We dive into city manager Andre Corbould's resignation and why it will matter. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Andre Corbould Andre Corbould is out as Edmonton's city manager Edmonton city hall's top bureaucrat is gone — how did we get here? David Staples: Province considers move to 'audit and stabilize' the City of Edmonton, say government officials Coun. Erin Rutherford response Navigation centre numbers Alberta claiming success with Edmonton navigation support centre, plans to e...
Mar 29, 2024•40 min•Ep. 257
Coun. Sarah Hamilton found herself in hot water for speaking at a UCP fundraiser instead of attending a council meeting. We talk with Jeremy Appel of The Orchard who broke the story. Here are the relevant links for this episode: CSU52 update Union for Edmonton city, library workers unveils salary increases in tentative deal CJHR update Advocacy group to pay City of Edmonton more than $11K in costs after failed encampment lawsuit Guest: Jeremy Appel The Orchard @JeremyAppel1025 Kenneyism: Jason K...
Mar 22, 2024•35 min•Ep. 256
We discuss the strike that was averted at the last minute, council compensation, an update on the ICE District parking lots. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Media landscape Sprouts of Hope in a Gloomy Media Landscape — The New York Times Strike avoided City and Civic Services Union 52 reach a tentative agreement Tentative deal reached with City of Edmonton, workers' union says Tim Cartmell's tweet City council's statement CSU52's tweet Troy's Tik Tok video / Reddit post Joint lette...
Mar 15, 2024•35 min•Ep. 255
We dig into the provincial budget and how it affects Edmonton. Plus, the Katz Group wants an extension for its gravel parking lots, and critics question the effectiveness of the homeless reception centre. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Provincial budget Budget 2024: Alberta commits funding towards Edmonton's LRT projects, increased police presence, shelters Alberta hitting pause on South Edmonton Hospital, health minister says UCP details education budget as school officials lamen...
Mar 08, 2024•37 min•Ep. 254
This week, we discuss City Plan measurements, the National Urban Park initiative, a looming CSU52 vote on the city's "best and final" offer, and the implications of ending EndPovertyEdmonton. Correction: We incorrectly stated that outgoing EndPovertyEdmonton executive director Erick Ambtman is a current member of the Edmonton Police Commission. In fact, his last meeting as a commissioner was on Nov. 16, 2023 . Here are the relevant links for this episode: Shout-out! Sugared and Spiced City Plan ...
Mar 01, 2024•39 min•Ep. 253
This week, OP12 returned and council appears to be a bit more bearish on the idea. Plus, we learn more about the bike routes being built in 2024, and there are six rezonings testing the limits of the new zoning bylaw. Here are the relevant links for this episode: NASH Stephanie's post with fellow presenters Stephanie's post about getting your first job in journalism OP12 Report offers council service cuts and new fees to meet OP12 goals George Spady George Spady looks to relocate detox program t...
Feb 23, 2024•32 min•Ep. 252
The draft Public Spaces Bylaw goes to council amid plenty of opposition. We talk with Omar Yaqub of IFSSA and Cheryl Whiskeyjack of Bent Arrow about the potential impact of the bylaw on marginalized communities. Plus, the Katz Group is suing Boyle Street over a $5 million donation. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guests Omar Yaqub of IFSSA | Islamic Family & Social Services Association Cheryl Whiskeyjack of Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society Public Spaces Bylaw Bylaw 20700 ...
Feb 16, 2024•49 min•Ep. 251
The downtown pedestrianization report finally went through committee, so we talk with Jason Syvixay and Stephen Raitz, two of the shepherds that guided it through. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guests Jason Syvixay UDI-Edmonton Metro Stephen Raitz Paths for People Pedestrianization UDI's LinkedIn post Stephen's interview on 630 CHED Paths for People: Downtown pedestrianization Action Plan (PDF) New nine-step plan aims to improve pedestrian experience in downtown Edmonton Episode ...
Feb 09, 2024•55 min•Ep. 250
Valley Line users were left out in the cold when doors didn't function and heat wouldn’t turn on. Plus, EPCOR really leads the OP12 savings charge by cutting off everyone’s water! Here are the relevant links for this episode: Valley Line shelters Valley Line shelters give riders cold shoulder OP12 reallocations Report offers council service cuts and new fees to meet OP12 goals City Hall update City cancels meetings after attack at city hall News Release: City makes safe and steady progress on Ci...
Feb 02, 2024•35 min•Ep. 249
An emergency management committee meeting was punctuated with an actual emergency at City Hall. Plus, several things are on the way out: the downtown farmers market, the name "Oliver", and Adam Laughlin. Here are the relevant links for this episode: City Hall Incident 'Heavily armed' man arrested after shots fired, Molotov cocktail thrown in Edmonton city hall 'Heavily armed' suspect acted alone in Edmonton City Hall shooting: police City Hall shooter charged Police charge man after attack on Ed...
Jan 26, 2024•35 min•Ep. 248
City council has declared a housing and houselessness emergency, and a judge has thrown out a lawsuit against the city's dismantling of encampments. We dig into the debate and look back at a month of encampment clearing and shelter space counting. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Emergency declared Edmonton councillors approve Sohi's 'housing and houselessness emergency' declaration Edmonton's emergency motion: Minister McIver Edmonton city council's homeless emergency declaration s...
Jan 19, 2024•51 min•Ep. 247
This. Is. Speaking Municipally Jeopardy! Edmonton's two actual Jeopardy contestants and the author of The Ultimate Edmonton Trivia Book square off in our annual holiday trivia episode. Enjoy! Here are the relevant links for this episode: Kyle Marshall LinkedIn Edmonton man wins second place on Jeopardy! Sam Papuha LinkedIn Edmontonian Sam Papuha competes on Jeopardy Emil Tiedemann LinkedIn Emil's books Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton , a source of curiosity-driven original s...
Dec 15, 2023•39 min•Ep. 246
Amid several high-profile instances of transit violence, the discussion around turnstiles is being recycled. Plus, the Valley Line Southeast LRT doubles its frequency — at least sometimes. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Snow savings City of Edmonton saves $5 million due to scant snow-and-ice removal work on roads Winter businesses grappling with unseasonably warm weather, lack of snow in Edmonton PSA: 'Catch air' and plan your experience to the Style Experience FIS Snowboard Big A...
Dec 08, 2023•32 min•Ep. 245
The federal government has reached a deal with Google to pay Canadian media companies. We'll see if Taproot makes the cut. Meanwhile, city council makes a cut to the proposed budget adjustment increase. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Budget News Release: City Council confirms fall budget adjustments Edmonton city council approves 6.6% property tax hike for 2024 Jennifer Rice 'Hostile work environment': Former staff accuse Edmonton city councillor of bullying amid high office turno...
Dec 01, 2023•39 min•Ep. 244
Budget deliberations are underway at city council, and the province has all but banned photo radar. Plus, we get a new police commissioner who looks a lot like an old police commissioner. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Budget On the agenda: Budget adjustments and rezonings Hold me in abeyance: Your guide to budget terms and processes Edmonton city council kicks off 2024 budget debate 7% tax hike on table as Edmonton city council begins 2024 budget debate Edmonton businesses urge c...
Nov 24, 2023•37 min•Ep. 243
Reporters in Dallas, Texas have described Edmonton as the Land of Oz thanks to our scramble crosswalks. Plus, we discuss snow clearing on stairs, new community leagues, and budget chicken. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Media on transit Group asks Edmonton to rescind policy banning reporters from transit Clearing stairs Blizzard of confusion blows over Edmonton's snow removal plans for park stairs Traffic safety Can a Canadian city be a model for Dallas when it comes to road safet...
Nov 17, 2023•37 min•Ep. 242
Recorded on the Valley Line Southeast LRT! We're joined by ETS branch manager Carrie Hotton-MacDonald, councillors Anne Stevenson and Ashley Salvador, new Taproot Edmonton managing editor Tim Querengesser, and several others. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guests Carrie Hotton-MacDonald Anne Stevenson Ashley Salvador Mike Kunicki Tim Querengesser New managing editor Meet Taproot Edmonton's new managing editor Valley Line Southeast LRT Valley Line Southeast LRT opening Nov. 4 Citiz...
Nov 10, 2023•57 min•Ep. 241
A proposal to use Downtown CRL funding for office to residential conversions could delay other important projects, and we dig into recent updates on Blatchford. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Downtown pedestrianization New pedestrian plan to promote engagement in the Downtown core Downtown Pedestrianization Plan (PDF) Office conversions Edmonton may use renewal funds for office to residential conversions Police funding Capital Budget Adjustments Event attraction Motion discussing ...
Nov 03, 2023•34 min•Ep. 240
The Valley Line Southeast LRT will begin passenger service on Nov. 4, and there's going to be a party. Plus, we discuss the more than two dozen subsequent motions made following approval of the new zoning bylaw. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Valley Line Southeast LRT News Release: Valley Line Southeast LRT opening November 4 Edmonton's Valley Line Southeast LRT set to open Nov. 4 Zoning Bylaw Renewal News Release: Edmonton has a new rulebook for development for the first time in ...
Oct 27, 2023•38 min•Ep. 239
Taproot's new reporter, Stephanie Swensrude, joins the show. We discuss transit for youth, downtown retail, and of course, the Zoning Bylaw Renewal. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Stephanie Swensrude Stephanie Swensrude LinkedIn Youth transit Fare Policy Amendment — Children Under 12 Downtown retail Grants attract three indie retailers to downtown Edmonton Zoning Bylaw Renewal City council hears pros, cons of proposed Edmonton zoning bylaw changes from residents Edmonton zoning pu...
Oct 20, 2023•38 min•Ep. 238
This week, we cover transit improvements for youth and winter, more funding for snow and ice clearing, the latest on the Valley Line LRT, and tennis vs. pickleball. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Transit stuff Edmonton transit needs to be safer and more reliable for youth: survey Edmonton spent $350K to replace 1600 busted bus shelter panels last year Snow clearing Edmonton mayor suggests reinjecting $5M to snow and ice budget to improve access to transit Rally for the Road City f...
Oct 13, 2023•32 min•Ep. 237
The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues has endorsed a position in support of the Zoning Bylaw Renewal. Executive director Laura Cunningham-Shpeley joins us to discuss how the EFCL came to that position and what it means for community leagues across the city. Here are the relevant links for this episode: EFCL Laura Cunningham-Shpeley on LinkedIn Edmonton Sun 20 Questions: EFCL's Laura Cunningham-Shpeley Zoning Bylaw Renewal Zoning Bylaw Renewal Initiative How Edmonton's zoning renewal could...
Oct 06, 2023•43 min•Ep. 236
We've got details about how Boyle Street will operate for the next year, prior to their new space opening. Plus, the police perception survey found that 57% of Edmontonians are satisfied with the Edmonton Police Service and feel they’re doing a good job. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Blatchford station City council mulls keeping Blatchford LRT station closed until neighbourhood fills out Troy's tweet Blatchford Community's tweet Valley Line LRT audit City still looking for answer...
Sep 29, 2023•39 min•Ep. 235
This week, council heard about the vast majority of parking lots downtown being unpermitted. And, true to form, they decided to do something about it later! Plus, we get the scoop on Edmonton Design Week. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Edmonton Design Week Edmonton Design Week 2023 Email us your answers to the trivia questions before our next episode to be entered to win a pass to design week! Surface parking Ninety per cent of central Edmonton surface parking lots do not have per...
Sep 22, 2023•33 min•Ep. 234
The province and EPS held a press conference to issue a new ban on crime. That'll fix it. Plus, Boyle Street will be out of its location on Sept. 30, and the city will be short just over $70M this year. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Boyle Street Boyle Street to alter services ahead of Edmonton Oilers-led development Boyle Street Community Services to leave location near Rogers Place this month Keith Gerein's tweet Boyle Street's looming closure begs community to question: Do Edmo...
Sep 15, 2023•35 min•Ep. 233
The 170 Street pedestrian bridge to West Edmonton Mall is done, and allegedly the Valley Line LRT will be done soon too. Plus, the northeast river valley park will open later this month. Here are the relevant links for this episode: 170 Street Pedestrian Bridge News Release: New pedestrian bridge connects people, places and communities Speaking Municipally Trailer Valley Line LRT Sept. 7, 2023: NEWS RELEASE — TransEd Valley Line LRT Valley line LRT cable replacement complete, fall opening antici...
Sep 08, 2023•30 min•Ep. 232
The Coalition for Justice and Human Rights is taking legal action to stop the city's clearing of encampments. Plus, we discuss gaps in transit service, the new Edge Fund, development along 99 Street, and the cost of urban sprawl. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Transit gaps Edmonton considers developing transit services for youth and community On the agenda: Police funding formula, Heritage River designation, and more CSWB update Edmonton works towards next step in safety and well-...
Sep 01, 2023•32 min•Ep. 231
City council has approved an updated funding formula for the police budget. We break down what happened and what it means. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Funding formula Mack's tweet thread Final vote results Mayor Amarjeet Sohi: My Thoughts on the Police Funding Formula Coun. Andrew Knack: Edmonton Police Funding Formula (August 2023) Edmonton Police Commission: EPS funding formula 2021: Taproot Election Survey — question about police funding 2022: Council privately quashes recom...
Aug 25, 2023•50 min•Ep. 230
Taproot co-founders Karen Unland and Mack Male break down the impact of the Online News Act, being blocked on Facebook, and how the company is planning to grow. Plus, we geek out over the use of programming tools for editorial work. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Taproot We're blocked on Meta's platforms Taproot Edmonton is taking a summer break LION names Taproot a finalist for resilience award Online News Act Online News Act (Wikipedia) The Lose-Lose-Lose-Lose Bill C-18 Outcome:...
Aug 18, 2023•47 min•Ep. 229
In the summer season closer, Troy and Mack speak with Livia Balone, the director of Zoning Bylaw Renewal at the City of Edmonton. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Fear mongering EPS may be spreading fear with remarks about violence downtown: criminologist Law citation Law society issues citation to another former Alberta justice minister Smoke show Summer of smoke among the worst on record for Alberta's biggest cities Here's how many hours of smoke Edmonton's had this year Guest: Li...
Jul 21, 2023•52 min•Ep. 228
