Speaking Municipally

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 updatesProposed bylaw would keep misdeeds by Edmonton city councillors secretCentennial PlazaNews Release: New Centennial Plaza to add colour and vibrancy in the heart of downtownVision ZeroBoy, 3, dies in crosswalk after being hit by truck in southwest EdmontonPolice investigating fatal pedestrian collision in southwest EdmontonGoFundMe for Edmonton boy killed after pickup truck hits familyPolice sound alarm after deadly month on Edmonton roadsFood trucksPSA: City streamlines permitting for mobile food vendors2012: The Past, Present, and Future of Food Truck Bylaws & Guidelines in EdmontonBear sprayEdmonton bear spray bylaw aims to curb misuse with new point-of-sale measuresEdmonton changes bylaw to regulate bear spray sales after rise in assaultsBear-spray incidents on the rise in EdmontonFrom the Taproot newsroomEdmonton Opera innovates and collaborates to keep costs lowApplied Pharma facility could open local doors while bridging national gapGroup brings co-op model to downtown investment to build changeTaproot Edmonton roundupsRapid fireLegal Aid Alberta says province terminated its contractSpeaking 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 ★

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 downtownOilers fall short of history as Panthers win Game 7 to capture 1st Stanley Cup titleEdmonton businesses close early to let staff watch Oilers in Game 76 arrests made at Oilers Stanley Cup Game 7 watch partyWhat impact has Rogers Place had on downtown Edmonton?E-scooter operators introduce cognitive test among features aimed at addressing criticsDistrict policy and plansIs Edmonton council 'normalizing' the 15-minute city conspiracy theory?Stephanie's tweetEdmonton council passes district policy, clarifies freedom of movement amid 15-minute cities fearsEdmonton promises residents 'freedom of movement' to calm concerns around 15-minute citiesCity councillor addresses concerns about Edmonton's district planningSolar rebatesNews Release: Reopened solar rebate program gives multi-family buildings sustainability boostThe exponential growth of solar power will change the worldEPCORGolf courses, cemeteries, City of Edmonton properties need to start paying stormwater bills, Epcor saysWarehouse ParkNews Release: Transforming parking lots to paradise: Warehouse Park Project in downtown Edmonton to begin constructionEdmonton Bike ParkEdmonton Bike ParkBig News! RPFIP Awarded for the Edmonton Bike Park ProjectFrom the Taproot newsroomShiddy's and Flat Boy unite on Happy Beer StreetEntrepreneurs work to build Edmonton's padel communityTaproot Edmonton roundupsRapid fireAlberta to opt out of federal dental plan by 2026: Premier SmithBoston Pizza Comforts Grieving Hockey Fans With Free PizzaPSA: 2024 property taxes due June 30Speaking 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 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 completionUrban Planning Committee: June 18, 20242023: Suburban sprawl costs Edmonton taxpayers more than infill: City reportNon-residential taxesCouncil pushes to boost City of Edmonton's lagging industrial tax baseOn the agenda: Edmonton's shrinking share of non-residential taxes, infill damage, construction impactBenchmarking the Edmonton Metro Region: Insights for Global CompetitivenessMajor construction compensation'Devastating impact': Edmonton businesses want solution to lost revenue from construction woesMontreal: Flat-rate subsidy for businesses in areas affected by major constructionCorporate Homelessness PlanCommunity and Public Services Committee: June 17, 2024Oilers cup run'There's definitely life': Rave review of Edmonton and of Oilers from major criticOilers back on home ice as Edmonton gears up for Game 3Explore Edmonton economic impact of the NHL playoffsHow Explore Edmonton Utilizes the Event Impact Calculator (EIC) to Advocate for Hosting EventsFrom the Taproot newsroomTree enthusiasts set to cultivate urban canopy conversation at conferencePapaschase First Nation explores drone soccer as a way to open doorsTaproot Edmonton roundupsRapid firePSA: ETS summer service changes beginGenesee Generating Station is off coal – all units 100% natural gas-fueledAlberta to ban cellphones in K-12 classrooms starting in fallBusiness membershipIntroducing Taproot Edmonton's Business MembershipSpeaking 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 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 commissionCity councillors call relationship with Edmonton police commissioners 'unhealthy' and 'frustrating'Sean Amato's tweet threadCapital budgetEdmonton council approves increase to $10.4B capital budget to build housing, renew roads and fix facilitiesEdmonton adds $262 million in capital spending on buses, LRT vehicles, infrastructure repairs and housingCapital Line LRTNews Release: City awards Design-Build contract for Capital Line South LRT Extension projectEdmonton's Capital Line LRT to extend south as council approves bylaw to borrow $585MCost for Edmonton Capital Line LRT south extension balloons by $242 million, council approves in secretTransit ridershipNews Release: Transit ridership up 130 per centOpen Data CatalogueMore scootersNews Release: Third e-scooter and e-bike vendor coming to Edmonton's streetsBlatchfordEdmonton city councillor's idea to sell some undeveloped Blatchford land sputters outCity of ChampionsShould Edmonton bring back 'City of Champions' slogan?From the Taproot newsroomSustainable fashion house hosts runway experience to build city's sceneNew doc recreates Edmonton's norm-busting Flashback nightclubTaproot Edmonton roundupsRapid fireNews Release: City adds new water bottle-filling stationsYEG Departures Roadway construction to end this fall58 per cent of Canadians not following Oilers-Panthers Stanley Cup final: surveyBusiness membershipIntroducing Taproot Edmonton's Business MembershipThis episode is brought to you by the Edmonton Public Library which is hosting another instalment in its Forward Thinking Speaker Series. Don't miss Dr. Marie Wilson in conversation with Chief Wilton Littlechild on June 19. The Truth and Reconciliation Commissioners will discuss what we can do to further reconciliation across Canada. Tickets are now available for this EPL fundraiser.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 ★

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_farrellJack Farrell at St. Albert GazetteBoyle Street / CPTEDBoyle Street denied permit to build south Edmonton overdose prevention sitePermit denied for Wolf Den overdose prevention site in EdmontonJack's tweet threadHow EPS got involved in city planning — The YEG YellerEPS CPTED trainingPolice auditEdmonton police commission refuses to release audit plan to city councilMichael Janz's tweet threadFrom the Taproot newsroomTim Querengesser, managing editorPadmanadi and Seoul Fried Chicken tackle Calgary expansions differentlyCouncil to decide if U of A's proposal to redevelop farmland into housing can start planningTaproot Edmonton's roundupsWhat are you curious about? Let us know at hello@taprootedmonton.caLRT musicNews Release: Travel to the tunes of Tchaikovsky and more in downtown LRT stationsStephanie's tweet2011: Mercury Opera's 104 Underground (an operascape)Sohi troubleEdmonton heading in 'wrong direction,' Sohi on the ropes: Leger pollPoll results show Edmonton city council faces a tough re-election roadCivic Matters: Downtown Edmonton during the Oilers' playoff runDistrict planningEdmonton district planning decision could be weeks away, signals plans may be sent back for changes'Citizens are abandoned and angry': Public speakers distrustful of Edmonton district planningRapid fireIncrease in Edmonton's paper, reusable bag fee takes effect July 1Taste of Edmonton announces presale tickets ahead of 40th anniversary'We are at risk of running out': Calgarians asked to use 25% less water than yesterdayThis episode is brought to you by the Edmonton Public Library which is hosting another instalment in its Forward Thinking Speaker Series. Don't miss Dr. Marie Wilson in conversation with Chief Wilton Littlechild on June 19. The Truth and Reconciliation Commissioners will discuss what we can do to further reconciliation across Canada. Tickets are now available for this EPL fundraiser.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 ★

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:GuestsJoshua Evans, associate professor of human geography at the University of Alberta and director of the Affordable Housing Solutions LabEric Rice, a writer and researcher working with Taproot to better understand Edmonton's housing ecosystemHousing linksCanadian Housing Evidence CollaborativeEpisode 265: An Accelerated discussion on housingEdmonton Affordable Housing Maintenance FundProtect, Enhance, Grow: Investing in Edmonton's Community Housing Sector'Damned If We Do, Damned If We Don't': Examining the Municipal Problematization of Homelessness in Edmonton, Canada During COVID-19BooksHomelessness is a Housing ProblemThe Tenant ClassNote: The series of Q&A interviews by Rice to be published in the fall by Taproot Edmonton is made possible through funding from the Alberta Real Estate Foundation.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 ★

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 KjennerChristel Kjenner on LinkedInNovember 2021: The future of affordable housing according to our Christel ball (Episode 154)Housing at the cityAffordable Housing StrategyHousing Accelerator FundFeb. 21, 2024: Building more homes that Canadians can afford in EdmontonHousing contextCalgary population surges by staggering 6%, Edmonton by 4.2% in latest StatsCan estimatesLack of clarity in district plans could erode trust, councillors sayEdmonton mayor names 16-member task force to tackle housing and homelessnessHousing advocates say big money is transforming rental markets. And Alberta could be a poster childNew standard could help shift Edmonton's growth patternFifteen years after the original strategy, Edmonton has a new plan for homelessnessRapid fireThe 'Redmonton' party no more: Alberta NDP's base has shifted to CalgaryEdmonton Fringe raises $100,000 in donations, unveils 2024 themeTroy's tweetSee us in person!May 30: Speaking Municipally Live: Untangling the housing knot at the Foundry RoomThis 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, 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 ★

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 forceEdmonton mayor names 16-member task force to tackle housing and homelessnessState of the CityClean energy retrofitEdmonton finalizes clean energy retrofit loans programLauren Boothby's threadPolice accountabilityEdmonton mayor disturbed by images of police response to pro-Palestinian protestersMessage to the U of A community: Update on encampmentProtesters attend Edmonton city hall meeting after police teardown of U of A pro-Palestine campDisruptive meeting could trigger security changes at Edmonton city hallTweet about commission meetingDistrictsRice Howard Way to become Edmonton's new entertainment districtDowntown Edmonton 'education district' could spur revitalization, school leaders sayExperience Edmonton's Arts District2015: Coffee Bureau and Lock Stock Coffee have revived Edmonton's coffee districtNaming rightsEdmonton's Terwillegar rec centre to get a new, sponsored name2022: Jumpstart Inclusive Playground now open in EdmontonRapid firePSA: Have fun in the sun in Edmonton's spray parks, opening this weekendNews Release: New EPark App launches todayCanada's 100 Best restaurants list snubs Edmonton; three bars crack top 50See us in person!May 21: Don't let the pink slime get you: AI's role in a healthy media ecosystem at Work Nicer Beaver House.May 25: Edmonton International Cat Festival at the Robbins Health Learning Centre at MacEwan.May 30: Speaking Municipally Live: Untangling the housing knot at the Foundry Room.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 ★

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 QuerengesserTim's workLinkedIn profile@TimQuerengesserEdmonton RiverboatMeet the new owners of the Edmonton RiverboatSummer streets and scootersPSA: Summer Streets gives Edmontonians safer spaces for outdoor funWhere are Edmonton's e-scooters?Bill 18/20Bill 20 offers power to accelerate housing through property tax breaksEdmonton city council asks Alberta to scrap Bill 18 and Bill 20 for consultationChanges to city charters, Municipal Government Act meant to bolster housing, cut costs: McIverEdmonton mayor, Alberta government meet to talk about Sohi's 6-page funding letterSohi sends 6-page letter to Smith detailing ways Alberta can help EdmontonFederal government and Boyle Street Community Services invest in vital community building in downtown EdmontonCalgary's single-use items bylaw repealed, businesses no longer required to charge bag feeEdge FundEdmonton grants $4.7M to 17 organizations through Edge FundEdmonton's biggest rec centres face name change in new sponsorship dealRapid fireThe City of Edmonton finally has a 'Nathan Fillion Civilian Pavilion' & it's here to stay (for now)Premier Danielle Smith's tweetEdmonton fire chief Joe Zatylny resigns effective May 10See us in person!May 21: Don't let the pink slime get you: AI's role in a healthy media ecosystem at Work Nicer Beaver House. Taproot CEO Mack Male and Ethically Aligned AI founder Katrina Ingram will discuss the uses and abuses of AI in media. Generative AI is flooding the world with "pink slime journalism," but it's also helping responsible companies like Taproot carry out our work more deeply and efficiently. We'll explore those realities at this community event associated with Upper Bound, Edmonton's annual AI conference. Tickets to our event are free.May 25: Edmonton International Cat Festival at the Robbins Health Learning Centre at MacEwan. We're thrilled to be a media sponsor for this 10th annual celebration of all things feline. We've asked our friends at Zoe's Animal Rescue to share our booth, so come by to meet some members of the Taproot team, and give a kitty a skritch while you're there. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and kids get in free.May 30: Speaking Municipally Live: Untangling the housing knot at the Foundry Room. Our civic affairs podcast is recording live during the Canadian Housing Evidence Collaborative's summer institute, and you're invited. Hosts Troy Pavlek and Mack Male will discuss how the City of Edmonton can help alleviate the housing crisis; their guests are Joshua Evans of the Affordable Housing Solutions Lab and writer/researcher Eric Rice, who is working on a project with Taproot to help us better understand the housing system. Tickets are free.This episode was brought to you by Inventures, the breakthrough innovation event from Alberta Innovates that is happening in Calgary from May 29 to 31. Inventures will bring more than 4,000 entrepreneurs, startups, scale-ups, academics, investors, and industry leaders together to cultivate relationships, showcase emerging technologies, and capitalize on Alberta's innovation advantage.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 ★

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 cities’ mayors.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Eddie RobarEddie Robar on LinkedIn2015: Halifax Transit Manager Eddie Robar latest city executive to leave for greener pastures2016: Back on track: Edmonton hires new transit managerNews Release: City Council names Eddie Robar as Interim City ManagerEddie Robar named interim City of Edmonton manager while permanent replacement soughtNew interim Edmonton city manager Eddie Robar focusing on improving work culture after tense labour disputeLow-income transit passAlberta government cuts funding for Edmonton, Calgary low-income transit pass, mayors sayProvince reverses decision to cut funding for low-income bus passes in Calgary and EdmontonRapid fireNews Release: Alberta's vision for passenger railNews Release: New EPark mobile payment in effect todayBrett Kissel curse? Radio host starts petition to stop singer from performing anthem at Oilers playoff gamesSpeaking Municipally LiveMay 30: Speaking Municipally Live: Untangling the housing knotThis episode is brought to you by NAIT. Celebrating the impact of its grads on the community, NAIT announces this year's award recipients who are visionaries, community-builders, trailblazers and more. See their impact at nait.ca/celebrate.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 ★

The spring budget adjustment has been finalized, and the final tax increase council arrived at was quite a bit higher than expected.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Spring SOBAOn the agenda: Potential tax increases, Windsor Park rezoning, supportive housingNews Release: City Council finalizes 2024 spring budget adjustmentsEdmonton sets 8.9 per cent property tax hike for 2024Edmonton city council needs to have a 'firmer backbone' over budget: Tim CartmellErin Rutherford: Financial stewardship is more than keeping taxes lowOpinion: Don't blame bike lanes for Edmonton's property tax hikeJoint Letter - Spring 2024 Supplemental Operating Budget AdjustmentPolice recruitmentAttrition is down. Recruitment is up.'On an upswing': Edmonton police seeing fewer officers leaving the force, more recruits2023: Edmonton Police Service sees jump in departing officers in 2022Keren TangEdmonton councillor at the centre of anonymous letter sent to province speaks outAlberta premier says 'anonymous letter' forwarded to Edmonton ethics commissionerBill 204New bill allows Alberta government to set conditions for national urban park decisionsRegional Roundup: April 24, 2024Bill 20Alberta bill gives cabinet power to remove municipal councillors, change or repeal bylawsRapid fireRedevelopment plans in question after historic Edmonton air hangar gutted by fireEPSB: April 30 - Special Board MeetingHydrogen convention to bring world to regionSpeaking Municipally LiveMay 30: Speaking Municipally Live: Untangling the housing knotEdmonton heritageHow Edmonton's first community archivist builds better recordsSpeaking 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 draft district policy has been released. Plus, Edmonton has added 100,000 people in the past two years, and some councillors are questioning if we can handle that growth.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Andre CorbouldFormer Edmonton City Manager Joins Danchilla ConsultingDistrict PolicyNews Release: City releases final draft of the District Policy and plans; offers information sessionsPopulation growthEdmonton's population is booming and one city councillor wonders if we're readySigns of strain amid Alberta's population boomOpinion: How to build a better Edmonton in 2024BlatchfordPace of building at Blatchford a concern for some on Edmonton city councilProgress on Blatchford development lacks clarity and targets, City of Edmonton audit report showsAudit reveals gaps in governance structure of Edmonton's climate goal delivery teamEdmonton UnlimitedEdmonton Unlimited hires new CEO from within city ecosystemRice Howard WayDoes Edmonton need a downtown entertainment district?Downtown Entertainment District | Engaged EdmontonRapid fireAlberta's wildfire season has begun. Here's how its 500 new firefighters are preparing for itEdmonton transit union files 'bad faith' bargaining complaint with Alberta regulatorCKUA: Address To The CommunityUpcoming eventsApril 24: YEG Destination TechApril 24: The Climate Crisis is a Health CrisisApril 25: Machine Learning, Cults, and BirdsMay 2: YEG Startup Community AwardsSpeaking 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 ★

Administration has recommended an 8.7% tax increase for 2024 citing increasing cost pressures. And no, cutting bike lane funding won't fix that. Plus, we dig into transit oriented development, the nighttime economy, and bike lane infractions on 102 Avenue.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Spring budget adjustmentsApril 11, 2024: City releases proposed spring operating budget adjustmentsFeb. 29, 2024: Statement on 2023 Financial ResultsNov. 28, 2023: City Council confirms fall budget adjustmentsOct. 26, 2023: City releases fall budget adjustmentsPIA Statement on Taxes and Payments Owed to the City of EdmontonCouncillor Michael Janz: If the UCP reversed reductions, your property tax could be 7% lowerApril 23 City Council meeting agendaTOD analysisAs Ottawa pushes for density near transit, research shows Edmonton has challengesBike lane infractionsBad driving or poor design? A downtown Edmonton intersection is a case studyNighttime economyCity plan looks to build dynamic, thriving nighttime economy in EdmontonExecutive committee reportCity of Edmonton invests up to $5 million to infuse new activity and vibrancy into the downtown coreHudson's patioEdmonton pub's popular Whyte Ave patio stuck in 'nightmare' bureaucratic limboRapid fire'I have a problem with all of it': Service Alberta minister sets sights on jumbo jugs of vodkaOSFM parking lot postHundreds watch eclipse at Edmonton observatoryThis episode was brought to you by the Edmonton Community Foundation which presents Estate Administration Week from April 15 to 19. With information sessions led by volunteer lawyers, the week will empower you to know what to do when you find yourself named the executor of a loved one's estate. The week culminates with a rousing game of Jeopardy! (Estate Administration Edition), led by estate lawyers Michael Simons and Allison Barkwell on April 19. All of the session are free — even Jeopardy!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 ★

Katz gets the parking lots of his dreams. Plus, we discuss city manager recruitment and Mayor Sohi’s response to the province's gracious offer to help stabilize the City of Edmonton’s finances.Here are the relevant links for this episode:City managerEddie Robar named interim City of Edmonton manager while permanent replacement soughtAdam Laughlin's postSohi's letterEdmonton mayor asks Premier Danielle Smith to restore municipal fundingMayor Sohi's letter'On standby to help': Alberta Premier Danielle Smith concerned with turmoil at Edmonton city hallDanielle Smith says province 'ready to assist' with Edmonton's fiscal challenges as city manager exitsDavid Staples: Province considers move to 'audit and stabilize' the City of Edmonton, say government officialsApril 1st, 2024 - Councillor Michael JanzParking lotsEdmonton city council grants extension to agreement for surface parking lots near arenaAgenda item April 02, 2024EParkNews Release: New EPark mobile payment system easier, quicker and more convenientEdmonton switches parking payments to HotSpot from EParkReddit post: PSA: Cash out your MyEPark balanceCapital LineNews Release: City names preferred bidder for Capital Line South LRT constructionConstruction Notice - Demolition of former NAIT LRT StationPublic artEdmonton's public art strategy moves past 1% solutionRapid fireLots of new animals are heading for your city, study suggestsCity of Edmonton and CSU 52 ratify new Collective AgreementOilers fan known as 'McMullet' drives 8 hours to watch every gameSpeaking 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 ★

We dive into city manager Andre Corbould's resignation and why it will matter.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Andre CorbouldAndre Corbould is out as Edmonton's city managerEdmonton city hall's top bureaucrat is gone — how did we get here?David Staples: Province considers move to 'audit and stabilize' the City of Edmonton, say government officialsCoun. Erin Rutherford responseNavigation centre numbersAlberta claiming success with Edmonton navigation support centre, plans to expand to CalgaryHomeless people in Edmonton are dying at 8 times the rate as pre-pandemicRachel Notley says the permanent housing number is 5Glenora heritageCity halts project to protect Glenora's character and starts city-wide strategy83 Avenue pedestrianizationCity recommends removing cars on 83 Avenue near farmers' marketOld Strathcona Public Realm StrategyResidential parking permit zonesEdmonton removing 15 residential parking permit zonesRapid fireTreasurer who stole $160k from Edmonton preschool given 18 months in jailCity halts project to protect Glenora's character and starts city-wide strategySpringtime skunk invasion stinky but short-lived in 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 ★

Coun. Sarah Hamilton found herself in hot water for speaking at a UCP fundraiser instead of attending a council meeting. We talk with Jeremy Appel of The Orchard who broke the story.Here are the relevant links for this episode:CSU52 updateUnion for Edmonton city, library workers unveils salary increases in tentative dealCJHR updateAdvocacy group to pay City of Edmonton more than $11K in costs after failed encampment lawsuitGuest: Jeremy AppelThe Orchard@JeremyAppel1025Kenneyism: Jason Kenney's Pursuit of PowerHamilton's absenceEdmonton city councillor Sarah Hamilton skipped out on council meeting to headline UCP fundraiserSarah Hamilton's statementEdmonton city councillor Hamilton's involvement in UCP fundraiser questionedCouncil Code of ConductMichael Janz endorsement of Sarah HoffmanKeith Gerein: What's behind Alberta's push into municipal parties?Day shelter fundingBissell Centre likely to close day shelter space after city funding dries upBoyle Street to take over CHEW Project operationsRapid firePSA: City Hall re-opens to the publicJust add Nenshi, and it's a whole different Alberta NDP racePSA: City celebrates Transit Operator and Worker Appreciation DaySpeaking 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 ★

We discuss the strike that was averted at the last minute, council compensation, an update on the ICE District parking lots.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Media landscapeSprouts of Hope in a Gloomy Media Landscape — The New York TimesStrike avoidedCity and Civic Services Union 52 reach a tentative agreementTentative deal reached with City of Edmonton, workers' union saysTim Cartmell's tweetCity council's statementCSU52's tweetTroy's Tik Tok video / Reddit postJoint letter to city council (PDF)Alberta public sector workers want big raises to match inflationStrike by city workers could mean big overtime bill as Edmonton police pressed into 911 serviceCouncil compensationEdmonton city council gets automatic 2.4% raise in 2024, mayor makes more than Alberta's premierParking lotsCity Council Public Hearing - March 11, 2024Rapid fireNews Release: City of Edmonton adds Commonwealth Recreation Centre to its growing number of solar installations'Dangerous' cave found in Edmonton's river valley was purposely dug out for shelter: policeMeet Rocky the Ram, the legislature's mascotSpeaking 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 ★

We dig into the provincial budget and how it affects Edmonton. Plus, the Katz Group wants an extension for its gravel parking lots, and critics question the effectiveness of the homeless reception centre.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Provincial budgetBudget 2024: Alberta commits funding towards Edmonton's LRT projects, increased police presence, sheltersAlberta hitting pause on South Edmonton Hospital, health minister saysUCP details education budget as school officials lament overcrowding and high costsEdmonton boards welcome funding for school construction, but stress high enrolment numbersUCP Alberta Budget 2024 DisappointmentHomeless reception centreHomeless reception centre generates big numbers as well as 'abject misery': advocateEdmonton mayor hopeful four-way meeting will lead to constructive homelessness work4 levels of government meet on Edmonton homelessness crisis for '1st time'City HallEdmonton city hall partially re-opens for private events, staff, some studentsAlberta RCMP say suspect in Edmonton city hall shooting was 'politically motivated'RCMP lay terrorism charges against Edmonton city hall shooting suspectChinatown Recovery FundCity awards most of $1M Chinatown fund to securityKatz group parkingKatz Group wants to use controversial Downtown gravel parking lots until 20282016: Katz Group pushes money at city to help build parking lot in commercial zoneEPCOR water banCar washes unfairly targeted by Edmonton water ban, city councillors told at utility committee'Quite hard on our business': Car wash owners want compensation from Epcor after water banTweet from Tim CartmellRapid fireFlair Airlines CEO looks to bid on Lynx planes after shutdown halts tentative mergerMinister Blair and Minister Boissonnault announce $45.3 million investment to upgrade facilities at Edmonton military base'She's a real inspiration': Edmonton woman celebrates 110th birthday SaturdayThis episode was brought to you by Inventures, the breakthrough innovation event from Alberta Innovates that is happening in Calgary from May 29 to 31. Inventures will bring more than 4,000 entrepreneurs, startups, scale-ups, academics, investors, and industry leaders together to cultivate relationships, showcase emerging technologies, and capitalize on Alberta's innovation advantage.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 ★

This week, we discuss City Plan measurements, the National Urban Park initiative, a looming CSU52 vote on the city's "best and final" offer, and the implications of ending EndPovertyEdmonton.Correction: We incorrectly stated that outgoing EndPovertyEdmonton executive director Erick Ambtman is a current member of the Edmonton Police Commission. In fact, his last meeting as a commissioner was on Nov. 16, 2023.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Shout-out!Sugared and SpicedCity PlanExecutive Committee Meeting Minutes: Feb. 28, 2024National Urban ParkExplainer: the battle over a proposed national urban park in EdmontonCSU52 voteUnionized city workers to vote directly on Edmonton's offer, delaying potential strike or lockoutCity of Edmonton Proposal Vote Information | CSU 52News Release: City is considering both employees and taxpayers with CSU 52 best and final offerCity of Edmonton offers wage increase with retroactive pay, hybrid work in 'best and final' deal to CSU 52 membersMedia Statement: Statement on 2023 Financial ResultsEnding EndPovertyEdmontonEndPovertyEdmonton's Funding Reduced by Edmonton City CouncilCity slashed End Poverty Edmonton funding in private meetingMack's blog posts about EndPovertyEdmontonNov 2023: EndPovertyEdmonton Rejects Hateful, Prejudiced Resolutions in AlbertaMay 2023: EndPovertyEdmonton's 2023 Alberta Provincial Election PrioritiesMarch 18, 2014: Edmonton aspires to eliminate poverty within a generationAffordable housingFederal government announces $175M to build affordable housing in EdmontonThe City's new Affordable Housing Strategy brings hope for a brighter futureBuilding more homes that Canadians can afford in EdmontonOrganic wasteEdmonton needs new plan for organic waste with influx from apartments and population growthRapid fireRenewable energy developments in Alberta to face strict new rulesA new phase is in the works for Alberta's 1,000 km/h high-speed trainAlberta NDP leadership candidate to focus on climate change, droughtSpeaking 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, OP12 returned and council appears to be a bit more bearish on the idea. Plus, we learn more about the bike routes being built in 2024, and there are six rezonings testing the limits of the new zoning bylaw.Here are the relevant links for this episode:NASHStephanie's post with fellow presentersStephanie's post about getting your first job in journalismOP12Report offers council service cuts and new fees to meet OP12 goalsGeorge SpadyGeorge Spady looks to relocate detox program to Jasper PlaceEdmonton detox unit moving; supervised consumption site future unknownBike lanesTen routes mark first bike projects from $100M investmentE-scootersE-scooter operators remain bullish on Edmonton regionRezoningsOn the agenda: OP12, George Spady, six rezoningsExplore EdmontonExplore Edmonton granted one-time $6 million cash infusion from reserve fundsRapid fireRomance novel boom spurs new bricks-and-mortar bookstores in AlbertaEdmonton Valley Zoo announces additions to wolf pack ahead of Family DayEndPovertyEdmonton's Funding Reduced by Edmonton City CouncilSpeaking 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 ★