Ideas Has the housing crisis shaken your trust in democracy?
Aug 26, 2025
Gregor Craigie, host at CBC Radio and author of 'Our Crumbling Foundation,' dives into the housing crisis in Canada. He discusses the alarming homelessness rates, particularly in Nanaimo, and highlights the urgent need for effective solutions. Leonard Krogh, the mayor of Nanaimo, shares insights on how skyrocketing housing prices undermine community ties and democratic participation. They explore the connections between housing accessibility, economic disparities, and health, emphasizing collective action for meaningful change.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Organize For Cooperative Housing
- Leonard Krogh suggests housing cooperatives and collective organizing to reclaim democratic control in housing.
- He urges building non-profit cooperatives financed creatively to eliminate exploitive landlord dynamics.
Housing Linked To Cultural Healing
- Joan Brown describes housing as tied to cultural restoration and land-based healing for the Snenimokh Nation.
- She emphasizes reconciling with land and integrating ancestral practices into housing projects for wellness.
Reframe What 'Affordable Home' Means
- Louis James urges reframing local preferences away from nostalgic single-family ideals toward denser housing types.
- He recommends promoting townhouses and apartments as realistic affordable options for younger generations.
