Speaking Municipally

Council is about to start its summer break, but not before making a bunch of decisions that could shape the future of Edmonton. Infill and the zoning bylaw changes are the big item again this week, but we also talk about the Downtown CRL extension, the Winspear Centre expansion, road widening, a proposal for free parking, and more. Here are the relevant links for this episode: CRL Edmonton council...

We discuss the proposed moratorium on infill development, the extension of the Downtown Community Revitalization Levy, and the return of former MP Rahim Jaffer to municipal politics. We also look at how changes to vote counting will affect the 2025 municipal election, and the end of photo radar in playground zones. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Infill moratorium Cartmell to call fo...

Council is looking to reduce the maximum number of midblock infill units to six per lot from eight. Plus, entertainment districts are exempt from the single use plastic bylaw. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Midblock infill Edmonton may revise zoning bylaw to reduce mid-block multi-family units Edmonton council votes to reduce maximum homes on RS zone lots to six from eight Street de...

We talk with Edmonton Unlimited CEO Tom Viinikka about his first year in the role, measuring the city's innovation sector, what separates entrepreneurs from the rest of us, and what's next for the organization. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Tom Viinikka Edmonton Unlimited Welcomes New CEO, Tom Viinikka Edmonton Unlimited hires new CEO from within city ecosystem Tom Viinikka at Link...

We discuss the potential removal of a community-built bridge in Jackie Parker Park, the launch of the Better Edmonton party, the Capital Line South LRT extension, and the latest on wildfires in the Edmonton region. Plus, we dig into the zoning bylaw update. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Zoning Bylaw update Missing Middle Housing In Edmonton More Than Doubles After Zoning Overhaul '...

Council decided against selling the naming rights for recreation centres and other facilities, at least on the outside. The Edmonton Elks is the official name, but it is returning to the old name on the inside. Plus, we discuss the relationship between police and the city, speeding enforcement, and upzoning. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Naming facilities City council turfs busines...

Andrew Knack has announced he's running for mayor. We speak with him about his decision to enter the race now, his vision for the city, and how he plans to differentiate himself from the other candidates. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Andrew Knack Andrew Knack for Mayor Andrew's Linkedin post Speaking Municipally | 13 months notice Longtime Edmonton city councillor Andrew Knack to...

We examine the new Downtown Action Plan, which was presented to the Urban Planning Committee this week. Additionally, administration seeks permission to sell the naming rights to 29 facilities, and PACE announces six of its candidates for the 2025 municipal election. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Downtown Action Plan Edmonton Proposing $553M Action Plan To Revitalize Downtown Core...

We dive into the "start" of construction season, and the latest state of the city event. We also touch on traffic management in Belgravia, and private contracts for the Edmonton police. Here are the relevant links for this episode: EPS contracts Private contracts for Edmonton police rose sharply over last five years: data Construction season News Release: City thinks big as it kicks off 2025 const...

We look at what the federal election results mean for Edmonton, including the return of Mayor Amarjeet Sohi to city council. We also discuss the future of E-Park with Coun. Aaron Paquette, and dig into when we might expect results in the upcoming municipal election. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Federal election results Alberta's blue wave has Conservatives projected to win nearly...

City council has approved the final property tax increase for 2025, and it's lower than expected … except maybe not? Plus, the City started removing EPark meters … but maybe not? We also discuss the integrity commissioner's annual report, and bike lanes. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Property tax increase News Release: City Council approves tax levy increase Edmonton property tax i...

The most predictable of outcomes has happened: people are upset about Front Yards in Bloom getting pruned. Plus, we discuss the Ritchie downzoning, new transit peace officers, and the growth of the bus fleet. And we look ahead to the federal election. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Front Yards in Bloom Edmontonians rally to save Front Yards in Bloom program 2024: Front Yards in Bloo...

We look at new provincial bills affecting municipal elections, governance, and policing. We also discuss the end of Front Yards in Bloom, the shameful state of the BMO building site, and the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market expanding to two days. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Crosswords The Taproot Mini brings a bit of fun to The Pulse Bills 49/50/51 Alberta seeking to eliminate muni...

E-Park machines are being removed, making mobile payments the preferred option for parking. We also discuss directing parking revenue to nearby infrastructure improvements, the removal of speed-on-green cameras, guidelines for point access blocks, and the story behind the demise of Alberta's first commercial hydrogen fueling station. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Crosswords The Tap...

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi is taking a leave of absence to run in the federal election next month. We talk through the implications. Plus, extended producer responsibility is here, and the city is adding service hours to transit. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Extended Producer Responsibility News Release: Extended Producer responsibility is coming to Edmonton Sohi's leave of absence Sohi...

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi joins us to discuss his political future. Will he run for re-election? Will he return to federal politics? We hear what Sohi thinks is needed to stand up for Canada and municipalities. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Amarjeet Sohi Mayor Amarjeet Sohi What We Have Accomplished Together From the conversation Edmonton mayor celebrates downtown investments, restored g...

Coun. Sarah Hamilton has announced she will not seek re-election in the fall. We also discuss the pride flag issue between CSU52 and the Edmonton Public Library, transit safety and sounds, efforts to diversify Edmonton's trade beyond the United States, and why statues keep getting stolen. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Sarah Hamilton Coun. Sarah Hamilton's post Interview on Real Tal...

We discuss the potential renaming of the field at Commonwealth Stadium, a recommendation to accelerate the adoption of heat pumps, another Edmonton Public School Board trustee resignation, and the new ICE District deal. Plus, we talk about the Energy City Cactus Rats, ETS merchandise, and more. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Commonwealth Stadium field Commonwealth Stadium field coul...

A new committee of council has been born (or, at least, is in utero). Plus, Bridgegate both continues and concludes, council has approved the Nordic spa in the river valley, and the province's CorruptCare scandal (allegedly) reaches the city. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Bridgegate City releases schedule of Edmonton's bridge renewals for 2025 Puneeta McBryan's LinkedIn post Downto...

You may have heard that several bridges will be closed at once, but is that true? We dig into bridge maintenance planned for the next few years. We also discuss new bus priority measures, Lime's winter cycling pilot, an audit of DATS, and the upcoming wildfire season. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Bridge maintenance No, five bridges in downtown are not closing all at once Opinion:...

We follow up on the Public Spaces Bylaw, accelerating construction on the Valley Line West LRT, and the introduction of two new commissioners for the Edmonton Police Commission. Plus, the City of Leduc proposes to annex land from Leduc County, and we wrap up our Edmonton Food Faves series. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Public Spaces Bylaw Speakers urge city councillors to ditch pro...

City council heard about potential tariffs and how they might affect our city. Plus, the Edmonton Design Committee could be expanding its mandate, and we look at how construction on the Valley Line West LRT might accelerate. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Tariffs Edmonton city council, business leaders talk tariff strategy as administrators review contracts Mayor, province point fin...

We examine the updated Public Spaces Bylaw, which will be discussed at an upcoming committee meeting. Plus, an update on affordable housing on surplus school sites, and how artificial intelligence is beginning to integrate into municipal work. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Public Spaces Bylaw Here's why Edmonton may ban or limit public behaviours including drug use, panhandling and...

We discuss the 76 Avenue redevelopment, the latest police commission appointments, the end of the EMRB, and a well-known West Edmonton Mall record, which may not be a record at all. Plus, we have a new segment exploring Edmonton Food Faves. Here are the relevant links for this episode: West Edmonton Mall Reddit thread about the parking lot record Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board 'Bittersweet' en...

We're joined by the no-longer-interim city manager, Eddie Robar, to discuss his role, the city's finances, the year ahead, and the upcoming municipal election. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guest: Eddie Robar Eddie Robar on LinkedIn Episode 262: Eddie's still here, and he's driving the bus Eddie's post on LinkedIn about taking over the role Budget pressures top of mind for Edmonton...