Speaking Municipally

We dive into how much money candidates have raised and been forced to declare. Plus, we paid a visit to the mayor's office for an exit interview. 

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Bike lanes

• Valley Line West: 102 Avenue bike lanes temporarily moving to 103 Avenue

Campaign disclosures

• Voters told Taproot they want campaign contributions disclosed before the election
• Disclosures show Cartmell pulled in $834K — about half of all campaign contributions

Third-party advertisers

• Edmonton election candidates bare their knuckles over third-party advertiser kerfuffle
• Third-Party Advertising - City of Edmonton

Amarjeet Sohi

• Mayor Amarjeet Sohi
• Amarjeet Sohi on LinkedIn

Taproot Survey

• Taproot Survey
• Take the survey and match with candidates

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!

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

This week, we're excited for the new Warehouse Park, and scared about the impact of the postal strike on the election. Plus, we bring you the scariest audio of all: candidate soundbites!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Warehouse Park

• Warehouse Park, other incentives spur up to 1,800 housing units downtown
• Warehouse Park - City of Edmonton

Postal strike

• City elections office forms contingency plan for voter cards, special ballots due to postal strike
• Canada Post strike throws wrench into Calgary's municipal election
• Canada Post Service Disruption - City of Edmonton

Candidates (in order of appearance)

• Rahim Jaffer, mayoral candidate
• Aaron Paquette, candidate for Ward Dene
• Tony Caterina, mayoral candidate
• Giselle General, candidate for Ward sipiwiyiniwak
• Anand Pye, candidate for Ward O-day'min
• Stephen Hammerschmidt, candidate for Ward O-day'min
• Tim Cartmell, mayoral candidate
• Diana Steele, candidate for Ward Nakota Isga
• Terrie Holgerson, candidate for Ward papastew

Taproot Survey

• Taproot Survey
• Take the survey and match with candidates

Rapid fire

• Moderator on Smith's Alberta Next panel sorry for saying teen should be spanked
• 'We're getting everything ready': How the Army and Navy building is preparing to re-open
• Edmonton mayoral frontrunners discuss transit and taxes at public forum

This episode is brought to you by Triovest, which manages ATCO Centre Edmonton. One of the greenest office buildings in Canada is a 43-year-old tower in the heart of downtown Edmonton. ATCO Centre Edmonton has earned top honours from ENERGY STAR Canada, as well as many other accolades, due to a commitment to continuous improvement. Learn more in a series brought to you by Triovest, a Colliers Company.

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 dive into the candidate responses to Taproot's election survey, which are now available at taproot.vote. Plus, we discuss the new police chief, a mandate letter for the municipal affairs minister, and Nomination Day.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Darren Markland

• Darren Markland obituary
• Video featuring Darren Markland

New police chief

• 10 years later, documents shed new light on EPS steroid scandal
• Edmonton police chief says force working to fix relationship with prosecutors

Mandate letter

• Municipal affairs minister told to get more involved in local governments
• 'Back to basics': Alberta to limit municipal property tax increases, eliminate conflicts

Nomination Day

• Full list of candidates
• Better Edmonton to 'go dormant' after election: Cartmell
• PACE: Tim Cartmell's party going "dormant" confirms PACE is only party For Edmonton.

Taproot Survey

• Taproot Survey
• Take the survey and match with candidates

Rapid fire

• Edmonton Downtown Business Association announces its new leader

This episode is brought to you by the Edmonton Community Foundation's The Well Endowed Podcast. Generosity fuels our city. The Well Endowed Podcast explores how philanthropy empowers the people and organizations shaping a stronger Edmonton. Listen Now

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!

Enjoy this episode of The Well Endowed Podcast from our friends at Edmonton Community Foundation. The Well Endowed Podcast shares the stories of people and organizations who make our city thrive. That seems right up the alley of Speaking Municipally listeners!

This episode, called Second Skin, is about a tattoo removal program run by enCompass that helps give people with troubled pasts a second chance.

If you like what you hear, find The Well Endowed Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and give it a follow.

The next episode of Speaking Municipally will be published on Friday, Sept. 26, on our usual schedule.

We dive into all the last-minute motions that council squeezed in during its final week of meetings this term. Plus, we talk about construction woes on the west end, inconsistencies between different rezoning applications, and a candidate's proposal for free transit.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

West end construction woes

• Reddit thread
• Michael Walters video

Rezoning inconsistencies

• Sept. 15 Public Hearing

Final motions

• On the agenda: Final meetings for 2021-2025 council
• City council seeks to shrink 2 Edmonton homeless shelters but create more facilities

Bike lanes

• City council rejects colleague's effort to pause bike-lane construction

Free transit proposal

• Rahim Jaffer Proposes Free Fare Zone to Revitalize Downtown Edmonton

Upcoming events

• Sept. 25: ECAMP Trivia Night – Elections Edition
• Sept. 26: Let's Get Down(Town) – 2025 Municipal Election Forum - SAMU
• Oct. 9: Edmonton Mayoral Candidates Forum - EPL

This episode is brought to you by the Edmonton Community Foundation's The Well Endowed Podcast, which explores how philanthropy empowers the people and organizations shaping a stronger Edmonton. Listen Now.

This episode is also supported by Life Sciences Week, which takes place Sept. 22 to 26. The event unites academics, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and policymakers for a week of engaging discussions and exclusive tours of Alberta's cutting-edge facilities.

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!

Executive committee has approved the sale of land to build supportive housing, but not everyone is happy about it. Plus, urban planning committee wants more red tape for short-term rentals, and we hop on the bike bus.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Bridge housing

• Bridge healing project in Highlands moving ahead
• City goes ahead with Highlands bridge housing project despite residents' concerns

Short-term rentals

• Edmonton city staff asked to explore more regulations for short-term rentals
• Rethink Short Term Rentals - Michael Janz
• Has B.C.'s short-term rental crackdown made housing cheaper?

Bike Bus

• Edmonton dad starts bike bus to pedal change

Election

• Walters on former mayor's support: 'I am the moderate candidate'

Rapid fire

• Carney recommends 5 'nation-building projects' for approval, including LNG expansion
• As strike looms, union says provincial policies have worn teachers down

This episode is brought to you by Lewis Block at Stadium Yards. Elevated design and bespoke luxury details — Lewis Block isn't just a rental building, it's a statement. While others offer a rooftop, ours is a sophisticated social sanctuary. Live connected with exceptional building amenities that foster community, and enjoy unparalleled access to the River Valley, Commonwealth Recreation Centre, and Stadium LRT Station.

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!

This week, we talk about infrastructure, incumbency, and infill developments. Plus, a promised update on spray parks, and we talk about where you can find Taproot at some upcoming events.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Spray parks

• Spray Parks
• Coun. Cartmell's Instagram post

Infrastructure policy

• Bridges, Roads and Results: Tim Cartmell's Plan to Fix Edmonton's Infrastructure and Rebuild Public Trust
• Episode 296 - Bridgelocked

Shift against incumbents

• Edmonton votes: Could incumbents be in deep election trouble?
• New poll shows Edmontonians feel city is on wrong track, Knack with slight lead in tight mayor's race

Public safety

• Where Edmonton's mayoral candidates stand on tackling city crime
• Edmonton Police Service – 2024 Annual Report
• Edmonton Police Service sees jump in departing officers in 2022
• Jaffer listens to Edmontonians: vows to take back our streets — Jaffer for Mayor for all of Edmonton

Climate change

• Climate Justice Edmonton is organizing volunteers for canvas for city council candidates

Housing projects

• Five New Housing Projects - MichaelJanz.ca

Fort Edmonton Park

• City of Edmonton taking control of managing historic Fort Edmonton Park

Upcoming events

• Sept. 13 A City for Life - Community Conversation on Inclusive Transportation
• Sept. 24: Alberta Avenue Municipal Election Forum
• Sept. 25: ECAMP Trivia Night – Elections Edition – Edmonton City as Museum Project ECAMP
• Oct. 9: Edmonton Mayoral Candidates Forum - EPL

Rapid fire

• Campaigns heat up for 6 Edmonton mayor hopefuls as polling released

Housing Complex

• Housing Complex wins Collaboration of the Year award

This episode is brought to you by Triovest, which manages ATCO Centre Edmonton. One of the greenest office buildings in Canada is a 43-year-old tower in the heart of downtown Edmonton. ATCO Centre Edmonton has earned top honours from ENERGY STAR Canada, as well as many other accolades, due to a commitment to continuous improvement. Learn more in a series brought to you by Triovest, a Colliers Company.

This episode is also brought to you by Edmonton Startup Week, which returns Oct. 6 to 10 with five days of workshops, socials, and events celebrating the vibrancy of the startup community in Edmonton. It's a time to build connections, discover what is possible, celebrate new companies, and inspire entrepreneurship in all of us.

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!

City council has approved the contentious master agreement to build a new event park at ICE District. Plus, even though it's hot outside, we talk about snow, and bike lanes. All your favourite things.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Fringe festival

• Record-breaking year for Edmonton Fringe Festival

Event park

• News Release: Master agreement approved for event park and Village at ICE District
• Edmonton city council to debate fan-park deal: What's in the fine print?
• Edmonton city council approves contentious agreement on Ice District event park
• Demolition of Edmonton's Coliseum set to start next summer
• Fuelling downtown Edmonton's future
• Edmonton Transit Riders post

Snow clearing

• Why it costs so much more to clear snow from sidewalks, bike lanes than roads
• Voters told Taproot they want better snow and ice removal

Bike lanes

• Provincial pressure mounts as Edmonton mayor vows to push forward with bike lanes

Pool season

• News Release: City of Edmonton outdoor pools make a final splash this September long weekend
• Edmonton wraps up outdoor pool season with slight dip in attendance
• 2024: Final splash: Edmonton begins closing outdoor pools, spray parks
• Edmonton Weather Nerdery: September 2024 Review

Rapid fire

• New Alberta school year comes with controversial new gender policies in classrooms
• The Mayorthon — Andrew Knack for Mayor
• Connor McDavid taking his time with Edmonton Oilers contract extension talks

This episode is brought to you by the Civida Housing Foundation, which raises funds for Civida, the largest provider of community and affordable housing in northern Alberta. Help deserving students living in affordable housing communities as they step toward brighter futures through education and opportunity at the Stars Awards Gala. This unforgettable evening features scholarship presentations, a gourmet dinner, exclusive gallery access, entertainment, and inspiring stories. Secure your spot and make an impact.

This episode is also brought to you by Edmonton Startup Week, which returns Oct. 6 to 10 with five days of workshops, socials, and events celebrating the vibrancy of the startup community in Edmonton. It's a time to build connections, discover what is possible, celebrate new companies, and inspire entrepreneurship in all of us.

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 decided to keep meeting times as is, but it recommends a shorter summer vacation for future councils. Plus, there was heated discussion about river valley development, incentives for student housing, and what to do about Edmonton City Centre.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Council calendar

• Council says no to longer meetings but does reduce summer break

Social media

• Report: Aug. 19, 2025 - Social Media Engagement

River Valley ARP

• Heated discussion on Edmonton river valley redevelopment plan at city hall

Student housing

• News Release: More students find a home in downtown Edmonton with new housing fund
• Downtown Student Housing Incentive

Edmonton City Centre

• Visionary says Edmonton needs to look elsewhere to re-imagine its downtown mall
• Puneeta McBryan's LinkedIn post

Election stuff

• Voters told Taproot they want better bike lanes and data, and worry about provincial involvement
• A Plan for Responsible Infill and Growth — Andrew Knack for Mayor
• Smart Growth, Strong Neighbourhoods: The Right Approach to Infill in Edmonton - Tim Cartmell for Mayor

Rapid fire

• Edmonton is setting new rules for pets. Here's what you need to know
• String of distraction thefts across Canada prompts police warning
• Edmonton Pride Parade

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 the Alberta Motor Association, which can help you with more than just towing your vehicle. Whether it's a celebration, catching up with friends over dinner, or a date night, AMA can help save you money when you dine out. Plus, for a limited time, you'll get 3 months free when you purchase a Community membership. Click the link to learn more. 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!