Our latest interviewee is a face that many Edmontonians may recognize. A former Edmonton resident and recipient of Avenue Edmonton magazine's Top 40 Under 40 distinction, Robin Mazumder will be joining us at the conference to share his research into how design affects mental health, particularly during the winter season.
Read on for our one-on-one interview with Robin:
1. How does your city or community celebrate and/or embrace the winter season?
I just moved to Kitchener in the last year, so I am still learning about how they celebrate winter here. I will say that I plan on bringing #yegsnowfight to Kitchener-Waterloo…
2. If you could do one thing to improve winter life in your city or community, what would it be?
I would advocate for separated bike lanes that were maintained during the winter. I would also advocate for more snow clearance of sidewalks to ensure that people with mobility issues are able to get out in the winter. Winter can be a challenging time for some people and we need to ensure we are doing the most we can to make it easier for them to leave their house to connect with others.
3. What is your favourite childhood winter memory?
Going to the Cabana Sucre with my family in rural Quebec for a maple syrup inspired French-Canadian feast.
4. What is your favourite winter beverage?
Probably my mom’s chai, with mulled wine at a close second
5. How would you describe winter to someone who has never experienced it?
Winter is a special time of year that brings people closer together. Although it can get cold out, the spirit of winter is really quite warm. Oh and there’s this magical white stuff called that falls from the sky that you can throw at people and ski on. It’s pretty great.
6. What are you most looking forward to about the Winter Cities Shake-Up Conference?
Besides being back in the great city of Edmonton, I am excited about learning about the amazing things winter cities from around the world are doing to promote vibrancy and playfulness.
Robin's presentation at Winter Cities Shake-Up 2017 will take place on Saturday, February 18, 2017. Follow him on Twitter at @RobinMazumder.