Another new downtown plan - will this one work?

Another new downtown plan - will this one work?

London city councillors have a new downtown plan! It isn't the first time we've made a plan - but can this one work? Will it even be implemented? Craig was joined in the studio by London Property Management Association Executive Director Nathan Caranci and former Green Party candidate Dr. Carol Dyck to break down the plan and how the state of the core has a huge impact on other city issues. Then, they look at the future at London Health Sciences Centre now that the organization is recruiting a new board. The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by London Hydro – with support from Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market. Follow Craig on Twitter/X [https://x.com/NeedlesOnNews], Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/craigneedles.bsky.social] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/craigneedlespodcast].

LHSC rebuilds after years of scandal

It's been a difficult half decade for London Health Sciences Centre. Travel scandals, lawsuits, police investigations and more. But, the organization is ready to turn the page. They're starting recruitment for a new board [https://www.lhsc.on.ca/about-lhsc/london-health-sciences-centre-opens-applications-for-renewed-board-of-directors] after the previous one was removed by the Ministry of Health, and they've released a new public report looking into the events [https://www.lhsc.on.ca/news/where-weve-been-and-where-were-going-letter-to-the-community] that led to the hospital going under supervision. LHSC supervisor David Musyj joined Craig on the podcast to discuss that report, update the legal proceedings involving the hospital, and look ahead to what's next for LHSC. The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by London Hydro - with support from Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market. Follow Craig on Twitter/X [https://x.com/NeedlesOnNews], Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/craigneedles.bsky.social] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/craigneedlespodcast].

New safe supply rules may not go far enough

There's some new rules surrounding the controversial safe supply program - but will those changes actually make a difference in London? Craig was joined by political insider Ryan Gauss and organizational consultant Mojdeh Azad on the Friday Round Table to discuss. Can the changes prevent diversion? Do we need to wind the program down entirely?  Then, some new polling shows Doug Ford's approval rating is sitting at 21%. Trouble ahead for the Progressive Conservatives?  Craig and the panel break it down on a brand new episode powered by London Hydro along with Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market.

Will Carney government's online harms bill actually work?

This week in Ottawa, Safe Social Media Act (also known at Bill C-34) was introduced. The government says their goal is to create "a safer online space for all Canadians, especially children". Will they accomplish their goal? What about privacy concerns? And why is unfettered access to social media causing so many problems for kids? Dr. Emma Duerden, an associate professor of education at Western University and a Canada Research Chair in Neuroscience and Learning Disorders, joined Craig on the podcast for her thoughts.  The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by London Hydro – with support from Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market. Follow Craig on Twitter/X [https://x.com/NeedlesOnNews], Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/craigneedles.bsky.social] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/craigneedlespodcast].

Three levels of government failure on homelessness

In the wake of the announced House of Hope closure, fingers are being pointed. Should we blame the provincial government? London city council? Everyone? Craig was joined at the Covent Garden Market studio by former city councillor Cheryl Miller and advocate Dr. Jeff Preston to look at those questions. Then, a conversation about Canadian downtowns - including London's. Big City Mayors are asking for big investments from the federal government, aimed at improving cores all over the country. Will Mark Carny actually cut the cheque? What should the money be spent on? Plus - a new report blames London's rat problem on... Londoners. Is a $400 fine for not having a clean property enough to solve the rat issue? The Craig Needles Podcast is powered by London Hydro – with support from Downtown London and the Covent Garden Market. Follow Craig on Twitter/X [https://x.com/NeedlesOnNews], Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/craigneedles.bsky.social] and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/craigneedlespodcast].