We look at new provincial bills affecting municipal elections, governance, and policing. We also discuss the end of Front Yards in Bloom, the shameful state of the BMO building site, and the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market expanding to two days.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Crosswords

• The Taproot Mini brings a bit of fun to The Pulse

Bills 49/50/51

• Alberta seeking to eliminate municipal code of conduct
• Codes of conduct failed voters and municipalities, Alberta minister says
• News Release: Expanding municipal police service options
• News Release: Modernizing municipal processes
• News Release: Responding to the changing education system

Front Yards in Bloom

• Farewell to Front Yards in Bloom

BMO building site

• Vacant problem problem property in downtown Edmonton
• Puneeta McBryan's post on LinkedIn

Old Strathcona Farmers' Market

• Edmonton's Old Strathcona Farmers Market to be open on Sundays, too
• 2019: The new business of farmers' markets in Edmonton
• 2022: Renovations to bridge Old Strathcona Farmers' Market into the future

From the Taproot newsroom

• Provincial push for data centres could spike emissions, researcher says
• Council's decision on Nordic spa erodes public access to river valley: Advocates

Rapid fire

• Fringe Festival marks fundraising milestone but eyes monetizing portable toilets
• News Release: Annual Spring Sweep underway

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?

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.

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