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.

  1. Same infill arguments, different infill day

    1D AGO

    Same infill arguments, different infill day

    Troy returns to the podcast to talk about infill and zoning. Plus, we get his take on Happy Beer Street, and we look at an interim election audit report. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Audience survey Taproot audience surveyTroy Pavlek TroyPavlek.caInfill rezoning After 2 days of Edmonton infill debate, city committee sends decision to councilResidents speak for and against infill at packed committee meetingEdmonton councillors hear calls for tree protection bylawHappy Beer Street Happy Beer StreetBreweries want City of Edmonton to tap entertainment district designation for Happy Beer StreetThree cheers for Edmonton's Happy Beer StreetElection audit October 2025: Morgan increases Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi margin after Edmonton Elections finds unconfirmed ballotsOctober 2025: Thu Parmar wins in Ward sipiwiyiniwak after recount caused by 'human error': Edmonton ElectionsLong lines, errors during Edmonton's fall election frustrated voters, staff: city auditorEdmonton city councillor wants tabulators back after elections report highlights issuesThis episode is brought to you by Accessible Acupuncture. Neuropathy and chronic nerve pain can affect daily living, sleep, mobility, and independence. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling, burning, and pain. At Accessible Acupuncture, our Doctor of Acupuncture — Dr. Melanie Morrill, Dr. Ac. — designs custom treatment plans to address both symptoms and underlying causes, support nerve health, and help patients return to their activities. Call 587-879-7122 or book online to schedule your consultation. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, the most reliable source of intelligence about what's happening in the Edmonton region. Through curiosity-driven original stories, tailored and useful newsletters, a comprehensive and innovative events calendar, and thought-provoking podcasts, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient 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 ★

    42 min
  2. A destination parking lot

    FEB 6

    A destination parking lot

    We look at a proposal for that beloved downtown pit, also known as the former BMO site. Plus, provincial workers are back in office full-time, and they might soon have a new bike lane to get there! Fill out the Taproot audience survey here! Here are the relevant links for this episode: BMO site Edmonton Design Committee meeting - Jan. 20, 2026November 2025: City seeking input on how former BMO building site affects downtown EdmontonNovember 2025: Developer puts Downtown Edmonton BMO land up for sale, asking $6MReturn to office Thousands of Alberta government workers return to office MondayAlberta government workers return to Downtown Edmonton officesNo plans to end hybrid work for City of Edmonton staff, despite calls for return to officeWîhkwêntôwin neighbourhood renewal Your turn: Wîhkwêntôwin renewal, child-care zoning, RCMP prioritiesWîhkwêntôwin Neighbourhood Renewal: Don't Miss What's Already WorkingBuilding Great Neighbourhoods - Wîhkwêntôwin ᐄᐧᐦᑫᐧᐣᑑᐃᐧᐣ | City of EdmontonThis episode is brought to you by Accessible Acupuncture. Neuropathy and chronic nerve pain can affect daily living, sleep, mobility, and independence. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling, burning, and pain. At Accessible Acupuncture, our Doctor of Acupuncture — Dr. Melanie Morrill, Dr. Ac. — designs custom treatment plans to address both symptoms and underlying causes, support nerve health, and help patients return to their activities. Call 587-879-7122 or book online to schedule your consultation. This episode is also sponsored by Let's Find Out. Did you know Edmonton once had a save-the-whales club, and it made a big splash? Learn more at a live recording of Let's Find Out, a podcast about history. Chris Chang-Yen Phillips will speak to Candas Jane Dorsey and Kathryn Ivany about this moment in Edmonton's past and other treasures in the city archives. Join us on March 3! Get your tickets today Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, the most reliable source of intelligence about what's happening in the Edmonton region. Through curiosity-driven original stories, tailored and useful newsletters, a comprehensive and innovative events calendar, and thought-provoking podcasts, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient 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 ★

    37 min
  3. What else is re-new?

    JAN 30

    What else is re-new?

    Edmonton city council examined the 10-year financial outlook for the city this week. Spoiler alert: we have no money! Plus, we look at changes to the way council approves new suburbs. Here are the relevant links for this episode: 10-Year Outlook 2027-2036 Capital Investment Outlook2027-2036 Operating Investment OutlookTerms of reference Bylaw 21358 - To amend the River's Edge Neighbourhood Structure PlanKettle Lakes Neighbourhood Structure Plan Council Authorization - Further Analysis2012: Why hasn't there been any public involvement for the Growth Coordination Strategy?2013: Horse Hill ASP: More proof that Edmonton is addicted to sprawlWîhkwêntôwin neighbourhood renewal Your turn: Wîhkwêntôwin renewal, child-care zoning, RCMP prioritiesWîhkwêntôwin Neighbourhood Renewal: Don't Miss What's Already WorkingBuilding Great Neighbourhoods - Wîhkwêntôwin ᐄᐧᐦᑫᐧᐣᑑᐃᐧᐣ | City of EdmontonThis episode is brought to you by Accessible Acupuncture. Neuropathy and chronic nerve pain can affect daily living, sleep, mobility, and independence. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling, burning, and pain. At Accessible Acupuncture, our Doctor of Acupuncture — Dr. Melanie Morrill, Dr. Ac. — designs custom treatment plans to address both symptoms and underlying causes, support nerve health, and help patients return to their activities. Call 587-879-7122 or book online to schedule your consultation. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, the most reliable source of intelligence about what's happening in the Edmonton region. Through curiosity-driven original stories, tailored and useful newsletters, a comprehensive and innovative events calendar, and thought-provoking podcasts, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient 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 ★

    35 min
  4. Everyone needs to chill

    JAN 23

    Everyone needs to chill

    This week, members of Edmonton city council called for more civility and respect after reports of threats and harassment directed at snow-clearing crews. Plus, we discuss the latest departure from Station Park, Edmonton's new brand, and some updates from Taproot Edmonton. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Extreme weather Extreme Weather Response for WinterSafety and respect City staff facing rise in aggressive behaviour from Edmontonians: mayorEdmonton mayor details harassment toward city staff amid snow clearingAndrew Knack: A Call for Civility: Addressing Safety and Respect in Public ServiceParking bans 90 per cent of Edmontonians ignoring parking ban, say city officialsOnly 10% of Edmonton drivers moved their cars for snow clearing: cityThe Snow Sirens of Montreal (Fascinating but Frustrating)Place brand Edmonton Place Brand FrameworkSHREDMONTONEPIC Market Food Roundup: Jan. 20, 2026Epic Market to leave Station Park after nearly 2 yearsTaproot updates On the agenda: Parking ban fines, municipal assets, brand frameworkYour turn: Infill changes, Leduc County annexation, climate actionThis episode is brought to you by the office of Coun. Michael Janz, who is holding a series of events called City Hall Talks. Next up: former Calgary city councillor Courtney Walcott will present what he's learned about housing, public engagement, parking, and more. How might these lessons apply to Edmonton? Find out on Jan. 31 at 4pm. RSVP here. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, the most reliable source of intelligence about what's happening in the Edmonton region. Through curiosity-driven original stories, tailored and useful newsletters, a comprehensive and innovative events calendar, and thought-provoking podcasts, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient 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 ★

    41 min
  5. This is the most dangerous podcast in Edmonton

    JAN 16

    This is the most dangerous podcast in Edmonton

    This week, we are still discussing snow clearing, or the lack thereof, although Mother Nature is helping. Plus, we examine an investigation into crime on Edmonton's transit system, and more proposed changes to the zoning bylaw. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Transit safety 'Frequent flyers' behind surge in violence on public transitPublic transit now patrolled by 15 more peace officers, says City of EdmontonThis is one of the most dangerous transit systems in Canada : r/EdmontonVideo: This is one of the most dangerous transit systems in CanadaZoning changes City administration recommending Edmonton backtrack on infill, gathering feedbackFeedback on Proposed Changes to Infill DevelopmentSnow clearing AMA: Edmonton's Snow and Ice Control Program operationsSNOW & ICE — Aaron PaquetteIce, Ice, Maybe? (The Cost of Certainty) — Aaron PaquetteCouncillor Motion for Snow and Ice Surge CapacityValley Line LRT ads Edmonton campaign launched to reduce collisions with LRTReddit threadThis episode is brought to you by the office of Coun. Michael Janz. We have the power to fight for better transit and win. When riders have a shared vision and a shared voice, we can empower leaders to make transit fast, reliable, and abundant. Coun. Michael Janz invites you to a special live, in-person Ask Me Anything session with Denis Agar, executive director of Movement: Metro Vancouver Transit Riders, on Monday, Jan. 19, at 6pm. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, the most reliable source of intelligence about what's happening in the Edmonton region. Through curiosity-driven original stories, tailored and useful newsletters, a comprehensive and innovative events calendar, and thought-provoking podcasts, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient 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 ★

    38 min
  6. JAN 9

    The snow has to end eventually...right?

    Happy New Year! Edmonton continues to deal with the fallout from all the recent snowfall. Plus, we look at some statistics showing what types of housing were built, and where, in 2025. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Snow removal City of Edmonton says back-to-back snowfall events making snow removal a challengeNavigating an Unprecedented Winter: What You Need to Know About Snow Clearing in Edmonton - Andrew KnackEdmonton still dealing with holiday snowfall cleanup nearly two weeks laterWinter Parking BansSnow and Ice Control with Cached Plow LocationsWhat does it cost to clear Edmonton snow?Snow and Ice Annual Report - Winter 2024-2025 (PDF)Snow and Ice Service Livels (PDF)Phase 2 parking ban to take effect Monday to clear snow from Edmonton's residential roadsMissing middle 2025: The year Edmonton built the missing middle – Jacob DawangBig parking decisions in store for Edmonton city council in the new yearGrowth projections Edmonton's housing affordability edge could slip in 2026: Conference Board of CanadaMarch 2025: Edmonton 'still not ready' as 2024 population growth exceeded even breakneck forecast: KnackThis episode is brought to you by SkirtsAfire, which happens from March 5 to 15. Be entertained and inspired by theatre, music, dance, comedy, visual arts, design, and more. Taking place in various venues in the heart of Old Strathcona and the French Quarter, there's lots to see and do at SkirtsAfire, so take it all in! Festival passes are available now. Sign up for SkirtsAfire's newsletter and get updates direct to your inbox! Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, the most reliable source of intelligence about what's happening in the Edmonton region. Through curiosity-driven original stories, tailored and useful newsletters, a comprehensive and innovative events calendar, and thought-provoking podcasts, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient 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 ★

    41 min
  7. 2025-12-19

    Ending the year on a tight vote

    We spoke to Mayor Andrew Knack about our growing city, and our shrinking regional economic development organization. Plus, council held a public hearing, reviewed proposed changes to provincial electoral boundaries, and we look ahead to 2026. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Knack interview Regional collaboration still desired, despite Edmonton Global exodus: KnackFort Saskatchewan focused on Heartland Association upon exit from Edmonton GlobalEdmonton could grow to 1.25M people in two years, says administrationAndrew Knack's LinkedIn postBelgravia traffic review Belgravia Traffic Review EngagementElectoral boundaries Strathcona County and Beaumont pushes back against proposed provincial division boundariesDraft changes to Alberta's provincial ridings sees Edmonton, Calgary gain seatsCouncil lookahead Items Due ListThis 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. Learn more at parkpower.ca. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, the most reliable source of intelligence about what's happening in the Edmonton region. Through curiosity-driven original stories, tailored and useful newsletters, a comprehensive and innovative events calendar, and thought-provoking podcasts, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient 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 ★

    48 min
  8. 2025-12-12

    Tapping onto transit and into trees

    You can now tap your credit card, debit card, or digital wallet to ride transit. Additionally, we'll discuss updates to the capital and operating budgets, and progress towards the city's tree-planting goal. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Extreme weather News Release: Extreme weather response activated todayExtreme Weather Response for WinterTap-to-pay News Release: Arc tap to pay launches in Edmonton regionWant to pay for Edmonton transit using your credit card? Now you canTraffic safety Opinion: Edmonton's traffic safety unit could make things worseBudget updates Report: Operating Financial Update - Sept. 30, 2025Report: Capital Financial Update - Sept. 30, 2025March 2025: Edmonton 'still not ready' as 2024 population growth exceeded even breakneck forecast: KnackEdmonton - Housing StartsCouncil budgets Report: Council Services Committee - Dec. 12, 2025Tree planting News Release: City reaches another milestone towards tree planting goalEdmonton nearly halfway to tree goal, with slight extensionSpeaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, the most reliable source of intelligence about what's happening in the Edmonton region. Through curiosity-driven original stories, tailored and useful newsletters, a comprehensive and innovative events calendar, and thought-provoking podcasts, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient 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 ★

    37 min
4.7
out of 5
94 Ratings

About

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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