Council decided to stick with a smaller, previously-approved increase to transit fares, instead of asking for a big increase. We also discuss council procedures, BRT, shelter standards and locations, and the city's approach to major projects.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Fringe wrap

• Edmonton Fringe $72K short of fundraising goal as festival draws to a close
• MHCare Medical Donates $58,000 to Support Fringe

Council procedures

• Minutes for the item at the Aug. 20, 2024 city council meeting

Transit costs

• Edmonton to fill $10M gap in revenue to keep low-income transit program
• Edmonton transit may double monthly costs for seniors in 2025 with steep hikes for ARC and cash fares
• Edmonton mayor wants Alberta government's help to keep low-income transit program afloat

BRT

• Q&A: Could bus rapid transit improve Edmonton's transit system?

Project management

• No New Projects Without A New Management Approach — Tim Cartmell
• Minutes for the item at the Aug. 20, 2024 city council meeting
• Project Management Audit (March 2022) — Andrew Knack

Shelter standards

• Opinion: Full picture needed on encampment debate
• On the agenda: Transit fare increase, shelter standards, affordable housing
• Edmonton councillors say heavy industrial areas not suitable for homeless shelters
• Where should new shelters go in Edmonton?

630 CHED

• Corus Entertainment's 630 CHED moving up the AM dial
• Corus Entertainment 'aggressively' cutting costs, laying off more employees as revenue slumps

From the Taproot newsroom

• Taproot launches an Events Roundup
• Alberta oil to become carbon fibre in new Edmonton facility
• Edmonton is a city filled with stones, bones, and ancient history
• Events promote women and girls to throw TDs or drop in

Rapid fire

• Alberta premier reveals plans to transfer hospitals away from AHS
• PSA: Police commission member recruitment underway
• Here's how Edmonton's commute time stacks up against other Canadian spots

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

We interrupt your Fringe-ing to discuss proposed compensation for businesses along Stony Plain Road, a big budget shortfall and potential tax hike, transit fare increases, and the new owner of the Edmonton Elks.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Stony Plain rejection

• City council rejects grant program for Stony Plain Road businesses struggling through LRT work
• Scheduled LRT work complete on Stony Plain Road, but road to stay closed

Budget shortfall

• Edmonton budget shortfall risks bigger property tax hike in 2025, city warns

Transit fares

• Edmonton planning to hike transit fares next year to make up for $13M budget shortfall

Edmonton Elks

• New Edmonton Elks owner says classic 'EE' logo to drive the team's branding
• New Edmonton Elks owner says classic 'Double E' logo to drive the team's branding

Jennifer Rice

• Court order stops misconduct sanction hearing for Edmonton Coun. Jennifer Rice until judicial review

Tim Cartmell

• Edmonton councillor wants project management overhaul, claiming delays and 'wasted dollars'

From the Taproot newsroom

• How a bison head helped change the Pioneers Cabin into the Bison Lodge
• Edmonton Global's listening tour will lead to change: Bruce

Rapid fire

• Take a Risk: It's the Most Fringe Thing You Can Do
• Back to light: The historic Western Cycle neon sign is up in Edmonton again
• Tony Caterina's comment on Facebook

This episode is brought to you by Park Power, your friendly, local utilities provider (and title sponsor of Taproot's Regional Roundup). Park Power offers electricity, natural gas, and internet to homes, businesses, and farms throughout Alberta. Learn more at parkpower.ca.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

We're joined by Christel Kjenner, director of the housing action team at the City of Edmonton, to get an overview of what the city is doing about the housing crisis.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Christel Kjenner

• Christel Kjenner on LinkedIn
• November 2021: The future of affordable housing according to our Christel ball (Episode 154)

Housing at the city

• Affordable Housing Strategy
• Housing Accelerator Fund
• Feb. 21, 2024: Building more homes that Canadians can afford in Edmonton

Housing context

• Calgary population surges by staggering 6%, Edmonton by 4.2% in latest StatsCan estimates
• Lack of clarity in district plans could erode trust, councillors say
• Edmonton mayor names 16-member task force to tackle housing and homelessness
• Housing advocates say big money is transforming rental markets. And Alberta could be a poster child
• New standard could help shift Edmonton's growth pattern
• Fifteen years after the original strategy, Edmonton has a new plan for homelessness

Rapid fire

• The 'Redmonton' party no more: Alberta NDP's base has shifted to Calgary
• Edmonton Fringe raises $100,000 in donations, unveils 2024 theme
• Troy's tweet

See us in person!

• May 30: Speaking Municipally Live: Untangling the housing knot at the Foundry Room

This episode is brought to you by Park Power, your friendly, local utilities provider (and title sponsor of Taproot's Regional Roundup). Park Power offers electricity, natural gas, and internet to homes, businesses, and farms throughout Alberta. Learn more at parkpower.ca.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Electric scooters

• Edmonton introduces new rules for e-scooter providers

Snow budget

• Edmonton city councillors agree snow removal budget needs boost

Avian flu

• Edmonton Valley Zoo moves birds away from public sight to protect against deadly avian flu

Guest: Paula Simons

• Senator Paula Simons
• @Paulatics
• Wikipedia page
• Podcast pick: Alberta Unbound

Paula's inquiry

• Challenges and Opportunities of Canadian Municipalities
• YouTube: The relationship between the federal government and municipalities
• Senator Éric Forest's remarks

Paula's walk

• Janes Walk: Curating Alberta, Sat, 7 May 2022 at 3:00 PM

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted The Well Endowed Podcast from the Edmonton Community Foundation which tells the stories of how endowment funds intersect with the community. Episode 121 looks at A Taste of Ramadan, an event that provided food and entertainment to hundreds of Edmontonians earlier this month. We also talked about NorthwestFest, the international documentary festival that is returning in cinema and online this May.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Most affordable

• What a flex: Edmonton named one of the most affordable cities in the world

Rotten eggs

• Edmonton residents concerned about gas odour from Imperial Oil refinery

Pride corner

• A busy intersection in Edmonton has been dominated by homophobic street preachers for years

Guest: Anne Stevenson

• @edmonton_anne
• Ward O-day'min Councillor

Police commission

• Op-ed from EPC chair John McDougall: Edmonton police have a duty to keep protests safe
• Commission should question police about fatal shooting, says criminologist
• Opinion: Edmonton Police Commission's role isn't defending police action
• Tweet from Alayne Sinclair
• Council looks to make police commission bigger amid calls for better oversight

Governance stuff

• Police Act
• Edmonton Police Commission Bylaw (PDF)
• Edmonton Police Commission Policies

Other links

• Heart of YEG Safe Walk
• Council privately quashes recommended audit of Edmonton policing
• Integrity commissioner dismisses police association's complaint against councillor
• The Progress Report has filed a discreditable conduct complaint against Chief McFee

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted the Alberta Podcast Network itself, which builds audiences for Alberta-made podcasts and connects those listeners to Alberta-based businesses, organizations, and community partners. Advertising with the network can be a great way to reach Albertans! We also talked about Park Power, your friendly, local utilities provider in Alberta offering internet, electricity, and natural gas with low rates, awesome service, and profit-sharing with local charities.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Participatory budgeting

• Edmonton councillors offering $50k in grants through 'participatory budgeting'

Group sale

• Group of property owners selling 10-lot block near Edmonton's river valley

Critical race theory

• 'A political football': Concern over Alberta's premier pushing U.S.-style views on school curriculum
• Education Minister Adriana LaGrange's response

Guest: Trisha Estabrooks

• @TrishEstabrooks
• Ward D Trustee

City plan and schools

• Edmonton City Plan
• Dr. Anne Anderson Community Centre
• Ever Active Schools
• Edmonton Catholic, public schools expand shared busing program to save money

Growth pressures

• Ten-Year Facilities Plan 2023-2032
• Edmonton Public Schools facing mounting enrolment pressures
• 'We have been passed over for new builds': Edmonton Public School Division needs more locations

Board governance

• An Announcement and a Call to Action | by Bridget Stirling
• EPSB Trustee Handbook

Other links from the discussion

• Division Feedback Survey
• Edmonton Public Schools seeks feedback on calendar revamp
• Edmonton Public Schools trustee tables notice of motion asking for government support for incoming refugee students
• Alberta to spend $72 million to expand charter schools

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted NorthwestFest — Canada's longest-running non-fiction film festival — which is back in hybrid form this year, running IN CINEMA from May 6th to the 14th, and ONLINE from May 5th to 15th. We also talked about Overdue Finds, an Edmonton Public Library podcast featuring conversations about books, movies, music, pop culture, and other great things happening in Edmonton.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

77 trees

• 'It's a bummer': Edmonton chops 77 trees near cemetery for new sidewalk, bike lanes

Ditch the draft

• Protesters call for Alberta government to scrap K-6 draft curriculum

AHS CEO

• Dr. Verna Yiu out as president and CEO at Alberta Health Services

Michael Janz

• @michaeljanz
• Meet the councillors: Sarah Hamilton and Michael Janz look forward to team-building

Ashley Salvador

• @AshleyASalvador
• Meet the councillors: Keren Tang and Ashley Salvador identify key priorities as they begin their terms

Links from the discussion

• Curbing Excessive Executive Compensation
• Fire, police team up to extinguish growing problem of suspicious fires in northeast Edmonton
• 2019: City may back out of suburban development biz, council votes

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted ATB, which was built to help Alberta businesses. Be sure to check out The Future Of, a podcast hosted by ATB's chief economist, Todd Hirsch. We also spoke about The Well Endowed Podcast from the Edmonton Community Foundation. Episode 119 looks at how The Dash Fund helps keep the memory of a very special pet alive while supporting pets in need.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Praise for us

• Chris On A Bike's tweet
• Lisa Brown's tweet

Wastewater counts

• Wastewater COVID-19 counts rising in Edmonton and Calgary

Iveson's new gig

• News release: Co-operators appoints former Edmonton mayor Don Iveson as executive advisor for climate investing and community resilience

Carbon tax

• Alberta legislature to debate motion calling on Ottawa to stop carbon tax increases

Downtown recovery

• Downtown Dining Week returns as workers come back to the core
• The Five-Day Workweek Is Dying
• News release: City continues to drive growth and job creation alongside economic partners

Old Strathcona parking lot

• Old Strathcona parking lot sparks debate on how Edmonton leases public lands

Vision Zero Street Lab

• Victoria Promenade survey
• Conrad Nobert's tweet
• Daniel Morin's tweet

100th Street bridge

• Conrad's tweet

Clean energy improvement program

• PSA: Applications open for Clean Energy Improvement Program
• PSA: Overwhelming response to Clean Energy Improvement Program Pilot
• Edmonton pilot program to help homeowners with green upgrades

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted ATB, which offers expert and practical advice in everyday banking, and investment planning expertise and management services with ATB Wealth. We also talked about Park Power, your friendly, local utilities provider in Alberta offering internet, electricity, and natural gas with low rates, awesome service, and profit-sharing with local charities.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

The river

• Why does Edmonton's water smell a bit funky?
• Walking on ice can be a life or death decision

Red Deer

• Further IIHF event updates
• UCP leadership to be decided by mail-in ballot, Jean accuses Kenney camp of cheating

NFTs

• Edmonton lays claim to world's first NFT book, written by Todd Babiak and donated to the EPL
• World's first book published as a Non-Fungible Token (NFT) Available to Borrow Exclusively at the Edmonton Public Library

Mask bylaws

• Edmonton city council rejects mandating masks at recreation centres

Public washrooms

• City of Edmonton closes nearly all public washrooms in transit stations to reduce drug poisoning risk
• Feb. 22 agenda item
• 2021 Alberta drug poisoning stats
• How public washrooms help make a city work well

Jennifer Rice

• Troy's tweet

Progress Report

• Mack's tweet thread
• The Edmonton Police are trying to silence us, it won't work
• The Progress Report has filed a discreditable conduct complaint against Chief McFee

EVER Square

• Calgary Trail development gets zoning go-ahead but without bike paths some councillors wanted
• Agenda item
• EVER Square

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted the Edmonton Community Foundation and its podcast, The Well Endowed Podcast. The ECF acts as a bridge between donors and charities to create a strong, vibrant community for generations to come. Departing CEO Martin Garber-Conrad spoke with Bloom recently about how the philanthropic innovation that started under his leadership will carry on into the future.

We also talked about The Future Of, a podcast from ATB that promises to give you insights to help navigate what is often an uncertain future. Hosted by ATB's chief economist Todd Hirsch, the podcast explores how our economy and communities can not only brace for change, but embrace the opportunity it creates.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Bike lanes

• 102 Avenue bike lanes closed at 116 Street for EPCOR repairs, groups call for more consultation

Charter schools

• Budget 2022: Investing in school choice

Abdullah Shah

• Notorious landlord Abdullah Shah fatally shot outside Edmonton home

Carrie Hotton-MacDonald

• LinkedIn
• Episode 120: Speaking with the new ETS Branch Mandaringer

Smart fare

• Arc (formerly Smart Fare)

Ridership and recovery

• Operating budget update for 2021
• Alberta steps up with $79.5M transit money for struggling cities, matches federal funds

Bus network redesign

• Report for March 23

Regional transit

• Edmonton city councillors question cost, routes of regional transit system
• Edmonton Metropolitan Transit Services Commission
• EMTSC presentation to council

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted fellow APN member Three Kitchens, a home cooking podcast released every Tuesday with recipes, tips and kitchen adventures. We also talked about Park Power, "your friendly, local utilities provider in Alberta. Offering Internet, Electricity, and Natural Gas with low rates, awesome service, and profit-sharing with local charities."

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Wild pigs

• 'Full hog': Edmonton could become first Canadian city with permanent wild pigs if city is unprepared, expert warns

Pothole complaints

• City of Edmonton seeing 3 times more pothole complaints than last year

Mask bylaw

• PSA - Edmonton ends masking in public spaces
• City of Edmonton tweet
• Alberta lifting almost all remaining COVID-19 restrictions March 1
• Edmonton council to debate mask bylaw Tuesday afternoon
• Bill 4

Metro Line LRT

• Mass Transit: Planning for 1.25 Million People
• North LRT back on priority list
• Edmonton's Metro Line LRT expansion to Castle Downs reinstated

Downtown CRL

• Mack's tweet
• Parkade and pedway decisions seem to contradict City Plan

Alcohol in parks

• Alcohol in Edmonton parks allowed again this year

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted YourForest, a podcast about the natural world featuring stories about the environment, renewable resources, conservation, forestry, and more. We also talked about ATB Cares which makes it easy to donate to eligible Albertan charities with ATB matching 20% of every dollar donated.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Valley Line LRT

• New LRT now running in downtown Edmonton, but still just for testing

Work from home

• The Best Work-From-Home Cities for 2022

Freedom Convoy

• Edmonton police officers who joined 'Freedom Convoy' rally now suspended without pay

Guest: Temitope Oriola

• Opinion: Edmonton Police Commission's role isn't defending police action
• @TopeOriola

Code of conduct

• Integrity commissioner dismisses police association's complaint against councillor

The list

• Troy's tweet
• Edmonton police deny keeping 'list' of critics
• Another tweet from Troy
• Michael Janz interview on CBC

Sohi fires back

• 'A slap in the face': Mayor slams provincial budget
• Amarjeet Sohi's tweet thread on masks
• Kenney vows to stop municipalities imposing public health restrictions
• Amarjeet Sohi's tweet thread on the MGA change

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted Edmonton Public Schools, which is hosting virtual open houses for the 2022-23 school year. We also talked about The Well Endowed Podcast from the Edmonton Community Foundation which tells the stories of how endowment funds intersect with the community.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Calgary Zoo

• Calgary Zoo asks visitors to keep masking to protect pregnant gorilla

Climate quilt

• A stitch in time: University student maps Edmonton's changing climate — on a quilt

Mountain trails

• 90 per cent of Edmonton trails could be closed to mountain bikers

Commission size

• Council looks to make police commission bigger amid calls for better oversight

Vaccine passport

• Edmonton council opts to not create city-run vaccine passport program
• Mack's tweet thread
• Andrew Knack's tweet
• Amarjeet Sohi's tweet

Noise injunction

• Temporary court injunction addresses nuisance noise
• Mack's tweet
• Injunction notice in PDF

Last Saturday

• Small group of pedestrians, cyclists bring convoy to a standstill in Edmonton's river valley
• Troy's tweet
• Mack's tweet about asking questions
• Mack's tweet about police communications

Police response

• Amarjeet Sohi's tweet about meeting with EPS/EPC
• Op-ed from EPC chair John McDougall: Edmonton police have a duty to keep protests safe
• Edmonton police chief calls for calm; defends response to truck protests, counter-protests

Guest: Michelle Peters-Jones

• @michpetersjones

Commission meeting

• Mack's tweet thread of the meeting
• Mack's tweets about the budget
• Troy's tweets about councillor silence
• Police commission hears Edmontonians' concerns over ongoing convoy protests
• Edmonton police readying for another anti-restriction protest this weekend

Secret airplane

• Edmonton Police have a secret plane and they're getting another
• Edmonton police replace plane operating 'covertly' for three decades
• Edmonton police to replace 'confidential' plane for $4.3 million
• Edmonton police insist airplane is not secret — it's just not publicized

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted Edmonton Public Schools, which is hosting virtual open houses for the 2022-23 school year. We also talked about the Boys and Girls Clubs and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area, also known as BGCBigs. There's currently a need for mentors in many BGCBigs programs as well as virtual tutors who can support young people as they transition back to school."

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

There's a new task force on housing and homelessness. Plus, everything is a district, recreation centres will soon be sponsored, and we discuss police accountability.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Housing task force

• Edmonton mayor names 16-member task force to tackle housing and homelessness
• State of the City

Clean energy retrofit

• Edmonton finalizes clean energy retrofit loans program
• Lauren Boothby's thread

Police accountability

• Edmonton mayor disturbed by images of police response to pro-Palestinian protesters
• Message to the U of A community: Update on encampment
• Protesters attend Edmonton city hall meeting after police teardown of U of A pro-Palestine camp
• Disruptive meeting could trigger security changes at Edmonton city hall
• Tweet about commission meeting

Districts

• Rice Howard Way to become Edmonton's new entertainment district
• Downtown Edmonton 'education district' could spur revitalization, school leaders say
• Experience Edmonton's Arts District
• 2015: Coffee Bureau and Lock Stock Coffee have revived Edmonton's coffee district

Naming rights

• Edmonton's Terwillegar rec centre to get a new, sponsored name
• 2022: Jumpstart Inclusive Playground now open in Edmonton

Rapid fire

• PSA: Have fun in the sun in Edmonton's spray parks, opening this weekend
• News Release: New EPark App launches today
• Canada's 100 Best restaurants list snubs Edmonton; three bars crack top 50

See us in person!

• May 21: Don't let the pink slime get you: AI's role in a healthy media ecosystem at Work Nicer Beaver House.
• May 25: Edmonton International Cat Festival at the Robbins Health Learning Centre at MacEwan.
• May 30: Speaking Municipally Live: Untangling the housing knot at the Foundry Room.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Snow complaints

• Edmonton 311 snow on walk complaints soaring, already exceed last winter's total

FC Edmonton

• Former Oilers executive Jeff Harrop appointed president of FC Edmonton

Disillusioned Albertans

• Majority of Albertans disillusioned with federal government

Municipal vaccine passport

• News Release: Alberta takes steps to safely return to normal
• City of Edmonton explores its own COVID-19 proof of vaccination program
• Politicians, experts speak out against premier's suggested restriction on municipal COVID rules

Expenditure budget

• City council meeting on Feb. 9

Police commission

• Erin Rutherford's post
• Edmonton Police Commission Bylaw C14040
• City council meeting

Police property damage

• Here's what happens when Edmonton police cause property damage

Less talking

• Council Services Committee on Feb. 8

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted The Well Endowed Podcast from the Edmonton Community Foundation. Episode 113 looks at how the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is working to conserve and protect Alberta's natural environment. We also talked about Park Power, "your friendly, local utilities provider in Alberta. Offering Internet, Electricity, and Natural Gas with low rates, awesome service, and profit-sharing with local charities."

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Bloom

• AI dreams, airport innovations, and a departing founder catch Bloom's attention

HEPA filters

• Edmonton Public Schools plans to put HEPA filters in all classrooms

PureFibre X

• TELUS brings Canada's fastest Internet speeds to Edmonton

Park drinking

• Alcohol in city parks needs more study, Edmonton councillors say
• Health advocates call on Edmonton council to cut off alcohol in parks pilot program

Facial recognition

• Edmonton police using facial recognition software to search 'mugshot database'
• EPS is using facial recognition technology to identify suspects in criminal cases
• News Release: EPS implements NEC facial recognition solution to further investigations
• Facial Recognition (edmontonpolice.ca)
• Interim Report: Facial Recognition Technology in Canada
• Arizona DOT Operating Budget Requests
• Edmonton police unveil details on use of facial recognition technology
• Calgary police says it won't use social media in its AI technology
• OPS tested facial recognition software, but doesn't use it

Sohi / Kenney

• 'Too soon and too fast:' Mayor Sohi urging province to keep COVID-19 measures in place
• Edmonton has 'bare minimum needs' from province's budget: Sohi

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted Edmonton Public Schools, which is hosting virtual open houses for the 2022-23 school year. We also talked about the Boys and Girls Clubs and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area, also known as BGCBigs. There's currently a need for mentors in many BGCBigs programs as well as virtual tutors who can support young people as they transition back to school.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Bloom

• Bloom opens with a look at what's popping in innovation

Excessive noise

• Edmonton councillor calling for clampdown on excessive vehicle noise

Traffic court

• Alberta government pausing plan to change how people can fight traffic tickets

Children's hospital

• Stollery Children's Hospital beds in Edmonton to be used for adult emergency overflow

Station Lands

• City of Edmonton to build $26M pedway as part of private multi-tower project
• Mack's tweet with the vote
• Mack's tweet on public engagement
• Mack's tweet on affordable housing
• Council agenda item

Orange Hub

• Edmonton city council agrees to build $14M parking lot at Orange Hub
• City aims for Edmontonians to 'live more locally' with 15-minute districts
• Troy's RIP City Plan tweet
• Council agenda item

Police audit

• Council privately quashes recommended audit of Edmonton policing and use of city funding

Innovation hub

• Innovate Edmonton to move into new home on Jasper Avenue this fall

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted Edmonton Public Schools, which is hosting virtual open houses for the 2022-23 school year. We also talked about the Boys and Girls Clubs and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area, also known as BGCBigs. There's currently a need for mentors in many BGCBigs programs as well as virtual tutors who can support young people as they transition back to school.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Driver shortages

• 'They're not filling all those bus seats:' Edmonton transit union says some bus trips being missed due to increase in driver absences amid rising COVID-19 spread
• PSA - ETS adjusts service in response to workforce shortages

Safe crossings

• PSA - 48 new safe crossings confirmed for 2022

Assessment notices

• News release: Edmontonians encouraged to watch their mailboxes for 2022 property assessment notices

Stevenson's memo

• Station Lands briefing memo
• Notice of motion at Executive Committee
• Qualico looking for $37M in CRL funding to move Station Lands forward

Police damage

• City of Edmonton won't compensate restaurant owners after police damaged building
• 'We can't close': Edmonton businesses fight to stay afloat during peak of fifth wave
• Edmonton restaurant frustrated with city policies after business damaged during police arrest: 'It's the principle'
• Avnish Nanda on Twitter

Madu and McFee

• Alberta justice minister fined for distracted driving, called police chief about ticket
• Jason Kenney's tweet thread
• Suspended Alberta justice minister says he called police chief to check he wasn't being profiled
• 'A slap in the face': Edmonton police leader upset with Madu; Kenney not answering questions

Bus network redesign

• Interim report on BNR
• On-demand transit seems to be catching on
• City of Edmonton provides 1st interim report reviewing bus network redesign - Edmonton
• Lengthy walking distance complaints roll in on Edmonton's new bus routes, no changes recommended in first update to council

Snow clearing

• Tim Cartmell: Snow Clearing: Is it Time to Start from Scratch?
• PSA - City of Edmonton trials windrow pick up in Griesbach

Councillor introductions

• Tim Cartmell, pihêsiwin
• Jennifer Rice, Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted Park Power, " your friendly, local utilities provider in Alberta offering Internet, Electricity, and Natural Gas with low rates, awesome service, and profit-sharing with local charities." We also talked about Edmonton Public Schools, which is hosting virtual open houses for the 2022-23 school year.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Guest hosts

• Councillor Andrew Knack - @AndrewKnack
• Councillor Keren Tang - @kerentangyeg

War on cars

• City of Edmonton apologizes for concrete bike lane barriers in Garneau
• Freezing rain in Edmonton area leads to treacherous highway conditions, multiple collisions

Power outage

• Power Outage Map
• Power restored for 45K EPCOR south Edmonton customers

Animal care

• Local rescues strained as Edmonton Animal Care & Control pauses intake of healthy animals

Budget

• Edmonton Police Service budget increase for 2022 cut to $1M, capital budget finalized
• Budget and Finances at the City of Edmonton

Carbon budget

• Countdown to 2050: Explaining Edmonton's carbon budget

Snow and ice

• Edmonton crews ready to catch up on snow clearing after 3-week deep freeze
• 'A big inconvenience': Residents in southeast Edmonton neighbourhood frustrated with windrows left behind
• Winter Roads at the City of Edmonton

Transportation

• Lengthy walking distance complaints roll in on Edmonton's new bus routes, no changes recommended in first update to council
• PSA: ETS adjusts service in response to workforce shortages
• Valley Line Southeast LRT
• Arc Smart Fare

Police funding

• Edmonton Police Service Funding Formula
• Police funding a contentious issue as council prepares to make decisions on 2022 budget

Councillor Introduction

• Karen Principe, tastawiyiniwak

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted the Alberta Association of Optometrists which represents almost 800 Doctors of Optometry in over eighty communities across the province. Remember, Alberta Health coverage is available towards your urgent eyecare appointment. We also talked about BGCBigs Edmonton. There's a need for mentors to support more than 600 young people waiting for a mentor in their lives.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Budget 2022

• News Release: City Council confirms 2022 budget
• Edmonton Police Service budget increase for 2022 cut to $1M, capital budget finalized
• Edmonton city council sets 1.91 per cent tax levy increase for next year in approving $3.1-billion 2022 operating budget
• Mack's budget tweets
• Budget documents

Police Budget

• EPS promising to 'protect the jobs' of officers after 2022 budget increase is slashed
• EPS Funding Formula
• July 2020 motion
• Fall 2020 SOBA
• Coun. Aaron Paquette's subsequent motion

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted Park Power, your friendly, local utilities provider in Alberta. You can reach out for a no obligation comparison by emailing estimates@parkpower.ca and if you decide to switch, it's easy. We also talked about The Future Of, a podcast from ATB Financial that recently launched its third season.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Don Iveson (Edmonton)

• Wikipedia
• @doniveson
• LinkedIn

Tara Veer (Red Deer)

• Wikipedia
• @TaraVeer
• LinkedIn

Naheed Nenshi (Calgary)

• Wikipedia
• @nenshi
• LinkedIn

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted the Alberta Association of Optometrists, which represents almost 800 Doctors of Optometry in over eighty communities across the province. They want to remind Albertans to call their optometrist first for urgent eye care when they need it. We also talked about The Well Endowed Podcast from the Edmonton Community Foundation. Episode 109 explores the effects of intersectionality on making ends meet in Edmonton.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Oilers value

• Edmonton Oilers now worth more than a billion dollars, Calgary Flames $680M: Forbes

Reservation deposit

• RGE RD first in Edmonton to require deposits for reservations

Outdoor rinks

• PSA - City opening outdoor rinks for the season

Police budget

• 'Edmonton has a crime problem': Edmonton Police chief says police budget cuts could affect community safety
• 'We've taken too many hits:' Edmonton police advocating against further budget cuts to maintain current service levels
• Edmonton Police Service tweet
• Mack's tweet
• Another tweet from Mack

Bike lanes

• Concrete barriers in bike lanes in Garneau, Edmonton cause confusion
• Budget 2021: We need action on active transportation - Michael Janz

Traffic safety

• News Release: Female pedestrian succumbs to injuries after being struck by SUV on Jasper Avenue
• Charges laid after woman hit in crosswalk by ETS bus in downtown Edmonton

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted the Edmonton Community Foundation, "which acts as a bridge between donors and charities to create a strong, vibrant community for generations to come." We also talked about Rümi, part of the ATCO family. The service can help you "know what's easily fixable with a little D-I-Y, or when you might need to call in some professional help."

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Tax survey

• Hold the line on taxes, 4 in 10 Edmonton residents tell city in online survey

Omicron variant

• First case of omicron COVID-19 variant confirmed in Alberta, Hinshaw says

Winter waste

• City of Edmonton hopes to avoid winter waste issues with new cart system

LRT delayed (again)

• Opening of Edmonton's $1.8B Valley Line southeast LRT delayed a third time to summer 2022
• Troy's tweet
• Valley Line Southeast LRT artworks on track to wow commuters

Hawrelak Park

• Planned three-year closure of Edmonton's Hawrelak Park starting in 2023 leaves popular festivals in limbo
• Michael Janz's tweet
• U of A chemicals destroyed by EPS in controlled detonations at Hawrelak Park

Photo radar

• Alberta government says onus will be on municipalities to prove photo radar improves traffic safety
• Alberta extends freeze on new photo radar locations, aims to reduce 'cash cow' factor
• Rachel Notley's tweet
• Don Iveson's tweet

Bike lanes

• Drivers parking on new bike lane in Garneau neighbourhood
• Paths For People wants part of Edmonton's 102 Avenue to be car-free, a city councillor moves it forward

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted Park Power, "your friendly, local utilities provider in Alberta. Offering Internet, Electricity, and Natural Gas with low rates, awesome service, and profit-sharing with local charities." We also talked about The Future Of, a podcast hosted by ATB's chief economist Todd Hirsch that "connects with leaders who share their unique insight to help you navigate into the future."

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Elks clean house

• 'Significant on and off-field problems': Edmonton Elks fire president, general manager and head coach

Animal cruelty unit

• With Canada's first animal cruelty unit, Edmonton police aim to curtail other criminal behaviour

Cannabis over EPL

• Edmonton Public Library loses appeals to shut down cannabis stores

Family homeless shelters

• Edmonton needs a shelter for homeless families, outreach worker says

Greenfield land

• Tweet thread from Michael Janz
• Troy's tweet

Anti-racism initiatives

• City of Edmonton awards nearly $215K to 16 community anti-racism initiatives in first instalment of grant program
• Uncovering deeper layers: Art projects funded to confront racism across the city

Budget

• Calgarians to face nearly 4% tax hike as council approves 2022 budget

Councillor introductions

• Andrew Knack
• Erin Rutherford

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we talked about ATB Financial. ATB has a history of doing what's right for its clients, especially when times are tough—because ATB was Built to help Albertans. We also highlighted The Well Endowed Podcast from the Edmonton Community Foundation which explores the impact of passionate people who are working to make Edmonton a strong, vibrant city to live in.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Summer is here, and it comes with the sale of a riverboat, scooters, and summer streets. Plus, council writes a very sternly worded letter to the province. It'll work this time, they promise!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Tim Querengesser

• Tim's work
• LinkedIn profile
• @TimQuerengesser

Edmonton Riverboat

• Meet the new owners of the Edmonton Riverboat

Summer streets and scooters

• PSA: Summer Streets gives Edmontonians safer spaces for outdoor fun
• Where are Edmonton's e-scooters?

Bill 18/20

• Bill 20 offers power to accelerate housing through property tax breaks
• Edmonton city council asks Alberta to scrap Bill 18 and Bill 20 for consultation
• Changes to city charters, Municipal Government Act meant to bolster housing, cut costs: McIver
• Edmonton mayor, Alberta government meet to talk about Sohi's 6-page funding letter
• Sohi sends 6-page letter to Smith detailing ways Alberta can help Edmonton
• Federal government and Boyle Street Community Services invest in vital community building in downtown Edmonton
• Calgary's single-use items bylaw repealed, businesses no longer required to charge bag fee

Edge Fund

• Edmonton grants $4.7M to 17 organizations through Edge Fund
• Edmonton's biggest rec centres face name change in new sponsorship deal

Rapid fire

• The City of Edmonton finally has a 'Nathan Fillion Civilian Pavilion' & it's here to stay (for now)
• Premier Danielle Smith's tweet
• Edmonton fire chief Joe Zatylny resigns effective May 10

See us in person!

• May 21: Don't let the pink slime get you: AI's role in a healthy media ecosystem at Work Nicer Beaver House. Taproot CEO Mack Male and Ethically Aligned AI founder Katrina Ingram will discuss the uses and abuses of AI in media. Generative AI is flooding the world with "pink slime journalism," but it's also helping responsible companies like Taproot carry out our work more deeply and efficiently. We'll explore those realities at this community event associated with Upper Bound, Edmonton's annual AI conference. Tickets to our event are free.
• May 25: Edmonton International Cat Festival at the Robbins Health Learning Centre at MacEwan. We're thrilled to be a media sponsor for this 10th annual celebration of all things feline. We've asked our friends at Zoe's Animal Rescue to share our booth, so come by to meet some members of the Taproot team, and give a kitty a skritch while you're there. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, and kids get in free.
• May 30: Speaking Municipally Live: Untangling the housing knot at the Foundry Room. Our civic affairs podcast is recording live during the Canadian Housing Evidence Collaborative's summer institute, and you're invited. Hosts Troy Pavlek and Mack Male will discuss how the City of Edmonton can help alleviate the housing crisis; their guests are Joshua Evans of the Affordable Housing Solutions Lab and writer/researcher Eric Rice, who is working on a project with Taproot to help us better understand the housing system. Tickets are free.

This episode was brought to you by Inventures, the breakthrough innovation event from Alberta Innovates that is happening in Calgary from May 29 to 31. Inventures will bring more than 4,000 entrepreneurs, startups, scale-ups, academics, investors, and industry leaders together to cultivate relationships, showcase emerging technologies, and capitalize on Alberta's innovation advantage.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Dodgeball Championships

• Edmonton to host 2022 World Dodgeball Championships

Child care

• Ottawa, Alberta reach deal for $10-a-day child care

Legislature Annex

• Demolition begins for Alberta's historic — and problem-plagued — Legislature Annex building

Homelessness Funding

• News Release: Protecting vulnerable Albertans this winter
• Alberta announces $21.5 million to help homeless, domestic violence shelters this winter
• Enough beds expected in Edmonton's shelter system this winter following $21.5-million investment from Alberta government, Commonwealth Stadium to open as 24-7 shelter
• News Release: Task force to develop homelessness action plan
• Earlier: 'Significant gap in services:' City of Edmonton anticipates need for 350 additional shelter beds heading into winter, Sohi calling on province to fund Commonwealth Stadium 24-7 shelter
• Earlier: 'We are facing a crisis:' Edmonton shelter occupancy hits 97% as province poised to announce additional funding supports Wednesday
• Earlier: Edmonton shelters wait for province to step up as funds dry up

Budget 2022

• City of Edmonton proposing 1.8% property tax increase for 2022, projecting COVID-19 shortfall of $96.7 million
• Keith Gerein: Eager new council should avoid making waves while diving into Edmonton's budget
• City Council Non-Statutory Public Hearing - Budget - Nov. 29, 2021
• City of Edmonton reverses decision to privatize bus cleaning, saving more than 100 jobs

Urban Park

• Edmonton to move forward with exploring a potential national urban park
• Parks Canada to consider Edmonton-area river valley for national urban park network

Councillor Introductions

• Anne Stevenson
• Jo-Anne Wright

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we talked about YourForest, a podcast about the natural world that shares stories about the environment, renewable resources, conservation, forestry, hunting, fishing, and more. We also highlighted fellow APN member Let's Find Out, a podcast about history in Edmonton from Chris Chang-Yen Phillips. Episode 50 offers a peek into his day to day life studying to be a historian at the University of Alberta.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Parking Ban

• Edmonton road crews ready for winter weather, remind residents of 2-phase parking ban

Bill 80

• Food truck operators excited that they could sell alcohol if Bill 80 passes in Alberta Legislature

Heritage Valley

• New south Edmonton park and ride seeing one quarter of expected ridership

Mask Bylaw

• Mask bylaw renewed to protect Edmontonians

Wolf Willow

• New parking restriction program in west Edmonton causes community controversy

City Advertising

• Edmonton officials want another $3-million sole-source advertising deal with Postmedia – they should do better
• Mack's tweet
• 2018: The City of Edmonton has an opportunity to support new approaches to local journalism

Councillor Introductions

• Michael Janz, papastew
• Sarah Hamilton, sipiwiyiniwak

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we talked about ATB Cares, a platform that allows you to donate and have your donation matched by ATB to further your impact. We also highlighted Rümi from ATCO, which offers a variety of products and home maintenance, repair and installation services that can give customers control over their home.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

HR Policies

• Alberta premier's office appoints HR expert as minister speaks about drinking allegations

ETS Delays

• Edmonton transit to temporarily reduce bus frequency due to driver COVID-19 vaccination rates

Trick or Treat

• 'Treat or tricks': 1922 Edmonton Bulletin article has claim to first printed reference to popular Halloween phrase

Guests

• Giri Puligandla, executive director, CMHA Edmonton Region
• Christel Kjenner, director of affordable housing & homelessness, City of Edmonton

Housing Month

• Where and When — Edmonton Housing Month

Housing Background

• 'It's a human right': Edmontonians want city council to take more action on housing
• Housing, transit top priorities for Edmonton at Big City Mayors' Caucus
• Council approves new supportive housing projects, seeks provincial funding for operations
• Edmonton's housing market ranked top for affordability
• 'It has to work for everyone': Edmontonians call for more inclusive city planning

Councillor Introductions

• Aaron Paquette, Dene

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 service, and profit-sharing with local charities. We also highlighted fellow APN member Get Checkered, a podcast hosted by Shanika and Caitlin, newbies to Formula 1.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Tourism Minister

• Anand to Defence, Joly to Foreign Affairs: Trudeau announces major cabinet shakeup

Falling Back

• Albertans support bid to change equalization, narrowly turn down year-round daylight time

El Mirador

• Demolition of downtown Edmonton apartment building El-Mirador underway

Resignations

• Statement on Carla Smiley's resignation
• Byelection to be held in Sturgeon County after councillor-elect submits resignation

Election Results

• 2021 Election Results
• 'An Edmonton for all of us': Amarjeet Sohi elected as our city's next mayor
• What to expect from the new mayor and council
• 'Edmonton's next chapter': Sohi sworn in as mayor, calls for anti-racism strategy

Slow Burn

• 170 Street Pedestrian Bridge update
• Ada Boulevard Bridge update

Councillor Introductions

• Keren Tang, Karhiio
• Ashley Salvador, Métis

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. Offering Internet, Electricity, and Natural Gas with low rates, awesome service, and profit-sharing with local charities. We also talked about Is This For Real? a podcast about various facets of Black life in Edmonton.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Elections Alberta

• Elections Alberta apologizes, announces review of dubious election day tweets

Shared Streets

• Edmonton 'shared streets' for pedestrians, cyclists to be removed for winter

School Trustees

• 'Rocky roads ahead' all of Edmonton's new public school trustees have vowed to oppose Alberta's K-6 draft curriculum

Guest: Amarjeet Sohi

• sohi.ca
• @AmarjetSohiYEG
• 'An Edmonton for all of us': Amarjeet Sohi elected as our city's next mayor
• I'm Amarjeet Sohi, and I'm running to be Edmonton's next mayor. AMA!
• Taproot Survey responses

Other links

• Calgary Mayor-elect Jyoti Gondek says childcare is among her top priorities
• Avnish's tweet
• Troy's tweet about the puns

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we talked about The Well Endowed Podcast from the Edmonton Community Foundation. Episode 105 looked at YouTube series YEG Eats which spotlights BIPOC-owned restaurants. We also talked about Rümi's Ask A Home Inspector service which can help you determine what's easily fixable with a little D-I-Y, or when you might need to call in some professional help.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Best Cities

• Edmonton makes world's 100 best cities to live in

Stantec Tower

• New safety measures being added after multiple windows fall from Edmonton's Stantec Tower

Aurora Borealis

• Incredibly bright aurora borealis lights up Alberta's night sky

Troy's week

• There's a new Mike Nickel billboard on Gateway Blvd
• Troy's Greg Zeschuk tweet

Disclosures

• Candidate Disclosures - 2021 Edmonton Municipal Election - Taproot Edmonton
• All Edmonton mayoral front-runners promise to publish donor lists before election
• Byron Vass tweet

TransEd Announcement

• Valley Line Southeast LRT delayed again until first quarter of 2022 as a result of COVID-19 impacts, lengthy testing
• Construction delays mean Valley Line Southeast LRT won't open this year
• Opening of Valley Line Southeast LRT delayed again as first train crosses Tawatinâ Bridge

Ada Boulevard Bridge

• Ada Boulevard reopens but some Edmontonians express safety concerns
• 'It looks unfinished and it feels unsafe': Edmontonians concerned about upgraded bridge at Ada Boulevard

Urban Planning

• River valley solar farm not popular among most council candidates
• City aims for Edmontonians to 'live more locally' with 15-minute districts
• Kalen Anderson's tweet
• From the survey
  • How should council bring the 15-minute districts described in the City Plan to life?
  • Do you support the city's current approach to infill?
  • Which statement best describes your opinion of city council's zoning decisions?

Election Rundown

• Municipal election rundown: Oct. 13, 2021
• Mike Nickel and Amarjeet Sohi square off on the issues
• Sohi not committing to property tax freeze if elected mayor
• Mike Nickel's tweet

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted fellow APN member Quantum Kickflip which features six Edmonton comedians play Slugblaster, a sci-fi tabletop roleplaying game developed in Alberta. We also talked about the Alberta Association of Optometrists which represents almost 800 Doctors of Optometry in over eighty communities across the province.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Vital Signs

• Single adults struggling to make ends meet: Edmonton Vital Signs report

HBO Filming

• HBO's The Last of Us shooting near Rice Howard Way in mid October

QR Codes

• Alberta rolls out vaccine QR codes without app, will not replace paper records

Downtown Construction

• 2013: LRT Construction Downtown: Short-term pain, long-term gain!
• Jasper Avenue construction completed after 2 years
• City of Edmonton tweet
• Brent Toderian tweet

Campaign Disclosures

• Troy's tweet thread

Housing and Police

• Housing First question
• Police racism question
• Police budget question
• Edmonton police chief contract extended to 2026
• Edmonton police chief commits to addressing crime, social disorder in city's downtown

Election Rundown

• Municipal election rundown: Oct. 6, 2021
• Voter turnout in Edmonton triples since 2017 in first two days of advance polls
• Vanessa Denman: Our ability to choose has been taken away
• NDP denies running Edmonton city council 'slate,' defends endorsements
• Ask YEG Mayoral Candidate Kim Krushell Anything
• Amarjeet Sohi: An Edmontonian Musical

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted ATB which offers "expert and practical advice in everyday banking, and investment planning expertise and management services with ATB Wealth." We also talked about Rumi which "partners with local Alberta businesses and carefully selected vendors to help deliver homeowner happiness."

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Pickled Garlic

• Mojo Jojo Pickles expanded during the pandemic

Superstore Strike

• Alberta Superstore Employees Vote Overwhelmingly In Favour of Striking

Truth and Reconciliation

• Where the candidates stand on the city's approach to truth and reconciliation
• Edmonton region prepares to observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Valley Line West

• Valley Line - West | City of Edmonton
• Troy's tweet thread
• Here's what the mayoral candidates are driving at on transportation issues
• Andrew Knack tweet thread #1
• Andrew Knack tweet thread #2

Transition Memos

• Don Iveson's website
• Home energy labels would lower emissions, reduce mystery for buyers, says Edmonton mayor

Endorsements

• Don Iveson endorses three council candidates for Edmonton's October municipal election
• Keith Gerein: Council's departing captain takes controversial step to keep Edmonton on course
• Jon Dziadyk's tweet
• Tony Caterina's tweet

Economy and Politics

• What do you think the city's main fiscal challenge is?
• Should city council continue to have a code of conduct?
• Take the Taproot Survey
• More ways to have fun with the Taproot Survey

Municipal Rundown

• Municipal election rundown: Sept. 29, 2021
• Aaron Paquette for Ward Dene

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted Park Power, "your friendly, local utilities provider in Alberta." Park Power offers internet, electricity, and natural gas with "low rates, awesome service, and profit-sharing with local charities." We also talked about Book Women, a podcast about editing, publishing, and writing Indigenous stories.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Jason Kenney

• Jason Kenney survives caucus meeting with leadership review to come

Buy and Sell

• Edmonton police and Telus announce new buy-and-sell exchange zones across the city

Baby Zebra

• It's a girl! Proud parents Zuri and... - Edmonton Valley Zoo

Roads and Transit

• What should the residential speed limit be?
• Where do you stand on accommodating active transportation?
• Do you support the expansion of major roads?
• What should be done about transit fares?
• What is your position on the bus network redesign? What should be done about LRT expansion?

Mayoral Forum

• Troy's tweet thread

Nominations Close

• PSA - Edmonton Election official candidate list now available
• Six Edmonton Catholic School Board trustee incumbents win election races uncontested following close of nominations
• Nominations close for 2021 municipal election

Federal Election

• Liberal Randy Boissonnault claims victory in Edmonton Centre
• Conservative support sags as Albertans add Liberal, NDP MPs
• Federal election: Conservatives' Uppal re-elected in Edmonton Mill Woods despite close race with Liberals
• 'It has been challenging': Edmonton's mayor concerned about city's potential lack of representation in new Liberal caucus

Vaccine Passports

• Find out which Calgary businesses will require vaccine passports after bylaw OK'd by council
• Announcement of optional passport system spurs uptick in COVID-19 vaccinations
• Most Edmonton region municipalities opt in to proof-of-vaccination program

Municipal Rundown

• Municipal election rundown: Sept. 22, 2021
• 'Disappointing, disheartening': O-day'min candidates condemn racism directed at fellow candidate
• Susan Field's tweet
• Aaron Paquette for Ward Dene

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted YEGPodfest which takes place online Oct. 1-3. The event features masterclasses with professional podcasters, panel discussions, feature interviews, and more. We also talked about Park Power which offers Internet, Electricity, and Natural Gas with low rates, awesome service, and profit-sharing with local charities.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Truth and Reconciliation

• News release: City and EPS to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Driver Shortage

• Driver shortage causing yellow bus delays for Edmonton schools

Election Signs

• Federal races overshadowing municipal ones, Edmonton election watchers say

Nominations Closing

• PSA: Reminders about running and voting in the Edmonton Election

Vaccines and Masks

• City of Edmonton Vaccination Results
• Not enough City of Edmonton employees fully vaccinated: Iveson
• Edmonton city council to look at granting exemptions to mask bylaw
• Amended Edmonton bylaw clarifies masking use for performers, places of worship

Vaccine Passports

• News release: New vaccine requirements and COVID-19 measures in Alberta
• Local mayors lament letter advocating for vaccine passport in the Edmonton region
• Alberta's 'open for summer' plan set trajectory of COVID's 4th wave, Hinshaw now says
• Alberta introducing printable COVID-19 vaccination card
• 74 per cent of Edmontonians, Calgarians support vaccine passports: survey

15 Minute City

• City aims for Edmontonians to 'live more locally' with 15-minute districts

Election Rundown

• Municipal election rundown: Sept. 15, 2021
• Mayoral candidates asked to remove supervised injection sites 'out of Chinatown'
• Mayor Don Iveson endorses Ben Henderson
• Three tight federal election races coming down to the wire in Edmonton, Iveson endorses council colleague Ben Henderson in Mill Woods riding

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted The Brief, an Alberta Better podcast series from the Business Council of Alberta. The series explores the big challenges Albertans are facing and celebrates stories of growth, innovation, and prosperity. We also talked about The Well Endowed Podcast from the Edmonton Community Foundation. The podcast explores the impact of passionate people who are working to make Edmonton a strong, vibrant city to live in.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

We speak with Eddie Robar, the interim city manager at the City of Edmonton, about what he plans to do for the time he'll be in the role.

Since recording this episode, the Alberta government reversed its decision to cut its share of funding for low-income transit passes in Edmonton and Calgary following public backlash and discussions with the cities’ mayors.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Eddie Robar

• Eddie Robar on LinkedIn
• 2015: Halifax Transit Manager Eddie Robar latest city executive to leave for greener pastures
• 2016: Back on track: Edmonton hires new transit manager
• News Release: City Council names Eddie Robar as Interim City Manager
• Eddie Robar named interim City of Edmonton manager while permanent replacement sought
• New interim Edmonton city manager Eddie Robar focusing on improving work culture after tense labour dispute

Low-income transit pass

• Alberta government cuts funding for Edmonton, Calgary low-income transit pass, mayors say
• Province reverses decision to cut funding for low-income bus passes in Calgary and Edmonton

Rapid fire

• News Release: Alberta's vision for passenger rail
• News Release: New EPark mobile payment in effect today
• Brett Kissel curse? Radio host starts petition to stop singer from performing anthem at Oilers playoff games

Speaking Municipally Live

• May 30: Speaking Municipally Live: Untangling the housing knot

This episode is brought to you by NAIT. Celebrating the impact of its grads on the community, NAIT announces this year's award recipients who are visionaries, community-builders, trailblazers and more. See their impact at nait.ca/celebrate.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

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Guest: Elaine Hyshka

• Elaine Hyshka, BA, MA, PhD
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

Opioid Crisis

• Edmonton doctors band together to battle Alberta's deepening opioid crisis
• Opinion: COVID-19 crisis is likely to blame for Alberta's rising overdoses
• Edmonton opioid crisis: Daily deaths, overdoses overwhelming social services and health-care system
• 'Keeping these people alive': A volunteer team works to reverse overdoses in Edmonton
• Canada's drug policy — not drugs — is killing people at record numbers, advocates say
• Portraits of loss: One hundred lives, felled by an overdose crisis
• Canada's opioid crisis (fact sheet)

Aug. 31

• International Overdose Awareness Day
• Edmontonians march for better outreach, action on opioid crisis on International Overdose Awareness Day
• Elaine's tweet

Supervised Consumption Services

• Why SCS
• At Canada's former busiest supervised consumption site, anxiety over what comes next

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted YEGPodFest, presented by Edmonton Community Foundation, in partnership with the Alberta Podcast Network and LitFest, Canada's nonfiction festival. YEGPodFest runs online from Oct. 1-3. We also talked about Bessie Box which delivers healthy, naturally raised meat and seafood right to your door! Use the promotion code APN10 to save ten percent off your first order.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

U of A

• The University of Alberta is undergoing a massive structural change — but for better or worse?

WEM Transit

• ETS tweet
• West Edmonton Mall Transit Centre relocates for several years due to LRT construction

Whyte Scramble

• Edmonton adds 2 new pedestrian scrambles to Whyte Avenue

Clean Energy

• Clean Energy Improvement Program
• Definition: Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Loan
• Toronto's Home Energy Loan Program

Mask Mandate

• News Release: Face covering bylaw reactivated; masks required across city
• Edmonton's masking bylaw coming back Friday
• Hospitality industry concerns with enforcement, patron response swirl around reinstatement of Edmonton's indoor mask mandate
• Peak of Alberta's 4th wave could hit 1,500 hospitalizations, modelling warns

City Manager

• Coming up at council: Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2021

Safe Passing

• Room to move: Edmonton implementing mandatory bike passing distance for motorists Sept. 30
• City of Edmonton tweet

Election Rundown

• Municipal election rundown: Sept. 1, 2021
• Council candidates in Edmonton see signs vandalized, go missing
• Man running for seat on Edmonton city council calls for more police support after attack

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted the AlbertaBETTER podcast from the Business Council of Alberta. The show is "on a journey to understand what it takes to create a good life here in Alberta and how we, as Albertans, businesses, and governments, can shape our society so everyone prospers." We also talked about the Alberta Association of Optometrists, which represents almost 800 Doctors of Optometry in over eighty communities across the province.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Flair Airlines

• Flair Airlines expanding operations out of Edmonton airport

Rogers Place

• Fans must prove they're vaccinated — or COVID-free — to enter Edmonton's Rogers Place

Vaccine Encouragement

• Competition to encourage youth vaccinations launched by 4 Alberta universities

Mask Mandate

• 'Something we're looking at very closely:' Iveson supports vaccine mandate for city employees as COVID-19 cases rise in Edmonton
• Andrew Knack's tweet

Tree Protection

• 'More pain getting heaped on:' Edmonton infill developers challenging proposed permit fees tied to city's tree protection bylaw
• City committee agrees to take a stand to protect, preserve trees in Edmonton's public spaces

Clean Energy

• Edmonton city council unanimously approves $12.4-million clean energy program for 100 building retrofits to reduce carbon emissions

Cannabis Licenses

• Chart of the week: Cannabis licences

Election Rundown

• Municipal election rundown: Aug. 25, 2021

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted C-Suite Unplugged, an AlbertaBETTER podcast series from the Business Council of Alberta. The show "brings you fresh and honest conversations with Alberta's biggest CEOs—from leaders in energy and finance to tech, innovation, and agriculture — and everything in between." We also talked about Bessie Box, which offers healthy, naturally raised meat and seafood delivered right to your door! Use promotion code APN10 to save 10% off your first order.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Lucy Again

• Animal rights group calls for independent health review of Edmonton's Lucy the elephant

Notable Mansions

• Notable Edmonton mansion gifted to University of Alberta to be demolished
• Concordia University of Edmonton acquires historic Magrath Mansion

Climate Change

• 'It doubled': Alberta power bills soaring along with the temperatures

Barry Morishita

• Brooks mayor to run for leader of Alberta Party

Ben Henderson

• City councillor Ben Henderson announces federal campaign under Liberal banner
• Ward 8 Edmonton Coun. Ben Henderson takes unpaid leave of absence to run for Liberals in federal election

Percent for Art

• Revised Percent for Art program would separate public art funding from capital projects

Holyrood Gardens

• Edmonton city council quashes another bid for bigger Holyrood Gardens

Civilian Pavilion

• City of Edmonton tweet
• Edmonton city hall will be renamed 'Nathan Fillion Civilian Pavilion' for 24 hours

Election Rundown

• Municipal election rundown: Aug. 18, 2021
• City not hosting public forums for 2021 Edmonton municipal election

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted High Level Hip Hop, a podcast deep dive from CJSR into Edmonton's hip hop scene and the artists helping shape it. Each episode features an interview with a local artist, plus a fresh track they recorded at CJSR. We also talked about The Well Endowed Podcast from the Edmonton Community Foundation which "explores the impact of passionate people who are working to make Edmonton a strong, vibrant city to live in."

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Guest: Karen Unland

• Twitter
• LinkedIn

People's Agenda

• People's Agenda
• The People's Agenda project enters its next phase
• Another progress report on the People's Agenda
• A first draft of the People's Agenda

C5 Hub

• This social-services experiment is working — could there be more?

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted The Well Endowed Podcast from the Edmonton Community Foundation which "explores the impact of passionate people who are working to make Edmonton a strong, vibrant city to live in." Episode 101 looks at the return of the Fringe Festival. We also talked about the Alberta Association of Optometrists which represents almost 800 Doctors of Optometry in over eighty communities across the province. The Eye See Eye Learn program provides an eye exam and free glasses, if needed, for kindergarten-aged children.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Tawatinâ Bridge

• Delayed Valley Line LRT pedestrian bridge across the river not expected to open before snow hits

Guest: Martin Dugas

• LinkedIn
• RiverWatch Institute Alberta

River Links

• Science Data | RiverWatch
• Safety Overview | RiverWatch
• Touch the Water
• River Valley Alliance

River Stuff

• River levels set to rise with release at Bighorn Dam
• Edmonton city councillor says local water could be at risk for coal mine contamination in the future
• City council endorses heritage nomination for North Saskatchewan River
• Which local trails are open? An overview of closures ahead of the long weekend
• Sturgeon make a comeback in North Saskatchewan River
• Dam Complicated
• The View from the River: Paddling the North Saskatchewan with Edmonton Canoe

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted The Brief, an Alberta Better podcast series, presented by the Business Council of Alberta that "explores the big challenges we face as Albertans." We also talked about SHIFT by Alberta Innovates, a podcast that showcases the work being done in the province's innovation ecosystem by interviewing "the researchers, entrepreneurs and businesses that are shifting our perspective about innovation in the province."

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

UAlberta Website

• Welcome to our new University of Alberta website!

Mayoral Debate

• Candidates come out swinging in first Edmonton mayoral forum, economic recovery and Downtown vibrancy top of mind

Planning Awards

• Edmonton wins planning awards for open option parking and City Plan

Guest: Mariah Samji

• Executive Director, Infill Development in Edmonton Association
• LinkedIn
• Top Barriers to Infill Development

CoE Infill

• Infill Roadmap
• City Plan
• Edmonton Exhibition Lands
• Blatchford

Infill Coverage

• Infill fills a need, but at a cost
• Seven actions from Edmonton's infill roadmap completed in 2020
• 'It has to work for everyone': Edmontonians call for more inclusive city planning
• Rezoning applications propose increased density in Windsor Park and Westmount
• Edmonton wins planning awards for open option parking and City Plan
• Edmonton second in nation for single-family home starts

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted SHIFT by Alberta Innovates, a podcast that showcases the work being done in the province's innovation ecosystem. A recent episode features Jana Rieger from True Angle Medical discussing creativity, research and being an entrepreneur. We also talked about the Edmonton Community Foundation which acts as a bridge between donors and charities to create a strong, vibrant community for generations to come.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Hi Jagmeet

• NDP Leader Singh talks jobs, support for workers and health care during Edmonton pitstop

LRT Testing

• LRT trains begin testing on Edmonton's Valley Line Southeast

Oilers Schedule

• Edmonton Oilers announce team's 2021 pre-season schedule, including games against Flames, Kraken

Guest: Dustin Bajer

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Twitter
• Shrubscriber
• Forest City Plants
• 2019: The Case of the Capilano Apricots

Tree Love

• Root for Trees
• Public Tree Bylaw proposed to help protect Edmonton's urban forest
• Watch out for that tree: Idylwylde residents push back against City of Edmonton planting project in pocket park
• Emily Riddle's tweet
• The City Plan (see page 159)
• Emerald ash borer
• Tree open data
• 2017: How green is my city beyond the valley?

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we highlighted Rümi, the newest member of the ATCO family. Rümi partners with local Alberta businesses and "carefully selected vendors" to "help deliver homeowner happiness." Services are currently available in Calgary and Edmonton. We also talked about the Alberta Association of Optometrists which works to provide "world class eye care for every Albertan." The organization represents almost 800 Doctors of Optometry in over eighty communities across the province.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

No Herbicides

• Spray no more: City of Edmonton asking residents not to use herbicides reacity parks to combat outbreak of weeds

Bridge Appreciation

• Seniors group shows appreciation for 170 Street pedestrian overpass replacement project

Re/Max Turf

• Re/Max Field in Edmonton, Alberta, nothing to envy to the new Globe Life Field in Texas

Summer Break

• City council heads into summer break following several contentious decisions

Transit Loitering

• Loitering tickets will no longer be handed out at Edmonton transit facilities

Funicular Troubles

• Extreme temperatures close Edmonton's 100 Street Funicular
• City of Edmonton tweet
• The Great Heatwave of 2021
• June 2021 Review
• 2017: Edmonton launches $24-million river valley funicular
• 2016: Edmonton river valley funicular on time and on budget

Population Growth

• Chart of the week: Edmonton's future population growth

Drone Delivery

• Drone delivery service set to take off at Edmonton airport

Speed Limits

• News Release: 40 km/h default speed limit coming to Edmonton August 6 to make our streets safer
• 40 km/h speed limit for residential, downtown Edmonton roads comes into effect Aug. 6
• Hit the brakes: Edmonton's 40 km/h default speed limit starts Aug. 6
• Interactive Speed Map
• Estimated Time of Arrival Tool

Election Rundown

• Scott Johnston's tweet
• Municipal election rundown: July 15, 2021

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we talked about AlbertaBETTER, a podcast by the Business Council of Alberta that "is on a journey to understand what it takes to create a good life here in Alberta and how we, as Albertans, businesses, and governments, can shape our society so everyone prospers." We also talked about SHIFT by Alberta Innovates, a podcast that "showcases the work being done in the province's innovation ecosystem -- everything from health to clean energy."

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Transit Updates

• PSA - ETS adjusts bus service based on rider feedback

Waste Collection

• Edmonton working to fix issues with new waste collection program after thousands of homes missed

Kingsway Mall

• Courtney Theriault's tweet

Sanction Hearing

• Councillor Mike Nickel to face third sanction hearing in the past year
• Edmonton city councillor escapes public censure for breaking code of conduct
• Mack's tweet
• Troy's tweet
• Another Troy tweet
• Nickel's response

Reimagine Services

• City of Edmonton taking a swing at privatizing golf course operations, council approves moving ahead on 16 recommended 'reimagine' actions
• No fees for parking at city facilities, Edmonton councillors decide

Airport Support

• Regional organizations raise $14.9M to help EIA attract flights

High-Speed Rail

• Race to build high-speed Calgary-Edmonton rail on with second pitch

Fringe Festival

• Join Us for Together We Fringe: A Fringe Theatre Event

Election Rundown

• Municipal election rundown: July 8, 2021
• Troy's tweet

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we talked about the Alberta Association of Optometrists which represents almost 800 Doctors of Optometry in over eighty communities across the province. Alberta Health coverage is available towards your urgent eyecare appointment! We also gave a Pod Power shoutout to Overdue Finds, a podcast from the Edmonton Public Library featuring conversations about books, movies, music, pop culture and other great things happening in Edmonton.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

The spring budget adjustment has been finalized, and the final tax increase council arrived at was quite a bit higher than expected.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Spring SOBA

• On the agenda: Potential tax increases, Windsor Park rezoning, supportive housing
• News Release: City Council finalizes 2024 spring budget adjustments
• Edmonton sets 8.9 per cent property tax hike for 2024
• Edmonton city council needs to have a 'firmer backbone' over budget: Tim Cartmell
• Erin Rutherford: Financial stewardship is more than keeping taxes low
• Opinion: Don't blame bike lanes for Edmonton's property tax hike
• Joint Letter - Spring 2024 Supplemental Operating Budget Adjustment

Police recruitment

• Attrition is down. Recruitment is up.
• 'On an upswing': Edmonton police seeing fewer officers leaving the force, more recruits
• 2023: Edmonton Police Service sees jump in departing officers in 2022

Keren Tang

• Edmonton councillor at the centre of anonymous letter sent to province speaks out
• Alberta premier says 'anonymous letter' forwarded to Edmonton ethics commissioner

Bill 204

• New bill allows Alberta government to set conditions for national urban park decisions
• Regional Roundup: April 24, 2024

Bill 20

• Alberta bill gives cabinet power to remove municipal councillors, change or repeal bylaws

Rapid fire

• Redevelopment plans in question after historic Edmonton air hangar gutted by fire
• EPSB: April 30 - Special Board Meeting
• Hydrogen convention to bring world to region

Speaking Municipally Live

• May 30: Speaking Municipally Live: Untangling the housing knot

Edmonton heritage

• How Edmonton's first community archivist builds better records

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Virtual Reality

• New virtual reality attraction to launch at West Edmonton Mall this summer

Sink Hole

• Troy's tweet

Urban Hens

• Chart of the week: Edmonton's urban hens program

Heat Wave

• Troy's tweet
• Lack of shaded, cool spaces a concern as Edmonton's vulnerable deal with heat wave
• Water restrictions in effect for Edmonton-area communities, southeast Edmonton
• Edmonton ties record for longest streak of above 30 C days; other records continue to fall
• Edmonton weather nerdery: June 2021 Review
• Carrie Hotton-MacDonald's tweet
• Cheryll Watson's tweet

Masks Off

• City of Edmonton recreation centres reopening for drop-in use, masks no longer required for visitors as COVID-19 restrictions ease July 1
• Mack's tweet thread
• Face-Covering Restrictions: Moving Forward - Tim Cartmell - Councillor
• Troy's tweet
• Another tweet from Troy
• City's new equity toolkit is first of its kind in Canada
• Edmonton's mandatory mask rule to end July 1 following split 7-6 city council vote, masks required indoors for staff at most city facilities until Aug. 1

Canada Day

• Edmontonians asked to reflect on legacy of residential schools
• Region moves forward with Canada Day celebrations, despite calls to cancel the holiday
• Truth and reconciliation in Edmonton: Where we're at and what you can do

Hyperloop

• Canadian hyperloop company says ultra-high-speed travel between Calgary and Edmonton is feasible

Election Rundown

• Municipal election rundown: July 1, 2021

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we talked about The Well Endowed Podcast from the Edmonton Community Foundation which explores the impact of passionate people who are working to make Edmonton a strong, vibrant city to live in. We also highlighted Rümi, the newest member of the ATCO family, which partners with local Alberta businesses and carefully selected vendors to help deliver homeowner happiness. Currently available in Calgary, Edmonton, and their surrounding areas.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

eSports Millionaire

• Alberta eSports player's team earns $1 million in South Korea tournament

Canada Day

• Edmonton to host Canada Day fireworks, St. Albert cancels display

Lime on Uber

• Edmonton becomes first Canadian city to use Uber for booking Lime scooter rides

Masks Bylaw

• News Release: Alberta hits 70% threshold, triggering full reopening on July 1
• Alberta doctors nervous about Stage 3 of reopening, pointing to more transmissible Delta variant
• Coming up at council: June 21-25, 2021
• Calgary's mask bylaw will stay in place until at least July 5
• Edmonton's mandatory mask bylaw may outlive the provincial rule
• Mack's tweet thread

Paid Parking

• Changes to city services could save nearly $16M over five years
• 'It's so wrong': Opposition to city administration's cost savings plan mounts ahead of presentation to council
• Petition · Stop the City of Edmonton from implementing parking fees for city parks and attractions
• Aaron Paquette's tweet

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we talked about The Well Endowed Podcast from the Edmonton Community Foundation which explores the impact of passionate people who are working to make Edmonton a strong, vibrant city to live in. Episode 98 features an interview with Shane Scott who has created an endowment fund to support LGBTQ2S+ students as they pursue post-secondary education. We also highlighted Park Power, "your friendly, local utilities provider in Alberta. Offering Internet, Electricity, and Natural Gas with low rates, awesome service, and profit-sharing with local charities."

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Fire Stations

• Edmonton considers charging developers for fire stations in new communities

Green Space

• Edmonton residents win dispute with city over improvements to green space

Rebranding Grandin

• Grandin Fish 'n' Chips rebrands, drops Grandin name

Guest: Puneeta McBryan

• Twitter
• LinkedIn

Vibrancy Strategy

• Vibrancy strategy aims to support the recovery of Downtown Edmonton
• Puneeta's Twitter thread
• Edmonton's worsening opioid crisis prompts renewed calls for action
• Puneeta's tweet about the opioid crisis

Station Lands

• Qualico looking for $37M in CRL funding to move Station Lands forward
• Mack's Twitter thread

Election Rundown

• Municipal election rundown: June 17
• Coun. Mike Nickel should face censure and reprimand, integrity commissioner finds

Speaking Municipally is a proud member of the Alberta Podcast Network: locally grown, community supported.

This week we talked about the SHIFT Podcast from Alberta Innovates. The podcast showcases the work being done in the province's innovation ecosystem. The June 15th episode discussed how to lay the legal foundation when starting a business with guest Paul Barbeau. We also highlighted The Well Endowed Podcast from the Edmonton Community Foundation which explores the impact of passionate people who are working to make Edmonton a strong, vibrant city to live in.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!