Ontario can learn a lot from Guelph.
That was the message delivered at a panel discussion at the University of Guelph Sunday during a live taping of TVO’s The Agenda on the Road.
“Guelph is one of the places we haven’t yet gone to so that was a compelling reason to come here,” said host Steve Paikin. “Then, the more research you do, you find out how much better Guelph is doing economically, relative to the rest of the province. That is a subject that requires some exploration.”
Paikin and the TVO crew recorded two shows during their visit to the atrium of the Summerlee Science Complex at the U of G.
The second show that airs Tuesday night at 8 p.m. examined some of the reasons Guelph has the lowest unemployment rate in Canada and is rated the sixth most entrepreneurial city in the country.
“There is a great ecosystem of support in Guelph,” said Kithio Mwanzia, president and CEO of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce. “There is a partnership and openness and an innovative approach to economic development that has existed in Guelph for some time and all the actors have recommitted themselves to that.”
Mwanzia joined panelists Andy Best, Open Government program manager for the City Of Guelph, Jim Estill, CEO of Danby appliances, Renata Sergejew, president of Onyx Hose and Tube Inc. and Gavin Armstrong founder and CEO of Lucky Iron Fish
The diversity of Guelph’s economy, the culture of collaboration between the public and private sector, the influence of the U of G and the size of the city were some of the reasons given for its success.
“Guelph is big enough that our issues are very common to most large and midsize cities around the continent but it is small enough that we can pull those levers and test and learn, which is an important part of any innovative process,” said Best.
Size and location, were deciding factors for Estill to live and do business in Guelph.
“I like it because it is small enough that it is still a community and it is big enough that it actually has everything you need,” said Estill. “It is close to Toronto if you want to go into Toronto or the airport. The restaurants are outstanding. Prices here are still reasonable and it is in Canada. What else could you want?”
A reception between shows allowed guests to meet Paikin and others from TVO such as CEO Lisa de Wilde and the chair of the board of directors Peter O’Brian.
Also in attendance were Guelph MPP and Minister of Education, Liz Sandals, Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield, Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner, city councilor Phil Alt and Mayor Cam Guthrie.
The first show, that airs Monday, looked at Ontario’s food sustainability and featured celebrity chefs Jamie Kennedy and Joshna Maharaj as well as Sylvain Charlebois, professor of marketing and consumer studies at the U of G, Crystal Mackay from Farm and Food Care, beef farmer Bryan Gilvesy from YU Ranch and Court Desautels from the Neighbourhood Group.
“As much as 93 per cent of Ontarians don’t know where their food is coming from,” said Mackay.
She and others on the panel raised concerns about the hidden costs and implications associated with campaigns by some of the big burger chains to provide beef and chicken products that are antibiotic and hormone free.
“Green washing in the food industry is a massive problem,” said Gilvesy. “There is a lot of confused and dishonest marketing.”
