Episodios

  • Swing for the fences

    Swing for the fences
    Apr 3 2026
    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) - CloseHere are the relevant links for this episode:Scramble intersectionsCity 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 CrossingRiver CrossingRiver Crossing Capital Profile AdjustmentEdmonton Historical Board: RossdaleInside the Rossdale Power PlantDerelict tax subclassCity 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 teaOffice of the City Auditor 2025 Annual ReportBoston Pizza on Jasper AvenueWhile 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 moreThis 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 moreSpeaking 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 ★
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    44 m
  • The water is safe to drink

    The water is safe to drink
    Mar 27 2026
    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) - CloseHere are the relevant links for this episode:Water updateSpring runoff causing funky water with strong chlorine smell in EdmontonWhyte Avenue transit priority measuresTransit 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 lanesA tale of two streets: Businesses either support or scorn public transit pushArmy & Navy buildingJuly 2025: 'We're getting everything ready': How the Army and Navy building is preparing to re-openThe Quarters CRL2026 Community Revitalization Levy UpdateEdmonton's investment in Quarters leaves city $64 million in debtBudget engagementYour turn: Budget consultations and Acheson changes2027-2030 Budget Engagement | Engaged EdmontonEdmonton's 2027-2030 BudgetBudget Engagement Survey - March 2026Become a memberIndividual 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 moreSpeaking 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 ★
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    42 m
  • Is Whyte Ave chopped and unc?

    Is Whyte Ave chopped and unc?
    Mar 20 2026
    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 AveAndrea Donini on LinkedInPrioritize Whyte AveTake the surveyOld Strathcona Business AssociationLewis Farms Recreation CentreEdmonton 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 feesMotion 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 falloutEdmonton 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 updatesEdmonton 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 memberIndividual 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 moreSpeaking 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 ★
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    47 m
  • Would you like to purchase a bag for 25 cents?

    Would you like to purchase a bag for 25 cents?
    Mar 13 2026
    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) - CloseHere are the relevant links for this episode:Audience surveyWhat we learned from Taproot's 2026 audience surveyWaste reduction updateEdmonton'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 cutBoyle Street housing program to lose Alberta government funding, province seeks new providerAlberta government ends funding for Edmonton housing programPolice chief's Israel tripEdmonton police chief travels to Israel to meet police leadersEdmonton police chief's trip to Israel draws criticism and supportArterial roadsCouncil questions when to expand arterial roads to four lanesNew jobs for Sohi and CartmellSohi lands role at public affairs firm, Cartmell at NAITNAIT's LinkedIn postTim Cartmell's LinkedIn postState of the City 2026Become a memberIndividual 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 12This 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 moreSpeaking 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 ★
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    38 m
  • Chinatown, downtown, and priorities around town

    Chinatown, downtown, and priorities around town
    Mar 6 2026
    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 updateChinatown 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 IncentiveDowntown Attainable Housing Incentive - March 4, 2026Edmonton looks to incentivize downtown apartment developmentCouncil strategic prioritiesCity council limits itself to four key strategic priorities for termEdmonton City Council Strategic Priorities | Andrew KnackBudget planningSpecial 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 menusSpeaking 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 ★
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    40 m
  • Lights, camera, Downtown Action Plan!

    Lights, camera, Downtown Action Plan!
    Feb 27 2026
    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 surveyTaproot audience surveyExtreme weather responseNews Release: Extreme weather response activated Feb. 26Downtown Action Plan FundNews Release: City investing $3 million into community-led projects downtownDowntown Projects and InvestmentsBusiness Roundup: Feb. 27, 2026Construction season2026 Traffic Management Plan - Infrastructure Committee - Feb. 23, 2026Edmonton city councillors say drivers should see relief on roads this construction seasonTrouble in GibbonsNews 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 motionCoun. 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 saveThis 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 moreSpeaking 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 ★
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    41 m
  • Wedging in affordable housing

    Wedging in affordable housing
    Feb 20 2026

    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 survey

    Update on infill

    • Edmonton council votes to keep infill maximum at eight units
    • Edmonton city councillor's motion to change infill cap from 8 units to 6 fails

    Update on snow clearing

    • City to deploy private contractors at start of snow-clearing work after Tuesday's storm
    • City 70 per cent through priority Edmonton roads as Phase 1 parking ban takes effect

    Affordable housing in Wedgewood

    • Edmonton council to sell Wedgewood Heights surplus school site for housing project
    • Council gives green light a 2nd time around for Wedgewood Park housing development in animated public hearing

    Patio fees

    • Edmonton businesses contemplate future of patio season after seeing new hefty fee
    • Peter Keith post on LinkedIn

    Northmark Materials funding

    • Feb. 17 City Council meeting

    This 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 ★
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    38 m
  • Same infill arguments, different infill day

    Same infill arguments, different infill day
    Feb 13 2026

    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 survey

    Troy Pavlek

    • TroyPavlek.ca

    Infill rezoning

    • After 2 days of Edmonton infill debate, city committee sends decision to council
    • Residents speak for and against infill at packed committee meeting
    • Edmonton councillors hear calls for tree protection bylaw

    Happy Beer Street

    • Happy Beer Street
    • Breweries want City of Edmonton to tap entertainment district designation for Happy Beer Street
    • Three cheers for Edmonton's Happy Beer Street

    Election audit

    • October 2025: Morgan increases Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi margin after Edmonton Elections finds unconfirmed ballots
    • October 2025: Thu Parmar wins in Ward sipiwiyiniwak after recount caused by 'human error': Edmonton Elections
    • Long lines, errors during Edmonton's fall election frustrated voters, staff: city auditor
    • Edmonton city councillor wants tabulators back after elections report highlights issues

    This 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 ★
    Más Menos
    42 m