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. This is the most dangerous podcast in Edmonton

    1D AGO

    This is the most dangerous podcast in Edmonton

    This week, we are still discussing snow clearing, or the lack thereof, although Mother Nature is helping. Plus, we examine an investigation into crime on Edmonton's transit system, and more proposed changes to the zoning bylaw. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Transit safety 'Frequent flyers' behind surge in violence on public transitPublic transit now patrolled by 15 more peace officers, says City of EdmontonThis is one of the most dangerous transit systems in Canada : r/EdmontonVideo: This is one of the most dangerous transit systems in CanadaZoning changes City administration recommending Edmonton backtrack on infill, gathering feedbackFeedback on Proposed Changes to Infill DevelopmentSnow clearing AMA: Edmonton's Snow and Ice Control Program operationsSNOW & ICE — Aaron PaquetteIce, Ice, Maybe? (The Cost of Certainty) — Aaron PaquetteCouncillor Motion for Snow and Ice Surge CapacityValley Line LRT ads Edmonton campaign launched to reduce collisions with LRTReddit threadThis episode is brought to you by the office of Coun. Michael Janz. We have the power to fight for better transit and win. When riders have a shared vision and a shared voice, we can empower leaders to make transit fast, reliable, and abundant. Coun. Michael Janz invites you to a special live, in-person Ask Me Anything session with Denis Agar, executive director of Movement: Metro Vancouver Transit Riders, on Monday, Jan. 19, at 6pm. 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. JAN 9

    The snow has to end eventually...right?

    Happy New Year! Edmonton continues to deal with the fallout from all the recent snowfall. Plus, we look at some statistics showing what types of housing were built, and where, in 2025. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Snow removal City of Edmonton says back-to-back snowfall events making snow removal a challengeNavigating an Unprecedented Winter: What You Need to Know About Snow Clearing in Edmonton - Andrew KnackEdmonton still dealing with holiday snowfall cleanup nearly two weeks laterWinter Parking BansSnow and Ice Control with Cached Plow LocationsWhat does it cost to clear Edmonton snow?Snow and Ice Annual Report - Winter 2024-2025 (PDF)Snow and Ice Service Livels (PDF)Phase 2 parking ban to take effect Monday to clear snow from Edmonton's residential roadsMissing middle 2025: The year Edmonton built the missing middle – Jacob DawangBig parking decisions in store for Edmonton city council in the new yearGrowth projections Edmonton's housing affordability edge could slip in 2026: Conference Board of CanadaMarch 2025: Edmonton 'still not ready' as 2024 population growth exceeded even breakneck forecast: KnackThis episode is brought to you by SkirtsAfire, which happens from March 5 to 15. Be entertained and inspired by theatre, music, dance, comedy, visual arts, design, and more. Taking place in various venues in the heart of Old Strathcona and the French Quarter, there's lots to see and do at SkirtsAfire, so take it all in! Festival passes are available now. Sign up for SkirtsAfire's newsletter and get updates direct to your inbox! 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
  3. 12/19/2025

    Ending the year on a tight vote

    We spoke to Mayor Andrew Knack about our growing city, and our shrinking regional economic development organization. Plus, council held a public hearing, reviewed proposed changes to provincial electoral boundaries, and we look ahead to 2026. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Knack interview Regional collaboration still desired, despite Edmonton Global exodus: KnackFort Saskatchewan focused on Heartland Association upon exit from Edmonton GlobalEdmonton could grow to 1.25M people in two years, says administrationAndrew Knack's LinkedIn postBelgravia traffic review Belgravia Traffic Review EngagementElectoral boundaries Strathcona County and Beaumont pushes back against proposed provincial division boundariesDraft changes to Alberta's provincial ridings sees Edmonton, Calgary gain seatsCouncil lookahead Items Due ListThis 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. Learn more at parkpower.ca. 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 ★

    48 min
  4. 12/12/2025

    Tapping onto transit and into trees

    You can now tap your credit card, debit card, or digital wallet to ride transit. Additionally, we'll discuss updates to the capital and operating budgets, and progress towards the city's tree-planting goal. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Extreme weather News Release: Extreme weather response activated todayExtreme Weather Response for WinterTap-to-pay News Release: Arc tap to pay launches in Edmonton regionWant to pay for Edmonton transit using your credit card? Now you canTraffic safety Opinion: Edmonton's traffic safety unit could make things worseBudget updates Report: Operating Financial Update - Sept. 30, 2025Report: Capital Financial Update - Sept. 30, 2025March 2025: Edmonton 'still not ready' as 2024 population growth exceeded even breakneck forecast: KnackEdmonton - Housing StartsCouncil budgets Report: Council Services Committee - Dec. 12, 2025Tree planting News Release: City reaches another milestone towards tree planting goalEdmonton nearly halfway to tree goal, with slight extensionSpeaking 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
  5. 12/05/2025

    Snow more money

    The tax increase for 2026 is set at 6.9%. We examine the 2026 budget deliberations and Edmonton's growth pressures, noting what council decided on, and why. Plus, the old Royal Alberta Museum is one step closer to being saved. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Snow Edmonton 'business as usual' for icy road cleanup, not considering bringing back calcium chloride: KnackGiving Tuesday Giving Tuesday sees Edmonton charities get a holiday hike in donationsMake a contribution to Taproot2026 Budget Edmonton could grow to 1.25M people in two years, says administrationEdmonton city council approves 6.9% property tax increase for 2026Property taxes creep higher after Explore Edmonton gets steady fundingMotions to reduce capital expenses fail at Edmonton city council budget deliberationsCity council OKs money for west-end road upgrades near River Cree resortVision Zero Stopping speeders and Whitemud widening top priorities on last day of budget talksRoyal Alberta Museum 'Encouraging': Negotiations underway to redevelop Edmonton's old Royal Alberta Museum siteThis 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. Learn more at parkpower.ca. 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 ★

    39 min
  6. 11/28/2025

    The itsy bitsy surplus

    This week, council got to ask questions about the proposed fall budget adjustment. Plus, we learn more about the city's plan to enforce speed limits, the "end" of construction season, and the Valley Line LRT turns two. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Budget Report: Operating Financial Update - Sept. 30, 2025Report: Fall 2025 Supplemental Operating Budget Adjustment - 2023-2026 Operating BudgetReport: Fall 2025 Supplemental Capital Budget Adjustment - 2023-2026 Capital BudgetKeith Gerein: Despite another grim city budget, Edmonton may be closer to ending its financial funkVision Zero Report: Municipal Traffic Safety Expansion Opportunities - Reinvesting to Address Critical Safety ConcernsSpeeding, traffic fatalities up as Edmonton navigates provincial photo radar restrictions: city reportA better Detour for 102 Ave - YEG Bike CoalitionCalgary's Pathway and Bikeway Projects (5A)Construction season Edmonton ends construction season as it eyes accelerated strategy for future projectsNews Release: City wraps up the 2025 construction season at new fire stationValley Line LRT Two years later, is the Valley Line Southeast LRT meeting expectations?LRT train pushed off tracks after crash with semi-truckNovember 2023: Speaking Municipally ON A TRAINSpeaking 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. 11/21/2025

    No rubber stamp here

    Council held its first public hearing since the election, and infill was front and centre. Plus, we talk about Vision Zero, P3 projects, and the upcoming budget season. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Public hearing Infill expansion in Mayfield neighbourhood rejected unanimously by councilVision Zero With pedestrian fatalities climbing in Edmonton, advocates call for safer infrastructureCity looking to address traffic safety issues in EdgemontCalgary Safety Traffic TeamEdmonton Safe Mobility StrategyJessica LamarreEdmonton dumps school photo radar citing costs, issues beyond speedingMayor floats new traffic safety unit after woman struck at marked crosswalk dies in hospitalP3 projects Knack says council 'shouldn't shy away' from private partnerships on public projectsEdmonton could consider more partnerships with private industry to build future arenas, libraries: reportBudget City Council - Orientation - Nov. 17, 2025New Edmonton city council told 6.4% property tax increase loomsThis episode is brought to you by the Solar Power Investment Cooperative of Edmonton. SPICE partners with communities to build sustainable, solar-powered infrastructure that delivers long-term environmental and economic value. Join in advancing a resilient, low-carbon Alberta — and be part of the transformation. 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 ★

    34 min
  8. 11/14/2025

    The heart berry opens, a chapter closes

    Troy is back! For a chat. We talk about the election and his plans. Plus, we check in on Better Edmonton, the downtown park, and the bike lanes on 103 Avenue. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Troy Pavlek TroyPavlek.caTroy appreciation thread on RedditEpisode 316: Can you get rid of the Rapidfire segment next?Municipal parties 2 new city councillors are leaving Better Edmonton. What does that mean for the party?Municipal parties to remain active in Edmonton as councillor leaves Better Edmonton partyO-day'min Park Warehouse Park begins mission to activate downtown with opening celebrationsEdmontonians enjoying new downtown parkDowntown Edmonton businesses frustrated over multiple construction projects103 Avenue bike lanes A new set of bike lanes is causing tension in downtown EdmontonThis episode is brought to you by the Edmonton Arts Council. It doesn't get more local than the Edmonton Arts Council Shop. From tickets to local events to coveted works from more than 200 emerging and established Edmonton artists, you can discover the unique experiences and creative works that set Edmonton apart at our Shop. See the latest in-store on Instagram: @shopyegarts. Or visit edmontonarts.ca. This episode is also brought to you by the Edmonton Downtown Business Association. Kick off the holiday season with Downtown Winterval, a festival that brings 104 Street to life with sleigh rides, ice-carving lessons, photos with Santa, and live music. New this year, we've got street hockey for the kids. It's all happening on a street-wide patio! Join us Nov. 22 from 3pm to 8pm. 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 ★

    1h 3m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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.

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