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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

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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55:11

Mo money, mo problems

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/10/10

We dive into how much money candidates have raised and been forced to declare. Plus, we paid a visit to the mayor's office for an exit interview.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Bike lanesValley Line West: 102 Avenue bike lanes temporarily moving to 103 AvenueCampaign disclosuresVoters told Taproot they want campaign contributions disclosed before the electionDisclosures show Cartmell pulled in $834K — about half of all campaign contributionsThird-party advertisersEdmonton

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49:08

The spookiest season of all

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/10/03

This week, we're excited for the new Warehouse Park, and scared about the impact of the postal strike on the election. Plus, we bring you the scariest audio of all: candidate soundbites!Here are the relevant links for this episode:Warehouse ParkWarehouse Park, other incentives spur up to 1,800 housing units downtownWarehouse Park - City of EdmontonPostal strikeCity elections office forms contingency plan for voter cards, special ballots due to postal strikeCanada Post strike throws wrench

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49:13

Survey says

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/09/26

We dive into the candidate responses to Taproot's election survey, which are now available at taproot.vote. Plus, we discuss the new police chief, a mandate letter for the municipal affairs minister, and Nomination Day.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Darren MarklandDarren Markland obituaryVideo featuring Darren MarklandNew police chief10 years later, documents shed new light on EPS steroid scandalEdmonton police chief says force working to fix relationship with

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30:05

Feed Drop: Second Skin from The Well Endowed Podcast

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/09/23

Enjoy this episode of The Well Endowed Podcast from our friends at Edmonton Community Foundation. The Well Endowed Podcast shares the stories of people and organizations who make our city thrive. That seems right up the alley of Speaking Municipally listeners!This episode, called Second Skin, is about a tattoo removal program run by enCompass that helps give people with troubled pasts a second chance.If you like what you hear, find The Well Endowed Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and

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44:36

One last thing before I go...

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/09/19

We dive into all the last-minute motions that council squeezed in during its final week of meetings this term. Plus, we talk about construction woes on the west end, inconsistencies between different rezoning applications, and a candidate's proposal for free transit.Here are the relevant links for this episode:West end construction woesReddit threadMichael Walters videoRezoning inconsistenciesSept. 15 Public HearingFinal motionsOn the agenda: Final meetings for 2021-2025 councilCity council

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47:29

To Airbnb or not to Airbnb

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/09/12

Executive committee has approved the sale of land to build supportive housing, but not everyone is happy about it. Plus, urban planning committee wants more red tape for short-term rentals, and we hop on the bike bus.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Bridge housingBridge healing project in Highlands moving aheadCity goes ahead with Highlands bridge housing project despite residents' concernsShort-term rentalsEdmonton city staff asked to explore more regulations for short-term

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53:39

Election season is really underway now

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/09/05

This week, we talk about infrastructure, incumbency, and infill developments. Plus, a promised update on spray parks, and we talk about where you can find Taproot at some upcoming events.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Spray parksSpray ParksCoun. Cartmell's Instagram postInfrastructure policyBridges, Roads and Results: Tim Cartmell's Plan to Fix Edmonton's Infrastructure and Rebuild Public TrustEpisode 296 - BridgelockedShift against incumbentsEdmonton votes: Could incumbents

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43:06

Hot, hot deals in downtown Edmonton

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/08/29

City council has approved the contentious master agreement to build a new event park at ICE District. Plus, even though it's hot outside, we talk about snow, and bike lanes. All your favourite things.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Fringe festivalRecord-breaking year for Edmonton Fringe FestivalEvent parkNews Release: Master agreement approved for event park and Village at ICE DistrictEdmonton city council to debate fan-park deal: What's in the fine print?Edmonton city council

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41:59

Working 9:30 to 5, what a way to make a livin'

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/08/22

Council decided to keep meeting times as is, but it recommends a shorter summer vacation for future councils. Plus, there was heated discussion about river valley development, incentives for student housing, and what to do about Edmonton City Centre.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Council calendarCouncil says no to longer meetings but does reduce summer breakSocial mediaReport: Aug. 19, 2025 - Social Media EngagementRiver Valley ARPHeated discussion on Edmonton river valley

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47:07

ETS is hot to go

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/08/15

This week, we drive into the wonderful world of transit memes aboard route #4. Plus, the push to close 76 Avenue to cars, the latest efforts to address noisy vehicles, and the need to repair community league facilities.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Police blotter'Unleashing': Politicians Say Ex-Police Watchdog's Insults Go Too FarTransit loveHow two transit movements take similar routes to highlight positivity in place of negativityWellbeing In Transit : Design JamMay 2011:

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35:04

When did you last mow the lawn?

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/08/08

Edmonton is building fewer parking spaces than housing units, St. Albert is trying to grow its downtown population, Hawrelak Park could open by the end of the year, and we look at the City's new mowing map.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Downtown St. AlbertWhy St. Albert's downtown could be welcoming a lot more residentsParkingEdmonton building fewer parking stalls than infill housing unitsElection newsKeith Gerein: With 75 days to go, Edmonton mayoral race missing a

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38:58

How Taproot is approaching the election

Speaking Municipally ·

2025/08/01

Taproot co-founder Karen Unland returns to the show to talk about how we are approaching the 2025 municipal election and the impact we hope to have. We've also got clips from an interview with Coun. Michael Janz about infill.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Karen UnlandKaren on LinkedInSpeaking Municipally: Episode 127Election projectWhat issues do you care about as you consider who to vote for in the 2025 municipal election, and why?A progress report on Taproot's election

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