Speaking Municipally

We discuss the potential renaming of the field at Commonwealth Stadium, a recommendation to accelerate the adoption of heat pumps, another Edmonton Public School Board trustee resignation, and the new ICE District deal. Plus, we talk about the Energy City Cactus Rats, ETS merchandise, and more. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Commonwealth Stadium field Commonwealth Stadium field could be renamed Play Alberta FieldAdopting heat pumps Council urged to accelerate adoption of heat pumpsICE District deal Here's what's in Edmonton's draft deal with province for OEG event park and private developmentPublic benefit questioned as Edmonton eyes 10-year extension of Downtown CRLEPSB resignations EPSB trustee resigns due to 'current political environment'Coun. Erin Rutherford's postEdmonton public school trustees face increased workload after another resignationEPSB superintendent Darrel Robertson to retireCactus Rats A New Energy in BaseballPrevious name optionsETS merchandise Wearing your love of Edmonton: Limited ETS and other YEG-themed merch for saleRapid fire Trouble in Gretzkyville: For the first time, The Great One finds himself shunned by Edmonton fansComputing science professor wins 'Nobel Prize in computing'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! ★ Support this podcast ★

A new committee of council has been born (or, at least, is in utero). Plus, Bridgegate both continues and concludes, council has approved the Nordic spa in the river valley, and the province's CorruptCare scandal (allegedly) reaches the city. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Bridgegate City releases schedule of Edmonton's bridge renewals for 2025Puneeta McBryan's LinkedIn postDowntown Revitalization Coalition's LinkedIn postInfrastructure committee Council reportCoun. Aaron Paquette speaks at council meeting about misinformationNordic spa Edmonton city council approves rezoning application for nordic spa developmentTop of Bank PolicyMemorandum of Cooperation and DialogueCorruptCare (allegedly) reaches the city UCP Placed Mraiche Business Partner on Edmonton Police CommissionFrom the Taproot newsroom Hydrogen HUB enters 'activation phase' with new leaderVarme Energy brings in CEO from Norway for first-of-its-kind facilityBoyle Street creates artist residency to prioritize arts programming for marginalized clientsRapid fire Edmonton's Emily Murphy Park statue stolen leaving nothing but her shoesSpeaking 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! ★ Support this podcast ★

You may have heard that several bridges will be closed at once, but is that true? We dig into bridge maintenance planned for the next few years. We also discuss new bus priority measures, Lime's winter cycling pilot, an audit of DATS, and the upcoming wildfire season. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Bridge maintenance No, five bridges in downtown are not closing all at onceOpinion: Perfect storm of bridge closures will devastate DowntownEdmonton business group urges bridge construction pause fearing Downtown backslide from snarled trafficDowntown biz group worries Edmonton bridge construction crunch could hurt city's coreBus priority measures Major streets set to change to give buses priorityLime winter pilot Lime brings e-bikes back to Edmonton early for winter pilot programWildfire season City of Edmonton adds proactive measures to wildfire protection planEdmonton creating wildfire strategy as part of emergency management planDATS audit Improvements coming to Edmonton's accessible transit service, following auditFrom the Taproot newsroom Fringe historian to document Edmonton theatre historyCheck the Label app could 'push our politicians' as tariff threat grows, Punchcard saysRapid fire Alberta cold snap breaks more records as deep freeze set to recede ThursdayEdmonton looks to impress as potential expansion destination by hosting PWHL neutral-site gameSpeaking 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! ★ Support this podcast ★

We follow up on the Public Spaces Bylaw, accelerating construction on the Valley Line West LRT, and the introduction of two new commissioners for the Edmonton Police Commission. Plus, the City of Leduc proposes to annex land from Leduc County, and we wrap up our Edmonton Food Faves series. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Public Spaces Bylaw Speakers urge city councillors to ditch proposed public spaces bylawEdmontonians share concerns that public spaces bylaw targets city's most vulnerablePublic spaces bylaw: Edmonton police officers want clear rules, advocates fear harms to vulnerableValley Line West LRT Edmonton city council approves plan to speed up LRT constructionEdmonton fast-tracking LRT road work using full road closuresStony Plain Road businesses dreading expedited construction plan for Valley Line West LRTMajor road closures planned for Valley Line LRT west this yearOn the agenda: Public spaces bylaw, Valley Line West constructionEdmonton Police Commission Alberta picks two new Edmonton police commissioners amid probe sparked by chief's complaint of 'bias' in city appointeesEdmonton police asked Alberta to intervene after city council appointed two commissioners. Documents show past criticism and allegations of 'bias' drove the request.Mayor Amarjeet Sohi's photoLeducsiana Purchase City of Leduc eyes southern boundary expansion with plan to annex nearly 2,500 hectaresCounty responds to City of Leduc's intent to annex landsRegional Roundup: Feb. 12, 2025Edmonton Food Faves EdmontonFoodFaves.caPrintable passport PDF2022 editionLinda HoangSharon YeoFrom the Taproot newsroom Major streets set to change to give buses priorityUpcycler helps Kuma give old tents new lifeIntercultural pop-up part of Feed the Soul's evolutionRapid fire Edmonton police officers return to 6 public schools, more than 4 years after division halted programEnjoy the new sloth exhibit at the Edmonton Valley ZooSpeaking 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! ★ Support this podcast ★

City council heard about potential tariffs and how they might affect our city. Plus, the Edmonton Design Committee could be expanding its mandate, and we look at how construction on the Valley Line West LRT might accelerate. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Tariffs Edmonton city council, business leaders talk tariff strategy as administrators review contractsMayor, province point fingers after Trump adviser singles out Edmonton's drug crisisMayor Amarjeet Sohi's threadCoun. Tim Cartmell's postCoun. Andrew Knack's postOperating Budget Amendment 83Edmonton Design Committee Edmonton Design Committee could review more developments in futureEdmonton Design CommitteeValley Line West LRT Valley Line West 2025 Roadway Construction Options and ImpactsValley Line West LRTEdmonton Food Faves EdmontonFoodFaves.caPrintable passport PDF2022 editionLinda HoangSharon YeoFrom the Taproot newsroom Cloverdale Coffee helps add amenities in river valley, proponent saysSpecialty food chains chart ambitious growth across regionProject aims to cultivate community and canopy in McCauleyRapid fire Edmonton bans sale of knives in convenience stores after council passes bylawDrivers frustrated by pay parking in Edmonton since app changeSpeaking 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! ★ Support this podcast ★

We examine the updated Public Spaces Bylaw, which will be discussed at an upcoming committee meeting. Plus, an update on affordable housing on surplus school sites, and how artificial intelligence is beginning to integrate into municipal work. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Public Spaces Bylaw Here's why Edmonton may ban or limit public behaviours including drug use, panhandling and protestsEdmonton first in Canada to consolidate municipal bylaws to protect inclusion, enable public safety, eliminate redundanciesCommunity and Public Services Committee - Feb. 10, 2025Episode 251: Public spaces (just not for you, specifically)Public space bylaws can't fix what community can, advocates sayAshley Salvador AMA on RedditSurplus school sites Residents object to parcel of community park being designated as surplus, developed for housing'We have a need': Edmonton city council debates affordable housing sitesWater and AI On the agenda: EPCOR Water Services operational planEngineers Used 'Frozen' Animation Code to Solve Dyatlov Pass MysteryEdmonton Food Faves EdmontonFoodFaves.caPrintable passport PDF2022 editionLinda HoangSharon YeoFrom the Taproot newsroom Flying Canoë Volant wants to transition to a 'culture of contribution'Second payment system in three years always part of plan, ETS head saysIntent Coffee team returns with Balay Coffee pop-upBusiness Roundup: Jan. 31, 2025Rapid fire Danielle Smith announces new Crown corporation to oversee Alberta's rainy day fundAlberta pension manager fires 19 employees, including DEI program leadFast-growing pickleball clubs short on space pitch new facilities in the Edmonton regionSpeaking 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! ★ Support this podcast ★

We discuss the 76 Avenue redevelopment, the latest police commission appointments, the end of the EMRB, and a well-known West Edmonton Mall record, which may not be a record at all. Plus, we have a new segment exploring Edmonton Food Faves. Here are the relevant links for this episode: West Edmonton Mall Reddit thread about the parking lot recordEdmonton Metropolitan Region Board 'Bittersweet' end of the EMRB opens door to 'next iteration' of regional partnershipThe EMRB is not to be76 Avenue 'Bold' vision for 76 Ave calls for rerouting vehicle trafficEdmonton Police Commission 'Dysfunctional': Alberta will launch inquiry into Edmonton city council's choice of police commissioners after letter from Chief McFeeProvince to probe appointments to Edmonton police commission, citing 'alleged dysfunction''Very problematic': Edmonton Mayor Sohi questions police request for provincial probe into commission appointmentsStatement from Commissioner JonesLinkedIn post from Renee VaugeoisEdmonton police asked Alberta to intervene after city council appointed two commissioners. Documents show past criticism and allegations of 'bias' drove the request.Temitope Oriola: Let's take politics out of Edmonton police oversightEdmonton Food Faves EdmontonFoodFaves.caPrintable passport PDF2022 editionLinda HoangSharon YeoFrom the Taproot newsroom Business Roundup: Jan. 24, 2025How can Nenshi run for an Edmonton seat while living in Calgary?Rapid fire Again?! Alberta's top baby names hold their crownOilers' McDavid doesn't agree with suspension, but ready to move onMark Carney launches Liberal leadership campaign in EdmontonSpeaking 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! ★ Support this podcast ★

We're joined by the no-longer-interim city manager, Eddie Robar, to discuss his role, the city's finances, the year ahead, and the upcoming municipal election. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guest: Eddie Robar Eddie Robar on LinkedInEddie's still here, and he's driving the busEddie's post on LinkedIn about taking over the roleBudget pressures top of mind for Edmonton's new city managerKeith Gerein: Edmonton's city manager the safe choice for a risky timeWorkforce City of Edmonton planning to sell 2 downtown office buildings, relocate hundreds of staffCarbon emissions Report suggests Edmonton's emissions are decreasing too slowlyEdmonton fails to meet climate targets 2 years after launching carbon budgetFrom the Taproot newsroom Magpie, chickadee, and blue jay battle to be Edmonton's City BirdA comedy lab for clowns and street performers rises from pandemic ashesAs province pushes data centres, Edmonton operator says challenges await'The fundamentals are there' Stevenson says of Blatchford after 2024 progressRapid fire Edmonton transit to start testing tap credit and phone payments with new ARC reader rolloutEdmonton council gets automatic 3% salary raise but mayor pledges to return portion to citySpeaking 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! ★ Support this podcast ★

This. Is. Speaking Municipally Jeopardy! Three branch managers from the City of Edmonton square off in our annual holiday trivia episode. Enjoy! Here are the relevant links for this episode: Carrie Hotton-MacDonald Edmonton Transit ServiceLinkedInPascale Ladouceur Infrastructure Planning & DesignLinkedInCate Watt Assessment and TaxationLinkedInSpeaking 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! ★ Support this podcast ★

In our penultimate episode of 2024, we recap the 2025 budget and discuss how the process might change in the future. Plus, we wrap up the Housing Complex project and look at what's next as we head into municipal election season. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Budget recap City Council confirms fall budget adjustmentsEdmonton city council sets property tax increase at 6.1% for 2025Edmonton city council votes for 6.1% tax hike for 2025With all the amendments to the city budget tabled, Councillor Tim Cartmell has proposed zero total reductionsEdmonton city councillors react to budget adjustment'Gruelling' budget process ends with tax increase of 4.96% in 2023Housing Complex Housing ComplexWhat city council can — and can't — do to improve Edmonton's housing systemRapid fire City Hall Parkade reopens in time for the holidaysYellowhead Trail freeway conversion project faces $105M shortfallSpeaking 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! ★ Support this podcast ★

After four days of debate, Edmonton city council approved adjustments to the 2025 budget, setting a 6.1% property tax increase for next year. In this episode, we dig into some of the key moments throughout the debate. We talk about photo radar, trees, and community sandboxes. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Budget City Council confirms fall budget adjustmentsEdmonton city council approves 6.1% tax hike for 2025Budget 2025: Explore Edmonton asks city for $6M or won't run Expo centre and convention centreEdmonton city council looking for ways to lower tax increase as budget deliberations heat upEdmonton mayor releases budget plan to shave two per cent off 2025 tax hikeMayor Sohi's budget pageOn the agenda: Fall budget adjustmentCouncil continues final budget adjustment deliberationsDowntown buildings City of Edmonton planning to sell 2 downtown office buildings, relocate hundreds of staffPhoto radar Putting an end to the photo radar cash cowAlberta government aims to cut photo radar sites by 70%'Absolutely concerned': Edmonton mayor, councillors react to Alberta photo radar planCommunity sandboxes Some community leagues opt to maintain their own sandboxes after city-wide program shrinksTree planting City surpasses planting record for a second year, moving closer to two million tree goalFrom the Taproot newsroom Departure of Good Goods from downtown leaves business association with few optionsOptions for new bike lanes on Victoria Promenade hit planning stageRapid fire Get Free Studded Tires to Ride Through the Winter'Hilarious': Alberta premier responds to Trump's 51st state joke, emphasizes need for trade ties with U.S.Trio aims to be a 'catalyst' in Chinatown with Boa and HareWhy Edmonton's work on Indigenous-led housing remains complexThis 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! ★ Support this podcast ★

Another blow to regional collaboration as it appears the EMRB is dead after the provincial government pulled its funding. Plus, we talk budget, carbon emissions, police response times, and parking. Here are the relevant links for this episode: EMRB Regional Roundup: Nov. 27, 2024'Unexpected': Edmonton's regional board loses provincial funding, future uncertainBudget City says participatory budgeting experiment was challenging but taught lessonsWill Edmonton neighbourhood renewal be scaled back?Calgary council approves budget, 3.6% property tax increaseCarbon emissions Report suggests Edmonton's emissions are decreasing too slowlyPolice response times Making Edmonton police response times public again: It's complicatedHotSpot Parking Zipstall parking app sent cease-and-desist letter by City of Edmonton's vendor HotSpotDIP Puneeta McBryan's postFrom the Taproot newsroom Conservatory of Music to leave MacEwan and become part of Winspear in 2025Building powerhouses look for new life at old RAMHow Edmonton compares to cities finding success in tackling homelessnessRapid fire Alberta's passenger rail master plan scheduled for summer 2025 release30th Annual Stuff a Bus returns to support those in needAlberta mulls boosting U.S. border patrol in effort to prevent Trump's 25% tariffSpeaking 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! ★ Support this podcast ★

We have a third mayoral candidate as Coun. Tim Cartmell finally confirms he's running for mayor. And in a surprising announcement, Chief Dale McFee has announced his retirement from EPS, effective Feb. 21, 2025. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Cartmell running for mayor Is Tim Cartmell the Next Mayor of Edmonton?Edmonton Coun. Tim Cartmell running for mayor with new political partyMcFee retiring Chief McFee retires from the EPSProvince to appoint more members to Edmonton Police CommissionOld RAM Edmonton developer, architect push to save Old Royal Alberta MuseumHousing figures City exceeds housing supply targets in record-breaking year for new housing starts and building permitsWhy Edmonton may need to focus on renters as it stares down 'peak home ownership'From the Taproot newsroom Housing ComplexTaproot presents: A conversation about housingRapid fire Former Edmonton city councillor Tony Caterina running for mayorWestJet announces summer schedule, Edmonton to see 23% seat capacity increaseBoissonnault out of cabinet after shifting claims about Indigenous heritageSpeaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! ★ Support this podcast ★

This week, budget season has begun. Troy and Stephanie guide you into the start of our year-end busy season, and explain how this will lead into next year's busy season, the election. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Budget Edmonton city council looks for cuts to lower 8.1 per cent tax hike eyed for 2025Edmonton city councillors question travel budgets and spending on Calgary StampedeElection 9 candidates declare intention to run for Edmonton City CouncilCity manager Edmonton city council hires Eddie Robar as city managerBudget pressures top of mind for Edmonton's new city managerCarbon budget Edmonton fails to meet climate targets 2 years after launching carbon budgetCondo association calls green bin rollout 'rocky', while city says new habits take timeSingle-use bylaw 500 days in, Edmonton has written 0 tickets under single-use bag, plastics bylawFrom the Taproot newsroom Edmonton Arts Council has a new funding strategy and leaderWhy the decline in public housing is 'the origins of Canada's housing crisis'Taproot presents: A conversation about housingCanadian Podcast Awards Speaking Municipally is a finalistKaren's post on LinkedInRapid fire City underlines successes and challenges as the Valley Line LRT turns oneMcDavid makes history with 1,000th NHL pointSpeaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! ★ Support this podcast ★

Taproot Edmonton reporter Colin Gallant joins us to discuss making Edmonton's housing more financially accessible, the Valley Line LRT's first anniversary, and the future of retail downtown. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Updates Fifth case of Dutch elm disease confirmed in EdmontonCity launches Assisted Snow Removal Program PilotCity of Edmonton proposes 8.1% tax hike in 2025 to cover higher costsHousing How should Edmonton grow to make housing more accessible?Housing ComplexValley Line LRT City underlines successes and challenges as the Valley Line LRT turns oneDowntown retail As Foosh debuts downtown, experts suggest retail needs focus to thriveFrom the Taproot newsroom YEG hopes visitors will stay and play at the airportOn the agenda: Garneau rezoning, utility rate changes, council office budgetElection update (no not that one) 2025 Edmonton General Election | Register of CandidatesTroy's tweetRapid fire Hundreds attend Edmonton protest against Alberta government's trans legislationDowntown Edmonton residential tower could rise higher than plannedAlberta enabling Halal mortgages, implementing promised electric vehicle taxSpeaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! ★ Support this podcast ★

The Downtown Investment Plan remains a hot topic of discussion. This week, we speak with Shani Gwin, a Métis woman, downtown business owner, AI entrepreneur, and DBA board member, for her take. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guests Shani Gwin on LinkedInpipikwan pêhtâkwanDowntown Investment Plan Downtown Investment Plan (PDF)DIP INTO DOWNTOWN: Solutions for Edmonton's Financial Future — Strategic Investment in Downtown (PDF)wâsikan kisewâtisiwin wâsikan kisewâtisiwinEdmonton startup wâsikan kisewâtisiwin selected as a 2024 Solver Team by MIT SolveFrom the Taproot newsroom Would building more supply slow Edmonton's rising home prices?New head of Social Enterprise Fund dreams of changeRapid fire Keith Gerein: Court delay serves no one except the political fortunes of Edmonton Coun. Jennifer RiceSetting off alarms by cooking? Edmonton's fire department could send you a billElaborate village-like encampment with power, water dismantled in south EdmontonSpeaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! ★ Support this podcast ★

This week, we're getting an early start on winter by talking about snow and ice control. We speak with Mark Beare and Val Dacyk from the City of Edmonton about service standards for clearing roadways and active pathways, how much people love the snow plow map, how big the snow clearing operation is, what it would take to clear sidewalks, where your tax dollars go, and much more. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guests Mark Beare on LinkedInValerie Dacyk on LinkedInSnow and ice control City launches updated Snow and Ice Control ProgramRoadways Snow Clearing MapActive Pathways Snow Clearing MapCommunity SandboxesWinter TravelApparent jump in snow-clearing kilometres not all that it seemsCity seeks input on sandbox program for ice controlFrom the Taproot newsroom Housing ComplexIntroducing Housing Complex, a special project from Taproot EdmontonHome truths: In Edmonton's housing system, some win, some lose, and many feel conflictedRapid fire Edmonton won't add optional criminal record checks for council candidatesEdmonton boo-levard becomes Candy Corn Lane for HalloweenSpeaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! ★ Support this podcast ★

A new report published by a coalition of business leaders calls for nearly $500 million of investment in Edmonton's downtown. We talk with the report's authors, Alexandra Hryciw and Jason Syvixay, about the action items, and what they hope to achieve. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guests Alexandra Hryciw on LinkedInDowntown Revitalization CoalitionJason Syvixay on LinkedInBILD Edmonton MetroDowntown Investment Plan Downtown Investment Plan (PDF)DIP INTO DOWNTOWN: Solutions for Edmonton's Financial Future — Strategic Investment in Downtown (PDF)Opinion: Now is the time to invest in Edmonton's downtownBusiness leaders call on governments to invest in downtown EdmontonHousing Accelerator Fund - City of EdmontonFrom the Taproot newsroom Housing pilot tests if connecting people can boost inclusionEdmonton on track to approve one garden suite a day in 2024How NorthwestFEARFest's boss put his life into filmRapid fire Edmonton park rangers shooting plastic bullets at aggressive coyotesLaw society to sanction former Alberta justice minister Kaycee Madu$7M Alberta advertising campaign against oil and gas emissions cap rolling out in 5 provincesThe 2024 Canadian Open Data Summit takes place in Edmonton on Oct. 30 and 31, with a full day of programming on Oct. 29 focused on generative AI. The event features keynotes, panels, workshops, and more. Themes for this year's event include data perspectives on the housing crisis, the power of open science, and how sharing commercial data has led to competitive advantages for businesses. Registration is now open. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! ★ Support this podcast ★

Council heard more about the fiscal gap, though no action was taken yet. Plus, the latest transit ridership numbers, the Stadium Station redesign, whether to continue planting elm trees, and how this winter's approach to encampments will look a lot like last winter's despite increased need. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Fiscal gap Edmonton seeking solutions to fix grim 'fiscal gap'Edmonton's Funding Dilemma: Collaboration Over Confrontation - Tim CartmellEdmonton mayor's letter to province asks for fair treatment in next year's budgetKeith Gerein: Edmonton's mayor steps up, but will he take a swing?Calgary and province announce agreement to move forward on part of Green Line LRTTransit ridership Transit ridership outpaces population growthEdmonton transit ridership up 14% in 2024Edmonton Transit to stop selling paper tickets, monthly passes as of Nov. 9Stadium Station Stadium Station redesign sees calls for service drop by 50%Elm trees Tree expert sees ways to avoid nightmare on elm-lined streetsHealth Streets pilot Edmonton 'healthy streets' Chinatown safety hub shutting downEncampments Edmonton police chief on the winter encampment strategyEdmonton has spent $225k fencing off former encampment sites in the first nine months of 2024Alberta and Edmonton at odds over data on homeless navigation centreEdmonton city council to get more information on encampment closure risksRegional drivers 'We're subsidizing the region': 32% of drivers on Edmonton roads don't live in the city, report findsEdmonton has a 'free rider problem' on its roads, new report saysFrom the Taproot newsroom Alberta Ecotrust aims to accelerate building retrofitsProvincial Priorities Act could hurt Alberta's priorities, says academicTransit riders organize to push for improved service and communityRapid fire Recap: Winnipeg 6, Edmonton 0Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!City Bird : Vote - Bird Friendly EdmontonThe 2024 Canadian Open Data Summit takes place in Edmonton on Oct. 30 and 31, with a full day of programming on Oct. 29 focused on generative AI. The event features keynotes, panels, workshops, and more. Themes for this year's event include data perspectives on the housing crisis, the power of open science, and how sharing commercial data has led to competitive advantages for businesses. Registration is now open. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! ★ Support this podcast ★

Edmonton is going to have to pay much more for elections, but we can't say why without risking a $787 million settlement. Plus, we've got some news about district planning. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Property tax Sohi launches campaign to ask province for more municipal supportEdmonton, other municipalities ask province to pay its property taxesFair Compensation ProjectElection costs On the agenda: Bill 20, district planning, 124 Street highriseThe Alberta government banned electronic vote tabulators. Municipalities want it to reconsiderDistrict plans District Policy and plans approved for next milestone in City's planning modernizationNew district policy, plans including 15-minute cities concept OK'd by Edmonton city councilOld Strathcona Whyte Avenue and Old Strathcona plans: less parking, more parksNew towers Mill Woods Town Centre: New grocery store, rental towers built in 2025Edmonton city council approves rezoning proposal for 31-storey tower on Jasper AvenueFrom the Taproot newsroom Pedestrian-only Rice Howard Way continues into fallNongBu is closed but continues to shape city's food sceneTree expert sees ways to avoid nightmare on elm-lined streetsRapid fire Alberta government drops idea of expanding liquor sales to grocers, convenience storesCanadian Finals Rodeo kicks off with surprise Downtown Edmonton cattle driveEarth's General Store closes despite crowdfunding effort to save the businessDiscover Our Climate Quest, a Canadian exhibition packed with fun, interactive activities for all ages. Explore carbon capture pinball, solar panels in action, Indigenous Ways of Knowing, and much more. Level up your climate science knowledge and get inspired for our sustainable future! Opening Oct. 5 at TELUS World of Science - Edmonton! Learn more Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! ★ Support this podcast ★