Speaking Municipally

This week, we drive into the wonderful world of transit memes aboard route #4. Plus, the push to close 76 Avenue to cars, the latest efforts to address noisy vehicles, and the need to repair community league facilities.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Police blotter

• 'Unleashing': Politicians Say Ex-Police Watchdog's Insults Go Too Far

Transit love

• How two transit movements take similar routes to highlight positivity in place of negativity
• Wellbeing In Transit : Design Jam
• May 2011: Leading the Way: LRT Dance Party in Edmonton

76 Avenue

• January 2025: 'Bold' vision for 76 Ave calls for rerouting vehicle traffic
• City hall committee recommends Mill Creek bridge replacements, daylighting creek

Campaign contributions

• Voters told Taproot they want campaign contributions disclosed before the election

Noisy vehicles

• July 2024: $1,000 tickets haven't stopped noisy vehicles: councillor
• February 2023: Obnoxiously loud vehicles will be fined $1K following changes to bylaw passed by Edmonton city council
• February 2021: Edmonton noisy vehicle enforcement pilot sees mixed results

Community leagues

• Report shows community league facilities need $30M by 2028 and $100M by 2035

Rapid fire

• Edmonton mayoral candidate Andrew Knack takes campaign to sidewalk — literally
• Alberta to launch anti-speeding campaign following 'deeply concerning' surge in fatal collisions in Edmonton
• Las Vegas is hurting as tourism drops. Are Canadians behind the Sin City slump?

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.

This episode is also brought to you by The Workup, a downtown coworking space featuring cozy common areas, adorned with flourishing greenery, which offer a tranquil retreat to unwind or casually collaborate with team members amidst a backdrop of radiant natural sunlight. 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!

Edmonton is building fewer parking spaces than housing units, St. Albert is trying to grow its downtown population, Hawrelak Park could open by the end of the year, and we look at the City's new mowing map.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Downtown St. Albert

• Why St. Albert's downtown could be welcoming a lot more residents

Parking

• Edmonton building fewer parking stalls than infill housing units

Election news

• Keith Gerein: With 75 days to go, Edmonton mayoral race missing a front-runner
• Keith Gerein: Frustrated Cartmell was his own worst enemy during council's hearing on Edmonton infill
• Explainer: What's a weak mayor — and why could it matter for the 2025 election?
• Explainer: The role of parties and slates in the 2025 election

Mowing map

• Mowing Map
• Coun. Ashley Salvador on TikTok
• Parkland Care

Hawrelak Park

• Hawrelak Park to reopen in late 2025 after years-long rehabilitation closure

Rapid fire

• Jasper will ask province to fast-track Edmonton rail connection
• Jasper Avenue office tower to be partly converted to residential space
• Alberta creates exclusion zone around collisions to deter predatory tow truck drivers

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 cruise, a European tour, or a family trip to Disneyland, AMA travel experts can help you save! Plus, for a limited time, you'll get 3 months free when you purchase a Community membership. 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!

Taproot co-founder Karen Unland returns to the show to talk about how we are approaching the 2025 municipal election and the impact we hope to have. We've also got clips from an interview with Coun. Michael Janz about infill.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Karen Unland

• Karen on LinkedIn
• Speaking Municipally: Episode 127

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

Michael Janz

• Michael Janz
• Infill: FAQ
• Edmonton infill debate: city councillor wants to build bigger buildings along LRT routes

This episode is brought to you by The Workup, a downtown coworking space featuring cozy common areas, adorned with flourishing greenery, which offer a tranquil retreat to unwind or casually collaborate with team members amidst a backdrop of radiant natural sunlight. 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!

We're back with a discussion about changes we are making for election season. Namely, Troy will take a hiatus from the show. We discuss why and what that means for the show going forward.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Troy Pavlek

• TroyPavlek.ca
• troypavlek on TikTok
• troypavlek on X

Rapid fire

• Pickle-dusted doughnuts, pb&j chicken among new KDays food creations
• 'F--k you, Jo-Anne': Tempers flare in city council chambers
• Ex-UCP MLAs to join, rebrand Alberta Party instead of rebooting Progressive Conservatives from scratch

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 cruise, a European tour, or a family trip to Disneyland, AMA travel experts can help you save! Plus, for a limited time, you'll get 3 months free when you purchase a Community membership. 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!

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!