Speaking Municipally

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 transit Public transit now patrolled by 15 more peace offi...

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 removal City of Edmonton says back-to-back snowfall events making snow removal a challenge Navigating an Unprecedented Winter: What You Need to Know About Snow Clea...

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 interview Regional collaboration still desired, despite Edmonton Global exodus: Knack Fort Saskatchewan f...

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 weather News Release: Extreme weather response activated today Extreme Weather Response for Winter Tap-to-pay News Release: Arc tap to pay...

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: Snow Edmonton 'business as usual' for icy road cleanup, not considering bringing back calcium chloride: Knack Giving Tuesday Gi...

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: Budget Report: Operating Financial Update - Sept. 30, 2025 Report: Fall 2025 Supplemental Operating Budget Adjustment - 2023-2026 Opera...

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 hearing Infill expansion in Mayfield neighbourhood rejected unanimously by council Vision Zero With pedestrian fatalities climbing in Edmonton, advocates call for safer infrastru...

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 Pavlek TroyPavlek.ca Troy appreciation thread on Reddit Episode 316: Can you get rid of the Rapidfire segment next? Municipal parties 2 new city councillors are leaving Better Edmonton. What...

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 Knack AndrewKnack.ca Andrew Knack at Taproot's vote site Andrew Knack - Extra Life Edmonton donation page Related links New Edmonton city council votes unanimously to create more daytime shelter spaces...

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 ceremony Edmonton's new city council starts work by identifying priorities Don Ive...

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 results Unofficial results Andrew Knack: 'Edmonton chose independent leadership' Edmonton mayor-elect Knack's priorities include safety, affordability Edmonton votes 202...

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 Election Oct. 15, 2021: Episode 151 - It's Election Thyme Taproot Survey Comparison of Cartmell, Jaffer, Knack, and Walters Candidate Pitches The Taproot Survey is helping voters and candidates ahead of Electio...

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 lanes Valley Line West: 102 Avenue bike lanes temporarily moving to 103 Avenue Campaign disclosures Voters told Taproot they want campaign contributions disclosed before the election Disclosures show Ca...

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 Park Warehouse Park, other incentives spur up to 1,800 housing units downtown Warehouse Park - City of Edmonton Postal strike City elections office forms con...

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 Markland Darren Markland obituary Video featuring Darren Markland New police chief 10 years later, documents shed new light on...

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...

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 woes Reddit thread Michael Walters video Rezoning inconsistencie...

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 housing Bridge healing project in Highlands moving ahead City goes ahead with Highlands bridge housing project despite residents'...

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 parks Spray Parks Coun. Cartmell's Instagram post Infrastructure policy Bridges, Roads and Results: Tim Cartmell's Plan to Fix Edmonton's Infrastructure and Reb...

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 festival Record-breaking year for Edmonton Fringe Festival Event park News Release: Master agreement approved for event park and Village at ICE Di...

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 calendar Council says no to longer meetings but does reduce summer break Social media Report: A...

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 Far Transit love How two transit movements take simil...

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. Albert Why St. Albert's downtown could be welcoming a lot more residents Parking Edmonton building fewer parking stalls than infill ho...

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 Unland Karen on LinkedIn Speaking Municipally: Episode 127 Election project What issues do you care about as you consider...

We're back with a discussion about changes we are making for election season. Namely, Troy will take a hiatus from the show. We discuss why and what that means for the show going forward. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Troy Pavlek TroyPavlek.ca troypavlek on TikTok troypavlek on X Rapid fire Pickle-dusted doughnuts, pb&j chicken among new KDays food creations 'F--k you, Jo-Anne'...