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. Your KDays are numbered

    6 HR AGO

    Your KDays are numbered

    This week, we learned that city council is sunsetting seven boards that offered expert insight on women's issues, racism, climate, and more. Plus, KDays might have to downsize, and the Africa Centre is one step closer to its multicultural community hub. (00:00) - Introduction (01:29) - Ad: Edmonton Opera (03:51) - Sunsetting Advisory Committees (29:14) - Exhibition Lands (36:31) - African Multicultural Community Centre (40:33) - Permanent daylight time (43:06) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Sunsetting Advisory Committees Edmonton city council sunsets seven advisory boardsCity Council's Governance Framework for Council Committees - City Council - March 17, 2026Commonwealth Stadium field could be renamed Play Alberta FieldEdmonton Design Committee could review more developments in futureTroy's comment on RedditExhibition Lands Development of Edmonton's Exhibition Lands could see KDays on the moveEdmonton Exhibition Lands Implementation StrategyOctober 2024: Stadium Station redesign sees calls for service drop by 50%African Multicultural Community Centre African Multicultural Community Centre a go after city sells land for one dollarPermanent daylight time Give it a year, says Alberta premier about plan to stay on permanent daylight timeThis episode is brought to you by Edmonton Opera. Siegfried is an epic coming-of-age story, where a young hero sets out to discover the world and who he is meant to become. Edmonton Opera brings this monumental story to the intimate Maclab Theatre at the Citadel, where you'll feel the full force of Wagner's music and the human story at its centre. See it on May 25, 27, 29, or 31. 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 ★

    45 min
  2. I am Dunluce with this conversation

    17 APR

    I am Dunluce with this conversation

    Edmonton city council has approved the sale of surplus land for affordable housing, to some opposition. Plus, the Downtown Revitalization Coalition is advocating for renewed attention on downtown safety, and we have updates on 101 Street and River Crossing. (00:00) - Introduction (02:36) - Ad: U of A Reads (03:12) - Affordable housing on surplus school sites (12:29) - Transit Priority Measures on 101 Street (18:37) - Downtown safety (31:49) - RE/MAX Field and River Crossing (38:56) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Affordable housing on surplus school sites First Place ProgramCompleting the First Place ProgramAffordable housing project in north Edmonton OK'd by city council despite concernsTransit Priority Measures on 101 Street Council restores street parking on 101 Street in ChinatownAdvancing Bus Rapid Transit and Transit Priority MeasuresTransit Priority MeasuresDowntown safety DRC Policy Briefing Document (PDF)Downtown advocacy group calls on council to make Edmonton the safest big city in CanadaRE/MAX Field and River Crossing River CrossingRiver Crossing Capital Profile AdjustmentJuly 2025: ETS begins adding small surcharge for big-name concert tickets at CommonwealthThis 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 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 ★

    40 min
  3. Everyone disliked that

    10 APR

    Everyone disliked that

    This week, potential changes to the zoning bylaw that would reduce the maximum height in the RS zone disappointed everyone. Plus, we talk about the Edmonton Region Defence Alliance and the city's efforts to cash in on increased defence spending. (00:00) - Introduction (01:15) - Ad: U of A Reads (02:54) - RS Zone height reduction (12:25) - Belgravia Heights (21:47) - Ad: Park Power (22:28) - Edmonton Region Defence Alliance (35:55) - Election campaign finances (38:19) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: RS zone height reduction On the agenda: Zoning bylaw, transit garage, auditsCity council discussing reducing maximum wall-height for Edmonton infillBelgravia Heights Belgravia HeightsCity Council Public Hearing: April 7, 2026Edmonton Region Defence Alliance Edmonton Region Defence AllianceEdmonton region defence alliance aims to steer defence investment into local industryOpinion: The quiet militarization of Canadian AICity Council Meeting: March 17, 2026Election campaign finances Keith Gerein: Big money proved a big waste in Edmonton's city electionKeith Gerein: Edmonton's 2025 election shows need for finance reformEdmonton election financial disclosures show disparity between campaign spending and victoryThis 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 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 you might want to check out. If you live in Alberta and have a solar PV system, Park Power can offer you some of the best solar power buy-back rates in the province. Get rewarded for your contribution to Alberta's renewable energy. 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 ★

    39 min
  4. Swing for the fences

    3 APR

    Swing for the fences

    We spoke with the Edmonton Riverhawks about the proposed River Crossing plan that could turn the RE/MAX Field parking lot into housing. Plus, derelict property owners better look out — Mayor Andrew Knack is coming for you! And we reminisce about the good old days of Boston Pizza on Jasper Avenue. (00:00) - Introduction (01:11) - Ad: Edmonton Opera (05:02) - Scramble intersections (10:31) - River Crossing (21:39) - Ad: GoodMorning (22:27) - Derelict tax subclass (31:32) - Audit Committee tea (36:41) - Boston Pizza on Jasper Avenue (39:04) - Karen's Boston Pizza story (43:24) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Scramble intersections City to remove scramble crosswalks on Whyte AvenuePedestrians speak out about Edmonton's plan to remove scramble crosswalks on Whyte AvenueCouncillor wants more data on Whyte Ave scramble crosswalk removal aimFull Interview: Director of Transportation Planning on Whyte Ave scramblesRiver Crossing River CrossingRiver Crossing Capital Profile AdjustmentEdmonton Historical Board: RossdaleInside the Rossdale Power PlantDerelict tax subclass City of Edmonton takes aim at non-residential derelict properties with new tax subclass'We're coming for you': Edmonton begins four-year long process to tackle derelict propertiesDerelict Non-residential Tax SubclassVacant Residential and Non-residential PropertiesAudit Committee tea Office of the City Auditor 2025 Annual ReportBoston Pizza on Jasper Avenue While Jasper Avenue Boston Pizza closes, traffic shifts towards Ice DistrictThis episode is brought to you by Edmonton Opera, which is is bringing the fantasy and fun of The Magic Flute back to the Jubilee Auditorium in its 2026-27 season. Part fairy tale, part adventure, this classic story unfolds in a world where darkness and light exist side by side, and Mozart's music shapes the journey at every turn. It's part of the season subscription — get yours today. Learn more 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. 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 ★

    44 min
  5. The water is safe to drink

    27 MAR

    The water is safe to drink

    Council took some steps toward funding a comprehensive BRT and pedestrian realm project along Whyte Ave, but we also learned that the city will continue to make some piecemeal changes this year. Plus, The Quarters CRL isn't doing so well, and the city wants you to build the budget. (00:00) - Introduction (01:31) - Ad: GoodMorning (02:12) - Whyte Avenue transit priority measures (22:08) - 101 Street bus priority lanes (27:32) - Army & Navy building (29:56) - The Quarters CRL (38:48) - Budget engagement (40:37) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode:Water update Spring runoff causing funky water with strong chlorine smell in EdmontonWhyte Avenue transit priority measures Transit Priority Measures on Whyte Avenue FAQEdmontonians flag safety, parking concerns as city mulls transit priority measures, bus rapid transitNovember 2025: Road Safety Looms Large Over Edmonton101 Street bus priority lanes A tale of two streets: Businesses either support or scorn public transit pushArmy & Navy building July 2025: 'We're getting everything ready': How the Army and Navy building is preparing to re-openThe Quarters CRL 2026 Community Revitalization Levy UpdateEdmonton's investment in Quarters leaves city $64 million in debtBudget engagement Your turn: Budget consultations and Acheson changes2027-2030 Budget Engagement | Engaged EdmontonEdmonton's 2027-2030 BudgetBudget Engagement Survey - March 2026Become a member Individual MembershipJoin using promo code SURVEY10 by March 31!This episode is 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 ★

    42 min
  6. Is Whyte Ave chopped and unc?

    20 MAR

    Is Whyte Ave chopped and unc?

    Andrea Donini of the Old Strathcona Business Association joins us for a discussion about Prioritize Whyte Ave, a coalition that wants to see more investment in Whyte Avenue. Plus, the Lewis Farms Recreation Centre needs more money, despite being scaled down, and we talk about the fallout from the police chief's trip to Israel. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Prioritize Whyte Ave Andrea Donini on LinkedInPrioritize Whyte AveTake the surveyOld Strathcona Business AssociationLewis Farms Recreation Centre Edmonton Lewis Farms Recreation Centre over budget, despite being significantly scaled backLewis Farms Rec Centre: council rejects motion to reduce costCouncil approves undisclosed debt increase for Lewis Farms Recreation CentrePatio fees Motion asking city to reconsider new patio licencing fees to hit Edmonton council this weekEdmonton businesses contemplate future of patio season after seeing new hefty feePolice chief's Israel trip fallout Edmonton mayor 'disappointed' in police chief and commission over visit to Israel'I stand by my decision': Edmonton police chief defends Israel tripEdmonton Police Association postErin Rutherford's postAshley Salvador's postKaren Principe's postJon Morgan's postWinspear & housing updates Edmonton city council approves levy funds to finish Winspear expansionNews Release: Attainable Housing Incentive to accelerate downtown residential developmentNews Release: City invests $15 million to expand downtown student housingBecome a member Individual MembershipJoin using promo code SURVEY10 by March 31!This episode is brought to you by Edmonton Opera. Edmonton Opera's 2026-27 season kicks off on Nov. 5 and 7 at the Jubilee with Rossini's The Barber of Seville, a fast-moving comedy where wit, music, and cleverness always stay one step ahead. Beloved for its infectious energy and unforgettable melodies, Rossini's comedy sparkles with humour and momentum, driven by character, timing, and intelligence rather than spectacle alone. 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 ★

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

    13 MAR

    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
  8. Chinatown, downtown, and priorities around town

    6 MAR

    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
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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
    358
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Taproot Publishing Inc.
  • Show Website
    Speaking Municipally

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