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PODCAST

Speaking Municipally

Taproot Edmonton

Taproot Edmonton presents a weekly discussion on key stories in municipal politics. We pay attention to City Council so you don"t have to! Join us as we delve into conversations about the context surrounding decisions made at City Hall.

government

All Episodes

37:39

Would you like to purchase a bag for 25 cents?

Speaking Municipally ·

2026/03/13

Council debated changes to the single-use item bylaw, especially related to drive-thrus. Plus, we discuss a funding cut for Boyle Street, reaction to the police chief's recent trip to Israel, and some new jobs for Amarjeet Sohi and Tim Cartmell.(00:00) - Introduction(01:43) - Ad: Capital Awards (02:23) - Waste reduction update (14:53) - Boyle Street funding cut (20:18) - Ad: GoodMorning (21:21) - Police chief's Israel trip (30:17) - Arterial roads (33:19) - New jobs for Sohi and

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40:17

Chinatown, downtown, and priorities around town

Speaking Municipally ·

2026/03/06

Progress is being made in Chinatown, but several challenges remain, including some long-standing issues like the 97 Street bridge. Plus, there's a new downtown housing incentive, and council approved its strategic priorities for the term ahead of budget planning.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Chinatown Strategy updateChinatown Strategy - Initiatives and Progress - March 04, 2026'Changing the narrative': City council hears from community on further Chinatown

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40:59

Lights, camera, Downtown Action Plan!

Speaking Municipally ·

2026/02/27

The City of Edmonton has announced funding for parts of the Downtown Action Plan. Plus, we discuss changes to the upcoming construction season, a motion about event legacies, and we take a trip to Gibbons, a town on the verge of financial collapse.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Audience surveyTaproot audience surveyExtreme weather responseNews Release: Extreme weather response activated Feb. 26Downtown Action Plan FundNews Release: City investing $3 million into community-led

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37:58

Wedging in affordable housing

Speaking Municipally ·

2026/02/20

Council has approved selling land to an affordable housing provider, despite community pushback. Plus, some restaurant owners will have to pay more for patios this year, and we have updates on infill and snow clearing.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Audience surveyTaproot audience surveyUpdate on infillEdmonton council votes to keep infill maximum at eight unitsEdmonton city councillor's motion to change infill cap from 8 units to 6 failsUpdate on snow clearingCity to deploy

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42:07

Same infill arguments, different infill day

Speaking Municipally ·

2026/02/13

Troy returns to the podcast to talk about infill and zoning. Plus, we get his take on Happy Beer Street, and we look at an interim election audit report.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Audience surveyTaproot audience surveyTroy PavlekTroyPavlek.caInfill rezoningAfter 2 days of Edmonton infill debate, city committee sends decision to councilResidents speak for and against infill at packed committee meetingEdmonton councillors hear calls for tree protection bylawHappy Beer

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37:07

A destination parking lot

Speaking Municipally ·

2026/02/06

We look at a proposal for that beloved downtown pit, also known as the former BMO site. Plus, provincial workers are back in office full-time, and they might soon have a new bike lane to get there!Fill out the Taproot audience survey here!Here are the relevant links for this episode:BMO siteEdmonton Design Committee meeting - Jan. 20, 2026November 2025: City seeking input on how former BMO building site affects downtown EdmontonNovember 2025: Developer puts Downtown Edmonton BMO land up for

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35:08

What else is re-new?

Speaking Municipally ·

2026/01/30

Edmonton city council examined the 10-year financial outlook for the city this week. Spoiler alert: we have no money! Plus, we look at changes to the way council approves new suburbs.Here are the relevant links for this episode:10-Year Outlook2027-2036 Capital Investment Outlook2027-2036 Operating Investment OutlookTerms of referenceBylaw 21358 - To amend the River's Edge Neighbourhood Structure PlanKettle Lakes Neighbourhood Structure Plan Council Authorization - Further Analysis2012: Why

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40:53

Everyone needs to chill

Speaking Municipally ·

2026/01/23

This week, members of Edmonton city council called for more civility and respect after reports of threats and harassment directed at snow-clearing crews. Plus, we discuss the latest departure from Station Park, Edmonton's new brand, and some updates from Taproot Edmonton.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Extreme weatherExtreme Weather Response for WinterSafety and respectCity staff facing rise in aggressive behaviour from Edmontonians: mayorEdmonton mayor details harassment

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38:01

This is the most dangerous podcast in Edmonton

Speaking Municipally ·

2026/01/16

This week, we are still discussing snow clearing, or the lack thereof, although Mother Nature is helping. Plus, we examine an investigation into crime on Edmonton's transit system, and more proposed changes to the zoning bylaw.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Transit safety'Frequent flyers' behind surge in violence on public transitPublic transit now patrolled by 15 more peace officers, says City of EdmontonThis is one of the most dangerous transit systems in Canada :

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41:06

The snow has to end eventually...right?

Speaking Municipally ·

2026/01/09

Happy New Year! Edmonton continues to deal with the fallout from all the recent snowfall. Plus, we look at some statistics showing what types of housing were built, and where, in 2025.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Snow removalCity of Edmonton says back-to-back snowfall events making snow removal a challengeNavigating an Unprecedented Winter: What You Need to Know About Snow Clearing in Edmonton - Andrew KnackEdmonton still dealing with holiday snowfall cleanup nearly two

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48:01

Ending the year on a tight vote

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/12/19

We spoke to Mayor Andrew Knack about our growing city, and our shrinking regional economic development organization. Plus, council held a public hearing, reviewed proposed changes to provincial electoral boundaries, and we look ahead to 2026.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Knack interviewRegional collaboration still desired, despite Edmonton Global exodus: KnackFort Saskatchewan focused on Heartland Association upon exit from Edmonton GlobalEdmonton could grow to 1.25M people

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36:34

Tapping on to transit in to and trees

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/12/12

You can now tap your credit card, debit card, or digital wallet to ride transit. Additionally, we'll discuss updates to the capital and operating budgets, and progress towards the city's tree-planting goal.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Extreme weatherNews Release: Extreme weather response activated todayExtreme Weather Response for WinterTap-to-payNews Release: Arc tap to pay launches in Edmonton regionWant to pay for Edmonton transit using your credit card? Now you

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38:50

Snow more money

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/12/05

The tax increase for 2026 is set at 6.9%. We examine the 2026 budget deliberations and Edmonton's growth pressures, noting what council decided on, and why. Plus, the old Royal Alberta Museum is one step closer to being saved.Here are the relevant links for this episode:SnowEdmonton 'business as usual' for icy road cleanup, not considering bringing back calcium chloride: KnackGiving TuesdayGiving Tuesday sees Edmonton charities get a holiday hike in donationsMake a contribution to

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38:16

The itsy bitsy surplus

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/11/28

This week, council got to ask questions about the proposed fall budget adjustment. Plus, we learn more about the city's plan to enforce speed limits, the "end" of construction season, and the Valley Line LRT turns two.Here are the relevant links for this episode:BudgetReport: Operating Financial Update - Sept. 30, 2025Report: Fall 2025 Supplemental Operating Budget Adjustment - 2023-2026 Operating BudgetReport: Fall 2025 Supplemental Capital Budget Adjustment - 2023-2026 Capital BudgetKeith

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34:22

No rubber stamp here

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/11/21

Council held its first public hearing since the election, and infill was front and centre. Plus, we talk about Vision Zero, P3 projects, and the upcoming budget season.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Public hearingInfill expansion in Mayfield neighbourhood rejected unanimously by councilVision ZeroWith pedestrian fatalities climbing in Edmonton, advocates call for safer infrastructureCity looking to address traffic safety issues in EdgemontCalgary Safety Traffic TeamEdmonton

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62:52

The heart berry opens, a chapter closes

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/11/14

Troy is back! For a chat. We talk about the election and his plans. Plus, we check in on Better Edmonton, the downtown park, and the bike lanes on 103 Avenue.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Troy PavlekTroyPavlek.caTroy appreciation thread on RedditEpisode 316: Can you get rid of the Rapidfire segment next?Municipal parties2 new city councillors are leaving Better Edmonton. What does that mean for the party?Municipal parties to remain active in Edmonton as councillor leaves

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62:41

Return of the Knack

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/11/07

We sit down with Edmonton's new mayor, Andrew Knack, to talk about optimism, regional collaboration, video game marathons, and much more. Here are the relevant links for this episode:Mayor Andrew KnackAndrewKnack.caAndrew Knack at Taproot's vote siteAndrew Knack - Extra Life Edmonton donation pageRelated linksNew Edmonton city council votes unanimously to create more daytime shelter spacesMayor Knack responds to Chamber call for business task forceVacant Downtown Lot SurveyReddit thread on

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41:24

The scaring-in ceremony

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/10/31

This week, we take you inside city hall for the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural city council meeting of the 2025-2029 term. Plus, we look at possible changes to provincial electoral boundaries in Edmonton, and hear from some municipal election scrutineers.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Swearing-in ceremonyEdmonton's new city council starts work by identifying prioritiesDon Iveson's postYou're likely to hear the same debates at city hall despite new councilEdmonton's

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59:59

Patience is a virtue

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/10/24

We take an initial look at Edmonton's new city council, which looks eerily similar to the old one. Plus, we discuss delayed results, missing ballots, and monumental recounts. Here are the relevant links for this episode:Election resultsUnofficial resultsAndrew Knack: 'Edmonton chose independent leadership'Edmonton mayor-elect Knack's priorities include safety, affordabilityEdmonton votes 2025: School board trusteesEdmonton region votes 2025: Six new mayors, dozens of new councillorsNew

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44:04

'Twas the night before election

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/10/17

We reflect on the biggest issues the 2025 campaign. Plus, we cover advance voting turnout and some last little bits of election analysis. Here are the relevant links for this episode:2021 ElectionOct. 15, 2021: Episode 151 - It's Election ThymeTaproot SurveyComparison of Cartmell, Jaffer, Knack, and WaltersCandidate PitchesThe Taproot Survey is helping voters and candidates ahead of Election DayTaproot SurveyTake the survey and match with candidatesAdvance VotingAdvance voter turnout higher

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