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Speaking Municipally

Taproot Edmontonedmonton.taproot.news
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.
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Episodes

Updating the zoning Arugulations (Repeating Municipally)

Troy and Mack are Repeating Municipally Episode 33 , an episode from 2019 featuring then-planner Anne Stevenson talking about the Zoning Bylaw Renewal project, lending some important context to the upcoming discussion about Zoning Bylaw Renewal which will be going to public hearing in October. ★ Support this podcast ★...

Jul 19, 202332 minEp. 33

EPS warning: Listen to podcasts with extreme caution

The police let us know that the city is very, very dangerous and said not to go outside. But the reason has nothing to do with the smoke, and we're still not quite sure how seriously the city is taking this climate change business. Here are the relevant links for this episode: We're going striking Hollywood actors and writers strike after 'disgusting' studios turn down deal Triplets 1st set of triplets born at Misericordia Hospital in decades National Urban Park National urban park in Edmonton r...

Jul 14, 202335 minEp. 227

The end of the Anti-Racism Advisory Committee

Irfan Chaudhry joins to help us understand the state of anti-racism work in Edmonton following the end of the city's anti-racism advisory committee. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Threads Threads by Instagram Instagram's Threads: all the updates on the new Twitter competitor Body-worn cameras News Release: Police body worn camera trial to begin next week Green Shack Shows This free activity is happening at Edmonton parks throughout the summer Green Shack Shows Irfan Chaudhry Linke...

Jul 07, 202342 minEp. 226

With corroded cables, summer Valley Line hopes are oxi-dying

Corroded cables likely means another Valley Line delay, the city goes into overtime, and the city manager announces the latest reorg. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Bill C-18 When will Canadian news disappear from Google, Facebook? What the Bill C-18 rift means for you A Massive Own-Goal for the Government: Google to Stop News Links in Canada Due to Bill C-18 Farmers market 'We're going to look at all possibilities': Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market moving again to keep costs down...

Jun 30, 202335 minEp. 225

Missing the forest for the mature trees

Urban planning committee hears from more than 70 speakers about the zoning bylaw renewal. We recap what went down and talk to David Berry, one of the speakers. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Property taxes PSA: 2023 property taxes due June 30 Solar rebates News Release: Edmontonians Jump on Change Homes for Climate Solar Program David Berry David Berry's website Opinion: Zoning changes will fix serious problems and make Edmonton nicer Zoning Bylaw Renewal Zoning Bylaw Renewal Init...

Jun 24, 202352 minEp. 224

The orange dot (with the little orange smudge down there)

Ok, fine, we're going to talk about the election. But you CAN'T make us like it. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Sheriffs extended Edmonton police, sheriff partnership extended to end of year Flair complaints Flair tops Canadian airlines with average number of complaints per 100 flights: CTA EPL Jeopardy Edmonton librarian takes second place in Jeopardy! debut Provincial election Thirteen new MLAs elected to Edmonton and area Edmonton mayor sees chance to 'reset' relationship with ...

Jun 09, 202332 minEp. 223

The new northeast river valley park (on the weekly local audio news broadcast)

Edmonton has a surprise new bigger-than-Hawrelak, as-of-yet-unnamed river valley park. Plus, the Capital Line LRT extension gets its scope trimmed, and new patio rules come into effect. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Lyft arrives Lyft expands ride-booking service to Edmonton, Calgary Air quality Edmonton air quality stalls May long weekend plans for businesses, families Downtown Spark Downtown Spark Northeast River Valley Park News Release: City announces new 190 acre River Valley...

May 26, 202332 minEp. 222

A pawsitively furtastic week

It's cat week in Edmonton! Plus, additional funding for day shelter spaces, more turnover at the City of Edmonton, and new provincial additions to the paw-lice commission. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Extreme weather PSA: Extreme weather response activated Dog parks PSA: City announces sites for Pop-up Dog Parks Cat Fest Edmonton International Cat Festival Save The Dates: Edmonton Cat Fest Week Schedule Linda Hoang EFRS culture Edmonton fire struggles with discrimination, bullyi...

May 19, 202340 minEp. 221

Edmonton, without limits

Edmonton Unlimited CEO Catherine Warren joins us — more than a hundred episodes after her first appearance — for an update on Edmonton's innovation sector. Plus, the City of Edmonton solar rebate launches. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Grants audit Audit: Edmonton spends hundreds of millions on grants and subsidies without tracking results Oilers fingers Edmonton Oilers fan reportedly almost bit someone's finger off during a watch party Meat Me Downtown News Release: Meet Me Down...

May 12, 202345 minEp. 220

He's been Buyze for the past 16 years

We catch up with Chris Buyze, the outgoing president of the Downtown Edmonton Community League. Plus, airtime for airports. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Coronation PSA: Edmonton recognizes the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III Fire bans Edmonton weather: Record-setting heat to start May Fire Bans — City of Edmonton Chappelle complaints Southwest Edmonton neighbourhood leads in snow-on-walk complaints for second straight winter Chris Buyze @chrisbuyze LinkedIn Chris's po...

May 05, 202341 minEp. 219

Flaming Calgary's arena deal

Calgary is now the favourite child of the UCP, with arena funding. Plus, the Edmonton Police Service announces that violent crime is up, and we take a closer look at what that might mean. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Oilers paint Ferrell rocks face paint while cheering on Kings in Game 3 An Oilers fan trolled Kings fan Will Ferrell by copying his elaborate face paint NHL's tweet Grass fire Cause of Edmonton grass fire still under investigation Welcome penguins Vancouver Aquarium...

Apr 28, 202334 minEp. 218

Provincial funding to HELP... the UCP get elected

The province announces new funding for the HELP initiative that pairs social workers with police, and the city budget has been finalized so your tax bills will arrive soon. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Talus Dome Talus Dome has an escape hatch after all Spaghetti intersection City considers closing 'spaghetti intersection' near downtown Edmonton Harper endorsement Harper's UCP endorsement falls short of inspiring HELP funding News Release: Helping people in need, keeping Edmonto...

Apr 21, 202332 minEp. 217

How are we making history? Let's Find Out

Let's Find Out has joined Taproot — we speak with host Chris Chang-Yen Phillips and producer Trevor Chow-Fraser to learn more. Plus, the Talus Dome incident has breathed new life into the discussion about interactive public art. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Pothole repair News Release: City's pothole repair is in motion EPS FOIP Information and Privacy Unit expanding, launching online system to address demand Urban coyotes Inside the den: Edmonton's urban coyotes rear their youn...

Apr 14, 202335 minEp. 216

Keeping transit 💯 … cops, that is

The province announces a plan to recruit 100 extra cops to clean up transit, and the city talks about what YOU can do to help with that. Or maybe just take a scooter instead. They’re back. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Alberta Podcast Network That's it for the Alberta Podcast Network 100 cops News Release: Transit safety and violent crime: Enough is enough Alberta government pushing to add 100 more police officers between Calgary and Edmonton Province promises more cops to tackle...

Apr 07, 202333 minEp. 215

SIX cars hit train... ah ah ah

Another driver crashes into a Valley Line train, and we're starting to lose count. Plus, Boyle Street gets a new permit, and we get details on the city's podcast spending. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Water and zombies Lead-reducing chemicals now flowing in Edmonton's water: Epcor Edmonton is where you want to be when the zombie apocalypse comes, study finds Transit App Third-party transit planning app no longer free for Edmonton riders Zellers 'Nice little nod to nostalgia': Ed...

Mar 31, 202331 minEp. 214

JuNo shirt, no service

In the wake of a tragic police incident, we cover other policing news that happened this week. Plus, an update on trains, and affordable housing. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Juno protester Topless protester who crashed Edmonton Junos stage makes brief court appearance Alberta is calling News release: Alberta is calling again ECSD fraud Employee defrauds Edmonton Catholic Schools of over $200K through invoice, credit card scheme Police deaths Edmonton police devastated by shooti...

Mar 17, 202329 minEp. 213

More like LastGen, amirite?

Newly minted Taproot Edmonton reporter Colin Gallant joins to talk about the demise of NextGen. Plus, budget surpluses, meetings with the premier and, of course, parking. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Colin Gallant Colin Gallant at Taproot Edmonton Meet Taproot Edmonton's new reporter Birth control Alberta NDP promise free birth control if elected DATS strike Strike vote 'likely' for Edmonton DATS bus drivers next week: union Pain medication Children's pain reliever imports to Al...

Mar 10, 202333 minEp. 212

#FreeTheBuffalo

We follow up on what 102 Avenue looks like with cars on it. Plus, updates on Buffalo art, the Alberta budget, drinking in parks, a police commission investigation, downtown police deployments, and the noise bylaw. Phew! Here are the relevant links for this episode: Emergency alerts 'Glitch' inundates Albertans with emergency alert tests, Smith blames feds Dining weeks Greater Mill Woods Dining Week spotlights southeast eateries Downtown Dining Week Pavement protection March 1 Executive Committee...

Mar 03, 202335 minEp. 211

The pilot that lasted zero days

Council votes to open 102 Avenue to vehicle traffic before (after?) the one-year pilot even got underway. But don't worry, the pedway is doing fine. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Hawrelak Park Last Edmonton festival wraps up ahead of 3-year Hawrelak Park closure TransEd testing TransEd testing 'emergency scenario' along Valley Line LRT Thursday Tipping Canadians think tipping is 'getting out of control,' new poll suggest 102 Avenue On the agenda: Core services, 102 Avenue, and a ...

Feb 24, 202333 minEp. 210

Edmonton's 15-minute sandboxes

Edmonton's administration drops a bombshell: apparently the city's relationship with the province is strained. Plus we dig into sandboxes, the screen industry, and buses down the middle of Whyte Ave. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Bare-chested swimming No top, no problem: All patrons allowed to be bare-chested at City of Edmonton pools Sohi and Smith Edmonton mayor to have first meeting with Danielle Smith, five months after premier sworn in Jordan Peterson Controversial author Jo...

Feb 17, 202331 minEp. 209

News as hot as chili pepper spray

Council wastes a lot of time hearing about spicy things, but the Mansion Tax may be just a little too spicy for the city lawyers. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Taproot event survey Should Taproot build an event calendar? Chili pepper Comedian chomps chili pepper at Edmonton public hearing while arguing climate change is 'not a huge issue' Winter Bike to Work Day Celebrate winter cycling on International Winter Bike to Work Day 15-minute communities Online conspiracy theories abou...

Feb 10, 202333 minEp. 208

Paul Blart: Legislature Cop

The provincial government solves downtown safety — all it took was 12 rent-a-cops! Plus, the AI landscape in Edmonton does not look quite so grim. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Kenney and Hinshaw Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney lands new gig at Calgary law firm Dr. Deena Hinshaw, ousted from Alberta, moves to job with B.C. public health leaders Grammys gift bags Skincare line founded in Edmonton to be included in Grammy gift bags Mindbender West Edmonton Mall closes Mindbende...

Feb 03, 202333 minEp. 207

What are you Bonnie Doon on the tracks there, bud?

Here are the relevant links for this episode: LRT safety City of Edmonton reiterates message on Valley Line LRT: 'If you see tracks, expect a train' Chinatown Dining Week EdmontonChinatown.ca 2023 Menu Postmedia cuts Postmedia moving 12 Alberta papers to digital-only, announces sale of Calgary Herald building Postmedia shakes up its editorial leadership at western newspapers Downtown changes Enterprise Square renewal heralds Edmonton's downtown revitalization Alphabet to close Edmonton office of...

Jan 27, 202336 minEp. 206

S-plow-ing Mun-ice-pially

Here are the relevant links for this episode: Snowplow names News Release: Name a Plow contest winners announced City official 'hearing a lot' from Edmontonians about snowy residential roads, says help coming soon - Edmonton Collectible thefts Edmonton hobby stores hit by rash of break-ins targeting trading cards Legislature grounds Redesigning Alberta's Legislature Grounds Janice Johnston CBC News journalist Janice Johnston dies at 62 103A Avenue Pedway $26M single-sourced pedway project east o...

Jan 20, 202331 minEp. 205

Jeopardy 2022

Here are the relevant links for this episode: Michael Janz (papastew) Councillor profile @michaeljanz Ashley Salvador (Métis) Councillor profile @AshleyASalvador Anne Stevenson (O-day'min) Councillor profile @edmonton_anne Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network : locally grown, community supported. This week we talked about Park Power , your friendly, local utilities provider in Alberta. Offering Internet, Electricity, and Natural Gas with low rates, awesome servic...

Dec 23, 202241 minEp. 204

Spending like a drunken sailor

Here are the relevant links for this episode: Title Sohi hot mic 'drunken sailor' remark caught during debate Budget News release: City Council approves 2023-2026 Budget 'Gruelling' budget process ends with tax increase of 4.96% in 2023 Edmonton passes 5% tax increases; Cartmell calls it 'very dangerous' for affordability Budget deliberations continue following $100M for Edmonton Bike Plan Task force News release: Cabinet task force to tackle Edmonton social issues Homeward Trust CEO hopeful abo...

Dec 17, 20221 hr 6 minEp. 203

It's beginning to feel a lot like climate change funding is not something Edmontonians support broadly

Here are the relevant links for this episode: Peace officers Edmonton lacks performance targets for municipal enforcement, auditor finds Children's medication Alberta plans to import five million bottles of children's medication ICE District Edmonton Ice District announces fan park featuring three outdoor rinks Police deficit Council approves private repayment strategy for Edmonton Police Service deficit Climate change Edmonton city council, administration at odds over climate projects in propos...

Dec 09, 202237 minEp. 202

To be or not to SDAB

Here are the relevant links for this episode: Earthquakes Series of earthquakes in northern Alberta felt in Edmonton, Grande Prairie and B.C. Smith introduces flagship Alberta Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act, giving cabinet new power Transit reality Edmonton bus drivers share images showing daily realities of working within public transit system Michael Elliott Head of Edmonton police union stepping down: 'My mental health is more important at the moment' Emergency shelters New emergency ...

Dec 02, 202236 minEp. 201

Cracks in concrete may be worse than they ap-pier

Here are the relevant links for this episode: Stuff a Bus PSA: ETS Stuff a Bus returns to help those in need Danibucks Address to the Province FC Edmonton FC Edmonton won't operate in 2023, CPL hints at 2024 return Gang money Edmonton police release new gang strategy tied to higher funding request Edge Fund Council report The Edge Fund: Championing Tech and Innovation in Edmonton Budget City council to consider $7.5M funding request for emergency shelter in west Edmonton Edmonton should fund on-...

Nov 25, 202232 minEp. 200

TREEGATE

Here are the relevant links for this episode: Taylor Swift Taylor Swift speaks out after Ticketmaster cancels her tour's general ticket sale: 'It pisses me off' School masks Edmonton Public Schools asks province to bring back mask mandates during illness outbreaks Net-zero home Edmonton couple spend 20 years transforming '60s bungalow into comfortable net-zero home Guest: Puneeta McBryan @puneeta00 LinkedIn Treegate Holiday Light Up Mayor Sohi's tweet CTV's original story Edmonton's cancelled gi...

Nov 19, 202233 minEp. 199
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