Speaking Municipally

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 [email protected] 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!

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!