Speaking Municipally

Taproot Edmonton

Taproot Edmonton presents a weekly discussion on key stories in municipal politics. We pay attention to City Council so you don't have to! Join us as we delve into conversations about the context surrounding decisions made at City Hall.

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#378
Friday · 36 min
Revertigo
Edmonton city council learned that the province's order to roll back infill rules won't be simple to carry out. Plus, Alberta's referendum results are in, and council is seeking more municipal autonomy. (00:00) - Introduction (01:46) - Rolling back infill rules (08:07) - Restoring parking requirements (10:15) - Infill amendments and deadlines (12:18) - Edmonton's push for municipal autonomy (17:01) - Knack meets with the province (21:46) - Alberta's referendum results (26:43) - Stevenson leaves the police commission (30:26) - Council's seats on the police commission (32:31) - The four-year budget (34:34) - Ad: Taproot membership (36:33) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Infill Order in Council 353/2026 (PDF) City council hears report on upcoming infill zoning bylaw amendments Infill discussion on Instagram Municipal autonomy Edmonton to push for more municipal autonomy 'Rebuilding trust': Knack meets with premier, ministers Aaron Paquette's post on municipal autonomy (Instagram) Referendum Alberta referendum tallies reveal rural-urban divide on ‘the 9’ Nopes to the nine? Blue walls? Five takeaways from Alberta's referendum results Interactives: Referendum results highlight Alberta's rural-urban and partisan divides Dark Phoenix: The Rise, Fall, and Re-emergence of Danielle Smith, by Jeremy Appel Craft Politics Episode 81 - Dave Cournoyer: Alberta voted to stay. What now? Police commission City councillor Anne Stevenson leaves role on Edmonton police commission Edmonton city councillor Anne Stevenson resigns from police commission Councillor Stevenson resigns — Edmonton Police Commission Edmonton Police Commission meeting — Nov. 19, 2026 Budget A five point plan for budget... — Michael Janz City of Edmonton budget and finances Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Reach the Edmonton region with Taproot. Explore advertising and sponsorship opportunities to connect your organization, opportunity, or message with people who choose Taproot to stay informed and connected. ★ Support this podcast ★
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#377
October 23 · 33 min
The LRT giveth and the LRT taketh away
Adam Dyck, the comedian behind the viral LRT Takes videos, joins us to discuss how he brings fun and thoughtful critique to Edmonton. Plus, we have an update on the Army and Navy building: it's actually happening! (00:00) - Introduction (01:14) - Army and Navy building update (05:15) - Introducing LRT Takes with Adam Dyck (09:14) - Transit pride and local voices (14:08) - Finding guests and bridging political differences (19:28) - Groat Road and speed limits (21:17) - The donair and pizza debate (23:46) - Edmonton's creative community (25:50) - Adam's hot take on YEGwave (27:14) - Where to find Adam and what's next (29:15) - Reflecting on LRT Takes (31:10) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Army and Navy building Whyte Avenue's old Army and Navy building starts welcoming new tenants Adam Dyck and LRT Takes CTV News on LRT Takes Adam Dyck on Instagram Adam Dyck on Facebook Underdog Comedy Show Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Reach the Edmonton region with Taproot. Explore advertising and sponsorship opportunities to connect your organization, opportunity, or message with people who choose Taproot to stay informed and connected. ★ Support this podcast ★
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#376
October 16 · 36 min
A sovereign Edmonton within a united Alberta
We look at reaction to the Alberta government's directive to roll Edmonton's zoning bylaw back to its pre-2024 rules. Plus, advance voting is open for the referendum, and we examine the impact of agencies, boards and commissions in 2025. (00:00) - Introduction (01:15) - Ad: Inclusive Transportation with Veronica O. Davis (01:53) - Zoning bylaw directive (04:33) - Legal challenges and council's response (10:48) - Councillors react (14:38) - Business uncertainty (16:27) - Referendum advance voting (19:26) - Paula Simons on why voting matters (25:07) - Agencies, boards and commissions (26:53) - Council-directed funding and Station Lands (30:18) - ABCs by the numbers (34:39) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Zoning and municipal autonomy On the agenda: Municipal autonomy, funding outcomes, rezonings Keith Gerein: Premier Smith's edict is in — Edmonton is not allowed to be Edmonton Edmonton could be taking province to court over infill decree City of Edmonton may challenge provincial infill order in court Reaction to the infill directive Coun. Erin Rutherford's reaction on Bluesky Coun. Ashley Salvador's reaction on Bluesky Coun. Karen Principe's statement on Facebook Coun. Thu Parmar's statement on Facebook Coun. Thu Parmar's provincial infill update Coun. Mike Elliott's statement on Facebook Edmonton Neighbourhoods United's post on Facebook Alberta referendum Elections Alberta: 2026 referendum voter information Your turn: Referendum mail-in ballots due, advance polls open soon Elections Alberta: Notice of voting location closing time changes Vote on Alberta's future brings together former premiers who once sparred in legislature Carney to attend 'Forever Canadian' rallies in Alberta days before referendum ABCs Oct. 14 council agenda: Municipal Funding Arrangements Outcome Reporting — 2025 Station Lands This episode is brought to you by the Office of Councillor Michael Janz. Join Veronica O. Davis, author of Inclusive Transportation, on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. to explore how transportation can connect communities and what better transit could look like in Edmonton's next four-year budget. Proceeds will go to Edmonton Transit Riders. Get your ticket today. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Reach the Edmonton region with Taproot. Explore advertising and sponsorship opportunities to connect your organization, opportunity, or message with people who choose Taproot to stay informed and connected. ★ Support this podcast ★
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#375
October 9 · 47 min
Back to the zoning board
The provincial government is forcing Edmonton to amend its zoning bylaw and restore minimum on-site parking requirements to appease infill critics. Plus, a study found that apartment and condo dwellers are only sorting a third of their waste correctly. (00:00) - Introduction (01:00) - Ad: Citadel Theatre (02:22) - Zoning and parking rollback (10:41) - Infill and municipal democracy (20:17) - Edmonton's response and next steps (26:40) - Waste sorting in apartments and condos (32:10) - Single-use items and the bag fee (35:50) - 2027-2030 budget process (38:28) - Bike plan funding (41:39) - Sidewalk cycling and the public spaces bylaw (45:11) - Edmonton's car-free mayor (47:09) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Zoning and parking Growing neighbourhoods responsibly — provincial announcement Growing responsibly — Oct. 8, 2026 news conference 2026 Q3 Edmonton building permit report — Jacob Dawang Open Option Parking — City of Edmonton Municipal autonomy and accountability Councillor Accountability and Recall Advisor job posting Modernizing municipal legislation across the province Waste sorting City council agenda and attachments for the waste characterization study Apartment and condo waste collection — City of Edmonton On the agenda: Waste, budget process, city manager's power Single-use items and the bag fee Bag fee for Edmonton businesses kept alive by narrow council vote Budget planning Edmonton's budget and finances, including the 2027-2030 budget Cycling and public spaces Edmonton Bike Plan Public Spaces Bylaw — City of Edmonton This episode is brought to you by Citadel Theatre. Our Little Secret is a new musical based on Noam Tomaschoff's true story: a DNA test revealed that he had dozens of siblings. After hits at the Toronto and Edinburgh fringes, the show comes to the Maclab stage from Oct. 15 to 25. Get your tickets today. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★
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#374
October 2 · 41 min
Please present your boarding pass
The new owners of Edmonton City Centre proposed strict security measures at each entrance of the downtown mall, and councillors endorsed changing the definition of public space. Plus, an American company has a vision to turn an industrial park in northeast Edmonton into one of the largest data centre campuses in North America. (00:00) - Introduction (02:43) - Ad: Edmonton Startup Week (04:11) - Public spaces bylaw review (10:37) - Defining public and private spaces (13:42) - City Centre security plans (20:03) - Northeast Edmonton data centre proposal (22:38) - Edmonton's industrial investment (25:59) - Horse Hill, sprawl and land speculation (28:47) - Data centre regulation and impacts (34:49) - Transit Royale proposal (40:57) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Public spaces bylaw Councillors endorse changes to public spaces bylaw City reviews public spaces bylaw amid concerns it unfairly targets homeless residents Proposed public spaces bylaw amendments, including the definition of municipal public space Parveen Parmar addresses councillors on bylaw fines (video) Edmonton City Centre 50-storey towers, new security approach part of developer's plans for Edmonton City Centre City Centre security discussion on Instagram Data centres Data centre campus proposed in northeast Edmonton Edmonton Energy and Technology Park AI data centre amendment — learn more and share feedback until Oct. 25 Walton's proposed area structure plan amendment (PDF) Northeast Edmonton could become one of North America's largest data centre districts Mack's 2013 reflections on the Horse Hill area structure plan and sprawl Transit app Executive committee agenda: ETS Transit App Single Source Procurement City report on the proposed Transit Royale and rider research agreement Transit Royale FAQ, including free community subscriptions for riders who cannot afford it Support local news Become a Taproot Edmonton member This episode is brought to you by Edmonton Startup Week. From Oct. 5 to 9, founders, innovators, investors, students, and big thinkers will come together for workshops, panels, showcases, social gatherings, and more. The week includes a kickoff showcasing this year's top 10 companies and a farm-inspired "Coming Home" launch party at Edmonton Unlimited on Oct. 8. Pick sessions that match your interests, and leave room for something unexpected. Explore the full calendar Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★
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#373
September 25 · 38 min
What'd I miss?
Stephanie is back! We chat about some of the big and small municipal news you might have missed in the past month. Plus, we hear all about Stephanie's travels and her fresh reflections on cities and how Edmonton stacks up. (00:00) - Introduction (01:59) - Ad: Shadow Theatre (03:58) - Europe through an Edmonton lens (08:58) - Bike infrastructure (10:40) - Patios and pedestrian life (13:45) - Bridges (17:31) - Street-level trains and transit (21:46) - Ad: Wills Week (23:50) - Former mayors and downtown (30:01) - Downtown traffic and construction (36:02) - Referendum (37:15) - Pit Tour and close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Europe through an Edmonton lens Old Strathcona Public Realm Strategy Council decides against pause in patio fees Patios on Public Space Margaret Bridge refurbishment in Budapest High Level Bridge Rehabilitation Low Level Bridge Rehabilitation Downtown Edmonton Former Edmonton mayors discuss downtown, homelessness, and the city budget Warehouse Park and surrounding street construction Imagine Jasper Avenue Referendum Referendum information updates from Elections Alberta Referendum mail-in ballot requests surpass 610,000 Pit Tour Listen to the Pit Tour panel This episode is brought to you by Shadow Theatre. Its 2026-27 season features four plays written by Canadians, with stories that are fearless, moving, and deeply human. New artistic director Lana Hughes has put together a season that reflects the country's humour, complexity, communities, and relationships. Subscribe today This episode is also brought to you by Edmonton Community Foundation, which presents Wills Week from Oct. 5 to 9. Whether you're creating your first will or updating an existing one, free online and in-person sessions offer clear, expert guidance on wills, executorship, and estate planning. Learn more about Wills Week Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★
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#372
September 18 · 50 min
What we choose to remember
This week, heritage advocate Andy Grabia talks about the fight to keep the University of Alberta's Casavant organ in Convocation Hall. We also look at Edmonton's uneasy relationship with its heritage and, a decade after Rogers Place opened, revisit the arena debate and the fate of Rexall Place. (00:00) - Introduction (00:32) - Ad: Life Sciences Week (02:58) - Meet Andy Grabia (04:33) - The fight to save the U of A’s memorial organ (09:03) - A war memorial facing relocation (13:44) - What exactly are they trying to preserve? (17:53) - Can the province stop the move? (20:14) - The university’s rationale—and time running out (25:55) - Ad: Edmonton Startup Week (26:41) - The state of heritage in Edmonton (30:36) - What is worth preserving? (36:16) - Rogers Place, ten years later (39:18) - The arena’s economic impact and opportunity costs (45:14) - The fate of Rexall Place (47:06) - A call to action on heritage (50:06) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Andy Grabia Unite for the Pipes Why Downtown? Memorial organ U of A response to the Summerby-Murray report Community members raise concerns about new home for U of A organ Edmonton heritage Heritage Places Strategy Architecture bracket exposes history at risk Council moves to end seven advisory boards Rogers Place at 10 The agreement to build Rogers Place Downtown Community Revitalization Levy projects Rogers Place celebrates its 10th anniversary This episode is brought to you by Life Sciences Week. From Sept. 21 to 25, industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, innovators, and students will come together for free, community-led events across Alberta. Explore cutting-edge breakthroughs, meet the people transforming bold ideas into real-world solutions, and help shape the future of Alberta's life sciences sector. Learn more This episode is also brought to you by Edmonton Startup Week. From Oct. 5 to 9, Edmonton's founders, innovators, investors, students, and big thinkers will come together to learn, connect, and build momentum. Step in for candid panels and lunch-and-learns, step up through hands-on workshops and mentorship, and step forward at community meetups, Startup Crawl, Launch Party, and more. Wherever you are in your startup journey, there's a next step waiting for you. Learn more Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★
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#371
September 11 · 43 min
Big goals, small change
We speak with Mike Mellross of Alberta Ecotrust about Edmonton's updated climate priorities and the important decisions coming up during the four-year budget. We talk climate ambition, competing pots of funding, and why good city building might be climate action, too. (00:00) - Introduction (00:43) - Ad: LitFest (01:38) - Interview introduction (02:11) - Meet Mike Mellross and Alberta Ecotrust (06:10) - Why work through a climate charity? (10:16) - Edmonton's updated climate priorities (12:50) - Ambition and accountability (16:34) - Climate action and city building (18:50) - Competing pots of funding (20:59) - Two $5-million funding requests (27:16) - The Climate Innovation Fund (30:22) - A more formal city partnership (32:23) - Thinking regionally (33:22) - What to watch for in the budget (35:58) - Climate action in a long emergency (39:38) - Upcoming events and speaking up (42:08) - Final thoughts (43:15) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Mike Mellross Mike Mellross at Alberta Ecotrust Mike Mellross on LinkedIn The Long Emergency by James Howard Kunstler Climate priorities 2027 Update - Climate Implementation Priorities: Council agenda and attachments 2027 Update - Climate Implementation Priorities council report City to debate $114.58 million in climate mitigation actions in four-year budget talks Report finds top 3, bottom 3 priorities for Edmontonians ahead of budget talks 2021: Countdown to 2050: Explaining Edmonton's carbon budget 2024: Report suggests Edmonton's emissions are decreasing too slowly Alberta Ecotrust Emissions-Neutral Buildings Information Exchange (ENBIX) 2026 Alberta Municipalities Convention & Trade Show ENBIX three-year anniversary This episode is brought to you by LitFest, Canada's original nonfiction festival, celebrating the power of true stories. From Oct. 14 to 18, downtown Edmonton becomes a creative hub for readers and writers. Discover your next favourite books and authors through readings, panel discussions, and workshops inspired by this year's theme: Nonfiction shows us who we are. Learn more and get tickets Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★
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#370
September 4 · 41 min
Bike lanes in the slow lane
We speak with Coun. Ashley Salvador and Aaron Budnick of the Edmonton Bike Coalition about Edmonton's slow bike-lane build-out and the province's threat to derail it. Plus, we hear about the confusing budget of it all and how funding decisions will determine where the network goes next. (00:00) - Introduction (00:51) - Ad: Skyline Rush Challenge (01:36) - Interview introduction (03:28) - Active transportation with Ashley and Aaron (08:55) - What has the $100 million built? (14:17) - What happened at committee (18:37) - The 50 Street compromise (21:31) - Ad: Life Sciences Week (23:30) - Provincial bike-lane legislation (27:32) - What happens next (28:27) - Budget and climate (34:39) - Week Without Bike Lanes (36:32) - Final thoughts (40:24) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Ashley Salvador AshleySalvador.com Ward Métis - Ashley Salvador Aaron Budnick Aaron Budnick on LinkedIn Edmonton Bike Coalition Active transportation Bike routes cancelled or put off despite council direction On the agenda: Bike lanes, climate resilience, Low Level Bridge Active Transportation Implementation Acceleration Program Update (PDF) Active Transportation Network Expansion Edmonton bike lane expansion to continue as planned Government of Alberta praises Ontario court ruling on bike lanes Episode 368: Everyone is mad for different reasons Week Without Bike Lanes 2027 Update - Climate Implementation Priorities council report This episode is brought to you by Wellspring Alberta's Skyline Rush Challenge. On Saturday, Oct. 3, rappel 240 feet down the Courtyard Edmonton Downtown Hotel while raising funds for free programs and services for Albertans and families facing cancer. No rappelling experience is needed, and this year you can take on the challenge side-by-side with a friend. Learn more This episode is also brought to you by Life Sciences Week, a free, community-led event that celebrates and advances Alberta's life sciences. It runs Sept. 21 to 25 with events across the province, beginning with a kickoff in Edmonton at 10am on Monday, Sept. 21. In this episode, Andrew MacIsaac, CEO of Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation, explains the sector's growth and potential in the Edmonton region. Learn more Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★
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#369
August 28 · 38 min
Where do we Global from here?
This week, municipalities weigh in on new strategic and business plans from Edmonton Global. Gibbons and Beaumont are out, but Edmonton is all in. Plus, council pushes forward with the active transportation network expansion, and we get an update on the Edmonton Research Park. (00:00) - Introduction (01:31) - Ad: Events Roundup (04:06) - Edmonton Global (16:36) - Bike lanes (23:27) - Edmonton Research Park (28:56) - Ahmad Jawad on IASP (30:59) - Public toilets (37:45) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Events Roundup Events Roundup Taproot Edmonton Calendar Edmonton Global Knack's faith in Edmonton Global remains, despite departures Edmonton Global's refresh aims to lift 'veil of unhappiness' Episode 367: Working as a herd Bike lanes Edmonton bike lane expansion to continue as planned Edmonton city council rejects proposed changes to remaining bike lane routes Edmonton Research Park Edmonton Research Park Ahmad Jawad IASP North American Division Event March 2023: Edmonton Research Park businesses encouraged by city moves July 2024: Applied Pharma facility could open local doors while bridging national gap August 2026: API facility moves forward as Life Sciences Week approaches Public toilets Does Edmonton have enough public washrooms? Public Washrooms City of Edmonton Public Washroom Strategy (PDF) Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★
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#368
August 21 · 39 min
Everyone is mad for different reasons
City administration is bowing down to provincial bike lane legislation that doesn't even exist yet. Plus, council requested more information on how infill impacts surrounding property values, and we discuss the proposed LRT station fare gate pilot. (00:00) - Introduction (01:31) - Municipal bike lanes (10:23) - Bike lanes in Ontario (13:25) - Pause on active transportation infrastructure (18:29) - Fare gate pilot (24:40) - Infill impacts (32:46) - Movers & Shakers (36:19) - Fringe update (38:25) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Municipal bike lanes Province seeks input on bikes lanes, cyclists push back Edmonton council votes to keep parking while building bike lanes along 50th Street Alberta monitoring debate over bike lanes in Ontario, considering similar legislation Government of Alberta praises Ontario court ruling on bike lanes Fare gate pilot Edmonton city council to vote on fare gate pilot project in November September 2024: Fare gate pilot could fail, podcast hosts suggest Episode 277 | A fair shake for fare gates faces delay Infill impacts Edmonton councillor seeks study on infill property values Jacob Dawang: Edmonton's $15M infill property tax dividend Movers & Shakers Andrew Knack's LinkedIn post Gerein: Blake Desjarlais's hiring at Edmonton city hall was a puzzler. So is his exit after just 90 days. Rajah Maggay's LinkedIn post Aileen Giesbrecht's LinkedIn post Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★
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#367
August 14 · 1 hr
Working as a herd
We speak with Edmonton Global CEO Daryn Edgar and Spruce Grove Mayor Jeff Acker about Edmonton Global's new strategic plan and how shareholders are feeling about the organization these days. Plus, we bring you an update on Gibbons, the best little town in the northeast. (00:00) - Introduction (03:34) - Ad: Taproot's Food Roundup (04:22) - Gibbons update (14:44) - Interview with Daryn Edgar and Jeff Acker (58:42) - Post-interview discussion (59:57) - Closing Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guests Daryn Edgar Edmonton Global's incoming CEO aims to refresh relationships and drive scale Meet Daryn Edgar, Edmonton Global's new CEO Mayor Jeff Acker City of Spruce Grove: Mayor Jeff Acker Gibbons Gibbons viability review raises concerns in Sturgeon County Concern over Bill 28's proposed changes to viability review Collaboration talks between Gibbons and Sturgeon County stall Viability review report reveals how Gibbons reached financial crisis Gibbons council rejects province's viability review findings Gibbons votes to remain a town This episode is brought to you by the Food Roundup. Published every Tuesday morning, the Food Roundup is an email newsletter that provides you with the latest openings, closings, headlines, and happenings in the world of food across the Edmonton region. If you're looking to reach the kind of people who read the Food Roundup (and you should because they're awesome!) then get in touch. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★
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#366
July 24 · 1 hr 2 min
Talking about Rossdale
We're joined by an archeology expert and an advocate with experience in Indigenous relations for a deep dive on Indigenous engagement in Rossdale, and across the river valley. (00:00) - Introduction (00:42) - Restaurant closures (10:32) - Ad: Edmonton Opera (12:11) - Rossdale engagement (14:22) - Interview with Kisha and Miranda (54:01) - Post-interview discussion (59:50) - Scramble update (01:00:30) - Closing Here are the relevant links for this episode: Restaurant closures July 21, 2026 Food Roundup String of restaurant closures in downtown Edmonton has business owners talking about challenges Rossdale engagement Rossdale debate reflects differing worldviews and capacities, advocates say Treaty 6 nations aim to redevelop contentious Rossdale lots Miranda Jimmy: Legal, Ethical, and Moral Obligations to the Treaty Relationship Métis archaeologist transforms her field from 'grave robber' to 'grave finder' River Cross Business Plan (PDF) Guests Kisha Supernant Miranda Jimmy Scramble update Edmonton delays removal of Whyte Avenue scramble crosswalks until 2027 This episode is brought to you by Edmonton Opera. Tickets are on sale now for Opera al Fresco, Edmonton Opera's cherished summer tradition at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden. Hear favourite arias and choruses amid the flowers and greenery, with a charcuterie box to nibble on throughout. Don't miss out! Get your tickets today Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★
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#365
July 17 · 37 min
Reed between the line items
We're joined by Ward Nakota Isga Coun. Reed Clarke for a conversation about the upcoming four-year budget. We talk about the struggle to keep businesses in Edmonton, the need for better bylaw enforcement, and how infill has impacted the tax situation. (00:00) - Introduction (02:10) - Reed Clarke (05:17) - Revenue ideas (10:41) - Past tax increases (14:11) - Ad: ECAMP Curiosity Tours (14:51) - Tax impacts (19:23) - Industrial development (28:11) - Infill (31:34) - What does success look like? (34:59) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Reed Clarke ReedClarke.ca Ward Nakota Isga - Reed Clarke Budget Budget and Finances 2027-2030 Budget Engagement Taproot's budget coverage This episode is brought to you by the Edmonton City as Museum Project. Join ECAMP for two immersive walking experiences this summer! Explore Edmonton's history through the Labour History Tour and Children of the Flats, and dive into the stories that shaped our city — past and present. Tours are at $15 (2‑hour) or $10 (1‑hour) per person, with kids 12 & under FREE — an accessible and engaging way to experience the city. Learn more Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★
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#364
July 10 · 56 min
Aaron out the budget concerns
We're joined by Ward Dene Coun. Aaron Paquette for a conversation about the upcoming four-year budget. We talk about the state of Edmonton's finances, our city's relationship with neighbours and the province, and what success looks like for the 2027-2030 budget. (00:00) - Introduction (02:00) - Aaron Paquette (11:02) - Municipal/provincial relations (17:08) - Regional growth pressures (25:42) - Downtown incentives (27:45) - Ad: Park Power (28:22) - Budget engagement (32:49) - Social return (35:30) - Budget experience (39:53) - Budget approach (47:23) - Budge communication (50:05) - What does success look like? (53:09) - Be kind (54:20) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Aaron Paquette AaronPaquette.ca Ward Dene - Aaron Paquette Budget Budget and Finances 2027-2030 Budget Engagement Taproot's budget coverage This episode is brought to you by Park Power, your friendly, local utilities provider and title sponsor of Taproot's Regional Roundup. Park Power offers electricity, natural gas, and internet to homes, businesses, and farms throughout Alberta. It also has a Solar Club that offers solar power buy-back rates for Albertans with solar PV systems. Learn more. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★
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#363
July 3 · 34 min
Schrodinger's lodging house
Edmonton city councillors debated changes to the zoning bylaw to regulate lodging houses … if they can figure out what they are. Plus, the city has started cracking down on illegal downtown surface parking lots, and we get excited for the Fringe Festival. (00:00) - Introduction (00:31) - Rain in June (05:09) - Ad: Taste of Edmonton (05:44) - Canada Day (06:55) - Lodging houses (17:19) - New towing lot (19:30) - Downtown parking lots (26:33) - Fringe Festival (31:21) - Scheduling notes (33:10) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Rain in June Edmonton records its rainiest June ever following latest weekend downpour: Environment Canada Edmonton weather nerdery: June 2026 News Release: City of Edmonton impacts due to additional heavy rains News Release: Rising water levels on the North Saskatchewan River prompt immediate trail closures Canada Day Readers share what this year's Canada Day means to them O Canada? Patriotism in the time of Alberta separatism Lodging houses Lodging Houses Analysis Edmonton's mayor fears infill bylaws abused to build lodging houses Edmonton infills operated as rooming houses, renting by the day — even hour New towing lot City of Edmonton opens new tow lot to deal with hundreds of abandoned vehicles Downtown parking lots Crackdown on unlicensed downtown Edmonton parking lots looms Edmonton cracking down on unpermitted surface parking lots in core News Release: City begins enforcement action against unpermitted downtown surface parking lots in July Fringe Festival Edmonton Fringe announces Unforgettable theme for 2026 festival Fringe asks for support to keep it 'Unforgettable' This episode is brought to you by Taste of Edmonton. This year, the popular 11-day festival runs July 16 to 26, offering a delicious sample of Edmonton's finest restaurants, arts, and culture. Presale tickets are available online now until July 14th, or at select retail locations until July 15th. By purchasing ahead, you'll save $10 per sheet of 40 tickets. Learn more Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★
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#362
June 26 · 35 min
I like big bins
City council delayed a public hearing about Rossdale as it had questions about its duty to consult with Indigenous nations. Plus, the parking requirement at daycares has been reduced, and we discuss how to stop illegal dumping at apartment buildings. (00:00) - Introduction (00:41) - YEG Trivia Night (02:54) - Canada Day ask (03:44) - Ad: Edmonton Opera (04:42) - Rossdale rezoning (19:37) - Daycare parking (26:24) - Illegal dumping (35:00) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Canada Day Share your thoughts on Canada Day Rossdale rezoning Council delays Rossdale-specific zone decision for more consultation Daycare parking Edmonton mayor hopes requiring less daycare parking encourages more walking, biking Council reduces parking requirements for child-care spaces to encourage more to enter industry Illegal dumping Edmonton condo's and apartment's paying extra to clean up illegal dumping, report says City looking to pilot big bin project in 2027 to curb illegal dumping This episode is brought to you by Edmonton Opera. Set yourself up for a couple of spectacular date nights! The Opera Duo bundles tickets to both mainstage productions in the 2026-27 season: Rossini's The Barber of Seville in November and Mozart's The Magic Flute in February. You'll save 20% compared to single ticket prices, secure your seats early, and have two unforgettable nights of live opera to look forward to. Subscribe today Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★
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#361
June 19 · 40 min
Maybe it is a municipal responsibility
Council approved $925,000 to fund winter day spaces, even as the conversation about jurisdiction continues. Plus, the Southeast Transit Garage will be a little bigger, and we look at what Edmontonians told the Edmonton Police Commission about the next EPS operating budget. (00:00) - Introduction (01:21) - Correction: 15-minute parking update (03:24) - Ad: Park Power (03:55) - Day spaces (14:14) - Mayor Andrew Knack's comments (15:45) - Edmonton Police budget engagement results (26:22) - Southeast Transit Garage (35:22) - Koermann Block (37:32) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Trivia Night Edmonton Trivia with Taproot Edmonton Correction: 15-minute parking update Instagram post from Coun. Stevenson Day spaces Council allocates $925 thousand for winter day spaces On the agenda: Budget adjustment, transit garage, community halls Edmonton Police budget engagement results Edmonton Police Commission meeting — May 21, 2026 Spring 2026 SCBA & Southeast Transit Garage Edmonton council votes to build bigger transit garage, despite it adding $66M to debt Garage capacity key to expanding transit service, advocate says Koermann Block The Koermann Block: historic but dilapidated city property looks for buyers this spring This episode is brought to you by Park Power, your friendly, local utilities provider and title sponsor of Taproot's Regional Roundup. Park Power offers electricity, natural gas, and internet to homes, businesses, and farms throughout Alberta. It also has a Solar Club that offers solar power buy-back rates for Albertans with solar PV systems. Learn more. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★
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#360
June 12 · 42 min
Vroom, vroom, vroom went the trolley
We're joined by Taproot reporter Colin Gallant, who tested out Edmonton Explorer, the new hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour "trolley" from Explore Edmonton. Plus, the city is taking over operations of the Valley Line LRT, and we discuss upcoming changes to parking at attractions. (00:00) - Introduction (02:30) - Ad: Rally 4 the Road (03:13) - Edmonton Explorer (16:44) - FCM Annual Conference in Edmonton (22:36) - Ad: U of A Reads (24:07) - ETS takes over Valley Line from TransEd (35:12) - Parking fees at attractions (41:32) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Edmonton Explorer Edmonton Explorer: Guided Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour Agency calls 'All aboard!' for visitor economy Explore Edmonton with new trolley service, discovery pass FCM Annual Conference in Edmonton Mayors seek federal funding for downtowns at Edmonton conference Federation of Canadian Municipalities launches new defence task force ETS takes over Valley Line from TransEd News Release: ETS to become long-term operator for Valley Line LRT TransEd replaced as Valley Line LRT operator as Edmonton ends 30-year contract early TransEd ousted as Valley Line Southeast operator, ETS to take over Edmonton Transit taking over operation of Valley Line 2013: P3, or not P3? That's the question as we try to fund Edmonton's future LRT Parking fees at attractions UPDATE: We misspoke about 15-minute free parking. While administration recommended removing it, Urban Planning Committee ultimately passed a motion to preserve 15-minute free parking by adjusting rates for people parking longer than that to cover the cost. City to charge for parking at Valley Zoo, Muttart Conservatory, Fort Edmonton Curbside and Parking Program - Transforming Edmonton's Curbside and Parking Program This episode is brought to you by the Office of Coun. Reed Clarke, who is hosting Rally 4 the Road: Patio Party. The event celebrates the potential of Stony Plain Road as a vibrant central gathering point for the community. Head to The Orange Hub on Saturday, July 4 from 4–7pm for food, music, and drinks before Grindstone Theatre's Comedy Festival shows begin. Learn about the local businesses, vacant-land opportunities, and community energy helping this historic main street thrive. Learn more This episode is also brought to you by U of A Reads from the University of Alberta. From poetry to protest, memory to motivation — U of A alumni authors unpack the forces behind their writing in candid, thought-provoking conversations. Learn more at uab.ca/reads Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★
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#359
June 5 · 40 min
No way four way
We've got a little update on Bridgegate, and we talk about the impact of major construction projects on businesses. Plus, we go on a bit of a deep dive into a southeast neighbourhood that was designed with only one way in or out. What could go wrong? (00:00) - Introduction (03:53) - Ad: U of A Reads (04:32) - Bridgegate update (14:10) - Construction impacts on businesses (23:44) - Ad: Edmonton International Jazz Festival (25:58) - Maple traffic woes (37:57) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Canada vs. Uzbekistan LinkedIn post from Jason Syvixay Footy Scran News Release: Commonwealth Stadium welcomed more than 46,000 soccer fans despite heavy rain Bridgegate update What could Edmonton's High Level Bridge replacement look like? May 25, 2026 - Infrastructure Committee Edmonton's Next Bridge Must Be Its Greatest: Let's Do It Right 2021: Walterdale Bridge still cost Edmonton $155M, even after contractor paid damages for delays Construction impacts on businesses Construction forces closure of Edmonton's top Indian restaurant Reddit thread on Khazana Food Roundup: June 2, 2026 August 2024: City council rejects grant program for Stony Plain Road businesses struggling through LRT work Maple traffic woes New 4-way stop removed after causing traffic nightmare in Maple Crest neighbourhood Traffic snarl in southeast Edmonton leads city to remove newly installed 4-way stop City of Edmonton installs, then removes 4-way stop sign in Maple Crest neighbourhood Maple NSP (PDF) 2022: Councillors decide not to expand road access to southeast Edmonton community Feb. 03, 2026 - City Council - Public Hearing This episode is brought to you by U of A Reads from the University of Alberta. From poetry to protest, memory to motivation — U of A alumni authors unpack the forces behind their writing in candid, thought-provoking conversations. Learn more at uab.ca/reads This episode is also brought to you by the Edmonton International Jazz Festival, which is running from June 19 to 28. Every spring in our city, jazz brings us together, with Edmonton, Canadian, and international musicians. Discover your jazz with us as you experience some of the finest musicians in some of the best music spaces in town. Get tickets now before they're gone Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★
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