Speaking Municipally

We dig into the provincial budget and how it affects Edmonton. Plus, the Katz Group wants an extension for its gravel parking lots, and critics question the effectiveness of the homeless reception centre.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Provincial budget

• Budget 2024: Alberta commits funding towards Edmonton's LRT projects, increased police presence, shelters
• Alberta hitting pause on South Edmonton Hospital, health minister says
• UCP details education budget as school officials lament overcrowding and high costs
• Edmonton boards welcome funding for school construction, but stress high enrolment numbers
• UCP Alberta Budget 2024 Disappointment

Homeless reception centre

• Homeless reception centre generates big numbers as well as 'abject misery': advocate
• Edmonton mayor hopeful four-way meeting will lead to constructive homelessness work
• 4 levels of government meet on Edmonton homelessness crisis for '1st time'

City Hall

• Edmonton city hall partially re-opens for private events, staff, some students
• Alberta RCMP say suspect in Edmonton city hall shooting was 'politically motivated'
• RCMP lay terrorism charges against Edmonton city hall shooting suspect

Chinatown Recovery Fund

• City awards most of $1M Chinatown fund to security

Katz group parking

• Katz Group wants to use controversial Downtown gravel parking lots until 2028
• 2016: Katz Group pushes money at city to help build parking lot in commercial zone

EPCOR water ban

• Car washes unfairly targeted by Edmonton water ban, city councillors told at utility committee
• 'Quite hard on our business': Car wash owners want compensation from Epcor after water ban
• Tweet from Tim Cartmell

Rapid fire

• Flair Airlines CEO looks to bid on Lynx planes after shutdown halts tentative merger
• Minister Blair and Minister Boissonnault announce $45.3 million investment to upgrade facilities at Edmonton military base
• 'She's a real inspiration': Edmonton woman celebrates 110th birthday Saturday

This episode was brought to you by Inventures, the breakthrough innovation event from Alberta Innovates that is happening in Calgary from May 29 to 31. Inventures will bring more than 4,000 entrepreneurs, startups, scale-ups, academics, investors, and industry leaders together to cultivate relationships, showcase emerging technologies, and capitalize on Alberta's innovation advantage.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

This week, we discuss City Plan measurements, the National Urban Park initiative, a looming CSU52 vote on the city's "best and final" offer, and the implications of ending EndPovertyEdmonton.

Correction: We incorrectly stated that outgoing EndPovertyEdmonton executive director Erick Ambtman is a current member of the Edmonton Police Commission. In fact, his last meeting as a commissioner was on Nov. 16, 2023.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Shout-out!

• Sugared and Spiced

City Plan

• Executive Committee Meeting Minutes: Feb. 28, 2024

National Urban Park

• Explainer: the battle over a proposed national urban park in Edmonton

CSU52 vote

• Unionized city workers to vote directly on Edmonton's offer, delaying potential strike or lockout
• City of Edmonton Proposal Vote Information | CSU 52
• News Release: City is considering both employees and taxpayers with CSU 52 best and final offer
• City of Edmonton offers wage increase with retroactive pay, hybrid work in 'best and final' deal to CSU 52 members
• Media Statement: Statement on 2023 Financial Results

Ending EndPovertyEdmonton

• EndPovertyEdmonton's Funding Reduced by Edmonton City Council
• City slashed End Poverty Edmonton funding in private meeting
• Mack's blog posts about EndPovertyEdmonton
• Nov 2023: EndPovertyEdmonton Rejects Hateful, Prejudiced Resolutions in Alberta
• May 2023: EndPovertyEdmonton's 2023 Alberta Provincial Election Priorities
• March 18, 2014: Edmonton aspires to eliminate poverty within a generation

Affordable housing

• Federal government announces $175M to build affordable housing in Edmonton
• The City's new Affordable Housing Strategy brings hope for a brighter future
• Building more homes that Canadians can afford in Edmonton

Organic waste

• Edmonton needs new plan for organic waste with influx from apartments and population growth

Rapid fire

• Renewable energy developments in Alberta to face strict new rules
• A new phase is in the works for Alberta's 1,000 km/h high-speed train
• Alberta NDP leadership candidate to focus on climate change, drought

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

This week, OP12 returned and council appears to be a bit more bearish on the idea. Plus, we learn more about the bike routes being built in 2024, and there are six rezonings testing the limits of the new zoning bylaw.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

NASH

• Stephanie's post with fellow presenters
• Stephanie's post about getting your first job in journalism

OP12

• Report offers council service cuts and new fees to meet OP12 goals

George Spady

• George Spady looks to relocate detox program to Jasper Place
• Edmonton detox unit moving; supervised consumption site future unknown

Bike lanes

• Ten routes mark first bike projects from $100M investment

E-scooters

• E-scooter operators remain bullish on Edmonton region

Rezonings

• On the agenda: OP12, George Spady, six rezonings

Explore Edmonton

• Explore Edmonton granted one-time $6 million cash infusion from reserve funds

Rapid fire

• Romance novel boom spurs new bricks-and-mortar bookstores in Alberta
• Edmonton Valley Zoo announces additions to wolf pack ahead of Family Day
• EndPovertyEdmonton's Funding Reduced by Edmonton City Council

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

The draft Public Spaces Bylaw goes to council amid plenty of opposition. We talk with Omar Yaqub of IFSSA and Cheryl Whiskeyjack of Bent Arrow about the potential impact of the bylaw on marginalized communities. Plus, the Katz Group is suing Boyle Street over a $5 million donation.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Guests

• Omar Yaqub of IFSSA | Islamic Family & Social Services Association
• Cheryl Whiskeyjack of Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society

Public Spaces Bylaw

• Bylaw 20700 — Public Spaces Bylaw
• Edmonton proposes bylaw changes banning panhandling, megaphones and more
• Edmonton draft bylaw has rules for protests, spitting, biking on grass
• Here's what you need to know about Edmonton's proposed public spaces bylaw
• Opinion: Proposed public spaces bylaws an attack on Edmonton's marginalized
• Opinion: Bylaw would give perception of safety at expense of most vulnerable

ICE District / Boyle Street

• Katz Group launches court battle with Edmonton homeless organization over $5M donation

Rapid fire

• City of Edmonton workers join library counterparts, vote 91 per cent in favour of strike
• Ex-mayor Nenshi loathes partisan politics. He may run for NDP leader anyway
• Explore Edmonton granted one-time $6 million cash infusion from reserve funds

This episode is brought to you by Strathcona County which has launched Select Strathcona, a new investment attraction website helping site selectors, developers, investors, and businesses looking to expand — making it easier to get the right information to make the next, best investment decision.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

The downtown pedestrianization report finally went through committee, so we talk with Jason Syvixay and Stephen Raitz, two of the shepherds that guided it through.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Guests

• Jason Syvixay
• UDI-Edmonton Metro
• Stephen Raitz
• Paths for People

Pedestrianization

• UDI's LinkedIn post
• Stephen's interview on 630 CHED
• Paths for People: Downtown pedestrianization
• Action Plan (PDF)
• New nine-step plan aims to improve pedestrian experience in downtown Edmonton
• Episode 62

Other

• Edmonton proposes bylaw changes banning panhandling, megaphones and more
• Edmonton takes another step to rename central neighbourhood Wîhkwêntôwin, remove Oliver moniker

Rapid fire

• Alta. government unveils drought advisory committee to prepare for dry season
• Oilers winning streak dies one win from history. So what?
• Pause on renewables projects to lift at month's end as planned

This episode is brought to you by Strathcona County which has launched Select Strathcona, a new investment attraction website helping site selectors, developers, investors, and businesses looking to expand — making it easier to get the right information to make the next, best investment decision.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Valley Line users were left out in the cold when doors didn't function and heat wouldn’t turn on. Plus, EPCOR really leads the OP12 savings charge by cutting off everyone’s water!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Valley Line shelters

• Valley Line shelters give riders cold shoulder

OP12 reallocations

• Report offers council service cuts and new fees to meet OP12 goals

City Hall update

• City cancels meetings after attack at city hall
• News Release: City makes safe and steady progress on City Hall restoration
• Damage in Edmonton city hall attack estimated at $100K, meetings canceled next week

Water ban

• Tim Cartmell's post
• Mandatory ban on non-essential water use for Edmonton and Capital Region is anticipated to continue until mid-day Sunday, February 4
• Edmonton councillor has questions for EPCOR about equipment failure, water ban
• Ban on non-essential water use in Edmonton region expected to last until Sunday, Epcor says
• Ban on non-essential water use in Edmonton area due to pump failure at water plant

Danielle Smith

• Alberta premier says legislation on gender policies for children, youth coming this fall

Rapid fire

• MP Blake Desjarlais reel
• Flair Airlines owes $67 million in unpaid taxes as CRA opens door to seize carrier's property
• 'Never been done before': Edmonton man driving around the world in 17 months

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

An emergency management committee meeting was punctuated with an actual emergency at City Hall. Plus, several things are on the way out: the downtown farmers market, the name "Oliver", and Adam Laughlin.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

City Hall Incident

• 'Heavily armed' man arrested after shots fired, Molotov cocktail thrown in Edmonton city hall
• 'Heavily armed' suspect acted alone in Edmonton City Hall shooting: police
• City Hall shooter charged
• Police charge man after attack on Edmonton city hall
• Stories of bravery emerging after Edmonton City Hall shooting
• Grade 1 students from Edmonton public school on field trip at city hall when shooting occurred

Single-Use Items

• Edmonton to increase fee for paper and reusable bags
• On the agenda: Bag fees, flood mitigation, travel budget

Wîhkwêntôwin

• Oliver no more: Edmonton neighbourhood adopts new Cree name

City Market

• Edmonton Downtown Farmers' Market forced to move amid high utility costs, low foot traffic
• "Critical financial situation": Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market board recommends shutdown
• 'Shocking' closure of Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market sparks new collective seeking kitchen space

Edmonton Unlimited

• Catherine Warren ousted from Edmonton Unlimited

Adam Laughlin

• Top bureaucrat exodus continues in Edmonton with fifth deputy city manager departure in one year
• Episode 128: The former big cheese on inteGRATED infrastructure

Edmonton Oilers

• Will the Oilers' streak pay off with a Stanley Cup? What history says

Fossil first

• 72-million-year-old sturgeon discovered in Edmonton is a fossil first

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

City council has declared a housing and houselessness emergency, and a judge has thrown out a lawsuit against the city's dismantling of encampments. We dig into the debate and look back at a month of encampment clearing and shelter space counting.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Emergency declared

• Edmonton councillors approve Sohi's 'housing and houselessness emergency' declaration
• Edmonton's emergency motion: Minister McIver
• Edmonton city council's homeless emergency declaration slammed by Alberta government
• Edmonton encampments: Deputy Premier Ellis
• Amarjeet Sohi: Calling a Special Council Meeting to Declare a Housing and Houselessness Emergency
• Tim Cartmell: What's Next for Housing and Encampments?

Lawsuit dismissed

• Edmonton declares homelessness emergency, while judge scraps lawsuit against city's dismantling of encampments
• Judge dismisses lawsuit against city over clearing of homeless encampments
• Alberta court kills Edmonton homeless encampment lawsuit
• Coalition for Justice and Human Rights statement
• Edmonton looks to stop homeless encampment lawsuit before injunction request is heard
• Original email sent by Edmonton Police

Encampment clearing

• After standoff, Edmonton police move in to clear out final 'high risk' homeless encampment
• Several people arrested as police sweep 8th encampment in central Edmonton
• 'Greatly concerned': Court defers decision over Edmonton encampment removals to later in the week
• Dozens of weapons seized in encampment removals: Edmonton police share graphic images
• 'And they're back': Edmonton encampment removals continue, critics question supports

Shelter situation

• The numbers and realities of Edmonton's shelter system
• Why some homeless Edmontonians choose to camp outside the inner city

Police commission

• News Release: City of Edmonton appoints Ben Henderson as a new member of the police commission
• News Release: The Commission welcomes Coun. Wright
• Police commission meeting fuelled with outbursts and encampment talk

Rachel Notley

• Rachel Notley to step down as Alberta NDP leader

Edmonton Oilers

• GAME RECAP: Oilers 4, Leafs 2

12-ton Art

• Local business owner enlists friends on 12-ton artwork honouring Albertans

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

This. Is. Speaking Municipally Jeopardy! Edmonton's two actual Jeopardy contestants and the author of The Ultimate Edmonton Trivia Book square off in our annual holiday trivia episode. Enjoy!

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Kyle Marshall

• LinkedIn
• Edmonton man wins second place on Jeopardy!

Sam Papuha

• LinkedIn
• Edmontonian Sam Papuha competes on Jeopardy

Emil Tiedemann

• LinkedIn
• Emil's books

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Amid several high-profile instances of transit violence, the discussion around turnstiles is being recycled. Plus, the Valley Line Southeast LRT doubles its frequency — at least sometimes.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Snow savings

• City of Edmonton saves $5 million due to scant snow-and-ice removal work on roads
• Winter businesses grappling with unseasonably warm weather, lack of snow in Edmonton
• PSA: 'Catch air' and plan your experience to the Style Experience FIS Snowboard Big Air World Cup

Turnstiles and safety

• Transit Safety: When is the City Going to get Serious? — Tim Cartmell
• Police superintendent backs idea to add turnstiles to Edmonton LRT system
• More than 500 violent crimes reported inside Edmonton transit centres this year: police data
• Oct. 25: Safety on Edmonton transit improving, city council hears

LRT news

• Valley Line LRT begins increasing frequency
• Gantry crane builds Edmonton LRT differently
• Stolen car hits Valley Line LRT in southeast Edmonton, driver flees scene

Regional isolation

• Strathcona County votes to cut itself from Edmonton Global

Edmonton police

• Police watchdog to investigate after man fatally shot in downtown Edmonton
• Woman killed in confrontation with Edmonton police
• 88 cops in Edmonton and Calgary have left their jobs while under investigation since 2012
• Edmonton police reprimand three officers for separate off-duty drunk driving incidents
• Gun-related incidents prompt lockdowns at Edmonton malls

Valley Zoo

• Edmonton considering off-loading partial control of Valley Zoo to third party

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

The federal government has reached a deal with Google to pay Canadian media companies. We'll see if Taproot makes the cut. Meanwhile, city council makes a cut to the proposed budget adjustment increase.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Budget

• News Release: City Council confirms fall budget adjustments
• Edmonton city council approves 6.6% property tax hike for 2024

Jennifer Rice

• 'Hostile work environment': Former staff accuse Edmonton city councillor of bullying amid high office turnover
• Audio recording of Edmonton councillor Rice's argument with staff reveals turmoil in office
• Keith Gerein: Edmonton Coun. Jennifer Rice has no one to blame but herself for her failures in office
• Edmonton mayor 'deeply concerned' about bullying allegations against councillor Rice
• 'Toxic and abusive': Former staffers accuse Jennifer Rice of bullying while Edmonton councillor dodges questions

Warehouse Park

• Project aims to entice families, spur development

Bill C-18

• Federal government reaches deal with Google on Online News Act
• Mack's interview with Jessica Ng on CBC Edmonton

Connor McDavid

• Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid named one of NHL's stars of the week

El Niño

• No-snow November: El Niño could mean a warm and dry winter for Edmonton

This episode was sponsored by the University of Alberta Sustainability Council, the School of Urban and Regional Planning, the Edmonton Metro Region Board, the City of Edmonton, Coun. Ashley Salvador, and Coun. Michael Janz. Strong Towns is coming to Edmonton for a Dec. 13 event and Dec. 14 workshop. This is a unique opportunity to take part in a growing dialogue on sustainable, economically resilient urban development in Edmonton. Keynote by Strong Towns founder Charles Marohn. Tickets are $30 for Dec. 13 and $22 for Dec. 14. (You can go to one or both.) Speaking Municipally listeners can get 50% off with the offer code TAPROOT, while supplies last.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Budget deliberations are underway at city council, and the province has all but banned photo radar. Plus, we get a new police commissioner who looks a lot like an old police commissioner.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Budget

• On the agenda: Budget adjustments and rezonings
• Hold me in abeyance: Your guide to budget terms and processes
• Edmonton city council kicks off 2024 budget debate
• 7% tax hike on table as Edmonton city council begins 2024 budget debate
• Edmonton businesses urge council to focus on core services: '7% is too taxing'

Photo radar

• Alberta banning 'cash cow' photo radar on Edmonton and Calgary ring roads
• News Release: Protecting drivers from photo radar fishing holes
• Automated Traffic Enforcement — City of Edmonton

Valley Line Southeast LRT

• Worker injuries, safety orders reveal human impact of Edmonton LRT project
• Unscheduled delays

Electric buses

• Edmonton's fleet of electric buses failing amid manufacturer's bankruptcy proceedings

Encampments

• 'It's just not safe': Edmonton police chief says encampments shouldn't be tolerated
• Police chief calls for coordinated Edmonton effort to shut down encampments after deadly fires

Police commission

• Third provincial appointee — Edmonton Police Commission

Winter patios

• News Release: Grant offers a warm welcome to winter patios

LRT closures

• News Release: Upcoming LRT station closures due to planned work

Drug shortages

• Edmonton pharmacies facing shortages of common drugs: 'It's frightening'

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Reporters in Dallas, Texas have described Edmonton as the Land of Oz thanks to our scramble crosswalks. Plus, we discuss snow clearing on stairs, new community leagues, and budget chicken.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Media on transit

• Group asks Edmonton to rescind policy banning reporters from transit

Clearing stairs

• Blizzard of confusion blows over Edmonton's snow removal plans for park stairs

Traffic safety

• Can a Canadian city be a model for Dallas when it comes to road safety?

Photo radar

• Alberta considering whether to end photo radar freeze

Community leagues

• Allard forms community league, Blatchford wishes it could

Budget chicken

• Troy's thread
• Keith Gerein: What happens if Edmonton's council defeats its own budget? Let's hope we don't find out

No tree for you

• Edmonton Downtown Business Association Kicks Off the Holiday Season on 104 Street

Plastic ban

• The Federal Court just overturned Ottawa's single-use plastic ban

Uber Tasks

• Uber bringing Tasks pilot to Edmonton

This episode was sponsored by the Edmonton Community Foundation, which together with the Edmonton Social Planning Council has released Vital Signs. This year's report focuses on food security, how it has changed over the last 10 years, and where we are today. You can see the latest report at ecfoundation.org/vitalsigns.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Recorded on the Valley Line Southeast LRT! We're joined by ETS branch manager Carrie Hotton-MacDonald, councillors Anne Stevenson and Ashley Salvador, new Taproot Edmonton managing editor Tim Querengesser, and several others.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Guests

• Carrie Hotton-MacDonald
• Anne Stevenson
• Ashley Salvador
• Mike Kunicki
• Tim Querengesser

New managing editor

• Meet Taproot Edmonton's new managing editor

Valley Line Southeast LRT

• Valley Line Southeast LRT opening Nov. 4
• Citizens assemble to celebrate Valley Line Southeast LRT opening

Other

• Arc card adoption reaches 63%
• Using CRL to fund office conversions seen as a gamble

This episode was sponsored by the Edmonton Community Foundation, which together with the Edmonton Social Planning Council has released Vital Signs. This year's report focuses on food security, how it has changed over the last 10 years, and where we are today. You can see the latest report at ecfoundation.org/vitalsigns.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

A proposal to use Downtown CRL funding for office to residential conversions could delay other important projects, and we dig into recent updates on Blatchford.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Downtown pedestrianization

• New pedestrian plan to promote engagement in the Downtown core
• Downtown Pedestrianization Plan (PDF)

Office conversions

• Edmonton may use renewal funds for office to residential conversions

Police funding

• Capital Budget Adjustments

Event attraction

• Motion discussing event funding boost gets unanimous support from committee at Edmonton City Hall

Blatchford update

• StreetSide Developments coming to Blatchford
• Executive committee update

Private tech project

• Edmonton eyes $8 million for undisclosed technology in 2024 budget
• Keith Gerein: Big tax hike signals the kickoff to Edmonton's next municipal election

Top 40

• Top 40 Under 40 2023

Alberta insurance

• Good drivers to benefit from auto insurance changes

Latta Bridge

• PSA: Latta Bridge reopens on schedule, on budget and in time for the NHL Heritage Classic

Hangar 14

• Just listed: Edmonton puts Hangar 14, home of the Alberta Aviation Museum, up for sale

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

The Valley Line Southeast LRT will begin passenger service on Nov. 4, and there's going to be a party. Plus, we discuss the more than two dozen subsequent motions made following approval of the new zoning bylaw.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Valley Line Southeast LRT

• News Release: Valley Line Southeast LRT opening November 4
• Edmonton's Valley Line Southeast LRT set to open Nov. 4

Zoning Bylaw Renewal

• News Release: Edmonton has a new rulebook for development for the first time in 60 years
• Edmonton's proposed zoning bylaw passes at city council
• 27 subsequent motions (PDF)

Climate concern

• News Release: Climate change top-of-mind for Edmontonians

Office conversions

• Urban planning committee for Oct. 31
• Downtown Calgary Development Incentive Program pausing application intake
• Office Space — 99 Percent Invisible, Episode 551

Hydrogen buses

• News Release: The Edmonton Metropolitan Region drives forward on hydrogen innovation

Edmonton effect

• 1st snowfall of season means delays, collisions on Edmonton-area roads

Pride tape

• NHL backtracks on Pride Tape ban, will allow players to represent social causes

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

Taproot's new reporter, Stephanie Swensrude, joins the show. We discuss transit for youth, downtown retail, and of course, the Zoning Bylaw Renewal.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Stephanie Swensrude

• Stephanie Swensrude
• LinkedIn

Youth transit

• Fare Policy Amendment — Children Under 12

Downtown retail

• Grants attract three indie retailers to downtown Edmonton

Zoning Bylaw Renewal

• City council hears pros, cons of proposed Edmonton zoning bylaw changes from residents
• Edmonton zoning public hearing gets heated as opponents speak
• Edmonton's zoning bylaw falls short on climate action, affordable housing, opponents tell council

Bike lanes

• A moment in history: Oct. 18, 1973

The Mindbender

• Here's what's left of West Edmonton Mall's Mindbender

Pension plan

• Trudeau attacks pitch to take Alberta out of CPP in open letter to Danielle Smith

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

This week, we cover transit improvements for youth and winter, more funding for snow and ice clearing, the latest on the Valley Line LRT, and tennis vs. pickleball.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Transit stuff

• Edmonton transit needs to be safer and more reliable for youth: survey
• Edmonton spent $350K to replace 1600 busted bus shelter panels last year

Snow clearing

• Edmonton mayor suggests reinjecting $5M to snow and ice budget to improve access to transit

Rally for the Road

• City funds website to help Stony Plain Road businesses amidst Valley Line West LRT construction
• Rally for the Road

Valley Line LRT

• TransEd's tweet
• Train testing complete on Edmonton's Valley Line LRT route

Voting block

• Data shows six councillors form dominant Edmonton City Council voting block

Tennis courts

• Saville Tennis Centre opens in Edmonton with year-round courts

Falling concrete

• Concrete cladding falls off downtown Edmonton building, city enacts emergency closures

Mask directive

• AHS adopts enhanced masking directive for acute care sites

Oilers loss

• GAME RECAP: Canucks 8, Oilers 1

This episode was sponsored by Coun. Michael Janz, the University of Alberta, and MADE (that's Media Architecture Design Edmonton). Curbing Traffic: An Evening with Chris Bruntlett takes place on Oct. 19 in Edmonton, with a discussion about what other places have done to build cycling cities. Tickets are $15 each, but you can get in for $5 by using the offer code TAPROOT, while supplies last.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

The Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues has endorsed a position in support of the Zoning Bylaw Renewal. Executive director Laura Cunningham-Shpeley joins us to discuss how the EFCL came to that position and what it means for community leagues across the city.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

EFCL

• Laura Cunningham-Shpeley on LinkedIn
• Edmonton Sun 20 Questions: EFCL's Laura Cunningham-Shpeley

Zoning Bylaw Renewal

• Zoning Bylaw Renewal Initiative
• How Edmonton's zoning renewal could be a boon for newcomers
• 5 things to know about Edmonton's big zoning renewal — and how you can have your say
• June 2023: Opposition to zoning bylaw renewal draws writer into the fray

Compensating businesses

• Edmonton considering compensating businesses constricted by construction following tight vote
• 2018: Montreal to compensate businesses affected by construction

We ❤️ Nickelback

• Nickelback to play at NHL Heritage Classic in Edmonton

Youth on transit

• Youth in Edmonton think transit could be safer and faster: survey

Estabrooks runs

• Edmonton Public School Board chair will run for federal NDP

This episode was sponsored by Edmonton Startup Week, which returns Oct. 10-14. Five days of workshops, socials, and events building momentum and opportunity around our city's unique entrepreneurial identity, startup community, and culture of innovation! Build your schedule today.

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, a source of curiosity-driven original stories, curated newsletters on various topics, and locally focused podcasts, all in the service of informing Edmontonians about what is going on in their community. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!

We've got details about how Boyle Street will operate for the next year, prior to their new space opening. Plus, the police perception survey found that 57% of Edmontonians are satisfied with the Edmonton Police Service and feel they’re doing a good job.

Here are the relevant links for this episode:

Blatchford station

• City council mulls keeping Blatchford LRT station closed until neighbourhood fills out
• Troy's tweet
• Blatchford Community's tweet

Valley Line LRT audit

• City still looking for answers from TransEd after Valley Line LRT audit

Boyle Street

• Boyle Street moving services across four locations as it waits for new facility
• Boyle Street relocation causes confusion, anxiety in Edmonton's unhoused
• Our New Locations

Police perception survey

• Edmontonians trust police despite growing crime rate, survey for police commission suggests

Old Strathcona crime

• Business community in Edmonton's Old Strathcona calling on task force to improve safety

Zoning Bylaw Renewal

• Zoning Bylaw Renewal Initiative
• Zoning overhaul will help meet growing demand for housing in Edmonton, developers say

Pension consultations

• Alberta NDP launches own public consultation on pensions

AGI DOOM

• Tech pioneers partner to create artificial general intelligence by 2030

This episode was sponsored by Edmonton Startup Week, which returns Oct. 10-14. Five days of workshops, socials, and events building momentum and opportunity around our city's unique entrepreneurial identity, startup community, and culture of innovation! Build your schedule today.

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