Hyper Local: Economic Development – Details, episodes & analysis

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Hyper Local: Economic Development

Hyper Local Host: Mason Ainsworth

Business

Government

Education

Frequency: 1 episode/16d. Total Eps: 16

Mission: To inspire economic development professionals, encourage entrepreneurship, and foster community growth by sharing stories, lessons learned, impactful projects, case studies of successful initiatives, and innovative ideas for thriving communities.

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Data updated on 14/07/2026

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Reclaiming Narratives Through Food: Why Culinary Tourism, Shared Meals & Hyper-Local Stories Are Essential for Thriving Neighborhoods-S2 E7-Howard Tam

Season 2 · Episode 7

Tuesday, May 12, 2026 • Duration 42:55

Howard Tam is an Urban Planner, a proud foodie, and the founder of Eat More Scarborough food tours. Through immersive culinary experiences, Howard is championing culinary tourism while shining a light on the incredible diversity and stories within one of Toronto’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

In this tasty episode of Hyper Local, we chomp into:

The power of culinary tourism, how it supports local restaurants, and why we urgently need to do more.
How shared meals and food tours help combat loneliness by bringing people together to socialize, connect, and build genuine community.
Celebrating Scarborough’s incredible culinary diversity and the immigrant entrepreneurs behind it, and their incredible stories.
Reclaiming and amplifying hyper-local narratives through food and storytelling.
Using culture + food as tools for economic and social impact — turning “suburbs” into must-visit destinations.
Collaborations with plazaPOPS, Destination Scarborough, and BIAs like the Young BIA.
And much more!

Howard’s message is clear: Great cities aren’t just built, they’re tasted, shared, and told through the people who live in them. When we eat together, we fight isolation and strengthen the social fabric of our communities.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about food, community development, economic development, placemaking, food entrepreneurship, or using culinary tourism to create more connected, thriving neighbourhoods.

Now some work for YOU! What’s one hyper-local restaurant, spot, or shared food experience in your community that deserves way more attention? Or share a time when a meal brought people together and reduced that sense of loneliness. Drop it in the comments, let’s celebrate the power of food to connect everyone.

#HyperLocalPodcast #EatMoreScarborough #CulinaryTourism #Scarborough #Toronto #FoodTours #CommunityStories #Placemaking #EconomicDevelopment #CombatLoneliness #Urbanism #CityBuilding #Ontario #SupportLocalRestaurants #HyperLocalPod #EcDev

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To what end? Paul Kalbfleisch, on the importance of Play, The Joy Experiments, and the Future of Cities-S2 E6.

Season 2 · Episode 6

Monday, May 4, 2026 • Duration 54:51

Paul Kalbfleisch is disrupting traditional city-building strategies with JOY! From his time as the VP of Brand Marketing and Creativity for Research in Motion (RIM) to creating his own consulting firm (PAUL Consulting Inc.) and co-authoring The JOY Experiments.

In this energized episode of Hyper Local, we dive into:

The JOY Experiments: “moving beyond traditional quality of life measures to prioritizing the economic, social and environmental benefits of infrastructure for the human spirit.”
Prioritizing designing public spaces that foster genuine connections between citizens through shared experiences.
How to create curiosity in our communities.
Encouraging true play, agency, and unpredictable shared experiences.
The Gaslight District.
A change in PERSPECTIVE, through a change in LANGUAGE.
And much more!

Paul's message is clear: “If we want to change the world - we must change cities”. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of cities and communities, and about how we can start building thriving ones!

Now some work for YOU! What is an incredible shared experience you have had with others? Put it in the comments and let's show the power of Play!

#HyperLocalPodcast #EconomicDevelopment #TheJoyExparaments #PlayWorkLive #Play #Leadership #Collaboration #YouAreNotAlone #EcDev #HyperLocalPod #Ontario #City #Cities

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Bright Ideas, Bright People, Bright Future. The EDCO Bright Ideas Competition Experience!-S2 E5

Season 2 · Episode 5

Sunday, March 22, 2026 • Duration 46:51

Join former winners of the EDCO Bright Ideas Competition—Laura Thompson, Sushmitha Thirumalaivasan, and our host, Mason Ainsworth for an inspiring deep dive into one of Ontario's premier programs for economic development innovators.

As former participants who turned bold ideas into recognized successes, we break down everything you need to know about the Bright Ideas Competition, hosted by the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO). This annual challenge invites EDCO members to collaborate in teams, tackle real-world economic development issues of their own choosing, and propose innovative solutions—complete with mentorship, reports, pitch videos, and the chance to present at the EDCO Annual Conference and Showcase.

In this episode, we cover:

Personal stories from the winners:

Sushmitha reflects on her recent win—what the journey felt like, the biggest lessons learned, and how the experience continues to fuel her future career in economic development.
Laura shares insights from one of the program's beginnings, how it shaped her professional path, and the long-term impact on her work in the field.

Why you should get involved: Hear our collective take on the unique value of participating: building skills, expanding networks, testing creative approaches, contributing to stronger Ontario communities, and advancing your professional credentials.

Brainstorming the future: We toss around exciting, forward-thinking ideas that the next cohort could explore to address emerging economic development challenges.

Whether you're an economic development practitioner, student, or EDCO member considering your first Bright Ideas entry, this episode offers practical advice, motivation, and real-world inspiration from people who've been there and succeeded.

Additional Information:

15 Communities, 60 Seconds Each: Micro Interviews from EDCO 2026

Season 2 · Episode 4

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • Duration 11:31

SPECIAL EPISODE ALERT: 15 Micro Interviews from the 69th EDCO!

I just returned from the 69th Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Conference in Toronto, where I decided to do something different.

For the first time ever on Hyper Local: Economic Development in Ontario - Podcast. We went fully on-the-spot with 60-second (or less) micro-interviews!

From Toronto to Kenora, Sarnia to Collingwood, County of Brant to Huron County, economic developers shared what’s happening right now in their communities.

We heard about:

• Revamping strategic plans.

• Implementing Community Improvement Plans.

• Downtown revitalization projects.

• Hosting the next Ontario BIA Association conference.

• And so much more!

The format was simple and powerful:

• What is your name?

• Where are you from?

• What’s something interesting going on in your community right now?

The energy was electric, the stories were inspiring, and it reminded me why this work matters. Every community has something exciting happening, and every voice deserves to be heard.

A huge thank you to every person who shared their time, smiled, and shared in 60 seconds or less. You made this special episode possible!

The Nuclear Edge: Jessica Linthorne on Innovation, Jobs & Ontario’s Energy Economy.

Season 2 · Episode 3

Thursday, February 12, 2026 • Duration 55:43

Jessica Linthorne is powering the future of Ontario’s energy economy. As President & CEO at the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII), she’s at the forefront of connecting nuclear innovation with economic development, job creation, and community impact across the province.

In this energized episode of Hyper Local, we dive into:

• What the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) is and its powerful link to economic development.

• The massive opportunities new nuclear brings to Ontario, and the Nuclear Innovation Institute’s recent report in partnership with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.

• Why 60% of Ontario’s energy baseload is nuclear, SMRs, and why the world is watching.

• The critical role of medical isotopes, operational excellence, and understanding the energy sector.

• Emerging leadership, emotional intelligence, collaboration, adaptability, and the importance of “being where your feet are”.

• The importance of having passion for the public sector, knowing the players, and always reaching beyond to learn more.

Jessica’s message is clear: with a collaborative mindset, strong relationships, and a focus on impact, we can shape Ontario’s energy future together. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about innovation, energy security, economic growth, and building thriving communities!

Tune in now and keep the energy going!

Now some work for YOU! What is something you learned about the energy sector today? Put it in the comments and let's show the power of nuclear!

#HyperLocalPodcast #EconomicDevelopment #NuclearInnovation #OntarioEnergy #SMRs #Leadership #Collaboration #EnergySector #EcDev #HyperLocalPod #Ontario #Nuclear #OCC

The World’s Largest EcDev Association: Inside IEDC with President & CEO Nathan Ohle.

Season 2 · Episode 2

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 • Duration 55:00

Nathan Ohle is leading global economic development conversations. As President & CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the world’s largest association of economic developers, he is steering the organization into its historic 100th year with vision, collaboration, and bold ideas.

From his early days as a Community Relations Intern with the Detroit Pistons to Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration, Nathan’s career has been defined by building bridges, driving recovery, and putting people first. Now at IEDC, he’s championing the next generation of leaders, expanding the Economic Recovery Corps (EDC), and leading the charge from competition to true collaboration.

In this milestone Hyper Local episode, we dive into:

IEDC’s 100th anniversary and what it means for the global Economic Development community.
The State of the Field survey and how success is measured.
Moving from competition to collaboration — Nathan met with 525 organizations in 2025 alone!
Showing up at other tables, giving back, and connecting across sectors.
Advice for the next generation of economic developers.
The emerging leaders' affinity group.
And much more!

Nathan’s message is clear: relationships, curiosity, and showing up matter more than ever. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about economic development, global partnerships, and shaping the future of communities.

Thank you to EDCO Executive Director for this episode's mystery question: “What is something you are proud of that you never talk about?”

Now some work for YOU! What is something you learned today that could help others tomorrow? Put it in the comments and let's learn together.

#HyperLocalPodcast #EconomicDevelopment #IEDC #GlobalEcDev #Collaboration #Leadership #100YearsStrong #Communities #EDCO #EcDev #Ontario #Canada #MunicipalLeadership

WOWC’s Vision & ROMA 2026. Collaboration is the Word with Kate Burns Gallagher!

Season 2 · Episode 1

Thursday, January 15, 2026 • Duration 58:13

Kate Burns Gallagher is a political and economic development powerhouse! From her start as an Executive Assistant to MP Joe Preston at the Parliament of Canada, to shaping economic development and tourism in the County of Elgin, Kate now leads as Executive Director of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) where she is uniting 15 upper and single tier municipalities in Southwestern Ontario, advocating for their collective interest, and supporting the region’s 117 municipalities, 1.6 million residents, and over 250,000 businesses!

In this Hyper Local episode, we dive deep into collaboration and impact:

WOWC’s mission, members, and key projects
How economic developers can get involved and support WOWC’s work
What Kate’s hearing from Western Ontario municipalities
Discussions on the recent AMO (1-year-later report), housing, homelessness (up 30% in rural areas), and budget pressures
The critical art of being a bridge between elected officials and staff. With practical tips on early, consistent communication, understanding perspectives, and collaboration
Advice for entering the municipal/government sector: Top 3 tips, including discussion around- “With great power comes great responsibility.”
WOWC’s vision for 2026, including the upcoming ROMA Conference and goals around vulnerable sector checks and Broadband expansion

Kate’s message is clear: collaboration is the theme of the year. Working together to shape the future, not just respond to it. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about rural advocacy, municipal leadership, and building stronger communities!

Thank you to Marc Champagne for your inspiration for this episode's mystery question: “What is your word/intention for this year?”

Now some work for YOU! Are you attending ROMA next week? If so, what is the number one thing you are looking to get out of it?

#EconomicDevelopment #WOWC #Communities #EDCO #EcDev #Ontario #Canada #HyperLocalPodcast #EconomicDevelopment #RuralOntario #Collaboration #MunicipalLeadership #ROMACconference

Moving mountains with Main Street’s. OBIAA, Canada’s Largest Provincial Business Improvement Area Association: The Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) with E.D. Rachel Braithwaite.

Season 1 · Episode 9

Monday, December 15, 2025 • Duration 49:23

Downtown matters, and Rachel Braithwaite is leading the charge with Canada’s largest provincial business improvement area association. As Executive Director of the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA), she leads with enthusiasm, has the fantastic ability to take small ideas and turn them into significant events, dares to dream big, and supports dynamic downtowns across the province.

In this Hyper Local episode, we unpack:

• Activating communities and building a strong BIA.

• OBIAA’s mission, programs, and its upcoming conference.

• Construction mitigation BIA toolkits.

• Business Development Centers and having resources all in one place.

• BIA Awards and Community Improvement Plans (CIP’s).

• Actionable advice for economic developers on how to engage their BIA’s.

• Christmas shopping, supporting local, and BIA board elections.

• Listen for more!

Rachel’s insights are a must-listen for anyone passionate about downtowns, building community, and making your Main Street shine bright!

We also asked Belinda Wick-Graham’s mystery question: “Imagine you just found a suitcase with a million dollars earmarked for ‘economic development’—but there’s no note on how to spend it. Where would you invest it to make the biggest impact, and what’s the quirky or unexpected project you’d secretly fund on the side?”

Now some work for YOU! What is the coolest event you have attended in a downtown area, and where was it? Please put it in the comments and let's keep the conversation going!

#EconomicDevelopment #OBIAA #Communities #EDCO #EcDev #Ontario #Canada #DowntownsMatter #Downtown #MainStreet #MainStreetMatters #PodcastRecommendation #HyperLocalPodcast

Inside Canada’s Largest Provincial Economic Development Association: The Economic Development Council of Ontario (EDCO) with Executive Director Stephanie Crilly.

Season 1 · Episode 8

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 • Duration 39:05

Stephanie Crilly is a relationship master steering Canada’s Largest Provincial Economic Development Association forward. As Executive Director of the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO), she leads with passion, understands the importance of relationships, and continually inspires us to make a difference in our communities.

In this Hyper Local episode, we unpack:

EDCO’s mission, programs, and upcoming conference.
Building relationships and cross-partnerships for community impact.
Monthly trade and tariff roundtables.
Actionable advice for new economic developers.
Finding your passion, investing in education, and grabbing opportunities.
Executive Director tips.
Listen for more!

Stephanie’s insights are a must-listen for anyone passionate about economic development, collaboration, and making a difference in your community!

Now some work for YOU! What’s one incredible memory you have from your involvement with EDCO? Please put it in the comments and let's keep the conversation going!

#HyperLocalPodcast #EconomicDevelopment #MEDJCT #TalentDevelopment #InvestOntario #EDCO #EcDev #Ontario #Canada #Partnerships #TIO #OBIAA

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Diplomat-Turned-EcDev Leader: Attracting FDI and Talent to Canada’s Capital. Jens-Michael Schaal: VP-Global Expansion @ Invest Ottawa.

Season 1 · Episode 7

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 • Duration 58:36

Jens-Michael Schaal is championing global expansion for Ottawa's thriving tech ecosystem. As Vice President - Global Expansion at Invest Ottawa, he provides strategic leadership to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), drive business retention and expansion (BRE), boost international trade, and draw top talent to Canada's G7 capital—the highest concentration of tech talent in North America. From his roots in Germany to his time as a Canadian Diplomat, in New York City in the United States, and in New Delhi, India, he has fostered partnerships across Canada and beyond. He is passionate about problem-solving, other cultures, and making a difference at the local level.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Attracting FDI and talent to your community.

• The importance of cultural curiosity, being reliable, and having a service mindset.

• Ottawa-Gatineau’s Defence Sector Strategy and its new Defence Innovation Hub.

• Canadian diplomatic relations.

• Consider Canada City Alliance (CCCA), The Executive Committee Canada (TEC), and the Ottawa Board of Trade.

• Advice for economic developers.

• The EDCO Election.

• Listen for more!

Jens-Michael’s global experience is a must-listen for anyone passionate about FDI, tech hubs, or strategic talent attraction.

We even talked about the most important thing he has learned internationally and how it can be applied in your community today!

Now some work for YOU! What’s one tip for attracting international talent to your community? Please put it in the comments and let's keep the conversation going!

#HyperLocalPodcast #EconomicDevelopment #OttawaTech #FDI #TalentAttraction #InvestOttawa #EDCO #EcDev #Ontario #Canada #GlobalExpansion

Hyper Local: Economic Development – Details, episodes & analysis

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Hyper Local: Economic Development – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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