Council is about to start its summer break, but not before making a bunch of decisions that could shape the future of Edmonton. Infill and the zoning bylaw changes are the big item again this week, but we also talk about the Downtown CRL extension, the Winspear Centre expansion, road widening, a proposal for free parking, and more.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

CRL

• Edmonton council extends Downtown CRL, ending two days of debate

Winspear Centre

• October 2024: Winspear expansion in final push for fundraising and construction
• City Council - March 18, 2025

Bike skills park

• Edmonton approves seven-acre mountain bike facility in river valley

Parking ban towing

• City approves return of tow trucks during parking bans

Downtown district energy

• News Release: City Council approves growth of Downtown District Energy Initiative

Infill and zoning bylaw

• Here are the proposed changes to Edmonton's zoning bylaw set for debate this week
• 'Absolute mess': Public put on hold as city council wades through marathon zoning session
• Edmonton city councillor's infill moratorium attempt fails for legal reasons
• Edmonton councillors blast Cartmell for failed infill motion
• Zoning bylaw debate poses some thorny issues for Edmonton council

Free parking

• Free parking plan aims to revive Edmonton's core

Road widening

• Edmonton looking to widen some roads due to growing traffic congestion

Rapid fire

• Frats and sororities, evicted by U of A, struggle to find housing in Garneau
• Ex-UCP MLAs reviving Alberta's Progressive Conservative Party
• Alberta posts surplus of $8.3B in 2024-25 fiscal year

Election project

• What issues do you care about as you consider who to vote for in the 2025 municipal election, and why?
• A progress report on Taproot's election project
• What we heard at our election listening sessions

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, 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!

We discuss the proposed moratorium on infill development, the extension of the Downtown Community Revitalization Levy, and the return of former MP Rahim Jaffer to municipal politics. We also look at how changes to vote counting will affect the 2025 municipal election, and the end of photo radar in playground zones.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Infill moratorium

• Cartmell to call for moratorium on new infill development in Edmonton
• Edmonton city councillor and mayoral candidate calls for infill moratorium
• Lorne Gunter: Cartmell opposition to infill weak, better than alternative

CRL extension

• 'A generational investment': Edmonton business groups warn of consequences if Downtown CRL extension fails
• Mayor Sohi pitches extension of Downtown CRL ahead of public hearings
• Edmontonians should have a referendum this municipal election: Should taxpayers provide $88.5 million to the Oilers Entertainment Group for a new Event Park? - Michael Janz
• A Better Deal for Edmontonians — Andrew Knack for Mayor
• Future of downtown development to be debated over 2 days at Edmonton public hearing

Rahim Jaffer

• Former conservative MP Rahim Jaffer running for mayor, after years out of the public eye
• Former MP Rahim Jaffer launches bid to be Edmonton's mayor

Election costs

• Ban on tabulators means election results will arrive much later in 2025, official says
• Analysis: How changes to the way votes are counted will affect municipalities across the Edmonton region in 2025

Photo radar

• News Release: City evolves playground zone traffic safety strategy
• Edmonton scraps playground zone photo radar amid low tickets: 'No longer financially sustainable'

Rapid fire

• Edmonton Oilers trade Evander Kane to rival Vancouver Canucks
• Edmonton Blatchford homes forming virtual power plant

Election project

• What issues do you care about as you consider who to vote for in the 2025 municipal election, and why?
• A progress report on Taproot's election project

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!

Council is looking to reduce the maximum number of midblock infill units to six per lot from eight. Plus, entertainment districts are exempt from the single use plastic bylaw.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Midblock infill

• Edmonton may revise zoning bylaw to reduce mid-block multi-family units
• Edmonton council votes to reduce maximum homes on RS zone lots to six from eight

Street design standards

• Overhaul of street design standards could help Edmonton's finances

Parking bans

• Edmonton councillors recommend lowering seasonal parking ban fine, reinstating towing

Single use plastics

• City chose single-use plastics for its entertainment districts despite bylaw and concerns

Anti-racism

• Edmonton to establish new independent body under anti-racism strategy

Rapid fire

• Crestwood Reddit thread
• Game over: Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup dreams die again in Florida
• Trump departs G7 summit early, citing Middle East, as U.S. and Canada aim for deal within 30 days

Election project

• What issues do you care about as you consider who to vote for in the 2025 municipal election, and why?
• A progress report on Taproot's election project

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!

We talk with Edmonton Unlimited CEO Tom Viinikka about his first year in the role, measuring the city's innovation sector, what separates entrepreneurs from the rest of us, and what's next for the organization.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Tom Viinikka

• Edmonton Unlimited Welcomes New CEO, Tom Viinikka
• Edmonton Unlimited hires new CEO from within city ecosystem
• Tom Viinikka at LinkedIn

Edmonton Unlimited

• Reports + Strategic Materials 2025
• Edmonton Unlimited Strategic Plan PDF
• Edmonton Startup Week

From the Taproot newsroom

• The city is poetry for Marco Melfi
• Why one musician has joined many others who aren't touring the U.S.
• As Edmonton biotech industry booms, Launa Aspeslet steps up to guide further success

Rapid fire

• Moose that attacked 2 relocated to area outside of city
• Alberta premier says she's invited Prime Minister Carney to Oilers playoff game
• ChatGPT fact check on Saskatchewan facts

Election question

• What issues do you care about as you consider who to vote for in the 2025 municipal election, and why?
• A progress report on Taproot's election project

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!

We discuss the potential removal of a community-built bridge in Jackie Parker Park, the launch of the Better Edmonton party, the Capital Line South LRT extension, and the latest on wildfires in the Edmonton region. Plus, we dig into the zoning bylaw update.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Zoning Bylaw update

• Missing Middle Housing In Edmonton More Than Doubles After Zoning Overhaul
• 'No respect for the people': Edmonton zoning bylaw opponents give city council an earful

Rainbow Bridge

• 'You better build a new one' Edmonton dog park bridge not built by city to be removed
• Thread on Reddit
• August 2024: South Edmonton community frustrated after benches, crossing bridge removed from park
• Episode 272: What RAM I gonna do with this old building?

Better Edmonton party

• Better Edmonton
• Edmonton election: Tim Cartmell introduces slate of municipal party candidates
• Former Edmonton Police Officer, incumbent councillor among slate of candidates for 'Better Edmonton' party

Capital Line South LRT extension

• News Release: Breaking ground on the Capital Line South LRT Extension
• Edmonton breaks ground on $1.3B Capital Line South LRT expansion
• Reddit thread on Southgate LRT Station art

Wildfires

• Environment Canada issues wildfire air quality alerts for Edmonton area, most of northern Alberta
• Wildfire status
• Alberta Fire Bans
• Energy Transition Climate Resilience Committee
• Tent caterpillars taking over Edmonton

From the Taproot newsroom

• Happy Beer Street brewers propose car-free street for patios and pedestrians
• Paths for People celebrates a decade of street surgery
• Students earn credits by helping FireSafe AI manage wildfires

Rapid fire

• 107 Avenue construction adds difficulty in getting to and from downtown Edmonton
• 'Resurgence of WAGs': Sport researchers say spouses of athletes growing in popularity
• News Release: Spring street sweeping and residential parking ban end May 30

Election question

• It's time to share what's on your election agenda
• What issues do you care about as you consider who to vote for in the 2025 municipal election, and why?
• What's on your mind, municipally speaking?

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!

Council decided against selling the naming rights for recreation centres and other facilities, at least on the outside. The Edmonton Elks is the official name, but it is returning to the old name on the inside. Plus, we discuss the relationship between police and the city, speeding enforcement, and upzoning.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Naming facilities

• City council turfs business naming deals for rec centres in Edmonton

Edmonton Elks

• What's in a name? Elks vs. Eskimos debate returns to Edmonton football team
• News Release: ETS Football Park & Ride is back starting May 30
• Make it 50: Mandrusiak returns to Double E
• 2024: Larry Thompson unveiled as Edmonton Elks owner

Police relationships

• Another Edmonton police commissioner resigns after conflict-of-interest probe
• Commissioner Vaugeois resigns - Edmonton Police Commission
• Edmonton city council and police improve relationship at annual report
• Edmonton Police Service – 2024 Annual Report
• 'Shocking': Sparks fly at Edmonton city council over bodycam bills, speed cams

Speeding enforcement

• 'Please slow down,' Edmonton police chief says after 3 people die in weekend collisions

Upzoning

• Council to vote on upzoning more than 1,200 properties
• News Release: Priority Growth Areas to encourage housing and business development in key city areas
• One year after zoning reform, housing surges but sprawl continues

Rapid fire

• City closes compost giveaway early due to high demand
• Alberta changing rules to ensure 'age appropriate' books in schools

Election question

• It's time to share what's on your election agenda
• What issues do you care about as you consider who to vote for in the 2025 municipal election, and why?
• What's on your mind, municipally speaking?

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!

Andrew Knack has announced he's running for mayor. We speak with him about his decision to enter the race now, his vision for the city, and how he plans to differentiate himself from the other candidates.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Andrew Knack

• Andrew Knack for Mayor
• Andrew's Linkedin post
• Speaking Municipally | 13 months notice
• Longtime Edmonton city councillor Andrew Knack to run for mayor

From the Taproot newsroom

• Debate grows as Edmonton plans 23 km of new bike lanes for 2025
• On the ground at Upper Bound

Rapid fire

• News Release: City of Edmonton property tax notices sent out early
• Remedy Café on Jasper Avenue has closed doors
• Wander West, Edmontonians: WestJet adds two domestic routes from Edmonton International Airport

Election question

• It's time to share what's on your election agenda
• What issues do you care about as you consider who to vote for in the 2025 municipal election, and why?
• What's on your mind, municipally speaking?

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!

We examine the new Downtown Action Plan, which was presented to the Urban Planning Committee this week. Additionally, administration seeks permission to sell the naming rights to 29 facilities, and PACE announces six of its candidates for the 2025 municipal election.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Downtown Action Plan

• Edmonton Proposing $553M Action Plan To Revitalize Downtown Core
• News Release: New Downtown Action Plan to accelerate investment, economic growth and vibrancy
• Opinion: Downtown Edmonton needs action now
• City reveals new plan for downtown Edmonton as part of revitalization efforts

Naming rights

• Edmonton eyes selling naming rights for 29 public facilities

PACE candidates

• Principled Accountable Coalition for Edmonton announces city council candidates

From the Taproot newsroom

• Musician collects oral histories of Edmonton's 'sacred space' — the airport Chili's
• Artists explore what isn't in city archives
• Campaign aims to see Edmonton cut the lawn and replace with gardens, native plants

Rapid fire

• Alberta public sector workers vote in favour of strike action following failed negotiations
• Ric McIver voted in as new Alberta legislature Speaker
• Smith scores with 0.4 left, Golden Knights edge Oilers in Game 3 of Western 2nd Round

Election question

• It's time to share what's on your election agenda
• What issues do you care about as you consider who to vote for in the 2025 municipal election, and why?
• What's on your mind, municipally speaking?

The Edmonton Arts Council Shop & Services (formerly TIX on the Square) is your ticket to all things Edmonton arts. From tickets to local and community events, to coveted works from more than 200 emerging and established Edmonton artists, you can discover the unique experiences and creative works that set Edmonton apart at our Shop.

See the latest in-store on Instagram: @shopyegarts. Or visit edmontonarts.ca.

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!

We 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 contracts

• Private contracts for Edmonton police rose sharply over last five years: data

Construction season

• News Release: City thinks big as it kicks off 2025 construction season

Belgravia traffic

• Council seeks potentially 'radical' solutions in Belgravia traffic assessment

State of the City

• State of Our City 2025, presented by EPCOR - May 8, 2025
• Recap: 2013 State of the City Address

From the Taproot newsroom

• Women Building Futures expands to Ontario
• City proposes adding second downtown entertainment district on 104 Street

Rapid fire

• KDays announces 2025 Music Fest lineup
• Bill 50 could allow money to 'overpower democracy': Knack
• Rentable E-Scooter Injuries an Increasing Burden in Edmonton

Election question and events

• It's time to share what's on your election agenda
• What issues do you care about as you consider who to vote for in the 2025 municipal election, and why?
• Events: What's on your mind, municipally speaking?

The Edmonton Arts Council Shop & Services (formerly TIX on the Square) is your ticket to all things Edmonton arts. From tickets to local and community events, to coveted works from more than 200 emerging and established Edmonton artists, you can discover the unique experiences and creative works that set Edmonton apart at our Shop.

Enter to win a $25 gift certificate for the Edmonton Arts Council Shop. The deadline is 11:59pm on May 13, 2025.

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!

We look at what the federal election results mean for Edmonton, including the return of Mayor Amarjeet Sohi to city council. We also discuss the future of E-Park with Coun. Aaron Paquette, and dig into when we might expect results in the upcoming municipal election.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Federal election results

• Alberta's blue wave has Conservatives projected to win nearly every seat in Edmonton
• Recap: Liberals hold Edmonton Centre, Conservatives pick up Griesbach, rural sweep for Tories
• Edmonton voters wanted change, action on affordability, Conservative candidates say
• Election 2025: Edmonton Centre remains Liberal red after Olszewski victory
• Election 2025: Sohi loses in Edmonton Southeast as Conservative Mahal clinches victory
• Election 2025: Edmonton Griesbach returns to Conservative fold as Kerry Diotte beats Blake Desjarlais
• Election 2025: Heather McPherson keeps Edmonton Strathcona for third straight election

E-Park in 2016

• EPark has replaced coin parking meters in Edmonton
• Edmonton says goodbye to last coin parking meter
• News Release: City says goodbye to final coin parking meter
• Time expires for Edmonton parking meters, but you can buy your own

Coun. Aaron Paquette

• Coun. Aaron Paquette
• Edmonton city council looking for ways to help smartphone-less drivers pay for parking
• Edmonton city council to discuss delaying removal of EPark metres
• Opinion: Mobile-only parking a barrier to downtown Edmonton

Municipal election plans

• Ban on tabulators means election results will arrive much later in 2025, official says
• Alberta overhauls election laws to allow corporate donations, change referendum thresholds

From the Taproot newsroom

• Council seeks potentially 'radical' solutions in Belgravia traffic assessment
• Linda Ha sets sights on helping freelancers avoid burnout and stay afloat

Rapid fire

• Edmonton-Southeast voters react to Mayor Sohi's federal election loss
• Premier Danielle Smith calls on PM Mark Carney to 'reset' Ottawa-Alberta relationship

Election question

• It's time to share what's on your election agenda
• What issues do you care about as you consider who to vote for in the 2025 municipal election, and why?

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!