Public squares have been gathering places for thousands of years, but do they truly serve everyone in today's increasingly diverse communities? This episode explores two very different town squares in Waterloo Region – Waterloo Town Square and the Gaslight District – to understand what makes these spaces work, revealing that while public squares can help people encounter difference, they don't automatically create belonging or deep understanding. Making them truly inclusive requires thoughtful design, intentional programming, and grappling with difficult questions about who belongs in public space. As our region grows toward one million people and housing becomes less affordable, these free gathering spaces aren't just nice to have - they're essential infrastructure for the human spirit.

THANKS TO OUR GUESTS

Ryan Lok, PhD Candidate at the University of Waterloo School of Planning

Jeyas Balaskanthan, Executive Director of the Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area

Scott Higgins, President of HIP Developments

Sheri Roberts, City of Cambridge Councilor for Ward 2

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Uptown Waterloo BIA

Gaslight District

CREDITS

Jay Harrison, Host/Producer

Karyn Atkins, Writer

Deren Atkins, Editor

Shrijith Ramaswami, Editor

David Harmes, Executive Producer/Engineer

MUSIC

courtesy of Epidemic Sound

Main theme music - Rocket Jr: High Tech

Transition music - Par Hagstrom: Snakes and Fire (Instrumental Version), and Loyae: Level Up

This show was made possible by the support of the Waterloo Region Community Foundation.