Speaking Municipally

The City of Edmonton announced plans to decommission and replace three iconic bridges: the High Level Bridge and the Low Level Bridges. Plus, we talk with Coun. Erin Rutherford about unfunded service packages and how the budget process is changing this year.

• (00:00) - Introduction

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

High Level and Low Level Bridges

• City of Edmonton recommends decommissioning High Level and Low Level bridges
• Central Area Bridge Renewal Update
• Let's Find Out Episode 58: The MacKinnon Ravine Mystery

Coun. Erin Rutherford on unfunded service packages

• Coun. Erin Rutherford
• Budget Process and Financial Strategy
• 2027-2030 Budget Engagement

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

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!

Business organizations have called once again for municipal employees to return to the office full time, but the mayor isn't budging. Plus, the province is planning legislation that would let it review or remove bike lanes.

• (00:00) - Introduction

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

State of the City

• Letter to the Mayor: A Proposed Phased Return to In-Person Work for Municipal Employees
• Andrew Knack's 2026 State of the City address
• Mayor rebuffs calls to shift city employees downtown full-time
• Remote Work – Again?! | CSU 52
• Enabling job creation should top mayor's agenda, says cities expert
• January 2026: No plans to end hybrid work for City of Edmonton staff, despite calls for return to office

Edmonton Real Estate Forum

• Edmonton Real Estate Forum
• Cushman & Wakefield Edmonton Office Q1 2026 Report

Bike lanes

• Alberta government takes aim at bike lanes, with legislation expected this fall
• Calgary mayor calls province's focus on bike lanes 'symbolic virtue-signalling'
• July 2025: Ontario court strikes down Ford government's plan to remove Toronto bike lanes

Council motions

• On the agenda: User fees, buses, and Blatchford
• Council discusses lower threshold for extreme weather response

Spray parks

• City of Edmonton spray parks and outdoor pools open with a splash for 2026 season

This episode is brought to you by The Bosco Neighbourhood Podcast from the Bosco Foundation. The podcast explores community connection, Indigenous leadership, and the future of Balwin and Belvedere. Join hosts Soni Dasmohapatra and Darine Moukhaiber as they sit down with community leaders, elders, and visionaries to discuss what it means to "live well together" in this diverse corner of Northeast Edmonton. Learn more

This episode is also brought to you by the Edmonton Coalition on Housing and Homelessness, which is marking 40 years of housing advocacy with a community event on June 13. There will be live music, inspiring speakers, and meaningful connections, plus complimentary bannock and beverages. Get your tickets today

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!

Edmonton city council has approved a rezoning that will allow a 25-storey tower in Windsor Park. Plus, Stephanie took a trip to a budget engagement session to learn what the mayor's been hearing from Edmontonians.

• (00:00) - Introduction

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Windsor Park

• Council approves rezoning for 25-storey residential tower, despite community concern
• Council approves 25-storey tower in Windsor Park neighbourhood
• May 5, 2026 - City Council - Public Hearing

101 Street TPM Memo

• 101 Street Transit Priority Measures Memo PDF
• Transit Priority Measures

Budget engagement

• 2027-2030 Budget Engagement
• Taproot Survey - Question Results - 2025 Edmonton Municipal Election

Community Climate Adaptation Micro Grant

• Community Climate Adaptation Micro Grant
• News Release: City supports neighbourhood resilience with new climate adaptation micro grant

Award nominations

• Taproot Survey earns nod from National Newspaper Awards
• Taproot Survey earns more award nominations

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 AdaptAbilities' Hearts in Action Summer Camps, which offer a supportive space to build confidence, develop skills, and form meaningful friendships through structured activities. Each day is designed to encourage participation, independence, and connection in a safe and welcoming environment. Camps run across various locations in Edmonton, Leduc, and St. Albert. 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!

Edmonton city council voted to reduce the maximum height in the RS zone, and they approved some District Policy changes too. Plus, we found out how much more the Lewis Farms Recreation Centre is going to cost, and one councillor's wondering if we should give up on LRT in the northwest.

• (00:00) - Introduction

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Zoning changes

• Edmonton city council reduces infill height cap by 1 metre
• Edmonton city council passes height restrictions on infill builds

Lewis Farms Recreation Centre

• Edmonton's Lewis Farms rec centre could cost nearly $32M more than original estimate
• On the agenda: Lewis Farms, Army & Navy, advisory boards

Metro Line LRT Northwest

• Councillor seeks new transit ideas for northwest Edmonton, calls Metro Line LRT expansion 'a pipe dream'
• Metro Line - Northwest (Extension)

Army & Navy update

• Bylaw 21483 - To allow for the adaptive reuse of a building, Queen Alexandra, Strathcona, and Strathcona Junction - City Council Public Hearing - April 27, 2026

Playoffs

• 'Not good enough': Playoff-fatigued Oilers overwhelmed by upstart Ducks
• Buffalo fans sing 'O Canada' after microphone mishap

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 Housing Forward, the first prairie-wide affordable housing summit, which takes place May 11-14. Hosted by the City of Edmonton, Housing Forward brings together more than 500 leaders from across Western Canada to advance practical, scalable solutions for housing delivery. Register today!

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!

This week, we learned that city council is sunsetting seven boards that offered expert insight on women's issues, racism, climate, and more. Plus, KDays might have to downsize, and the Africa Centre is one step closer to its multicultural community hub.

• (00:00) - Introduction

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Sunsetting Advisory Committees

• Edmonton city council sunsets seven advisory boards
• City Council's Governance Framework for Council Committees - City Council - March 17, 2026
• Commonwealth Stadium field could be renamed Play Alberta Field
• Edmonton Design Committee could review more developments in future
• Troy's comment on Reddit

Exhibition Lands

• Development of Edmonton's Exhibition Lands could see KDays on the move
• Edmonton Exhibition Lands Implementation Strategy
• October 2024: Stadium Station redesign sees calls for service drop by 50%

African Multicultural Community Centre

• African Multicultural Community Centre a go after city sells land for one dollar

Permanent daylight time

• Give it a year, says Alberta premier about plan to stay on permanent daylight time

This episode is brought to you by Edmonton Opera. Siegfried is an epic coming-of-age story, where a young hero sets out to discover the world and who he is meant to become. Edmonton Opera brings this monumental story to the intimate Maclab Theatre at the Citadel, where you'll feel the full force of Wagner's music and the human story at its centre. See it on May 25, 27, 29, or 31. 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!

Edmonton city council has approved the sale of surplus land for affordable housing, to some opposition. Plus, the Downtown Revitalization Coalition is advocating for renewed attention on downtown safety, and we have updates on 101 Street and River Crossing.

• (00:00) - Introduction

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Affordable housing on surplus school sites

• First Place Program
• Completing the First Place Program
• Affordable housing project in north Edmonton OK'd by city council despite concerns

Transit Priority Measures on 101 Street

• Council restores street parking on 101 Street in Chinatown
• Advancing Bus Rapid Transit and Transit Priority Measures
• Transit Priority Measures

Downtown safety

• DRC Policy Briefing Document (PDF)
• Downtown advocacy group calls on council to make Edmonton the safest big city in Canada

RE/MAX Field and River Crossing

• River Crossing
• River Crossing Capital Profile Adjustment
• July 2025: ETS begins adding small surcharge for big-name concert tickets at Commonwealth

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

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!

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.

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 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!