Ep 33 - Redefining "a good neighbourhood" in Queenston, St. Catharines

<p><strong>What makes a good neighbourhood?</strong></p><p>Low crime rates? Strong property values? Walkability and good schools?</p><p>In Episode 33 of <em>Undercurrents</em>, host <strong>Ken Ogasawara</strong> travels to the Queenston neighbourhood in <strong>St. Catharines, Ontario</strong>—a community many outsiders label “the worst neighbourhood in the city.” But is that the whole story?</p><p>Ken spends the day with <strong>Tim Shields</strong>, MCC Community Mobilizer and longtime Queenston resident, exploring how relationships, dignity, and grassroots peacebuilding are reshaping what it means to be a good neighbour.</p><p>This episode explores:</p><ul><li><p>Community development in marginalized neighbourhoods</p></li><li><p>Faith-based peacebuilding and the work of <strong>Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)</strong></p></li><li><p>Homelessness, addiction, and safe consumption sites</p></li><li><p>Food insecurity and the reality of living in a <strong>food desert</strong></p></li><li><p>Affordable grocery store initiatives and local partnerships</p></li><li><p>What it really means to “walk alongside” your neighbours</p></li></ul><p>You’ll hear from Queenston residents, local church leaders, and MCC staff about how presence, partnership, and shared meals can transform both people and systems.</p><p><em>Listen and subscribe at </em><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/undercurrents/id1491683589" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><em>Apple Podcasts</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/undercurrents/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><em>Spotify</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6wlCrxzJZVOy_M0SLZiXCBZ7Lml4XUea" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><em>Youtube </em></a><em>or wherever you listen to podcasts!</em></p><p><a href="https://mcc.org/media/document/150121" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Download transcription here.</a></p><p><a href="https://mcc.org/media/document/150124" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Download discussion guide here.</a></p><p><strong>Credits:</strong></p><p>Undercurrents is sponsored in part by <a href="https://kindredcu.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠Kindred Credit Union⁠</a>.</p><p>Production assistance from Christen Kong</p><p>Theme music by Brian MacMillan</p><p>Artwork by Jesse Bergen</p><p>Executive produced by Sandra Reimer</p>