The rising cost of rent is an issue across Edmonton. This week, we zero in on the Southwoods Village Townhomes complex in Hazeldean. Since new management took over, rent has increased for many tenants. Some by hundreds of dollars. The company says the increases are needed to bring units up to market value but it’s leaving some tenants with few options but to look elsewhere.

For years now, CBC Edmonton AM host Tara McCarthy has been sharing Alberta music on her weekly Provincial Playlist segment. Now, that weekly column came to life on stage. The first ever Provincial Playlist Live show at Felice Café featured three musicians playing music and sharing stories with Tara. We bring you some of that live show, with artists Caylie G, Kija Lado and Jessie Bird.

Young Albertans who grow up in the child welfare system age out at 18. Should they die anytime up to the age of 22, the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate will conduct a review of the death. Now, the Alberta government is proposing legislation that would see death investigations conducted only on a discretionary basis for former child welfare clients between the ages of 18 and 20, and none for those who die older than 20. This week on the podcast we hear a conversation with three young Edmontonians who grew up in care and aged out. They share their experience and reactions to this proposed legislation.

A federal election could be called at any moment, and it’s almost certain that our next elected prime minister will be from Alberta. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is from Calgary, and Liberal Leader Mark Carney was raised in Edmonton. This is Edmonton host Clare Bonnyman discusses the implications for Alberta with CBC writer Jason Markusoff, producer and co-host of the House Party podcast.

Francis the Pig became part of Alberta’s history more than three decades ago when the rebellious swine escaped from a slaughterhouse. The ham on the lam inspired a generation with his freedom loving spirit. He was immortalized in bronze but recently the statue seemingly went missing. Hear more about Francis’ legacy and the Edmonton sculptor who helped keep Francis’ story alive on this week’s episode.

Companies and institutions are moving away from equity, diversity and inclusion policies, including here in Edmonton. Many felt compelled to make a commitment after the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests. Now many are choosing to back away. We’ll look at what’s behind the changing attitudes toward the policies. 

Looming U.S. tariffs have many Edmontonians taking a closer look at where the products they purchase are coming from. We take a look at this change in behaviour and what Trump tariffs could mean for the local economy. Listen in to our chat with Heather Thomson, who's with the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

Edmonton’s public spaces bylaw sets out what’s allowed and what’s not allowed on our city streets. This week on This is Edmonton we’ll look at some of the proposed changes meant to protect public safety and businesses. We’ll also hear from those who say the changes target the city’s most vulnerable.

Redeveloping neighbourhoods with increased density and affordable housing is a contentious topic here in Edmonton. Everyone has their opinion of what the city needs and what they want and don’t want to see in their communities. From skinny houses to new condos to affordable living —we’ll wade into the debate.

Many people’s relationship to alcohol is changing. Some people are choosing to drink less or do away with it altogether. There’s never been more options for people with the rising popularity of mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. But what does our changing relationship with alcohol mean for our social lives?