Cafe experience6:23 Dave gets humbled on Facebook, but … 15:58 What is with Coun. Jamie Lowery?23:26 Sponsor ad: Twiggs Coffee Roasters24:26 Coun. Jamie Lowery is in the studio …24:46 Communities in Bloom tour28:28 Stuck in Peanut Gallery – 9 to 2 vote T-shirts30:34 Twin pad arena example32:46 Long-term Finance 34:12 Attendance record39:24 Don’t you know how to get things done?41:05 How did George Maroosis manage conflict?45:09 Appeared “arm in arm” at beginning48:12 Chasing shiny objects51:35 KPMG: “Opportunity for ‘business planning’...”55:32 “When I was commissioner …”59:14 Sponsor: Lafromboise Team1:00:11 “Thinner pigeons…”1:08:16 “No place to live…”1:14:27 “What is the net benefit of Battalion?”1:20:06 Report North Bay reader council surveys

The owner of a vilified motel in downtown North Bay and the president of the Near North Landlords Association visit the Echo Essentials studio to share their perspective on handling 'trouble' tenants. Anthony Koziol, owner of the Villa in the 300-block of Main Street East, is vice-president of the NNLA, was named by a nearby business owner as part of the problem because he rents to people associated with criminal activity (fencing of stolen goods and drug dealing).He was joined by Tricia Marshall, president of the NNLA, who said the long time-frame and cost of removing tenants isn't easy or cheap under the current system.Koziol said it's a complicated matter, noting that the same people just move a little ways down the road or find another tenant willing to let them do business there. And he said raising rents to avoid marginalized people isn't the answer because it would merely leave more people on the street. It was a wide-ranging interview that provided more insight from another viewpoint.Related news stories and opinions: https://www.baytoday.ca/local-news/zufelt-calls-out-owner-of-villa-apartments-9233638https://www.baytoday.ca/local-news/dnssab-recognizes-no-perfect-location-for-247-hub-9272517https://www.baytoday.ca/letters-to-the-editor/letter-social-service-agencies-council-police-perpetuate-downtown-problem-9250854Timestamps:0:00 Passion for the marginalized4:38 DNSSAB Consultant didn’t consult15:27 Voyageur Aviation advertisement16:34 Near North Landlord Assoc. guests19:15 Dysfunctional system22:04 “I could never be a landlord”26:16 “Not … profiteering scum sucking landlords”31:56 “It doesn't work that way”36:23 Human Rights Code41:55 ‘Why don’t you jack up your rates?”49:22 ‘NIMBY-ism’51:24 ‘Nowhere to go’54:58 ‘Biggest thing that has to happen’57:18 ‘211 system’1:01:20 Not like the police didn't know1:06:45 Need for psychiatric care capacity1:13:29 Podcast provides long-form platform

This week's Echo Essentials podcast is all about the banter between co-hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale when a guest can't make it to the studio...and the tables are turned a bit as Scott finds himself agreeing with Dave for a change.Seriously, do we really need more access to alcohol? If you are tripped up by a pothole, should you report it and file a lawsuit? (Scott and Dave share their own experiences). The city already absolves itself when their infrastructure work causes problems...with a viewer telling Scott it happened to him too.And who in their right mind would want to be a landlord under current rules and tribunal backlogs? And a newsletter and podcast subscriber says Scott is wrong about the city hall windows, saying the lack of symmetry is refreshing.

Shane Moyer says the recent Echo Essentials podcasts featuring local politicians, police chief and business representatives didn't have the street-level perspective. Moyer, who is trying to help through the Homeless Advocates group, has gone through addiction treatment, lived on the street and was a criminal during the dark times.He says the Northern Pines transitionary treatment program might work for some, but he is a proponent of a co-operative venture proposal in a more farm-like setting. They have a 23-page plan that would offer more natural and homeopathic addiction treatment options, he said, while also stressing that a business operation tied to it would help them become self-dependent. Before the interview, co-hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale discuss other city issues, including the mis-matching City Hall windows.

Brennain Lloyd, of Northwatch, pokes holes in nuclear waste storage decisions and so-called strategy, noting that much of it could travel through North Bay via truck convoys most days of the week for half a century.Before the discussion, co-hosts Scott Clark asks Dave Dale why they are doing so many podcasts about the environment when they could be drilling into why City Hall windows don't match.

The North Bay Public Library is close to achieving charitable status and, some day, they'll be looking at capital fundraising campaign to build a better designed facility to help build a stronger community. Don Curry, chairman of the library board, and Ravil Veli, chief executive officer, join Echo Essentials Podcast hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale to discuss the challenges and opportunities they face. In the pre-interview banter, the hosts talk about how libraries were a big part of their lives. Dave is supportive because he's been there for group meetings and events more often, while Scott hasn't been there for years. Dave said there are library events promoted in almost every Echo Essentials Newsletters, along with other curated event listings and news stories. Subscribe at www.northbayecho.ca

Today's Echo Essentials Podcasts includes video clips of elected officials and a citizen presenter making comments at the June 18 North Bay City Council and Committee meeting. Co-hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale provide their thoughts to add insight and perspective, as well as adding some context.Before the clips are played, Scott asks Dave about his city council beat role at the Nugget, when it started and how it ended. Dave says he replaced a reporter who was eventually fired for killing with ink a former mayor of Mattawa and then adding fake colour into a court case story. And Dave explains why he referred to the reporter as a 'scab' who crossed a picket line in Calgary before being hired by the Nugget.

North Bay is co-hosting a public open house on PFAS 'forever chemicals' today (Thursday, June 20) at Memorial Gardens 3 to 8 p.m., with a 4 p.m. presentation repeated at 6 p.m. Featured on this podcast is Karin Pratte, the City's Senior Environment and Facilities Engineer, who manages the water filtration plant, waste water treatment and Merrick landfill. Joining the city at the public forum is the Department of National Defence, which owned the airport property when firefighting foam exercises contaminated soils, the Ministry of Environment and North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.

New North Bay Police Chief Daryl Longworth joins Echo Essentials co-hosts Scott Clark and Dave Dale to talk about his background, why he took on the role after retirement in Woodstock, Ont. and his priorities.Longworth, who made a presentation to council June 4, explained how high-profile cases in southern Ontario provided experience that shaped his perspective on helping officers cope with their traumas and networking with other public service agencies.Before the interview, which was recorded June 6, Scott and Dave talk about their own experiences with police after critiquing City Hall's odd-coloured glass replacement and toilet bowl design.

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