Echo Essentials Podcast
The Echo Essentials Podcast ties together all the elements of the North Bay Echo Community Podcast Network, hosted by Christopher Piekarski. Guests and topics on the show will reflect the challenges and issues facing North Bay, providing additional context and depth to stories that are of public interest. Explore more North Bay podcasts and stay updated on local events and news at NorthBayEcho.ca. To inquire about being a guest or commenting on content, please email editor@northbayecho.ca Production Credits: Hosts: Christopher Piekarski Producer: Ben Sargent Produced by Clark Communications
Episodes
October 5, 2026 • 71 mins
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by candidates on this program are their own and are not necessarily those of North Bay Echo, its hosts, producers, or sponsors. Sponsors had no input on guest selection or interview questions, and sponsorship does not constitute an endorsement of any candidate. All registered candidates for the 2026 North Bay municipal election were invited to participate, and no candidate paid to appear. Statements ...
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October 2, 2026 • 77 mins
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by candidates on this program are their own and are not necessarily those of North Bay Echo, its hosts, producers, or sponsors. Sponsors had no input on guest selection or interview questions, and sponsorship does not constitute an endorsement of any candidate. All registered candidates for the 2026 North Bay municipal election were invited to participate, and no candidate paid to appear. Statements ...
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September 30, 2026 • 98 mins
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by candidates on this program are their own and are not necessarily those of North Bay Echo, its hosts, producers, or sponsors. Sponsors had no input on guest selection or interview questions, and sponsorship does not constitute an endorsement of any candidate. All registered candidates for the 2026 North Bay municipal election were invited to participate, and no candidate paid to appear. Statements ...
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September 28, 2026 • 71 mins
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by candidates on this program are their own and are not necessarily those of North Bay Echo, its hosts, producers, or sponsors. Sponsors had no input on guest selection or interview questions, and sponsorship does not constitute an endorsement of any candidate. All registered candidates for the 2026 North Bay municipal election were invited to participate, and no candidate paid to appear. Statements ...
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September 25, 2026 • 134 mins
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by candidates on this program are their own and are not necessarily those of North Bay Echo, its hosts, producers, or sponsors. Sponsors had no input on guest selection or interview questions, and sponsorship does not constitute an endorsement of any candidate. All registered candidates for the 2026 North Bay municipal election were invited to participate, and no candidate paid to appear. Statements ...
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March 12, 2026 • 51 mins
In this episode of Echo Essentials, we take a closer look at a new piece of local tech that could change the way people shop for groceries.
Eric Dion, co-founder of Gofer.Run, joins the show to talk about the launch of the locally developed app designed to help consumers save money by comparing grocery prices and planning smarter shopping trips. Instead of guessing where the best deals are, the app scans flyers and store lis...
Eric Dion, co-founder of Gofer.Run, joins the show to talk about the launch of the locally developed app designed to help consumers save money by comparing grocery prices and planning smarter shopping trips. Instead of guessing where the best deals are, the app scans flyers and store lis...
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February 19, 2026 • 53 mins
On this episode of Echo Essentials, we take a closer look at snowmobile season in North Bay and Northern Ontario and what it really means for our region.
We’re joined by Shawn Flindall from the North Bay Snowmobile Club to talk about Snowmobile Safety Week, the realities of riding in ever-changing winter conditions, and the responsibility that comes with operating high-performance machines on community trail systems.
We’re joined by Shawn Flindall from the North Bay Snowmobile Club to talk about Snowmobile Safety Week, the realities of riding in ever-changing winter conditions, and the responsibility that comes with operating high-performance machines on community trail systems.
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February 13, 2026 • 55 mins
In this episode of Echo Essentials, we break down what’s behind North Bay’s banner year for housing development.
With 242 new dwelling units approved in 2025, more than double from 2024, we sit down with Councillor Justine Mallah and Beverley Hillier from Planning and Building Services to unpack what drove the surge.
We also take a look at the continuing development of the waterfront area and what the futu...
With 242 new dwelling units approved in 2025, more than double from 2024, we sit down with Councillor Justine Mallah and Beverley Hillier from Planning and Building Services to unpack what drove the surge.
We also take a look at the continuing development of the waterfront area and what the futu...
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February 5, 2026 • 63 mins
Politics is moving fast, and the forces shaping Canada today are tied closely to what is happening in Ontario and around the world.
In this episode of Echo Essentials, friend of the show and professor of political science Dr. David Tabachnick joins the podcast for a wide ranging conversation on the current state of politics at every level.
We tackle the recent happenings including the threats to Greenland and the...
In this episode of Echo Essentials, friend of the show and professor of political science Dr. David Tabachnick joins the podcast for a wide ranging conversation on the current state of politics at every level.
We tackle the recent happenings including the threats to Greenland and the...
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January 29, 2026 • 54 mins
What happens when elected school trustees lose their power, and what does that mean for democracy in Ontario?
In this episode of Echo Essentials, Jay Aspin and Bill Steer join the podcast to talk about the petition to keep trustees in Ontario's public school system. Both men bring deep experience in public life and education governance, and they speak candidly about what has unfolded and why it matters.
The conversati...
In this episode of Echo Essentials, Jay Aspin and Bill Steer join the podcast to talk about the petition to keep trustees in Ontario's public school system. Both men bring deep experience in public life and education governance, and they speak candidly about what has unfolded and why it matters.
The conversati...
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January 24, 2026 • 57 mins
In this episode of Echo Essentials, North Bay City Councillor Mark King joins the show to talk candidly about the state of housing and homelessness in the city. As chair of the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board and vice chair of the Northern Ontario Service Delivery Association, Mark brings a regional and on the ground view of what is happening and why.
The conversation covers new data showing sharp ...
The conversation covers new data showing sharp ...
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January 15, 2026 • 52 mins
Impaired driving is not something from the past. It is still happening in our communities, and the consequences are still devastating.
In this episode of Echo Essentials, we sit down with Shona Camirand and Bobbie-Lyn Shank, members of MADD Nipissing, about the ongoing fight against impaired driving.
They share why education and awareness still matter, how attitudes around drinking and driving have changed, and where ...
In this episode of Echo Essentials, we sit down with Shona Camirand and Bobbie-Lyn Shank, members of MADD Nipissing, about the ongoing fight against impaired driving.
They share why education and awareness still matter, how attitudes around drinking and driving have changed, and where ...
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January 8, 2026 • 62 mins
In this episode, we sit down with Pierre Ranger, the voice behind the Let’s Remember Adam campaign. Pierre shares the heartbreaking story of his brother Adam, a young boy who was hit and killed by a driver who didn’t stop for a school bus.
Since that moment, Pierre and his family have made it their mission to make sure no one else has to go through what they did. The campaign has become a powerful reminder about ...
Since that moment, Pierre and his family have made it their mission to make sure no one else has to go through what they did. The campaign has become a powerful reminder about ...
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January 1, 2026 • 61 mins
North Bay is heading into an important stretch. Major projects are underway, big questions remain, and decisions being made now will shape what the city looks like in 2026 and beyond.
In this episode of Echo Essentials, Deputy Mayor Maggie Horsfield joins us to talk through what’s on the table. From the work that FONOM is doing for our community, to a look back at the centennial, to long-term budget pressures and growt...
In this episode of Echo Essentials, Deputy Mayor Maggie Horsfield joins us to talk through what’s on the table. From the work that FONOM is doing for our community, to a look back at the centennial, to long-term budget pressures and growt...
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December 25, 2025 • 58 mins
As the year comes to a close, it’s a good time to step back and make sense of everything that happened in politics.
In this Christmas Day episode of Echo Essentials, political scientist Dr David Tabachnik joins us to reflect on the stories that shaped politics over the past year. From local decisions to national debates and global shifts, we talk about what mattered, what surprised us, and what may have lasting consequ...
In this Christmas Day episode of Echo Essentials, political scientist Dr David Tabachnik joins us to reflect on the stories that shaped politics over the past year. From local decisions to national debates and global shifts, we talk about what mattered, what surprised us, and what may have lasting consequ...
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December 18, 2025 • 47 mins
Every year in North Bay, hundreds of people gather for something truly special. It’s called The Big Christmas, and it’s more than just a meal. It’s a place where anyone can come in, sit down, and feel like they belong.
In this episode of Echo Essentials, we talk to Shawn Kettner one of the many people behind the event to hear how it all started, what it takes to bring it to life.
To find out more che...
In this episode of Echo Essentials, we talk to Shawn Kettner one of the many people behind the event to hear how it all started, what it takes to bring it to life.
To find out more che...
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December 11, 2025 • 73 mins
In Northern Ontario, something serious is happening in public education. The Minister of Education has stepped in and taken control of the Near North District School Board, removing authority from elected trustees and shifting decision-making away from the community.
In this episode of Echo Essentials, former trustee Louise Sargent shares her perspective on what led to this decision, how it has impacted transparency and trus...
In this episode of Echo Essentials, former trustee Louise Sargent shares her perspective on what led to this decision, how it has impacted transparency and trus...
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December 4, 2025 • 49 mins
PADDLE is a community-based day program in North Bay that supports adults with developmental disabilities. It’s a lifeline for families, a space of independence for participants, and a model of care that should be celebrated.
In this episode of Echo Essentials, we sit down with executive director Megan Johnson to talk about the growing funding crisis, what PADDLE does every day, and why people across the North are step...
In this episode of Echo Essentials, we sit down with executive director Megan Johnson to talk about the growing funding crisis, what PADDLE does every day, and why people across the North are step...
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November 28, 2025 • 55 mins
In this episode we are joined by Dr David Tabachnick, Professor of Political Science at Nipissing University, to talk about the current provincial government.
We also talk about the newest bills that have past in the province and he gives his take on why the Near North District School Board should not be taken over by the ministry.
We also talk about the newest bills that have past in the province and he gives his take on why the Near North District School Board should not be taken over by the ministry.
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November 20, 2025 • 45 mins
In this episode, we introduce Isaac Sturkey, the newest member of our team. He’s stepping into the role of Content Director and Client Strategy with a passion for storytelling and a strong connection to the North Bay community.
Isaac shares a bit about his background, what drew him to Echo, and how he hopes to shape the stories we tell going forward.
Chris also shares his future plans and how he will remain conn...
Isaac shares a bit about his background, what drew him to Echo, and how he hopes to shape the stories we tell going forward.
Chris also shares his future plans and how he will remain conn...
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