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. Return to office! But not on your bike

    2 DAYS AGO

    Return to office! But not on your bike

    Business organizations have called once again for municipal employees to return to the office full time, but the mayor isn't budging. Plus, the province is planning legislation that would let it review or remove bike lanes. (00:00) - Introduction (01:32) - Ad: Bosco Foundation (02:42) - State of the City (13:57) - Edmonton Real Estate Forum (29:26) - Ad: ECOHH (31:09) - Bike lanes (36:23) - Council motions (45:39) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: State of the City Letter to the Mayor: A Proposed Phased Return to In-Person Work for Municipal EmployeesAndrew Knack's 2026 State of the City addressMayor rebuffs calls to shift city employees downtown full-timeRemote Work – Again?! | CSU 52Enabling job creation should top mayor's agenda, says cities expertJanuary 2026: No plans to end hybrid work for City of Edmonton staff, despite calls for return to officeEdmonton Real Estate Forum Edmonton Real Estate ForumCushman & Wakefield Edmonton Office Q1 2026 ReportBike lanes Alberta government takes aim at bike lanes, with legislation expected this fallCalgary mayor calls province's focus on bike lanes 'symbolic virtue-signalling'July 2025: Ontario court strikes down Ford government's plan to remove Toronto bike lanesCouncil motions On the agenda: User fees, buses, and BlatchfordCouncil discusses lower threshold for extreme weather responseSpray parks City of Edmonton spray parks and outdoor pools open with a splash for 2026 seasonThis episode is brought to you by The Bosco Neighbourhood Podcast from the Bosco Foundation. The podcast explores community connection, Indigenous leadership, and the future of Balwin and Belvedere. Join hosts Soni Dasmohapatra and Darine Moukhaiber as they sit down with community leaders, elders, and visionaries to discuss what it means to "live well together" in this diverse corner of Northeast Edmonton. Learn more This episode is also brought to you by the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, which is marking 40 years of housing advocacy with a community event on June 13. There will be live music, inspiring speakers, and meaningful connections, plus complimentary bannock and beverages. 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 ★

    47 min
  2. You have been engaged

    8 MAY

    You have been engaged

    Edmonton city council has approved a rezoning that will allow a 25-storey tower in Windsor Park. Plus, Stephanie took a trip to a budget engagement session to learn what the mayor's been hearing from Edmontonians. (00:00) - Introduction (04:45) - Ad: U of A Reads (05:26) - Windsor Park (15:03) - 101 Street TPM Memo (19:56) - Ad: AdaptAbilities (20:26) - Budget engagement (32:17) - Community Climate Adaptation Micro Grant (43:29) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Windsor Park Council approves rezoning for 25-storey residential tower, despite community concernCouncil approves 25-storey tower in Windsor Park neighbourhoodMay 5, 2026 - City Council - Public Hearing101 Street TPM Memo 101 Street Transit Priority Measures Memo PDFTransit Priority MeasuresBudget engagement 2027-2030 Budget EngagementTaproot Survey - Question Results - 2025 Edmonton Municipal ElectionCommunity Climate Adaptation Micro Grant Community Climate Adaptation Micro GrantNews Release: City supports neighbourhood resilience with new climate adaptation micro grantAward nominations Taproot Survey earns nod from National Newspaper AwardsTaproot Survey earns more award nominationsThis 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 AdaptAbilities' Hearts in Action Summer Camps, which offer a supportive space to build confidence, develop skills, and form meaningful friendships through structured activities. Each day is designed to encourage participation, independence, and connection in a safe and welcoming environment. Camps run across various locations in Edmonton, Leduc, and St. Albert. 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
  3. Three feet repeat

    1 MAY

    Three feet repeat

    Edmonton city council voted to reduce the maximum height in the RS zone, and they approved some District Policy changes too. Plus, we found out how much more the Lewis Farms Recreation Centre is going to cost, and one councillor's wondering if we should give up on LRT in the northwest. (00:00) - Introduction (03:17) - Ad: U of A Reads (03:58) - Zoning changes (16:54) - Lewis Farms Recreation Centre (21:28) - Ad: Housing Summit (22:08) - Metro Line LRT Northwest (33:18) - Army & Navy update (36:45) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Zoning changes Edmonton city council reduces infill height cap by 1 metreEdmonton city council passes height restrictions on infill buildsLewis Farms Recreation Centre Edmonton's Lewis Farms rec centre could cost nearly $32M more than original estimateOn the agenda: Lewis Farms, Army & Navy, advisory boardsMetro Line LRT Northwest Councillor seeks new transit ideas for northwest Edmonton, calls Metro Line LRT expansion 'a pipe dream'Metro Line - Northwest (Extension)Army & Navy update Bylaw 21483 - To allow for the adaptive reuse of a building, Queen Alexandra, Strathcona, and Strathcona Junction - City Council Public Hearing - April 27, 2026Playoffs 'Not good enough': Playoff-fatigued Oilers overwhelmed by upstart DucksBuffalo fans sing 'O Canada' after microphone mishapThis 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 Housing Forward, the first prairie-wide affordable housing summit, which takes place May 11-14. Hosted by the City of Edmonton, Housing Forward brings together more than 500 leaders from across Western Canada to advance practical, scalable solutions for housing delivery. Register 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 ★

    38 min
  4. Your KDays are numbered

    24 APR

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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
    361
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Taproot Publishing Inc.
  • Show Website
    Speaking Municipally

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