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Speaking MunicipallyWhen did you last mow the lawn?Edmonton is building fewer parking spaces than housing units, St. Albert is trying to grow its downtown population, Hawrelak Park could open by the end of the year, and we look at the City's new mowing map.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Downtown St. AlbertWhy St. Albert's downtown could be welcoming a lot more residentsParkingEdmonton building fewer parking stalls than infill housing unitsElection newsKeith Gerein: With 75 days to go, Edmonton mayoral race missing a front-runnerKeith Gerein: Frustrated Cartmell was his own worst...2025-08-0835 minSpeaking MunicipallyThe State of Our CityWe dive into the "start" of construction season, and the latest state of the city event. We also touch on traffic management in Belgravia, and private contracts for the Edmonton police.Here are the relevant links for this episode:EPS contractsPrivate contracts for Edmonton police rose sharply over last five years: dataConstruction seasonNews Release: City thinks big as it kicks off 2025 construction seasonBelgravia trafficCouncil seeks potentially 'radical' solutions in Belgravia traffic assessmentState of the CityState of Our City 2025, presented by EPCOR...2025-05-0949 minSpeaking MunicipallySo he's running... but for what?Mayor Amarjeet Sohi joins us to discuss his political future. Will he run for re-election? Will he return to federal politics? We hear what Sohi thinks is needed to stand up for Canada and municipalities.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Amarjeet SohiMayor Amarjeet SohiWhat We Have Accomplished TogetherFrom the conversationEdmonton mayor celebrates downtown investments, restored grants in Alberta budgetSohi calls Alberta's $106M funding commitment for downtown Edmonton a step in right directionEdmonton focused on not buying goods and services from the U.S.Keith Gerein: Investment...2025-03-2253 minSpeaking MunicipallyAn ICEy reception to CRL extensionWe discuss the potential renaming of the field at Commonwealth Stadium, a recommendation to accelerate the adoption of heat pumps, another Edmonton Public School Board trustee resignation, and the new ICE District deal. Plus, we talk about the Energy City Cactus Rats, ETS merchandise, and more.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Commonwealth Stadium fieldCommonwealth Stadium field could be renamed Play Alberta FieldAdopting heat pumpsCouncil urged to accelerate adoption of heat pumpsICE District dealHere's what's in Edmonton's draft deal with province for...2025-03-0736 minSpeaking MunicipallyA committee is bornA new committee of council has been born (or, at least, is in utero). Plus, Bridgegate both continues and concludes, council has approved the Nordic spa in the river valley, and the province's CorruptCare scandal (allegedly) reaches the city.Here are the relevant links for this episode:BridgegateCity releases schedule of Edmonton's bridge renewals for 2025Puneeta McBryan's LinkedIn postDowntown Revitalization Coalition's LinkedIn postInfrastructure committeeCouncil reportCoun. Aaron Paquette speaks at council meeting about misinformationNordic spaEdmonton city council approves rezoning application for nordic spa developmentTop of Bank...2025-02-2832 minSpeaking MunicipallyBlame Edmonton for the tariffsCity council heard about potential tariffs and how they might affect our city. Plus, the Edmonton Design Committee could be expanding its mandate, and we look at how construction on the Valley Line West LRT might accelerate.Here are the relevant links for this episode:TariffsEdmonton city council, business leaders talk tariff strategy as administrators review contractsMayor, province point fingers after Trump adviser singles out Edmonton's drug crisisMayor Amarjeet Sohi's threadCoun. Tim Cartmell's postCoun. Andrew Knack's postNov. 30, 2022: Operating Budget Amendment 83Edmonton Design CommitteeEdmonton Design Committee could review more developments...2025-02-0751 minSpeaking MunicipallyEddie's still driving –– but now it's permanentWe're joined by the no-longer-interim city manager, Eddie Robar, to discuss his role, the city's finances, the year ahead, and the upcoming municipal election.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Guest: Eddie RobarEddie Robar on LinkedInEpisode 262: Eddie's still here, and he's driving the busEddie's post on LinkedIn about taking over the roleBudget pressures top of mind for Edmonton's new city managerKeith Gerein: Edmonton's city manager the safe choice for a risky timeWorkforceCity of Edmonton planning to sell 2 downtown office buildings, relocate hundreds of staffCarbon emissions2025-01-1748 min
Speaking MunicipallyJeopardy 2024This. Is. Speaking Municipally Jeopardy! Three branch managers from the City of Edmonton square off in our annual holiday trivia episode. Enjoy!Here are the relevant links for this episode:Carrie Hotton-MacDonaldBranch Manager, Edmonton Transit ServiceLinkedInPascale LadouceurBranch Manager, Infrastructure Planning & DesignLinkedInCate WattBranch Manager, Assessment and TaxationLinkedInSpeaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, the most reliable source of intelligence about what's happening in the Edmonton region. Through curiosity-driven original stories, tailored and useful newsletters, a comprehensive and innovative events calendar, and thought-provoking podcasts...2024-12-2046 minSpeaking MunicipallyEventually the bill comes dueIn our penultimate episode of 2024, we recap the 2025 budget and discuss how the process might change in the future. Plus, we wrap up the Housing Complex project and look at what's next as we head into municipal election season.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Budget recapNews Release: City Council confirms fall budget adjustmentsEdmonton city council sets property tax increase at 6.1% for 2025Edmonton city council votes for 6.1% tax hike for 2025With all the amendments to the city budget tabled, Councillor Tim Cartmell has proposed zero total reductionsEdmonton city councillors react to...2024-12-1346 minSpeaking MunicipallyThe fiscal gap makes for a SOBAring budget discussionThis week, budget season has begun. Troy and Stephanie guide you into the start of our year-end busy season, and explain how this will lead into next year's busy season, the election.Here are the relevant links for this episode:BudgetEdmonton city council looks for cuts to lower 8.1 per cent tax hike eyed for 2025Edmonton city councillors question travel budgets and spending on Calgary StampedeElection9 candidates declare intention to run for Edmonton City CouncilCity managerEdmonton city council hires Eddie Robar as city managerBudget pressures top...2024-11-1537 minSpeaking Municipally13 months noticeThis week, Mack and Stephanie speak with Coun. Andrew Knack about his decision not to seek re-election in next year's municipal election. They also discuss the city's $34 million budget shortfall.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Andrew Knack@andrewknackAndrew Knack on LinkedInThe Toughest Decision I've Ever Made — Andrew KnackBudgetCity of Edmonton projecting $34M deficit for end of 2024News Release: Statement on Q2 2024 Financial UpdateFrom the Taproot newsroomVancouver and Toronto companies relocating to Edmonton regionElev and Five Oaks launch student housing project called The Hi...2024-09-1353 minSpeaking MunicipallyThese budget gains are not working outAdministration has recommended an 8.7% tax increase for 2024 citing increasing cost pressures. And no, cutting bike lane funding won't fix that. Plus, we dig into transit oriented development, the nighttime economy, and bike lane infractions on 102 Avenue.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Spring budget adjustmentsApril 11, 2024: City releases proposed spring operating budget adjustmentsFeb. 29, 2024: Statement on 2023 Financial ResultsNov. 28, 2023: City Council confirms fall budget adjustmentsOct. 26, 2023: City releases fall budget adjustmentsPIA Statement on Taxes and Payments Owed to the City of EdmontonCouncillor Michael Janz: If the UCP reversed reductions, your property tax could be 7% lowerApril 23...2024-04-1243 minSpeaking MunicipallyBye Bye Mr. Manager GuyWe dive into city manager Andre Corbould's resignation and why it will matter.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Andre CorbouldAndre Corbould is out as Edmonton's city managerEdmonton city hall's top bureaucrat is gone — how did we get here?David Staples: Province considers move to 'audit and stabilize' the City of Edmonton, say government officialsCoun. Erin Rutherford responseNavigation centre numbersAlberta claiming success with Edmonton navigation support centre, plans to expand to CalgaryHomeless people in Edmonton are dying at 8 times the rate as pre-pandemicRachel Notley says the permanent ho...2024-03-2939 minSpeaking MunicipallySix rezonings, 10 bike routes, and 12 OPsThis week, OP12 returned and council appears to be a bit more bearish on the idea. Plus, we learn more about the bike routes being built in 2024, and there are six rezonings testing the limits of the new zoning bylaw.Here are the relevant links for this episode:NASHStephanie's post with fellow presentersStephanie's post about getting your first job in journalismOP12Report offers council service cuts and new fees to meet OP12 goalsGeorge SpadyGeorge Spady looks to relocate detox program to Jasper PlaceEdmonton detox unit...2024-02-2332 minSpeaking MunicipallyWater we gonna talk about this week?Valley Line users were left out in the cold when doors didn't function and heat wouldn’t turn on. Plus, EPCOR really leads the OP12 savings charge by cutting off everyone’s water!Here are the relevant links for this episode:Valley Line sheltersValley Line shelters give riders cold shoulderOP12 reallocationsReport offers council service cuts and new fees to meet OP12 goalsCity Hall updateCity cancels meetings after attack at city hallNews Release: City makes safe and steady progress on City Hall restorationDamage in Edmo...2024-02-0235 minSpeaking MunicipallyJeopardy 2023This. Is. Speaking Municipally Jeopardy! Edmonton's two actual Jeopardy contestants and the author of The Ultimate Edmonton Trivia Book square off in our annual holiday trivia episode. Enjoy!Here are the relevant links for this episode:Kyle MarshallLinkedInEdmonton man wins second place on Jeopardy!Sam PapuhaLinkedInEdmontonian Sam Papuha competes on JeopardyEmil TiedemannLinkedInEmil's booksSpeaking 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...2023-12-1538 minSpeaking MunicipallyThe Googleable podcastThe federal government has reached a deal with Google to pay Canadian media companies. We'll see if Taproot makes the cut. Meanwhile, city council makes a cut to the proposed budget adjustment increase.Here are the relevant links for this episode:BudgetNews Release: City Council confirms fall budget adjustmentsEdmonton city council approves 6.6% property tax hike for 2024Jennifer Rice'Hostile work environment': Former staff accuse Edmonton city councillor of bullying amid high office turnoverAudio recording of Edmonton councillor Rice's argument with staff reveals turmoil in officeKeith Gerein: Edmonton Coun. Jennifer Rice...2023-12-0139 minSpeaking MunicipallyBalancing the budget on the backs of 12-year-oldsTaproot's new reporter, Stephanie Swensrude, joins the show. We discuss transit for youth, downtown retail, and of course, the Zoning Bylaw Renewal.Here are the relevant links for this episode:Stephanie SwensrudeStephanie SwensrudeLinkedInYouth transitFare Policy Amendment — Children Under 12Downtown retailGrants attract three indie retailers to downtown EdmontonZoning Bylaw RenewalCity council hears pros, cons of proposed Edmonton zoning bylaw changes from residentsEdmonton zoning public hearing gets heated as opponents speakEdmonton's zoning bylaw falls short on climate action, affordable housing, opponents tell councilBi...2023-10-2038 min
Chelsea on CHEDIt’s an ongoing effort to restore the once vibrant and bustling ChinatownGuest: Stephanie Swensrude, digital content coordinator, 630 CHED.2023-06-1308 minChelsea on CHEDThe Cost of an Easter dinner in 2023 is...Guest: Stephanie Swensrude, Digital Content Coordinator, 630 CHED.2023-04-0607 min