The 519 Podcast

It's September, and the kids are back in school. But it's not unreasonable to wonder for how long. As the Delta variant continues to spread, there are concerns that we could be looking at another round of at home learning for students. 

In this episode of The 519 Podcast, we look at what has been done to make classrooms safer and whether it's enough. We speak to Directors of Education for three school boards in the region and Annie Kidder, the head of the education advocacy group, People for Education. 

This episode is hosted by Craig Needles. 

It was the strongest tornado to hit Ontario in over 15 years. 

It damaged roughly 100 houses and 25 other buildings, leaving a damage bill of about $130-million. 

It also claimed one life and affected the lives of an entire community, effects that linger 10 years later. 

On August 21, 2011, an isolated supercell thunderstorm that formed and gained strength over Lake Huron, came ashore in Goderich as an F-3 tornado.

In this episode of the 519 Podcast, we look back at that fateful day in Goderich, what has happened since, and how the community is doing now. 

This episode is hosted by Hayley Cheng.  

We had all hoped that, by now, we'd be done with the pandemic. But it's clear we are not. 

With the delta variant causing another spike in COVID-19 cases, and the number of people getting vaccinated seemingly stagnating, the debate now seems to be about can governments can do to mitigate the fourth wave of the pandemic.

The key, most experts agree, is vaccination.  

But how to you get people who are vaccine hesitant or outright refusing the vaccine to change their minds and roll up their sleeves? 
 
Some argue, that's where vaccine passports come in. 

Quebec says it's bringing in vaccine passports, and they've become an issue in the Nova Scotia election. 
 
But what about here in Ontario? So far, the province is saying they're not necessary. 
 
On this episode of the 519 Podcast, we hear from infectious disease specialist Dr. Zain Chagla about how vaccine passports might be the key to ending the pandemic. 

This episode is hosted by Craig Needles. 

As our real estate market continues to sees prices climb to historic heights, the 519 Podcast is looking at the impact on first time home buyers.

In a recent episode, we heard from economist Mike Moffatt about why prices have gone up this way they have.
We also talked to a realtor who pointed to the lack of supply and how it's making it very hard for buyers to find what they're looking for in their price range. 
In this episode, we hear from first time home buyers Alex and Tristan - who were successful in finding a home.. 

What was their house searching experience like? Was it discouraging to see houses they loved sell for hundreds of thousands over the list price? And what advice do they have for other first time home buyers?

This episode is hosted by Craig Needles. 

If we had to take a close look at things that we, as humans, probably don’t deserve, dogs would likely be at or near the top of the list. They ask only for shelter, food, water, and someone to rub their bellies.

And they give so much. But it’s not just companionship and unconditional love that dogs give us. 

Some dogs contribute in a much different way. They help solve crimes and find missing people. 

That’s the focus of this episode of the 519 Podcast. Host Craig Needles speaks with Constable Kristopher Black, K9 unit officer and dog handler with Lambton OPP, about police dogs Blitz and Celeana.

If you’re looking to buy a home, or you know someone who is, then you certainly know about the drastic changes that the housing market in Southwestern and Midwestern Ontario has experienced in what seems to be a very short amount of time. 

Prices at an all time high, bidding wars, and properties selling for hundreds of thousand dollars over the asking price. The real estate market in our region has been breaking records in the past year. 

Are these numbers here to stay, or is this a bubble that will inevitably burst?

We hope, by the end of this episode, we will answer some of your questions and leave you feeling a little more hopeful about buying a home. 

Environmental concerns will likely mean a change to our food supply. Does that mean crickets are on the menu? 519 Podcast host Hayley Cheng explores the idea.