Speaking Municipally

Taproot Edmonton
  • 4.7 (95)
  • GOVERNMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Would you like to purchase a bag for 25 cents?

    21 HRS AGO

    Would you like to purchase a bag for 25 cents?

    Council debated changes to the single-use item bylaw, especially related to drive-thrus. Plus, we discuss a funding cut for Boyle Street, reaction to the police chief's recent trip to Israel, and some new jobs for Amarjeet Sohi and Tim Cartmell. (00:00) - Introduction (01:43) - Ad: Capital Awards (02:23) - Waste reduction update (14:53) - Boyle Street funding cut (20:18) - Ad: GoodMorning (21:21) - Police chief's Israel trip (30:17) - Arterial roads (33:19) - New jobs for Sohi and Cartmell (36:01) - Become a member (37:21) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Audience survey What we learned from Taproot's 2026 audience surveyWaste reduction update Edmonton's single-use waste rules unpopular — but workingEdmonton ban on disposable items has reduced use of plastic bags and straws: city dataCalgary's single-use items bylaw repealed, businesses no longer required to charge bag feeBoyle Street funding cut Boyle Street housing program to lose Alberta government funding, province seeks new providerAlberta government ends funding for Edmonton housing programPolice chief's Israel trip Edmonton police chief travels to Israel to meet police leadersEdmonton police chief's trip to Israel draws criticism and supportArterial roads Council questions when to expand arterial roads to four lanesNew jobs for Sohi and Cartmell Sohi lands role at public affairs firm, Cartmell at NAITNAIT's LinkedIn postTim Cartmell's LinkedIn postState of the City 2026Become a member Individual MembershipJoin using promo code SURVEY10 by March 31!This episode is brought to you by the IABC Edmonton's 2026 Capital Awards. You've already done the work. Now bring it into focus. The Capital Awards are Northern Alberta's benchmark for communications excellence, recognizing strategy, creativity, and results that stand up to scrutiny. Turn results into recognition! Submit your work by April 12 This episode is also brought to you by GoodMorning, one of Canada's largest mattress retailers, founded right here in Edmonton. GoodMorning's first-ever flagship retail store is now open at 144 Mayfield Common NW. It's the best place to see, touch, and test the full collection of award-winning Canadian mattresses. Enjoy a relaxed, no-pressure way to find your next great night's sleep. Learn more 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
  2. Chinatown, downtown, and priorities around town

    MAR 6

    Chinatown, downtown, and priorities around town

    Progress is being made in Chinatown, but several challenges remain, including some long-standing issues like the 97 Street bridge. Plus, there's a new downtown housing incentive, and council approved its strategic priorities for the term ahead of budget planning. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Chinatown Strategy update Chinatown Strategy - Initiatives and Progress - March 04, 2026'Changing the narrative': City council hears from community on further Chinatown improvementsChinatown shows signs of improvement as City of Edmonton weighs 3 new initiatives"Bike lanes on steroids" Chinatown businesses want street parking backA moment in history: April 22, 1929 - Taproot EdmontonMan accused in fatal Chinatown beatings in Edmonton testifies in courtJustin Bone's repeated firing of lawyers raises questions about limits to right of counselDowntown Attainable Housing Incentive Downtown Attainable Housing Incentive - March 4, 2026Edmonton looks to incentivize downtown apartment developmentCouncil strategic priorities City council limits itself to four key strategic priorities for termEdmonton City Council Strategic Priorities | Andrew KnackBudget planning Special City Council Meeting - March 5, 2026This episode is brought to you by the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, which is putting on Downtown Dining Week from March 11 to 22. This year you have more than 65 restaurants to pick from. Downtown Dining Week offers you multi-course and multi-item menus at a discount, all while supporting locally owned restaurants. Check out the menus 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! (00:00) - Introduction (01:47) - Ad: Downtown Dining Week (03:17) - Chinatown Strategy update (19:10) - Downtown Attainable Housing Incentive (26:23) - Council strategic priorities (33:40) - Budget planning (37:13) - Taproot Exchange promo (39:56) - Close ★ Support this podcast ★

    40 min
  3. Lights, camera, Downtown Action Plan!

    FEB 27

    Lights, camera, Downtown Action Plan!

    The City of Edmonton has announced funding for parts of the Downtown Action Plan. Plus, we discuss changes to the upcoming construction season, a motion about event legacies, and we take a trip to Gibbons, a town on the verge of financial collapse. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Audience survey Taproot audience surveyExtreme weather response News Release: Extreme weather response activated Feb. 26Downtown Action Plan Fund News Release: City investing $3 million into community-led projects downtownDowntown Projects and InvestmentsBusiness Roundup: Feb. 27, 2026Construction season 2026 Traffic Management Plan - Infrastructure Committee - Feb. 23, 2026Edmonton city councillors say drivers should see relief on roads this construction seasonTrouble in Gibbons News Release: Town of Gibbons Provides Update Following Presentation to Sturgeon County and Provincial Direction for Expedited Viability ReviewGibbons near 'practical insolvency,' administrator tells Sturgeon CountyNews Release: Gibbons to undergo expedited viability review: Minister WilliamsProvince steps in as Gibbons council approves interim budget and borrowing plan amid financial crisisCentral Alberta town faces uncertain future as it drowns in debt and faces potential insolvencySports legacy motion Coun. Reed Clarke's postCity Council - Feb. 17, 2026This episode is brought to you by Park Power, your friendly, local utilities provider. Park Power makes it easy to sign up for electricity, natural gas, and internet, and bundling two or three saves you money. It's easy to switch to Park Power and there are no exit fees if you leave. Learn how much you could save This episode is also brought to you by GoodMorning, one of Canada's largest mattress retailers, founded right here in Edmonton. GoodMorning's first-ever flagship retail store is now open at 144 Mayfield Common NW. It's the best place to see, touch, and test our full collection of award-winning Canadian mattresses. Enjoy a relaxed, no-pressure way to find your next great night's sleep. Learn more 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
  4. Wedging in affordable housing

    FEB 20

    Wedging in affordable housing

    Council has approved selling land to an affordable housing provider, despite community pushback. Plus, some restaurant owners will have to pay more for patios this year, and we have updates on infill and snow clearing. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Audience survey Taproot audience surveyUpdate on infill Edmonton council votes to keep infill maximum at eight unitsEdmonton city councillor's motion to change infill cap from 8 units to 6 failsUpdate on snow clearing City to deploy private contractors at start of snow-clearing work after Tuesday's stormCity 70 per cent through priority Edmonton roads as Phase 1 parking ban takes effectAffordable housing in Wedgewood Edmonton council to sell Wedgewood Heights surplus school site for housing projectCouncil gives green light a 2nd time around for Wedgewood Park housing development in animated public hearingPatio fees Edmonton businesses contemplate future of patio season after seeing new hefty feePeter Keith post on LinkedInNorthmark Materials funding Feb. 17 City Council meetingThis episode is brought to you by Edmonton Opera. For more than 60 years, Edmonton Opera has shared a history with this city, through works that have filled our halls, shaped our stages, and continued to come alive for audiences long after the curtain fell. The 2026-27 season brings those works back to the Jubilee stage, inviting audiences to reconnect with operas that have long been part of Edmonton's story. Learn more 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
  5. Same infill arguments, different infill day

    FEB 13

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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4.7
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Taproot Edmonton
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    352
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Taproot Publishing Inc.
  • Show Website
    Speaking Municipally

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