Local expert Troy Glover shows us why social infrastructure is the invisible glue that holds a community together. Through the lens of public libraries, this episode uncovers how these everyday spaces are actually "palaces for people," quietly helping to transform strangers into neighbors and isolated individuals into thriving communities. As Waterloo Region grows toward becoming home to one million people by 2050, this episode asks a crucial question: will we invest in the social infrastructure that turns a growing population into a connected community, or will we let our social fabric fray?

THANKS TO OUR GUESTS

Troy Glover, Professor of Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo

Nathan Stretch, Senior Manager of Community Development and Insights

at Kitchener Public Library

Cristina McLaren, Manager of Library Services for the Region of Waterloo Libraries

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Waterloo Region Community Foundation’s 2025 Vital Signs report

Gehl Institute report on social infrastructure

ActivateYourNeighbourhood.ca

CREDITS

Jay Harrison, Host/Producer

Karyn Atkins, Writer/Reporter

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.

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Join host, Jay Harrison, for a five-part series on social infrastructure in Waterloo Region. Starting January 17, 2026 you can tune in to Midtown Radio (midtownradio.ca) on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00am ET to listen along with your neighbours. Follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts to catch up with past episodes.
Music from Rocket Jr. courtesy of Epidemic Sound