This week, potential changes to the zoning bylaw that would reduce the maximum height in the RS zone disappointed everyone. Plus, we talk about the Edmonton Region Defence Alliance and the city's efforts to cash in on increased defence spending.

• (00:00) - Introduction

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

RS zone height reduction

• On the agenda: Zoning bylaw, transit garage, audits
• City council discussing reducing maximum wall-height for Edmonton infill

Belgravia Heights

• Belgravia Heights
• City Council Public Hearing: April 7, 2026

Edmonton Region Defence Alliance

• Edmonton Region Defence Alliance
• Edmonton region defence alliance aims to steer defence investment into local industry
• Opinion: The quiet militarization of Canadian AI
• City Council Meeting: March 17, 2026

Election campaign finances

• Keith Gerein: Big money proved a big waste in Edmonton's city election
• Keith Gerein: Edmonton's 2025 election shows need for finance reform
• Edmonton election financial disclosures show disparity between campaign spending and victory

This episode is brought to you by U of A Reads from the University of Alberta. From poetry to protest, memory to motivation — U of A alumni authors unpack the forces behind their writing in candid, thought-provoking conversations. Learn more at uab.ca/reads

This episode is also 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. It also has a Solar Club that you might want to check out. If you live in Alberta and have a solar PV system, Park Power can offer you some of the best solar power buy-back rates in the province. Get rewarded for your contribution to Alberta's renewable energy. Learn more

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region.

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We spoke with the Edmonton Riverhawks about the proposed River Crossing plan that could turn the RE/MAX Field parking lot into housing. Plus, derelict property owners better look out — Mayor Andrew Knack is coming for you! And we reminisce about the good old days of Boston Pizza on Jasper Avenue.

• (00:00) - Introduction

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Scramble intersections

• City to remove scramble crosswalks on Whyte Avenue
• Pedestrians speak out about Edmonton's plan to remove scramble crosswalks on Whyte Avenue
• Councillor wants more data on Whyte Ave scramble crosswalk removal aim
• Full Interview: Director of Transportation Planning on Whyte Ave scrambles

River Crossing

• River Crossing
• River Crossing Capital Profile Adjustment
• Edmonton Historical Board: Rossdale
• Inside the Rossdale Power Plant

Derelict tax subclass

• City of Edmonton takes aim at non-residential derelict properties with new tax subclass
• 'We're coming for you': Edmonton begins four-year long process to tackle derelict properties
• Derelict Non-residential Tax Subclass
• Vacant Residential and Non-residential Properties

Audit Committee tea

• Office of the City Auditor 2025 Annual Report

Boston Pizza on Jasper Avenue

• While Jasper Avenue Boston Pizza closes, traffic shifts towards Ice District

This episode is brought to you by Edmonton Opera, which is is bringing the fantasy and fun of The Magic Flute back to the Jubilee Auditorium in its 2026-27 season. Part fairy tale, part adventure, this classic story unfolds in a world where darkness and light exist side by side, and Mozart's music shapes the journey at every turn. It's part of the season subscription — get yours today. Learn more

This episode is also brought to you by GoodMorning, one of Canada's largest mattress retailers, founded right here in Edmonton. GoodMorning's first-ever flagship retail store is now open at 144 Mayfield Common NW. It's the best place to see, touch, and test the full collection of award-winning Canadian mattresses. Enjoy a relaxed, no-pressure way to find your next great night's sleep. Learn more

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region.

Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton!

Council took some steps toward funding a comprehensive BRT and pedestrian realm project along Whyte Ave, but we also learned that the city will continue to make some piecemeal changes this year. Plus, The Quarters CRL isn't doing so well, and the city wants you to build the budget.

• (00:00) - Introduction

Water update

• Spring runoff causing funky water with strong chlorine smell in Edmonton

Whyte Avenue transit priority measures

• Transit Priority Measures on Whyte Avenue FAQ
• Edmontonians flag safety, parking concerns as city mulls transit priority measures, bus rapid transit
• November 2025: Road Safety Looms Large Over Edmonton

101 Street bus priority lanes

• A tale of two streets: Businesses either support or scorn public transit push

Army & Navy building

• July 2025: 'We're getting everything ready': How the Army and Navy building is preparing to re-open

The Quarters CRL

• 2026 Community Revitalization Levy Update
• Edmonton's investment in Quarters leaves city $64 million in debt

Budget engagement

• Your turn: Budget consultations and Acheson changes
• 2027-2030 Budget Engagement | Engaged Edmonton
• Edmonton's 2027-2030 Budget
• Budget Engagement Survey - March 2026

Become a member

• Individual Membership
• Join using promo code SURVEY10 by March 31!

This episode is brought to you by GoodMorning, one of Canada's largest mattress retailers, founded right here in Edmonton. GoodMorning's first-ever flagship retail store is now open at 144 Mayfield Common NW. It's the best place to see, touch, and test the full collection of award-winning Canadian mattresses. Enjoy a relaxed, no-pressure way to find your next great night's sleep. Learn more

Speaking 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, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient Edmonton region.

Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton!

Andrea Donini of the Old Strathcona Business Association joins us for a discussion about Prioritize Whyte Ave, a coalition that wants to see more investment in Whyte Avenue. Plus, the Lewis Farms Recreation Centre needs more money, despite being scaled down, and we talk about the fallout from the police chief's trip to Israel.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Prioritize Whyte Ave

• Andrea Donini on LinkedIn
• Prioritize Whyte Ave
• Take the survey
• Old Strathcona Business Association

Lewis Farms Recreation Centre

• Edmonton Lewis Farms Recreation Centre over budget, despite being significantly scaled back
• Lewis Farms Rec Centre: council rejects motion to reduce cost
• Council approves undisclosed debt increase for Lewis Farms Recreation Centre

Patio fees

• Motion asking city to reconsider new patio licencing fees to hit Edmonton council this week
• Edmonton businesses contemplate future of patio season after seeing new hefty fee

Police chief's Israel trip fallout

• Edmonton mayor 'disappointed' in police chief and commission over visit to Israel
• 'I stand by my decision': Edmonton police chief defends Israel trip
• Edmonton Police Association post
• Erin Rutherford's post
• Ashley Salvador's post
• Karen Principe's post
• Jon Morgan's post

Winspear & housing updates

• Edmonton city council approves levy funds to finish Winspear expansion
• News Release: Attainable Housing Incentive to accelerate downtown residential development
• News Release: City invests $15 million to expand downtown student housing

Become a member

• Individual Membership
• Join using promo code SURVEY10 by March 31!

This episode is brought to you by Edmonton Opera. Edmonton Opera's 2026-27 season kicks off on Nov. 5 and 7 at the Jubilee with Rossini's The Barber of Seville, a fast-moving comedy where wit, music, and cleverness always stay one step ahead. Beloved for its infectious energy and unforgettable melodies, Rossini's comedy sparkles with humour and momentum, driven by character, timing, and intelligence rather than spectacle alone. Learn more

Speaking 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, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient Edmonton region.

Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton!

Council debated changes to the single-use item bylaw, especially related to drive-thrus. Plus, we discuss a funding cut for Boyle Street, reaction to the police chief's recent trip to Israel, and some new jobs for Amarjeet Sohi and Tim Cartmell.

• (00:00) - Introduction

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Audience survey

• What we learned from Taproot's 2026 audience survey

Waste reduction update

• Edmonton's single-use waste rules unpopular — but working
• Edmonton ban on disposable items has reduced use of plastic bags and straws: city data
• Calgary's single-use items bylaw repealed, businesses no longer required to charge bag fee

Boyle Street funding cut

• Boyle Street housing program to lose Alberta government funding, province seeks new provider
• Alberta government ends funding for Edmonton housing program

Police chief's Israel trip

• Edmonton police chief travels to Israel to meet police leaders
• Edmonton police chief's trip to Israel draws criticism and support

Arterial roads

• Council questions when to expand arterial roads to four lanes

New jobs for Sohi and Cartmell

• Sohi lands role at public affairs firm, Cartmell at NAIT
• NAIT's LinkedIn post
• Tim Cartmell's LinkedIn post
• State of the City 2026

Become a member

• Individual Membership
• Join using promo code SURVEY10 by March 31!

This episode is brought to you by the IABC Edmonton's 2026 Capital Awards. You've already done the work. Now bring it into focus. The Capital Awards are Northern Alberta's benchmark for communications excellence, recognizing strategy, creativity, and results that stand up to scrutiny. Turn results into recognition! Submit your work by April 12

This episode is also brought to you by GoodMorning, one of Canada's largest mattress retailers, founded right here in Edmonton. GoodMorning's first-ever flagship retail store is now open at 144 Mayfield Common NW. It's the best place to see, touch, and test the full collection of award-winning Canadian mattresses. Enjoy a relaxed, no-pressure way to find your next great night's sleep. Learn more

Speaking 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, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient Edmonton region.

Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton!

Progress is being made in Chinatown, but several challenges remain, including some long-standing issues like the 97 Street bridge. Plus, there's a new downtown housing incentive, and council approved its strategic priorities for the term ahead of budget planning.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Chinatown Strategy update

• Chinatown Strategy - Initiatives and Progress - March 04, 2026
• 'Changing the narrative': City council hears from community on further Chinatown improvements
• Chinatown shows signs of improvement as City of Edmonton weighs 3 new initiatives
• "Bike lanes on steroids" Chinatown businesses want street parking back
• A moment in history: April 22, 1929 - Taproot Edmonton
• Man accused in fatal Chinatown beatings in Edmonton testifies in court
• Justin Bone's repeated firing of lawyers raises questions about limits to right of counsel

Downtown Attainable Housing Incentive

• Downtown Attainable Housing Incentive - March 4, 2026
• Edmonton looks to incentivize downtown apartment development

Council strategic priorities

• City council limits itself to four key strategic priorities for term
• Edmonton City Council Strategic Priorities | Andrew Knack

Budget planning

• Special City Council Meeting - March 5, 2026

This episode is brought to you by the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, which is putting on Downtown Dining Week from March 11 to 22. This year you have more than 65 restaurants to pick from. Downtown Dining Week offers you multi-course and multi-item menus at a discount, all while supporting locally owned restaurants. Check out the menus

Speaking 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, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient Edmonton region.

Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton!

• (00:00) - Introduction

The City of Edmonton has announced funding for parts of the Downtown Action Plan. Plus, we discuss changes to the upcoming construction season, a motion about event legacies, and we take a trip to Gibbons, a town on the verge of financial collapse.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Audience survey

• Taproot audience survey

Extreme weather response

• News Release: Extreme weather response activated Feb. 26

Downtown Action Plan Fund

• News Release: City investing $3 million into community-led projects downtown
• Downtown Projects and Investments
• Business Roundup: Feb. 27, 2026

Construction season

• 2026 Traffic Management Plan - Infrastructure Committee - Feb. 23, 2026
• Edmonton city councillors say drivers should see relief on roads this construction season

Trouble in Gibbons

• News Release: Town of Gibbons Provides Update Following Presentation to Sturgeon County and Provincial Direction for Expedited Viability Review
• Gibbons near 'practical insolvency,' administrator tells Sturgeon County
• News Release: Gibbons to undergo expedited viability review: Minister Williams
• Province steps in as Gibbons council approves interim budget and borrowing plan amid financial crisis
• Central Alberta town faces uncertain future as it drowns in debt and faces potential insolvency

Sports legacy motion

• Coun. Reed Clarke's post
• City Council - Feb. 17, 2026

This episode is brought to you by Park Power, your friendly, local utilities provider. Park Power makes it easy to sign up for electricity, natural gas, and internet, and bundling two or three saves you money. It's easy to switch to Park Power and there are no exit fees if you leave. Learn how much you could save

This episode is also brought to you by GoodMorning, one of Canada's largest mattress retailers, founded right here in Edmonton. GoodMorning's first-ever flagship retail store is now open at 144 Mayfield Common NW. It's the best place to see, touch, and test our full collection of award-winning Canadian mattresses. Enjoy a relaxed, no-pressure way to find your next great night's sleep. Learn more

Speaking 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, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient Edmonton region.

Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton!

Council has approved selling land to an affordable housing provider, despite community pushback. Plus, some restaurant owners will have to pay more for patios this year, and we have updates on infill and snow clearing.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Audience survey

• Taproot audience survey

Update on infill

• Edmonton council votes to keep infill maximum at eight units
• Edmonton city councillor's motion to change infill cap from 8 units to 6 fails

Update on snow clearing

• City to deploy private contractors at start of snow-clearing work after Tuesday's storm
• City 70 per cent through priority Edmonton roads as Phase 1 parking ban takes effect

Affordable housing in Wedgewood

• Edmonton council to sell Wedgewood Heights surplus school site for housing project
• Council gives green light a 2nd time around for Wedgewood Park housing development in animated public hearing

Patio fees

• Edmonton businesses contemplate future of patio season after seeing new hefty fee
• Peter Keith post on LinkedIn

Northmark Materials funding

• Feb. 17 City Council meeting

This episode is brought to you by Edmonton Opera. For more than 60 years, Edmonton Opera has shared a history with this city, through works that have filled our halls, shaped our stages, and continued to come alive for audiences long after the curtain fell. The 2026-27 season brings those works back to the Jubilee stage, inviting audiences to reconnect with operas that have long been part of Edmonton's story. Learn more

Speaking 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, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient Edmonton region.

Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton!

Troy returns to the podcast to talk about infill and zoning. Plus, we get his take on Happy Beer Street, and we look at an interim election audit report.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Audience survey

• Taproot audience survey

Troy Pavlek

• TroyPavlek.ca

Infill rezoning

• After 2 days of Edmonton infill debate, city committee sends decision to council
• Residents speak for and against infill at packed committee meeting
• Edmonton councillors hear calls for tree protection bylaw

Happy Beer Street

• Happy Beer Street
• Breweries want City of Edmonton to tap entertainment district designation for Happy Beer Street
• Three cheers for Edmonton's Happy Beer Street

Election audit

• October 2025: Morgan increases Ward Ipiihkoohkanipiaohtsi margin after Edmonton Elections finds unconfirmed ballots
• October 2025: Thu Parmar wins in Ward sipiwiyiniwak after recount caused by 'human error': Edmonton Elections
• Long lines, errors during Edmonton's fall election frustrated voters, staff: city auditor
• Edmonton city councillor wants tabulators back after elections report highlights issues

This episode is brought to you by Accessible Acupuncture. Neuropathy and chronic nerve pain can affect daily living, sleep, mobility, and independence. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling, burning, and pain. At Accessible Acupuncture, our Doctor of Acupuncture — Dr. Melanie Morrill, Dr. Ac. — designs custom treatment plans to address both symptoms and underlying causes, support nerve health, and help patients return to their activities. Call 587-879-7122 or book online to schedule your consultation.

Speaking 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, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient Edmonton region.

Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton!

We look at a proposal for that beloved downtown pit, also known as the former BMO site. Plus, provincial workers are back in office full-time, and they might soon have a new bike lane to get there!

Fill out the Taproot audience survey here!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

BMO site

• Edmonton Design Committee meeting - Jan. 20, 2026
• November 2025: City seeking input on how former BMO building site affects downtown Edmonton
• November 2025: Developer puts Downtown Edmonton BMO land up for sale, asking $6M

Return to office

• Thousands of Alberta government workers return to office Monday
• Alberta government workers return to Downtown Edmonton offices
• No plans to end hybrid work for City of Edmonton staff, despite calls for return to office

Wîhkwêntôwin neighbourhood renewal

• Your turn: Wîhkwêntôwin renewal, child-care zoning, RCMP priorities
• Wîhkwêntôwin Neighbourhood Renewal: Don't Miss What's Already Working
• Building Great Neighbourhoods - Wîhkwêntôwin ᐄᐧᐦᑫᐧᐣᑑᐃᐧᐣ | City of Edmonton

This episode is brought to you by Accessible Acupuncture. Neuropathy and chronic nerve pain can affect daily living, sleep, mobility, and independence. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling, burning, and pain. At Accessible Acupuncture, our Doctor of Acupuncture — Dr. Melanie Morrill, Dr. Ac. — designs custom treatment plans to address both symptoms and underlying causes, support nerve health, and help patients return to their activities. Call 587-879-7122 or book online to schedule your consultation.

This episode is also sponsored by Let's Find Out. Did you know Edmonton once had a save-the-whales club, and it made a big splash? Learn more at a live recording of Let's Find Out, a podcast about history. Chris Chang-Yen Phillips will speak to Candas Jane Dorsey and Kathryn Ivany about this moment in Edmonton's past and other treasures in the city archives. Join us on March 3! Get your tickets today

Speaking 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, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient Edmonton region.

Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton!