Speaking Municipally

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 ★

The draft Public Spaces Bylaw goes to council amid plenty of opposition. We talk with Omar Yaqub of IFSSA and Cheryl Whiskeyjack of Bent Arrow about the potential impact of the bylaw on marginalized communities. Plus, the Katz Group is suing Boyle Street over a $5 million donation.Here are the relevant links for this episode:GuestsOmar Yaqub of IFSSA | Islamic Family & Social Services AssociationCheryl Whiskeyjack of Bent Arrow Traditional Healing SocietyPublic Spaces BylawBylaw 20700 — Public Spaces BylawEdmonton proposes bylaw changes banning panhandling, megaphones and moreEdmonton draft bylaw has rules for protests, spitting, biking on grassHere's what you need to know about Edmonton's proposed public spaces bylawOpinion: Proposed public spaces bylaws an attack on Edmonton's marginalizedOpinion: Bylaw would give perception of safety at expense of most vulnerableICE District / Boyle StreetKatz Group launches court battle with Edmonton homeless organization over $5M donationRapid fireCity of Edmonton workers join library counterparts, vote 91 per cent in favour of strikeEx-mayor Nenshi loathes partisan politics. He may run for NDP leader anywayExplore Edmonton granted one-time $6 million cash infusion from reserve fundsThis episode is brought to you by Strathcona County which has launched Select Strathcona, a new investment attraction website helping site selectors, developers, investors, and businesses looking to expand — making it easier to get the right information to make the next, best investment decision.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 downtown pedestrianization report finally went through committee, so we talk with Jason Syvixay and Stephen Raitz, two of the shepherds that guided it through.Here are the relevant links for this episode:GuestsJason SyvixayUDI-Edmonton MetroStephen RaitzPaths for PeoplePedestrianizationUDI's LinkedIn postStephen's interview on 630 CHEDPaths for People: Downtown pedestrianizationAction Plan (PDF)New nine-step plan aims to improve pedestrian experience in downtown EdmontonEpisode 62OtherEdmonton proposes bylaw changes banning panhandling, megaphones and moreEdmonton takes another step to rename central neighbourhood Wîhkwêntôwin, remove Oliver monikerRapid fireAlta. government unveils drought advisory committee to prepare for dry seasonOilers winning streak dies one win from history. So what?Pause on renewables projects to lift at month's end as plannedThis episode is brought to you by Strathcona County which has launched Select Strathcona, a new investment attraction website helping site selectors, developers, investors, and businesses looking to expand — making it easier to get the right information to make the next, best investment decision.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 ★

Valley Line users were left out in the cold when doors didn't function and heat wouldn’t turn on. Plus, EPCOR really leads the OP12 savings charge by cutting off everyone’s water!Here are the relevant links for this episode:Valley Line sheltersValley Line shelters give riders cold shoulderOP12 reallocationsReport offers council service cuts and new fees to meet OP12 goalsCity Hall updateCity cancels meetings after attack at city hallNews Release: City makes safe and steady progress on City Hall restorationDamage in Edmonton city hall attack estimated at $100K, meetings canceled next weekWater banTim Cartmell's postMandatory ban on non-essential water use for Edmonton and Capital Region is anticipated to continue until mid-day Sunday, February 4Edmonton councillor has questions for EPCOR about equipment failure, water banBan on non-essential water use in Edmonton region expected to last until Sunday, Epcor saysBan on non-essential water use in Edmonton area due to pump failure at water plantDanielle SmithAlberta premier says legislation on gender policies for children, youth coming this fallRapid fireMP Blake Desjarlais reelFlair Airlines owes $67 million in unpaid taxes as CRA opens door to seize carrier's property'Never been done before': Edmonton man driving around the world in 17 monthsSpeaking 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 ★

An emergency management committee meeting was punctuated with an actual emergency at City Hall. Plus, several things are on the way out: the downtown farmers market, the name "Oliver", and Adam Laughlin.Here are the relevant links for this episode:City Hall Incident'Heavily armed' man arrested after shots fired, Molotov cocktail thrown in Edmonton city hall'Heavily armed' suspect acted alone in Edmonton City Hall shooting: policeCity Hall shooter chargedPolice charge man after attack on Edmonton city hallStories of bravery emerging after Edmonton City Hall shootingGrade 1 students from Edmonton public school on field trip at city hall when shooting occurredSingle-Use ItemsEdmonton to increase fee for paper and reusable bagsOn the agenda: Bag fees, flood mitigation, travel budgetWîhkwêntôwinOliver no more: Edmonton neighbourhood adopts new Cree nameCity MarketEdmonton Downtown Farmers' Market forced to move amid high utility costs, low foot traffic"Critical financial situation": Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market board recommends shutdown'Shocking' closure of Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market sparks new collective seeking kitchen spaceEdmonton UnlimitedCatherine Warren ousted from Edmonton UnlimitedAdam LaughlinTop bureaucrat exodus continues in Edmonton with fifth deputy city manager departure in one yearEpisode 128: The former big cheese on inteGRATED infrastructureEdmonton OilersWill the Oilers' streak pay off with a Stanley Cup? What history saysFossil first72-million-year-old sturgeon discovered in Edmonton is a fossil firstSpeaking 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 ★

City council has declared a housing and houselessness emergency, and a judge has thrown out a lawsuit against the city's dismantling of encampments. We dig into the debate and look back at a month of encampment clearing and shelter space counting.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Emergency declaredEdmonton councillors approve Sohi's 'housing and houselessness emergency' declarationEdmonton's emergency motion: Minister McIverEdmonton city council's homeless emergency declaration slammed by Alberta governmentEdmonton encampments: Deputy Premier EllisAmarjeet Sohi: Calling a Special Council Meeting to Declare a Housing and Houselessness EmergencyTim Cartmell: What's Next for Housing and Encampments?Lawsuit dismissedEdmonton declares homelessness emergency, while judge scraps lawsuit against city's dismantling of encampmentsJudge dismisses lawsuit against city over clearing of homeless encampmentsAlberta court kills Edmonton homeless encampment lawsuitCoalition for Justice and Human Rights statementEdmonton looks to stop homeless encampment lawsuit before injunction request is heardOriginal email sent by Edmonton PoliceEncampment clearingAfter standoff, Edmonton police move in to clear out final 'high risk' homeless encampmentSeveral people arrested as police sweep 8th encampment in central Edmonton'Greatly concerned': Court defers decision over Edmonton encampment removals to later in the weekDozens of weapons seized in encampment removals: Edmonton police share graphic images'And they're back': Edmonton encampment removals continue, critics question supportsShelter situationThe numbers and realities of Edmonton's shelter systemWhy some homeless Edmontonians choose to camp outside the inner cityPolice commissionNews Release: City of Edmonton appoints Ben Henderson as a new member of the police commissionNews Release: The Commission welcomes Coun. WrightPolice commission meeting fuelled with outbursts and encampment talkRachel NotleyRachel Notley to step down as Alberta NDP leaderEdmonton OilersGAME RECAP: Oilers 4, Leafs 212-ton ArtLocal business owner enlists friends on 12-ton artwork honouring AlbertansSpeaking 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. Is. Speaking Municipally Jeopardy! Edmonton's two actual Jeopardy contestants and the author of The Ultimate Edmonton Trivia Book square off in our annual holiday trivia episode. Enjoy!Here are the relevant links for this episode:Kyle MarshallLinkedInEdmonton man wins second place on Jeopardy!Sam PapuhaLinkedInEdmontonian Sam Papuha competes on JeopardyEmil TiedemannLinkedInEmil's booksSpeaking 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 ★

Amid several high-profile instances of transit violence, the discussion around turnstiles is being recycled. Plus, the Valley Line Southeast LRT doubles its frequency — at least sometimes.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Snow savingsCity of Edmonton saves $5 million due to scant snow-and-ice removal work on roadsWinter businesses grappling with unseasonably warm weather, lack of snow in EdmontonPSA: 'Catch air' and plan your experience to the Style Experience FIS Snowboard Big Air World CupTurnstiles and safetyTransit Safety: When is the City Going to get Serious? — Tim CartmellPolice superintendent backs idea to add turnstiles to Edmonton LRT systemMore than 500 violent crimes reported inside Edmonton transit centres this year: police dataOct. 25: Safety on Edmonton transit improving, city council hearsLRT newsValley Line LRT begins increasing frequencyGantry crane builds Edmonton LRT differentlyStolen car hits Valley Line LRT in southeast Edmonton, driver flees sceneRegional isolationStrathcona County votes to cut itself from Edmonton GlobalEdmonton policePolice watchdog to investigate after man fatally shot in downtown EdmontonWoman killed in confrontation with Edmonton police88 cops in Edmonton and Calgary have left their jobs while under investigation since 2012Edmonton police reprimand three officers for separate off-duty drunk driving incidentsGun-related incidents prompt lockdowns at Edmonton mallsValley ZooEdmonton considering off-loading partial control of Valley Zoo to third partySpeaking 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 federal government has reached a deal with Google to pay Canadian media companies. We'll see if Taproot makes the cut. Meanwhile, city council makes a cut to the proposed budget adjustment increase.Here are the relevant links for this episode:BudgetNews Release: City Council confirms fall budget adjustmentsEdmonton city council approves 6.6% property tax hike for 2024Jennifer Rice'Hostile work environment': Former staff accuse Edmonton city councillor of bullying amid high office turnoverAudio recording of Edmonton councillor Rice's argument with staff reveals turmoil in officeKeith Gerein: Edmonton Coun. Jennifer Rice has no one to blame but herself for her failures in officeEdmonton mayor 'deeply concerned' about bullying allegations against councillor Rice'Toxic and abusive': Former staffers accuse Jennifer Rice of bullying while Edmonton councillor dodges questionsWarehouse ParkProject aims to entice families, spur developmentBill C-18Federal government reaches deal with Google on Online News ActMack's interview with Jessica Ng on CBC EdmontonConnor McDavidEdmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid named one of NHL's stars of the weekEl NiñoNo-snow November: El Niño could mean a warm and dry winter for EdmontonThis episode was sponsored by the University of Alberta Sustainability Council, the School of Urban and Regional Planning, the Edmonton Metro Region Board, the City of Edmonton, Coun. Ashley Salvador, and Coun. Michael Janz. Strong Towns is coming to Edmonton for a Dec. 13 event and Dec. 14 workshop. This is a unique opportunity to take part in a growing dialogue on sustainable, economically resilient urban development in Edmonton. Keynote by Strong Towns founder Charles Marohn. Tickets are $30 for Dec. 13 and $22 for Dec. 14. (You can go to one or both.) Speaking Municipally listeners can get 50% off with the offer code TAPROOT, while supplies last.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 ★

Budget deliberations are underway at city council, and the province has all but banned photo radar. Plus, we get a new police commissioner who looks a lot like an old police commissioner.Here are the relevant links for this episode:BudgetOn the agenda: Budget adjustments and rezoningsHold me in abeyance: Your guide to budget terms and processesEdmonton city council kicks off 2024 budget debate7% tax hike on table as Edmonton city council begins 2024 budget debateEdmonton businesses urge council to focus on core services: '7% is too taxing'Photo radarAlberta banning 'cash cow' photo radar on Edmonton and Calgary ring roadsNews Release: Protecting drivers from photo radar fishing holesAutomated Traffic Enforcement — City of EdmontonValley Line Southeast LRTWorker injuries, safety orders reveal human impact of Edmonton LRT projectUnscheduled delaysElectric busesEdmonton's fleet of electric buses failing amid manufacturer's bankruptcy proceedingsEncampments'It's just not safe': Edmonton police chief says encampments shouldn't be toleratedPolice chief calls for coordinated Edmonton effort to shut down encampments after deadly firesPolice commissionThird provincial appointee — Edmonton Police CommissionWinter patiosNews Release: Grant offers a warm welcome to winter patiosLRT closuresNews Release: Upcoming LRT station closures due to planned workDrug shortagesEdmonton pharmacies facing shortages of common drugs: 'It's frightening'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 ★

Reporters in Dallas, Texas have described Edmonton as the Land of Oz thanks to our scramble crosswalks. Plus, we discuss snow clearing on stairs, new community leagues, and budget chicken.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Media on transitGroup asks Edmonton to rescind policy banning reporters from transitClearing stairsBlizzard of confusion blows over Edmonton's snow removal plans for park stairsTraffic safetyCan a Canadian city be a model for Dallas when it comes to road safety?Photo radarAlberta considering whether to end photo radar freezeCommunity leaguesAllard forms community league, Blatchford wishes it couldBudget chicken Troy's thread Keith Gerein: What happens if Edmonton's council defeats its own budget? Let's hope we don't find out No tree for youEdmonton Downtown Business Association Kicks Off the Holiday Season on 104 StreetPlastic banThe Federal Court just overturned Ottawa's single-use plastic banUber TasksUber bringing Tasks pilot to EdmontonThis episode was sponsored by the Edmonton Community Foundation, which together with the Edmonton Social Planning Council has released Vital Signs. This year's report focuses on food security, how it has changed over the last 10 years, and where we are today. You can see the latest report at ecfoundation.org/vitalsigns.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 ★

Recorded on the Valley Line Southeast LRT! We're joined by ETS branch manager Carrie Hotton-MacDonald, councillors Anne Stevenson and Ashley Salvador, new Taproot Edmonton managing editor Tim Querengesser, and several others.Here are the relevant links for this episode:GuestsCarrie Hotton-MacDonaldAnne StevensonAshley SalvadorMike KunickiTim QuerengesserNew managing editorMeet Taproot Edmonton's new managing editorValley Line Southeast LRTValley Line Southeast LRT opening Nov. 4Citizens assemble to celebrate Valley Line Southeast LRT openingOtherArc card adoption reaches 63%Using CRL to fund office conversions seen as a gambleThis episode was sponsored by the Edmonton Community Foundation, which together with the Edmonton Social Planning Council has released Vital Signs. This year's report focuses on food security, how it has changed over the last 10 years, and where we are today. You can see the latest report at ecfoundation.org/vitalsigns.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 proposal to use Downtown CRL funding for office to residential conversions could delay other important projects, and we dig into recent updates on Blatchford.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Downtown pedestrianization New pedestrian plan to promote engagement in the Downtown core Downtown Pedestrianization Plan (PDF) Office conversionsEdmonton may use renewal funds for office to residential conversionsPolice fundingCapital Budget AdjustmentsEvent attractionMotion discussing event funding boost gets unanimous support from committee at Edmonton City HallBlatchford update StreetSide Developments coming to Blatchford Executive committee update Private tech project Edmonton eyes $8 million for undisclosed technology in 2024 budget Keith Gerein: Big tax hike signals the kickoff to Edmonton's next municipal election Top 40Top 40 Under 40 2023Alberta insuranceGood drivers to benefit from auto insurance changesLatta BridgePSA: Latta Bridge reopens on schedule, on budget and in time for the NHL Heritage Classic Hangar 14Just listed: Edmonton puts Hangar 14, home of the Alberta Aviation Museum, up for saleSpeaking 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 ★