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. 5d ago

    Bike lanes in the slow lane

    We speak with Coun. Ashley Salvador and Aaron Budnick of the Edmonton Bike Coalition about Edmonton's slow bike-lane build-out and the province's threat to derail it. Plus, we hear about the confusing budget of it all and how funding decisions will determine where the network goes next. (00:00) - Introduction (00:51) - Ad: Skyline Rush Challenge (01:36) - Interview introduction (03:28) - Active transportation with Ashley and Aaron (08:55) - What has the $100 million built? (14:17) - What happened at committee (18:37) - The 50 Street compromise (21:31) - Ad: Life Sciences Week (23:30) - Provincial bike-lane legislation (27:32) - What happens next (28:27) - Budget and climate (34:39) - Week Without Bike Lanes (36:32) - Final thoughts (40:24) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Ashley Salvador AshleySalvador.comWard Métis - Ashley SalvadorAaron Budnick Aaron Budnick on LinkedInEdmonton Bike CoalitionActive transportation Bike routes cancelled or put off despite council directionOn the agenda: Bike lanes, climate resilience, Low Level BridgeActive Transportation Implementation Acceleration Program Update (PDF)Active Transportation Network ExpansionEdmonton bike lane expansion to continue as plannedGovernment of Alberta praises Ontario court ruling on bike lanesEpisode 368: Everyone is mad for different reasonsWeek Without Bike Lanes2027 Update - Climate Implementation Priorities council reportThis episode is brought to you by Wellspring Alberta's Skyline Rush Challenge. On Saturday, Oct. 3, rappel 240 feet down the Courtyard Edmonton Downtown Hotel while raising funds for free programs and services for Albertans and families facing cancer. No rappelling experience is needed, and this year you can take on the challenge side-by-side with a friend. Learn more This episode is also brought to you by Life Sciences Week, a free, community-led event that celebrates and advances Alberta's life sciences. It runs Sept. 21 to 25 with events across the province, beginning with a kickoff in Edmonton at 10am on Monday, Sept. 21. In this episode, Andrew MacIsaac, CEO of Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation, explains the sector's growth and potential in the Edmonton region. 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 ★

    Bike lanes in the slow lane

  2. Aug 28

    Where do we Global from here?

    This week, municipalities weigh in on new strategic and business plans from Edmonton Global. Gibbons and Beaumont are out, but Edmonton is all in. Plus, council pushes forward with the active transportation network expansion, and we get an update on the Edmonton Research Park. (00:00) - Introduction (01:31) - Ad: Events Roundup (04:06) - Edmonton Global (16:36) - Bike lanes (23:27) - Edmonton Research Park (28:56) - Ahmad Jawad on IASP (30:59) - Public toilets (37:45) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Events Roundup Events RoundupTaproot Edmonton CalendarEdmonton Global Knack's faith in Edmonton Global remains, despite departuresEdmonton Global's refresh aims to lift 'veil of unhappiness'Episode 367: Working as a herdBike lanes Edmonton bike lane expansion to continue as plannedEdmonton city council rejects proposed changes to remaining bike lane routesEdmonton Research Park Edmonton Research ParkAhmad JawadIASP North American Division EventMarch 2023: Edmonton Research Park businesses encouraged by city movesJuly 2024: Applied Pharma facility could open local doors while bridging national gapAugust 2026: API facility moves forward as Life Sciences Week approachesPublic toilets Does Edmonton have enough public washrooms?Public WashroomsCity of Edmonton Public Washroom Strategy (PDF)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 ★

    Where do we Global from here?

  3. Aug 21

    Everyone is mad for different reasons

    City administration is bowing down to provincial bike lane legislation that doesn't even exist yet. Plus, council requested more information on how infill impacts surrounding property values, and we discuss the proposed LRT station fare gate pilot. (00:00) - Introduction (01:31) - Municipal bike lanes (10:23) - Bike lanes in Ontario (13:25) - Pause on active transportation infrastructure (18:29) - Fare gate pilot (24:40) - Infill impacts (32:46) - Movers & Shakers (36:19) - Fringe update (38:25) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Municipal bike lanes Province seeks input on bikes lanes, cyclists push backEdmonton council votes to keep parking while building bike lanes along 50th StreetAlberta monitoring debate over bike lanes in Ontario, considering similar legislationGovernment of Alberta praises Ontario court ruling on bike lanesFare gate pilot Edmonton city council to vote on fare gate pilot project in NovemberSeptember 2024: Fare gate pilot could fail, podcast hosts suggestEpisode 277 | A fair shake for fare gates faces delayInfill impacts Edmonton councillor seeks study on infill property valuesJacob Dawang: Edmonton's $15M infill property tax dividendMovers & Shakers Andrew Knack's LinkedIn postGerein: Blake Desjarlais's hiring at Edmonton city hall was a puzzler. So is his exit after just 90 days.Rajah Maggay's LinkedIn postAileen Giesbrecht's LinkedIn postSpeaking 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 ★

    Everyone is mad for different reasons

  4. Aug 14

    Working as a herd

    We speak with Edmonton Global CEO Daryn Edgar and Spruce Grove Mayor Jeff Acker about Edmonton Global's new strategic plan and how shareholders are feeling about the organization these days. Plus, we bring you an update on Gibbons, the best little town in the northeast. (00:00) - Introduction (03:34) - Ad: Taproot's Food Roundup (04:22) - Gibbons update (14:44) - Interview with Daryn Edgar and Jeff Acker (58:42) - Post-interview discussion (59:57) - Closing Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guests Daryn EdgarEdmonton Global's incoming CEO aims to refresh relationships and drive scaleMeet Daryn Edgar, Edmonton Global's new CEOMayor Jeff AckerCity of Spruce Grove: Mayor Jeff AckerGibbons Gibbons viability review raises concerns in Sturgeon CountyConcern over Bill 28's proposed changes to viability reviewCollaboration talks between Gibbons and Sturgeon County stallViability review report reveals how Gibbons reached financial crisisGibbons council rejects province's viability review findingsGibbons votes to remain a townThis episode is brought to you by the Food Roundup. Published every Tuesday morning, the Food Roundup is an email newsletter that provides you with the latest openings, closings, headlines, and happenings in the world of food across the Edmonton region. If you're looking to reach the kind of people who read the Food Roundup (and you should because they're awesome!) then get in touch. 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 ★

    Working as a herd

  5. Jul 24

    Talking about Rossdale

    We're joined by an archeology expert and an advocate with experience in Indigenous relations for a deep dive on Indigenous engagement in Rossdale, and across the river valley. (00:00) - Introduction (00:42) - Restaurant closures (10:32) - Ad: Edmonton Opera (12:11) - Rossdale engagement (14:22) - Interview with Kisha and Miranda (54:01) - Post-interview discussion (59:50) - Scramble update (01:00:30) - Closing Here are the relevant links for this episode: Restaurant closures July 21, 2026 Food RoundupString of restaurant closures in downtown Edmonton has business owners talking about challengesRossdale engagement Rossdale debate reflects differing worldviews and capacities, advocates sayTreaty 6 nations aim to redevelop contentious Rossdale lotsMiranda Jimmy: Legal, Ethical, and Moral Obligations to the Treaty RelationshipMétis archaeologist transforms her field from 'grave robber' to 'grave finder'River Cross Business Plan (PDF)Guests Kisha SupernantMiranda JimmyScramble update Edmonton delays removal of Whyte Avenue scramble crosswalks until 2027This episode is brought to you by Edmonton Opera. Tickets are on sale now for Opera al Fresco, Edmonton Opera's cherished summer tradition at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden. Hear favourite arias and choruses amid the flowers and greenery, with a charcuterie box to nibble on throughout. Don't miss out! 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 ★

    Talking about Rossdale

  6. Jul 17

    Reed between the line items

    We're joined by Ward Nakota Isga Coun. Reed Clarke for a conversation about the upcoming four-year budget. We talk about the struggle to keep businesses in Edmonton, the need for better bylaw enforcement, and how infill has impacted the tax situation. (00:00) - Introduction (02:10) - Reed Clarke (05:17) - Revenue ideas (10:41) - Past tax increases (14:11) - Ad: ECAMP Curiosity Tours (14:51) - Tax impacts (19:23) - Industrial development (28:11) - Infill (31:34) - What does success look like? (34:59) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Reed Clarke ReedClarke.caWard Nakota Isga - Reed ClarkeBudget Budget and Finances2027-2030 Budget EngagementTaproot's budget coverageThis episode is brought to you by the Edmonton City as Museum Project. Join ECAMP for two immersive walking experiences this summer! Explore Edmonton's history through the Labour History Tour and Children of the Flats, and dive into the stories that shaped our city — past and present. Tours are at $15 (2‑hour) or $10 (1‑hour) per person, with kids 12 & under FREE — an accessible and engaging way to experience the city. 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 ★

    Reed between the line items

  7. Jul 10

    Aaron out the budget concerns

    We're joined by Ward Dene Coun. Aaron Paquette for a conversation about the upcoming four-year budget. We talk about the state of Edmonton's finances, our city's relationship with neighbours and the province, and what success looks like for the 2027-2030 budget. (00:00) - Introduction (02:00) - Aaron Paquette (11:02) - Municipal/provincial relations (17:08) - Regional growth pressures (25:42) - Downtown incentives (27:45) - Ad: Park Power (28:22) - Budget engagement (32:49) - Social return (35:30) - Budget experience (39:53) - Budget approach (47:23) - Budge communication (50:05) - What does success look like? (53:09) - Be kind (54:20) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Aaron Paquette AaronPaquette.caWard Dene - Aaron PaquetteBudget Budget and Finances2027-2030 Budget EngagementTaproot's budget coverageThis 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. It also has a Solar Club that offers solar power buy-back rates for Albertans with solar PV systems. 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 ★

    Aaron out the budget concerns

  8. Jul 3

    Schrodinger's lodging house

    Edmonton city councillors debated changes to the zoning bylaw to regulate lodging houses … if they can figure out what they are. Plus, the city has started cracking down on illegal downtown surface parking lots, and we get excited for the Fringe Festival. (00:00) - Introduction (00:31) - Rain in June (05:09) - Ad: Taste of Edmonton (05:44) - Canada Day (06:55) - Lodging houses (17:19) - New towing lot (19:30) - Downtown parking lots (26:33) - Fringe Festival (31:21) - Scheduling notes (33:10) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Rain in June Edmonton records its rainiest June ever following latest weekend downpour: Environment CanadaEdmonton weather nerdery: June 2026News Release: City of Edmonton impacts due to additional heavy rainsNews Release: Rising water levels on the North Saskatchewan River prompt immediate trail closuresCanada Day Readers share what this year's Canada Day means to themO Canada? Patriotism in the time of Alberta separatismLodging houses Lodging Houses AnalysisEdmonton's mayor fears infill bylaws abused to build lodging housesEdmonton infills operated as rooming houses, renting by the day — even hourNew towing lot City of Edmonton opens new tow lot to deal with hundreds of abandoned vehiclesDowntown parking lots Crackdown on unlicensed downtown Edmonton parking lots loomsEdmonton cracking down on unpermitted surface parking lots in coreNews Release: City begins enforcement action against unpermitted downtown surface parking lots in JulyFringe Festival Edmonton Fringe announces Unforgettable theme for 2026 festivalFringe asks for support to keep it 'Unforgettable'This episode is brought to you by Taste of Edmonton. This year, the popular 11-day festival runs July 16 to 26, offering a delicious sample of Edmonton's finest restaurants, arts, and culture. Presale tickets are available online now until July 14th, or at select retail locations until July 15th. By purchasing ahead, you'll save $10 per sheet of 40 tickets. 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 ★

    Schrodinger's lodging house
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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
    375
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Taproot Publishing Inc.
  • Show Website
    Speaking Municipally

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