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We look at reaction to the Alberta government's directive to roll Edmonton's zoning bylaw back to its pre-2024 rules. Plus, advance voting is open for the referendum, and we examine the impact of agencies, boards and commissions in 2025. (00:00) - Introduction (01:15) - Ad: Inclusive Transportation with Veronica O. Davis (01:53) - Zoning bylaw directive (04:33) - Legal challenges and council's response (10:48) - Councillors react (14:38) - Business uncertainty (16:27) - Referendum advance voting (19:26) - Paula Simons on why voting matters (25:07) - Agencies, boards and commissions (26:53) - Council-directed funding and Station Lands (30:18) - ABCs by the numbers (34:39) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Zoning and municipal autonomy On the agenda: Municipal autonomy, funding outcomes, rezoningsKeith Gerein: Premier Smith's edict is in — Edmonton is not allowed to be EdmontonEdmonton could be taking province to court over infill decreeCity of Edmonton may challenge provincial infill order in courtReaction to the infill directive Coun. Erin Rutherford's reaction on BlueskyCoun. Ashley Salvador's reaction on BlueskyCoun. Karen Principe's statement on FacebookCoun. Thu Parmar's statement on FacebookCoun. Thu Parmar's provincial infill updateCoun. Mike Elliott's statement on FacebookEdmonton Neighbourhoods United's post on FacebookAlberta referendum Elections Alberta: 2026 referendum voter informationYour turn: Referendum mail-in ballots due, advance polls open soonElections Alberta: Notice of voting location closing time changesVote on Alberta's future brings together former premiers who once sparred in legislatureCarney to attend 'Forever Canadian' rallies in Alberta days before referendumABCs Oct. 14 council agenda: Municipal Funding Arrangements Outcome Reporting — 2025Station LandsThis episode is brought to you by the Office of Councillor Michael Janz. Join Veronica O. Davis, author of Inclusive Transportation, on Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. to explore how transportation can connect communities and what better transit could look like in Edmonton's next four-year budget. Proceeds will go to Edmonton Transit Riders. Get your ticket today. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Reach the Edmonton region with Taproot. Explore advertising and sponsorship opportunities to connect your organization, opportunity, or message with people who choose Taproot to stay informed and connected. ★ Support this podcast ★

The provincial government is forcing Edmonton to amend its zoning bylaw and restore minimum on-site parking requirements to appease infill critics. Plus, a study found that apartment and condo dwellers are only sorting a third of their waste correctly. (00:00) - Introduction (01:00) - Ad: Citadel Theatre (02:22) - Zoning and parking rollback (10:41) - Infill and municipal democracy (20:17) - Edmonton's response and next steps (26:40) - Waste sorting in apartments and condos (32:10) - Single-use items and the bag fee (35:50) - 2027-2030 budget process (38:28) - Bike plan funding (41:39) - Sidewalk cycling and the public spaces bylaw (45:11) - Edmonton's car-free mayor (47:09) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Zoning and parking Growing neighbourhoods responsibly — provincial announcementGrowing responsibly — Oct. 8, 2026 news conference2026 Q3 Edmonton building permit report — Jacob DawangOpen Option Parking — City of EdmontonMunicipal autonomy and accountability Councillor Accountability and Recall Advisor job postingModernizing municipal legislation across the provinceWaste sorting City council agenda and attachments for the waste characterization studyApartment and condo waste collection — City of EdmontonOn the agenda: Waste, budget process, city manager's powerSingle-use items and the bag fee Bag fee for Edmonton businesses kept alive by narrow council voteBudget planning Edmonton's budget and finances, including the 2027-2030 budgetCycling and public spaces Edmonton Bike PlanPublic Spaces Bylaw — City of EdmontonThis episode is brought to you by Citadel Theatre. Our Little Secret is a new musical based on Noam Tomaschoff's true story: a DNA test revealed that he had dozens of siblings. After hits at the Toronto and Edinburgh fringes, the show comes to the Maclab stage from Oct. 15 to 25. Get your tickets today. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

The new owners of Edmonton City Centre proposed strict security measures at each entrance of the downtown mall, and councillors endorsed changing the definition of public space. Plus, an American company has a vision to turn an industrial park in northeast Edmonton into one of the largest data centre campuses in North America. (00:00) - Introduction (02:43) - Ad: Edmonton Startup Week (04:11) - Public spaces bylaw review (10:37) - Defining public and private spaces (13:42) - City Centre security plans (20:03) - Northeast Edmonton data centre proposal (22:38) - Edmonton's industrial investment (25:59) - Horse Hill, sprawl and land speculation (28:47) - Data centre regulation and impacts (34:49) - Transit Royale proposal (40:57) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode:Public spaces bylaw Councillors endorse changes to public spaces bylawCity reviews public spaces bylaw amid concerns it unfairly targets homeless residentsProposed public spaces bylaw amendments, including the definition of municipal public spaceParveen Parmar addresses councillors on bylaw fines (video)Edmonton City Centre 50-storey towers, new security approach part of developer's plans for Edmonton City CentreCity Centre security discussion on InstagramData centres Data centre campus proposed in northeast EdmontonEdmonton Energy and Technology Park AI data centre amendment — learn more and share feedback until Oct. 25Walton's proposed area structure plan amendment (PDF)Northeast Edmonton could become one of North America's largest data centre districtsMack's 2013 reflections on the Horse Hill area structure plan and sprawlTransit app Executive committee agenda: ETS Transit App Single Source ProcurementCity report on the proposed Transit Royale and rider research agreementTransit Royale FAQ, including free community subscriptions for riders who cannot afford itSupport local news Become a Taproot Edmonton memberThis episode is brought to you by Edmonton Startup Week. From Oct. 5 to 9, founders, innovators, investors, students, and big thinkers will come together for workshops, panels, showcases, social gatherings, and more. The week includes a kickoff showcasing this year's top 10 companies and a farm-inspired "Coming Home" launch party at Edmonton Unlimited on Oct. 8. Pick sessions that match your interests, and leave room for something unexpected. Explore the full calendar Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

Stephanie is back! We chat about some of the big and small municipal news you might have missed in the past month. Plus, we hear all about Stephanie's travels and her fresh reflections on cities and how Edmonton stacks up. (00:00) - Introduction (01:59) - Ad: Shadow Theatre (03:58) - Europe through an Edmonton lens (08:58) - Bike infrastructure (10:40) - Patios and pedestrian life (13:45) - Bridges (17:31) - Street-level trains and transit (21:46) - Ad: Wills Week (23:50) - Former mayors and downtown (30:01) - Downtown traffic and construction (36:02) - Referendum (37:15) - Pit Tour and close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Europe through an Edmonton lens Old Strathcona Public Realm StrategyCouncil decides against pause in patio feesPatios on Public SpaceMargaret Bridge refurbishment in BudapestHigh Level Bridge RehabilitationLow Level Bridge RehabilitationDowntown Edmonton Former Edmonton mayors discuss downtown, homelessness, and the city budgetWarehouse Park and surrounding street constructionImagine Jasper AvenueReferendum Referendum information updates from Elections AlbertaReferendum mail-in ballot requests surpass 610,000Pit Tour Listen to the Pit Tour panelThis episode is brought to you by Shadow Theatre. Its 2026-27 season features four plays written by Canadians, with stories that are fearless, moving, and deeply human. New artistic director Lana Hughes has put together a season that reflects the country's humour, complexity, communities, and relationships. Subscribe today This episode is also brought to you by Edmonton Community Foundation, which presents Wills Week from Oct. 5 to 9. Whether you're creating your first will or updating an existing one, free online and in-person sessions offer clear, expert guidance on wills, executorship, and estate planning. Learn more about Wills Week Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

This week, heritage advocate Andy Grabia talks about the fight to keep the University of Alberta's Casavant organ in Convocation Hall. We also look at Edmonton's uneasy relationship with its heritage and, a decade after Rogers Place opened, revisit the arena debate and the fate of Rexall Place. (00:00) - Introduction (00:32) - Ad: Life Sciences Week (02:58) - Meet Andy Grabia (04:33) - The fight to save the U of A’s memorial organ (09:03) - A war memorial facing relocation (13:44) - What exactly are they trying to preserve? (17:53) - Can the province stop the move? (20:14) - The university’s rationale—and time running out (25:55) - Ad: Edmonton Startup Week (26:41) - The state of heritage in Edmonton (30:36) - What is worth preserving? (36:16) - Rogers Place, ten years later (39:18) - The arena’s economic impact and opportunity costs (45:14) - The fate of Rexall Place (47:06) - A call to action on heritage (50:06) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode:Andy Grabia Unite for the PipesWhy Downtown?Memorial organ U of A response to the Summerby-Murray reportCommunity members raise concerns about new home for U of A organEdmonton heritage Heritage Places StrategyArchitecture bracket exposes history at riskCouncil moves to end seven advisory boardsRogers Place at 10 The agreement to build Rogers PlaceDowntown Community Revitalization Levy projectsRogers Place celebrates its 10th anniversaryThis episode is brought to you by Life Sciences Week. From Sept. 21 to 25, industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, innovators, and students will come together for free, community-led events across Alberta. Explore cutting-edge breakthroughs, meet the people transforming bold ideas into real-world solutions, and help shape the future of Alberta's life sciences sector. Learn more This episode is also brought to you by Edmonton Startup Week. From Oct. 5 to 9, Edmonton's founders, innovators, investors, students, and big thinkers will come together to learn, connect, and build momentum. Step in for candid panels and lunch-and-learns, step up through hands-on workshops and mentorship, and step forward at community meetups, Startup Crawl, Launch Party, and more. Wherever you are in your startup journey, there's a next step waiting for you. Learn more Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

We speak with Mike Mellross of Alberta Ecotrust about Edmonton's updated climate priorities and the important decisions coming up during the four-year budget. We talk climate ambition, competing pots of funding, and why good city building might be climate action, too. (00:00) - Introduction (00:43) - Ad: LitFest (01:38) - Interview introduction (02:11) - Meet Mike Mellross and Alberta Ecotrust (06:10) - Why work through a climate charity? (10:16) - Edmonton's updated climate priorities (12:50) - Ambition and accountability (16:34) - Climate action and city building (18:50) - Competing pots of funding (20:59) - Two $5-million funding requests (27:16) - The Climate Innovation Fund (30:22) - A more formal city partnership (32:23) - Thinking regionally (33:22) - What to watch for in the budget (35:58) - Climate action in a long emergency (39:38) - Upcoming events and speaking up (42:08) - Final thoughts (43:15) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Mike Mellross Mike Mellross at Alberta EcotrustMike Mellross on LinkedInThe Long Emergency by James Howard KunstlerClimate priorities 2027 Update - Climate Implementation Priorities: Council agenda and attachments2027 Update - Climate Implementation Priorities council reportCity to debate $114.58 million in climate mitigation actions in four-year budget talksReport finds top 3, bottom 3 priorities for Edmontonians ahead of budget talks2021: Countdown to 2050: Explaining Edmonton's carbon budget2024: Report suggests Edmonton's emissions are decreasing too slowlyAlberta Ecotrust Emissions-Neutral Buildings Information Exchange (ENBIX)2026 Alberta Municipalities Convention & Trade ShowENBIX three-year anniversaryThis episode is brought to you by LitFest, Canada's original nonfiction festival, celebrating the power of true stories. From Oct. 14 to 18, downtown Edmonton becomes a creative hub for readers and writers. Discover your next favourite books and authors through readings, panel discussions, and workshops inspired by this year's theme: Nonfiction shows us who we are. Learn more and get tickets Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

We speak with Coun. Ashley Salvador and Aaron Budnick of the Edmonton Bike Coalition about Edmonton's slow bike-lane build-out and the province's threat to derail it. Plus, we hear about the confusing budget of it all and how funding decisions will determine where the network goes next. (00:00) - Introduction (00:51) - Ad: Skyline Rush Challenge (01:36) - Interview introduction (03:28) - Active transportation with Ashley and Aaron (08:55) - What has the $100 million built? (14:17) - What happened at committee (18:37) - The 50 Street compromise (21:31) - Ad: Life Sciences Week (23:30) - Provincial bike-lane legislation (27:32) - What happens next (28:27) - Budget and climate (34:39) - Week Without Bike Lanes (36:32) - Final thoughts (40:24) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Ashley Salvador AshleySalvador.comWard Métis - Ashley SalvadorAaron Budnick Aaron Budnick on LinkedInEdmonton Bike CoalitionActive transportation Bike routes cancelled or put off despite council directionOn the agenda: Bike lanes, climate resilience, Low Level BridgeActive Transportation Implementation Acceleration Program Update (PDF)Active Transportation Network ExpansionEdmonton bike lane expansion to continue as plannedGovernment of Alberta praises Ontario court ruling on bike lanesEpisode 368: Everyone is mad for different reasonsWeek Without Bike Lanes2027 Update - Climate Implementation Priorities council reportThis episode is brought to you by Wellspring Alberta's Skyline Rush Challenge. On Saturday, Oct. 3, rappel 240 feet down the Courtyard Edmonton Downtown Hotel while raising funds for free programs and services for Albertans and families facing cancer. No rappelling experience is needed, and this year you can take on the challenge side-by-side with a friend. Learn more This episode is also brought to you by Life Sciences Week, a free, community-led event that celebrates and advances Alberta's life sciences. It runs Sept. 21 to 25 with events across the province, beginning with a kickoff in Edmonton at 10am on Monday, Sept. 21. In this episode, Andrew MacIsaac, CEO of Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation, explains the sector's growth and potential in the Edmonton region. Learn more Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

This week, municipalities weigh in on new strategic and business plans from Edmonton Global. Gibbons and Beaumont are out, but Edmonton is all in. Plus, council pushes forward with the active transportation network expansion, and we get an update on the Edmonton Research Park. (00:00) - Introduction (01:31) - Ad: Events Roundup (04:06) - Edmonton Global (16:36) - Bike lanes (23:27) - Edmonton Research Park (28:56) - Ahmad Jawad on IASP (30:59) - Public toilets (37:45) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Events Roundup Events RoundupTaproot Edmonton CalendarEdmonton Global Knack's faith in Edmonton Global remains, despite departuresEdmonton Global's refresh aims to lift 'veil of unhappiness'Episode 367: Working as a herdBike lanes Edmonton bike lane expansion to continue as plannedEdmonton city council rejects proposed changes to remaining bike lane routesEdmonton Research Park Edmonton Research ParkAhmad JawadIASP North American Division EventMarch 2023: Edmonton Research Park businesses encouraged by city movesJuly 2024: Applied Pharma facility could open local doors while bridging national gapAugust 2026: API facility moves forward as Life Sciences Week approachesPublic toilets Does Edmonton have enough public washrooms?Public WashroomsCity of Edmonton Public Washroom Strategy (PDF)Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

City administration is bowing down to provincial bike lane legislation that doesn't even exist yet. Plus, council requested more information on how infill impacts surrounding property values, and we discuss the proposed LRT station fare gate pilot. (00:00) - Introduction (01:31) - Municipal bike lanes (10:23) - Bike lanes in Ontario (13:25) - Pause on active transportation infrastructure (18:29) - Fare gate pilot (24:40) - Infill impacts (32:46) - Movers & Shakers (36:19) - Fringe update (38:25) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Municipal bike lanes Province seeks input on bikes lanes, cyclists push backEdmonton council votes to keep parking while building bike lanes along 50th StreetAlberta monitoring debate over bike lanes in Ontario, considering similar legislationGovernment of Alberta praises Ontario court ruling on bike lanesFare gate pilot Edmonton city council to vote on fare gate pilot project in NovemberSeptember 2024: Fare gate pilot could fail, podcast hosts suggestEpisode 277 | A fair shake for fare gates faces delayInfill impacts Edmonton councillor seeks study on infill property valuesJacob Dawang: Edmonton's $15M infill property tax dividendMovers & Shakers Andrew Knack's LinkedIn postGerein: Blake Desjarlais's hiring at Edmonton city hall was a puzzler. So is his exit after just 90 days.Rajah Maggay's LinkedIn postAileen Giesbrecht's LinkedIn postSpeaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

We speak with Edmonton Global CEO Daryn Edgar and Spruce Grove Mayor Jeff Acker about Edmonton Global's new strategic plan and how shareholders are feeling about the organization these days. Plus, we bring you an update on Gibbons, the best little town in the northeast. (00:00) - Introduction (03:34) - Ad: Taproot's Food Roundup (04:22) - Gibbons update (14:44) - Interview with Daryn Edgar and Jeff Acker (58:42) - Post-interview discussion (59:57) - Closing Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guests Daryn EdgarEdmonton Global's incoming CEO aims to refresh relationships and drive scaleMeet Daryn Edgar, Edmonton Global's new CEOMayor Jeff AckerCity of Spruce Grove: Mayor Jeff AckerGibbons Gibbons viability review raises concerns in Sturgeon CountyConcern over Bill 28's proposed changes to viability reviewCollaboration talks between Gibbons and Sturgeon County stallViability review report reveals how Gibbons reached financial crisisGibbons council rejects province's viability review findingsGibbons votes to remain a townThis episode is brought to you by the Food Roundup. Published every Tuesday morning, the Food Roundup is an email newsletter that provides you with the latest openings, closings, headlines, and happenings in the world of food across the Edmonton region. If you're looking to reach the kind of people who read the Food Roundup (and you should because they're awesome!) then get in touch. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

We're joined by an archeology expert and an advocate with experience in Indigenous relations for a deep dive on Indigenous engagement in Rossdale, and across the river valley. (00:00) - Introduction (00:42) - Restaurant closures (10:32) - Ad: Edmonton Opera (12:11) - Rossdale engagement (14:22) - Interview with Kisha and Miranda (54:01) - Post-interview discussion (59:50) - Scramble update (01:00:30) - Closing Here are the relevant links for this episode: Restaurant closures July 21, 2026 Food RoundupString of restaurant closures in downtown Edmonton has business owners talking about challengesRossdale engagement Rossdale debate reflects differing worldviews and capacities, advocates sayTreaty 6 nations aim to redevelop contentious Rossdale lotsMiranda Jimmy: Legal, Ethical, and Moral Obligations to the Treaty RelationshipMétis archaeologist transforms her field from 'grave robber' to 'grave finder'River Cross Business Plan (PDF)Guests Kisha SupernantMiranda JimmyScramble update Edmonton delays removal of Whyte Avenue scramble crosswalks until 2027This episode is brought to you by Edmonton Opera. Tickets are on sale now for Opera al Fresco, Edmonton Opera's cherished summer tradition at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden. Hear favourite arias and choruses amid the flowers and greenery, with a charcuterie box to nibble on throughout. Don't miss out! Get your tickets today Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

We're joined by Ward Nakota Isga Coun. Reed Clarke for a conversation about the upcoming four-year budget. We talk about the struggle to keep businesses in Edmonton, the need for better bylaw enforcement, and how infill has impacted the tax situation. (00:00) - Introduction (02:10) - Reed Clarke (05:17) - Revenue ideas (10:41) - Past tax increases (14:11) - Ad: ECAMP Curiosity Tours (14:51) - Tax impacts (19:23) - Industrial development (28:11) - Infill (31:34) - What does success look like? (34:59) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Reed Clarke ReedClarke.caWard Nakota Isga - Reed ClarkeBudget Budget and Finances2027-2030 Budget EngagementTaproot's budget coverageThis episode is brought to you by the Edmonton City as Museum Project. Join ECAMP for two immersive walking experiences this summer! Explore Edmonton's history through the Labour History Tour and Children of the Flats, and dive into the stories that shaped our city — past and present. Tours are at $15 (2‑hour) or $10 (1‑hour) per person, with kids 12 & under FREE — an accessible and engaging way to experience the city. Learn more Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

We're joined by Ward Dene Coun. Aaron Paquette for a conversation about the upcoming four-year budget. We talk about the state of Edmonton's finances, our city's relationship with neighbours and the province, and what success looks like for the 2027-2030 budget. (00:00) - Introduction (02:00) - Aaron Paquette (11:02) - Municipal/provincial relations (17:08) - Regional growth pressures (25:42) - Downtown incentives (27:45) - Ad: Park Power (28:22) - Budget engagement (32:49) - Social return (35:30) - Budget experience (39:53) - Budget approach (47:23) - Budge communication (50:05) - What does success look like? (53:09) - Be kind (54:20) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Aaron Paquette AaronPaquette.caWard Dene - Aaron PaquetteBudget Budget and Finances2027-2030 Budget EngagementTaproot's budget coverageThis 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. It also has a Solar Club that offers solar power buy-back rates for Albertans with solar PV systems. Learn more. Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

Edmonton city councillors debated changes to the zoning bylaw to regulate lodging houses … if they can figure out what they are. Plus, the city has started cracking down on illegal downtown surface parking lots, and we get excited for the Fringe Festival. (00:00) - Introduction (00:31) - Rain in June (05:09) - Ad: Taste of Edmonton (05:44) - Canada Day (06:55) - Lodging houses (17:19) - New towing lot (19:30) - Downtown parking lots (26:33) - Fringe Festival (31:21) - Scheduling notes (33:10) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Rain in June Edmonton records its rainiest June ever following latest weekend downpour: Environment CanadaEdmonton weather nerdery: June 2026News Release: City of Edmonton impacts due to additional heavy rainsNews Release: Rising water levels on the North Saskatchewan River prompt immediate trail closuresCanada Day Readers share what this year's Canada Day means to themO Canada? Patriotism in the time of Alberta separatismLodging houses Lodging Houses AnalysisEdmonton's mayor fears infill bylaws abused to build lodging housesEdmonton infills operated as rooming houses, renting by the day — even hourNew towing lot City of Edmonton opens new tow lot to deal with hundreds of abandoned vehiclesDowntown parking lots Crackdown on unlicensed downtown Edmonton parking lots loomsEdmonton cracking down on unpermitted surface parking lots in coreNews Release: City begins enforcement action against unpermitted downtown surface parking lots in JulyFringe Festival Edmonton Fringe announces Unforgettable theme for 2026 festivalFringe asks for support to keep it 'Unforgettable'This episode is brought to you by Taste of Edmonton. This year, the popular 11-day festival runs July 16 to 26, offering a delicious sample of Edmonton's finest restaurants, arts, and culture. Presale tickets are available online now until July 14th, or at select retail locations until July 15th. By purchasing ahead, you'll save $10 per sheet of 40 tickets. Learn more Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★

City council delayed a public hearing about Rossdale as it had questions about its duty to consult with Indigenous nations. Plus, the parking requirement at daycares has been reduced, and we discuss how to stop illegal dumping at apartment buildings. (00:00) - Introduction (00:41) - YEG Trivia Night (02:54) - Canada Day ask (03:44) - Ad: Edmonton Opera (04:42) - Rossdale rezoning (19:37) - Daycare parking (26:24) - Illegal dumping (35:00) - Close Here are the relevant links for this episode: Canada Day Share your thoughts on Canada DayRossdale rezoning Council delays Rossdale-specific zone decision for more consultationDaycare parking Edmonton mayor hopes requiring less daycare parking encourages more walking, bikingCouncil reduces parking requirements for child-care spaces to encourage more to enter industryIllegal dumping Edmonton condo's and apartment's paying extra to clean up illegal dumping, report saysCity looking to pilot big bin project in 2027 to curb illegal dumpingThis episode is brought to you by Edmonton Opera. Set yourself up for a couple of spectacular date nights! The Opera Duo bundles tickets to both mainstage productions in the 2026-27 season: Rossini's The Barber of Seville in November and Mozart's The Magic Flute in February. You'll save 20% compared to single ticket prices, secure your seats early, and have two unforgettable nights of live opera to look forward to. Subscribe today Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton. We deliver reliable intelligence about the Edmonton region. Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free! Want to reach the smartest, most-engaged people in the Edmonton region? Learn more about advertising with Taproot Edmonton! ★ Support this podcast ★