Council decided against selling the naming rights for recreation centres and other facilities, at least on the outside. The Edmonton Elks is the official name, but it is returning to the old name on the inside. Plus, we discuss the relationship between police and the city, speeding enforcement, and upzoning. Here are the relevant links for this epi…

Andrew Knack has announced he's running for mayor. We speak with him about his decision to enter the race now, his vision for the city, and how he plans to differentiate himself from the other candidates. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Andrew Knack Andrew Knack for Mayor Andrew's Linkedin post Speaking Municipally | 13 months notice …

We examine the new Downtown Action Plan, which was presented to the Urban Planning Committee this week. Additionally, administration seeks permission to sell the naming rights to 29 facilities, and PACE announces six of its candidates for the 2025 municipal election. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Downtown Action Plan Edmonton Propos…

We dive into the "start" of construction season, and the latest state of the city event. We also touch on traffic management in Belgravia, and private contracts for the Edmonton police. Here are the relevant links for this episode: EPS contracts Private contracts for Edmonton police rose sharply over last five years: data Construction season News R…

We look at what the federal election results mean for Edmonton, including the return of Mayor Amarjeet Sohi to city council. We also discuss the future of E-Park with Coun. Aaron Paquette, and dig into when we might expect results in the upcoming municipal election. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Federal election results Alberta's bl…

City council has approved the final property tax increase for 2025, and it's lower than expected … except maybe not? Plus, the City started removing EPark meters … but maybe not? We also discuss the integrity commissioner's annual report, and bike lanes. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Property tax increase News Release: City Council …

The most predictable of outcomes has happened: people are upset about Front Yards in Bloom getting pruned. Plus, we discuss the Ritchie downzoning, new transit peace officers, and the growth of the bus fleet. And we look ahead to the federal election. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Front Yards in Bloom Edmontonians rally to save Fron…

We look at new provincial bills affecting municipal elections, governance, and policing. We also discuss the end of Front Yards in Bloom, the shameful state of the BMO building site, and the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market expanding to two days. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Crosswords The Taproot Mini brings a bit of fun to The Puls…

E-Park machines are being removed, making mobile payments the preferred option for parking. We also discuss directing parking revenue to nearby infrastructure improvements, the removal of speed-on-green cameras, guidelines for point access blocks, and the story behind the demise of Alberta's first commercial hydrogen fueling station. Here are the r…

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi is taking a leave of absence to run in the federal election next month. We talk through the implications. Plus, extended producer responsibility is here, and the city is adding service hours to transit. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Extended Producer Responsibility News Release: Extended Producer responsibility i…

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi joins us to discuss his political future. Will he run for re-election? Will he return to federal politics? We hear what Sohi thinks is needed to stand up for Canada and municipalities. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Amarjeet Sohi Mayor Amarjeet Sohi What We Have Accomplished Together From the conversation Edmonton…

Coun. Sarah Hamilton has announced she will not seek re-election in the fall. We also discuss the pride flag issue between CSU52 and the Edmonton Public Library, transit safety and sounds, efforts to diversify Edmonton's trade beyond the United States, and why statues keep getting stolen. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Sarah Hamilton…

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: Commonwe…

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 renewa…

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…

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…

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 adminis…

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 pub…

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 record E…

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 LinkedIn Episode 262: Eddie's still here, and he's driving the bus Eddie's post on LinkedIn about taking over …

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 Branch Manager, Edmonton Transit Service LinkedIn Pascale Ladouceur Branch Manager, Infrastructure Planning & Design LinkedIn Cate Watt…

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 News Release: City Council confirms fall budget adjustments Ed…

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 News Release: City C…

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, fut…

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 Ca…

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 2025 Edmonton city councillors quest…

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 News Release: Fifth case of Dutch elm disease confirmed in Edmonton News Release: City launches Assisted …

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 LinkedIn pipikwan pêhtâkwan Downtown Investment Plan Downtown Investment Plan (PDF) New…

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…

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 LinkedIn Downtown Revital…

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 E…

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 support Edmonton, other municipalities ask province to pay i…

This week, we discuss the new Edmonton sign, a new poll about the mayor and city council, new crashes into the LRT, and a new report on Canada's municipalities. Plus, updates on ChargeStop, homelessness, and the 2021 mayoral race. Here are the relevant links for this episode: ChargeStop ChargeStop builds Canada's first dedicated EV station in Strat…

Council has decided to keep their representatives on the police commission, at least for now. Plus, we talk LRT station fare gates, EVs, bike lanes, and more. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Police commission Edmonton won't remove city councillors from police commission, for now Alberta hiring CEO for 'massive' new agency to investiga…

This week, Mack and Stephanie speak with Coun. Andrew Knack about his decision not to seek re-election in next year's municipal election. They also discuss the city's $34 million budget shortfall. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Andrew Knack @andrewknack Andrew Knack on LinkedIn The Toughest Decision I've Ever Made — Andrew Knack Budg…

This week, the province has all but banned photo radar in Alberta. Plus, we have more problems with composting, and cars driving into trains. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Police commission Edmonton city council to weigh police commission request to remove council positions from board Photo radar Not so fast: Edmonton non-profit, ci…

Council decided to stick with a smaller, previously-approved increase to transit fares, instead of asking for a big increase. We also discuss council procedures, BRT, shelter standards and locations, and the city's approach to major projects. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Fringe wrap Edmonton Fringe $72K short of fundraising goal as…

We interrupt your Fringe-ing to discuss proposed compensation for businesses along Stony Plain Road, a big budget shortfall and potential tax hike, transit fare increases, and the new owner of the Edmonton Elks. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Stony Plain rejection City council rejects grant program for Stony Plain Road businesses str…

By Taproot Edmonton

We're back from our summer break! Council is also back, even though they still managed to make some headlines over the summer. We encourage you to check out the Fringe, debate the former Royal Alberta Museum, and consider potential changes to council procedures. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Fringe Edmonton Fringe facing $200K short…

This week, council wraps for the summer, but not before kicking the can on their code of conduct. Plus, it's easier to eat food from a truck and harder to get bear spray from a store. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Code of conduct 'Transparency is very, very important': Council rejects code of conduct updates Proposed bylaw would kee…

Game seven wasn't meant to be. That means that this is a boring politics podcast again and not a sports podcast. This week we discuss district plans, solar rebates, Warehouse Park, and the Edmonton Bike Park. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Game 7 downtown Oilers fall short of history as Panthers win Game 7 to capture 1st Stanley Cup …

The Oilers are now two wins from the Stanley Cup. Plus, council is (kinda) talking about substantial completion, non-residential taxes, and compensation for disruption from major construction. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Substantial completion Urban Planning Committee: June 18, 2024 2023: Suburban sprawl costs Edmonton taxpayers m…

This week we discuss an updated capital budget, and a new train. Plus, the police commission declines to show up to a council meeting in this, the city of champions. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Police commission City councillors call relationship with Edmonton police commissioners 'unhealthy' and 'frustrating' Sean Amato's tweet t…

Boyle Street has had the permit for its site revoked…again. Plus, the police have declined a public audit, and we'll talk about Sohi's polling numbers. Is it really that time already? Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guest: Jack Farrell @_jack_farrell Jack Farrell at St. Albert Gazette Boyle Street / CPTED Boyle Street denied permit to…

A conversation at the summer institute of the Canadian Housing Evidence Collaborative about what Edmonton can and should do to contribute to the alleviation of the housing crisis. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guests Joshua Evans, associate professor of human geography at the University of Alberta and director of the Affordable Hous…

We're joined by Christel Kjenner, director of the housing action team at the City of Edmonton, to get an overview of what the city is doing about the housing crisis. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Christel Kjenner Christel Kjenner on LinkedIn November 2021: The future of affordable housing according to our Christel ball (Episode 154)…

There's a new task force on housing and homelessness. Plus, everything is a district, recreation centres will soon be sponsored, and we discuss police accountability. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Housing task force Edmonton mayor names 16-member task force to tackle housing and homelessness State of the City Clean energy retrofit E…

Summer is here, and it comes with the sale of a riverboat, scooters, and summer streets. Plus, council writes a very sternly worded letter to the province. It'll work this time, they promise! Here are the relevant links for this episode: Tim Querengesser Tim's work LinkedIn profile @TimQuerengesser Edmonton Riverboat Meet the new owners of the Edmo…

We speak with Eddie Robar, the interim city manager at the City of Edmonton, about what he plans to do for the time he'll be in the role. Since recording this episode, the Alberta government reversed its decision to cut its share of funding for low-income transit passes in Edmonton and Calgary following public backlash and discussions with the citi…