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. The water is safe to drink

    2 DAYS AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. Lights, camera, Downtown Action Plan!

    27 FEB

    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
  6. Wedging in affordable housing

    20 FEB

    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
  7. Same infill arguments, different infill day

    13 FEB

    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
  8. A destination parking lot

    6 FEB

    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
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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
    354
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Taproot Publishing Inc.
  • Show Website
    Speaking Municipally

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