Speaking Municipally

We're joined by Ward Dene Coun. Aaron Paquette for a conversation about the upcoming four-year budget. We talk about the state of Edmonton's finances, our city's relationship with neighbours and the province, and what success looks like for the 2027-2030 budget. (00:00) - Introduction (02:00) - Aaron Paquette (11:02) - Municipal/provincial relations (17:08) - Regional growth pressures (25:42) - Do...

Edmonton city councillors debated changes to the zoning bylaw to regulate lodging houses … if they can figure out what they are. Plus, the city has started cracking down on illegal downtown surface parking lots, and we get excited for the Fringe Festival. (00:00) - Introduction (00:31) - Rain in June (05:09) - Ad: Taste of Edmonton (05:44) - Canada Day (06:55) - Lodging houses (17:19) - New towing...

City council delayed a public hearing about Rossdale as it had questions about its duty to consult with Indigenous nations. Plus, the parking requirement at daycares has been reduced, and we discuss how to stop illegal dumping at apartment buildings. (00:00) - Introduction (00:41) - YEG Trivia Night (02:54) - Canada Day ask (03:44) - Ad: Edmonton Opera (04:42) - Rossdale rezoning (19:37) - Daycare...

Council approved $925,000 to fund winter day spaces, even as the conversation about jurisdiction continues. Plus, the Southeast Transit Garage will be a little bigger, and we look at what Edmontonians told the Edmonton Police Commission about the next EPS operating budget. (00:00) - Introduction (01:21) - Correction: 15-minute parking update (03:24) - Ad: Park Power (03:55) - Day spaces (14:14) -...

We're joined by Taproot reporter Colin Gallant, who tested out Edmonton Explorer, the new hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour "trolley" from Explore Edmonton. Plus, the city is taking over operations of the Valley Line LRT, and we discuss upcoming changes to parking at attractions. (00:00) - Introduction (02:30) - Ad: Rally 4 the Road (03:13) - Edmonton Explorer (16:44) - FCM Annual Conference in Edmo...

We've got a little update on Bridgegate, and we talk about the impact of major construction projects on businesses. Plus, we go on a bit of a deep dive into a southeast neighbourhood that was designed with only one way in or out. What could go wrong? (00:00) - Introduction (03:53) - Ad: U of A Reads (04:32) - Bridgegate update (14:10) - Construction impacts on businesses (23:44) - Ad: Edmonton Int...

Edmonton city council has approved what has been described as an alternative to a private tree protection bylaw. Plus, we take a look at proposed changes to Jasper Avenue and Whyte Avenue. But don't worry, they're not funded yet. (00:00) - Introduction (01:17) - Ad: U of A Reads (01:52) - Protecting private trees (08:56) - Stabilization centre (18:30) - Jasper Avenue New Vision (29:27) - Whyte Ave...

The City of Edmonton announced plans to decommission and replace three iconic bridges: the High Level Bridge and the Low Level Bridges. Plus, we talk with Coun. Erin Rutherford about unfunded service packages and how the budget process is changing this year. (00:00) - Introduction (01:38) - Ad: U of A Reads (02:10) - High Level and Low Level Bridges (10:49) - Our thoughts on the bridges (27:53) -...

Business organizations have called once again for municipal employees to return to the office full time, but the mayor isn't budging. Plus, the province is planning legislation that would let it review or remove bike lanes. (00:00) - Introduction (01:32) - Ad: Bosco Foundation (02:42) - State of the City (13:57) - Edmonton Real Estate Forum (29:26) - Ad: ECOHH (31:09) - Bike lanes (36:23) - Counci...

Edmonton city council has approved a rezoning that will allow a 25-storey tower in Windsor Park. Plus, Stephanie took a trip to a budget engagement session to learn what the mayor's been hearing from Edmontonians. (00:00) - Introduction (04:45) - Ad: U of A Reads (05:26) - Windsor Park (15:03) - 101 Street TPM Memo (19:56) - Ad: AdaptAbilities (20:26) - Budget engagement (32:17) - Community Climat...

Edmonton city council voted to reduce the maximum height in the RS zone, and they approved some District Policy changes too. Plus, we found out how much more the Lewis Farms Recreation Centre is going to cost, and one councillor's wondering if we should give up on LRT in the northwest. (00:00) - Introduction (03:17) - Ad: U of A Reads (03:58) - Zoning changes (16:54) - Lewis Farms Recreation Centr...

This week, we learned that city council is sunsetting seven boards that offered expert insight on women's issues, racism, climate, and more. Plus, KDays might have to downsize, and the Africa Centre is one step closer to its multicultural community hub. (00:00) - Introduction (01:29) - Ad: Edmonton Opera (03:51) - Sunsetting Advisory Committees (29:14) - Exhibition Lands (36:31) - African Multicul...

Edmonton city council has approved the sale of surplus land for affordable housing, to some opposition. Plus, the Downtown Revitalization Coalition is advocating for renewed attention on downtown safety, and we have updates on 101 Street and River Crossing. (00:00) - Introduction (02:36) - Ad: U of A Reads (03:12) - Affordable housing on surplus school sites (12:29) - Transit Priority Measures on...

This week, potential changes to the zoning bylaw that would reduce the maximum height in the RS zone disappointed everyone. Plus, we talk about the Edmonton Region Defence Alliance and the city's efforts to cash in on increased defence spending. (00:00) - Introduction (01:15) - Ad: U of A Reads (02:54) - RS Zone height reduction (12:25) - Belgravia Heights (21:47) - Ad: Park Power (22:28) - Edmont...

We spoke with the Edmonton Riverhawks about the proposed River Crossing plan that could turn the RE/MAX Field parking lot into housing. Plus, derelict property owners better look out — Mayor Andrew Knack is coming for you! And we reminisce about the good old days of Boston Pizza on Jasper Avenue. (00:00) - Introduction (01:11) - Ad: Edmonton Opera (05:02) - Scramble intersections (10:31) - River C...

Council took some steps toward funding a comprehensive BRT and pedestrian realm project along Whyte Ave, but we also learned that the city will continue to make some piecemeal changes this year. Plus, The Quarters CRL isn't doing so well, and the city wants you to build the budget. (00:00) - Introduction (01:31) - Ad: GoodMorning (02:12) - Whyte Avenue transit priority measures (22:08) - 101 Stree...

Andrea Donini of the Old Strathcona Business Association joins us for a discussion about Prioritize Whyte Ave, a coalition that wants to see more investment in Whyte Avenue. Plus, the Lewis Farms Recreation Centre needs more money, despite being scaled down, and we talk about the fallout from the police chief's trip to Israel. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Prioritize Whyte Ave Andr...

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)...

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 update Chinatown Strategy - Initiatives and Progress - March 04, 2026 '...

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 survey Taproot audience survey Extreme weather response News Release: Extreme weather response a...

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 survey Taproot audience survey Update on infill Edmonton council votes to keep infill maximum at eight units Edmonton city cou...

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 survey Taproot audience survey Troy Pavlek TroyPavlek.ca Infill rezoning After 2 days of Edmonton infill debate, city committee sends decision to council Residents speak for and against infil...

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 site Edmonton Design Committee meeting - Jan. 20, 2026 November 2025: City seeking input on how former BMO bu...

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 Outlook 2027-2036 Capital Investment Outlook 2027-2036 Operating Investment Outlook Terms of reference Bylaw 21358 - To amend the River's Edge Neighbourhood Struc...

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 weather Extreme Weather Response for Winter Safety and respect City staff...