Speaking Municipally
Taproot Edmonton presents a weekly discussion on key stories in municipal politics. We pay attention to City Council so you don't have to! Join us as we delve into conversations about the context surrounding decisions made at City Hall.
Episodes
Happy New Year! Edmonton continues to deal with the fallout from all the recent snowfall. Plus, we look at some statistics showing what types of housing were built, and where, in 2025.
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Snow removal
We spoke to Mayor Andrew Knack about our growing city, and our shrinking regional economic development organization. Plus, council held a public hearing, reviewed proposed changes to provincial electoral boundaries, and we look ahead to 2026.
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Knack interview
You can now tap your credit card, debit card, or digital wallet to ride transit. Additionally, we'll discuss updates to the capital and operating budgets, and progress towards the city's tree-planting goal.
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Extreme weather
Tap-to-pay
- News Release: Arc tap to pay launches in Edmonto...
The tax increase for 2026 is set at 6.9%. We examine the 2026 budget deliberations and Edmonton's growth pressures, noting what council decided on, and why. Plus, the old Royal Alberta Museum is one step closer to being saved.
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Snow
Giving Tuesday
This week, council got to ask questions about the proposed fall budget adjustment. Plus, we learn more about the city's plan to enforce speed limits, the "end" of construction season, and the Valley Line LRT turns two.
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Budget
Council held its first public hearing since the election, and infill was front and centre. Plus, we talk about Vision Zero, P3 projects, and the upcoming budget season.
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Public hearing
Vision Zero
Troy is back! For a chat. We talk about the election and his plans. Plus, we check in on Better Edmonton, the downtown park, and the bike lanes on 103 Avenue.
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Troy Pavlek
- TroyPavlek.ca
- Troy appreciation thread on Reddit
- Episode 316: Can you get rid of the Rapidfire segment next?
Municipal parties
We sit down with Edmonton's new mayor, Andrew Knack, to talk about optimism, regional collaboration, video game marathons, and much more.
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Mayor Andrew Knack
Related links
This week, we take you inside city hall for the swearing-in ceremony and inaugural city council meeting of the 2025-2029 term. Plus, we look at possible changes to provincial electoral boundaries in Edmonton, and hear from some municipal election scrutineers.
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Swearing-in ceremony
We take an initial look at Edmonton's new city council, which looks eerily similar to the old one. Plus, we discuss delayed results, missing ballots, and monumental recounts.
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Election results
We reflect on the biggest issues the 2025 campaign. Plus, we cover advance voting turnout and some last little bits of election analysis.
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2021 Election
- Oct. 15, 2021: Episode 151 - It's Election Thyme
Taproot Survey
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.
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Bike lanes
Campaign disclosures
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!
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Warehouse Park
- Warehouse Park, other incentives spur up to 1,800 housing units downtown
- Warehouse Park - City of Edmonton
Postal strike
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.
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Darren Markland
New police chief
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 h...
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.
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West end construction woes
Rezoning inconsistencies
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.
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Bridge housing
- Bridge healing project in Highlands moving ahead
- City goes ahead with Highlands bridge housing project despite residents' concerns
Short-te...
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.
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Spray parks
Infrastructure policy
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.
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Fringe festival
Event park
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.
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Council calendar
Social media
- Report: Aug. 19, 2025 - Soc...
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