Best Yegcc Podcasts (2025)

1
Survey says 49:13

Play Pause

2h ago49:13

49:13

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. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Darren Markland Darren Markland obituary Video featuring Darren Markland New police …

1
Feed Drop: Second Skin from The Well Endowed Podcast 30:05

16h ago30:05

30:05

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…

1
One last thing before I go... 44:36

5d ago44:36

44:36

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. Here are the relevant links for this episode: West end construction woes Reddit th…

1
To Airbnb or not to Airbnb 47:29

12d ago47:29

47:29

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. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Bridge housing Bridge healing project in Highlands moving ahead City goes ahead with H…

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Election season is really underway now 53:39

19d ago53:39

53:39

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. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Spray parks Spray Parks Coun. Cartmell's Instagram post Infrastructure policy Bridges, Roads and Results: Tim Cartme…

1
Hot, hot deals in downtown Edmonton 43:06

26d ago43:06

43:06

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. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Fringe festival Record-breaking year for Edmonton Fringe Festival Event park News Release: Master agree…

1
Working 9:30 to 5, what a way to make a livin' 41:59

1M ago41:59

41:59

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. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Council calendar Council says no to longer meetings b…

1
ETS is hot to go 47:07

1M ago47:07

47:07

This week, we drive into the wonderful world of transit memes aboard route #4. Plus, the push to close 76 Avenue to cars, the latest efforts to address noisy vehicles, and the need to repair community league facilities. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Police blotter 'Unleashing': Politicians Say Ex-Police Watchdog's Insults Go Too Far…

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When did you last mow the lawn? 35:04

2M ago35:04

35:04

Edmonton is building fewer parking spaces than housing units, St. Albert is trying to grow its downtown population, Hawrelak Park could open by the end of the year, and we look at the City's new mowing map. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Downtown St. Albert Why St. Albert's downtown could be welcoming a lot more residents Parking Edm…

1
How Taproot is approaching the election 38:58

2M ago38:58

38:58

Taproot co-founder Karen Unland returns to the show to talk about how we are approaching the 2025 municipal election and the impact we hope to have. We've also got clips from an interview with Coun. Michael Janz about infill. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Karen Unland Karen on LinkedIn Speaking Municipally: Episode 127 Election proj…

1
Can you get rid of the Rapidfire segment next? 33:04

2M ago33:04

33:04

We're back with a discussion about changes we are making for election season. Namely, Troy will take a hiatus from the show. We discuss why and what that means for the show going forward. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Troy Pavlek TroyPavlek.ca troypavlek on TikTok troypavlek on X Rapid fire Pickle-dusted doughnuts, pb&j chicken amon…

1
You're out of order! You're out of order! This whole council is out of order! 39:07

3M ago39:07

39:07

Council is about to start its summer break, but not before making a bunch of decisions that could shape the future of Edmonton. Infill and the zoning bylaw changes are the big item again this week, but we also talk about the Downtown CRL extension, the Winspear Centre expansion, road widening, a proposal for free parking, and more. Here are the rel…

1
O-E-Gee whiz, how C-aRe-L we gonna vote? 50:11

3M ago50:11

50:11

We discuss the proposed moratorium on infill development, the extension of the Downtown Community Revitalization Levy, and the return of former MP Rahim Jaffer to municipal politics. We also look at how changes to vote counting will affect the 2025 municipal election, and the end of photo radar in playground zones. Here are the relevant links for t…

1
Wow, six bylaw, bro 35:38

3M ago35:38

35:38

Council is looking to reduce the maximum number of midblock infill units to six per lot from eight. Plus, entertainment districts are exempt from the single use plastic bylaw. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Midblock infill Edmonton may revise zoning bylaw to reduce mid-block multi-family units Edmonton council votes to reduce maximum…

1
A new CEO, but still Edmonton, without limits 49:13

3M ago49:13

49:13

We talk with Edmonton Unlimited CEO Tom Viinikka about his first year in the role, measuring the city's innovation sector, what separates entrepreneurs from the rest of us, and what's next for the organization. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Tom Viinikka Edmonton Unlimited Welcomes New CEO, Tom Viinikka Edmonton Unlimited hires new C…

1
The Rainbow Bridge has gone over the Rainbow Bridge 46:45

4M ago46:45

46:45

We discuss the potential removal of a community-built bridge in Jackie Parker Park, the launch of the Better Edmonton party, the Capital Line South LRT extension, and the latest on wildfires in the Edmonton region. Plus, we dig into the zoning bylaw update. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Zoning Bylaw update Missing Middle Housing In …

1
No new naming nuisances 42:02

4M ago42:02

42:02

Council decided against selling the naming rights for recreation centres and other facilities, at least on the outside. The Edmonton Elks is the official name, but it is returning to the old name on the inside. Plus, we discuss the relationship between police and the city, speeding enforcement, and upzoning. Here are the relevant links for this epi…

1
He's got a Knack for winning elections 1:01:05

4M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

Andrew Knack has announced he's running for mayor. We speak with him about his decision to enter the race now, his vision for the city, and how he plans to differentiate himself from the other candidates. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Andrew Knack Andrew Knack for Mayor Andrew's Linkedin post Speaking Municipally | 13 months notice …

1
It’s not a DIP, it's a DAP 34:47

4M ago34:47

34:47

We examine the new Downtown Action Plan, which was presented to the Urban Planning Committee this week. Additionally, administration seeks permission to sell the naming rights to 29 facilities, and PACE announces six of its candidates for the 2025 municipal election. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Downtown Action Plan Edmonton Propos…

1
The State of Our City 49:07

5M ago49:07

49:07

We dive into the "start" of construction season, and the latest state of the city event. We also touch on traffic management in Belgravia, and private contracts for the Edmonton police. Here are the relevant links for this episode: EPS contracts Private contracts for Edmonton police rose sharply over last five years: data Construction season News R…

1
So he's back, at least for now 58:22

5M ago58:22

58:22

We look at what the federal election results mean for Edmonton, including the return of Mayor Amarjeet Sohi to city council. We also discuss the future of E-Park with Coun. Aaron Paquette, and dig into when we might expect results in the upcoming municipal election. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Federal election results Alberta's bl…

1
Taxes go up, can't explain that 37:19

5M ago37:19

37:19

City council has approved the final property tax increase for 2025, and it's lower than expected … except maybe not? Plus, the City started removing EPark meters … but maybe not? We also discuss the integrity commissioner's annual report, and bike lanes. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Property tax increase News Release: City Council …

1
Can Front Yards in Bloom be exhumed? 35:53

5M ago35:53

35:53

The most predictable of outcomes has happened: people are upset about Front Yards in Bloom getting pruned. Plus, we discuss the Ritchie downzoning, new transit peace officers, and the growth of the bus fleet. And we look ahead to the federal election. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Front Yards in Bloom Edmontonians rally to save Fron…

1
The only rule is there are no rules 37:06

6M ago37:06

37:06

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 Puls…

1
EPark is in a bit of a Hot Spot 38:59

6M ago38:59

38:59

E-Park machines are being removed, making mobile payments the preferred option for parking. We also discuss directing parking revenue to nearby infrastructure improvements, the removal of speed-on-green cameras, guidelines for point access blocks, and the story behind the demise of Alberta's first commercial hydrogen fueling station. Here are the r…

1
And then there were twelve 34:01

6M ago34:01

34:01

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi is taking a leave of absence to run in the federal election next month. We talk through the implications. Plus, extended producer responsibility is here, and the city is adding service hours to transit. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Extended Producer Responsibility News Release: Extended Producer responsibility i…

1
So he's running... but for what? 53:16

6M ago53:16

53:16

Mayor Amarjeet Sohi joins us to discuss his political future. Will he run for re-election? Will he return to federal politics? We hear what Sohi thinks is needed to stand up for Canada and municipalities. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Amarjeet Sohi Mayor Amarjeet Sohi What We Have Accomplished Together From the conversation Edmonton…

1
Something is Afoot 39:21

6M ago39:21

39:21

Coun. Sarah Hamilton has announced she will not seek re-election in the fall. We also discuss the pride flag issue between CSU52 and the Edmonton Public Library, transit safety and sounds, efforts to diversify Edmonton's trade beyond the United States, and why statues keep getting stolen. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Sarah Hamilton…

1
An ICEy reception to CRL extension 36:56

7M ago36:56

36:56

We discuss the potential renaming of the field at Commonwealth Stadium, a recommendation to accelerate the adoption of heat pumps, another Edmonton Public School Board trustee resignation, and the new ICE District deal. Plus, we talk about the Energy City Cactus Rats, ETS merchandise, and more. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Commonwe…

1
A committee is born 32:18

7M ago32:18

32:18

A new committee of council has been born (or, at least, is in utero). Plus, Bridgegate both continues and concludes, council has approved the Nordic spa in the river valley, and the province's CorruptCare scandal (allegedly) reaches the city. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Bridgegate City releases schedule of Edmonton's bridge renewa…

1
Bridgelocked 33:05

7M ago33:05

33:05

You may have heard that several bridges will be closed at once, but is that true? We dig into bridge maintenance planned for the next few years. We also discuss new bus priority measures, Lime's winter cycling pilot, an audit of DATS, and the upcoming wildfire season. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Bridge maintenance No, five bridges…

1
The Leducsiana Purchase 43:39

8M ago43:39

43:39

We follow up on the Public Spaces Bylaw, accelerating construction on the Valley Line West LRT, and the introduction of two new commissioners for the Edmonton Police Commission. Plus, the City of Leduc proposes to annex land from Leduc County, and we wrap up our Edmonton Food Faves series. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Public Spaces…

1
Blame Edmonton for the tariffs 51:31

8M ago51:31

51:31

City council heard about potential tariffs and how they might affect our city. Plus, the Edmonton Design Committee could be expanding its mandate, and we look at how construction on the Valley Line West LRT might accelerate. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Tariffs Edmonton city council, business leaders talk tariff strategy as adminis…

1
Public Spaces 2: Electric Boogaloo 42:04

8M ago42:04

42:04

We examine the updated Public Spaces Bylaw, which will be discussed at an upcoming committee meeting. Plus, an update on affordable housing on surplus school sites, and how artificial intelligence is beginning to integrate into municipal work. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Public Spaces Bylaw Here's why Edmonton may ban or limit pub…

1
Accountability is police commissing in action 46:17

8M ago46:17

46:17

We discuss the 76 Avenue redevelopment, the latest police commission appointments, the end of the EMRB, and a well-known West Edmonton Mall record, which may not be a record at all. Plus, we have a new segment exploring Edmonton Food Faves. Here are the relevant links for this episode: West Edmonton Mall Reddit thread about the parking lot record E…

1
Eddie's still driving –– but now it's permanent 48:26

8M ago48:26

48:26

We're joined by the no-longer-interim city manager, Eddie Robar, to discuss his role, the city's finances, the year ahead, and the upcoming municipal election. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guest: Eddie Robar Eddie Robar on LinkedIn Episode 262: Eddie's still here, and he's driving the bus Eddie's post on LinkedIn about taking over …

1
Jeopardy 2024 46:25

9M ago46:25

46:25

This. Is. Speaking Municipally Jeopardy! Three branch managers from the City of Edmonton square off in our annual holiday trivia episode. Enjoy! Here are the relevant links for this episode: Carrie Hotton-MacDonald Branch Manager, Edmonton Transit Service LinkedIn Pascale Ladouceur Branch Manager, Infrastructure Planning & Design LinkedIn Cate Watt…

1
Eventually the bill comes due 46:43

9M ago46:43

46:43

In our penultimate episode of 2024, we recap the 2025 budget and discuss how the process might change in the future. Plus, we wrap up the Housing Complex project and look at what's next as we head into municipal election season. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Budget recap News Release: City Council confirms fall budget adjustments Ed…

1
We're pushing, but the tax increase just won't budge-it 41:22

10M ago41:22

41:22

After four days of debate, Edmonton city council approved adjustments to the 2025 budget, setting a 6.1% property tax increase for next year. In this episode, we dig into some of the key moments throughout the debate. We talk about photo radar, trees, and community sandboxes. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Budget News Release: City C…

1
The EMRB is not to be 37:01

10M ago37:01

37:01

Another blow to regional collaboration as it appears the EMRB is dead after the provincial government pulled its funding. Plus, we talk budget, carbon emissions, police response times, and parking. Here are the relevant links for this episode: EMRB Regional Roundup: Nov. 27, 2024 'Unexpected': Edmonton's regional board loses provincial funding, fut…

1
Bye bye Mr. Police Chief Guy 40:56

10M ago40:56

40:56

We have a third mayoral candidate as Coun. Tim Cartmell finally confirms he's running for mayor. And in a surprising announcement, Chief Dale McFee has announced his retirement from EPS, effective Feb. 21, 2025. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Cartmell running for mayor Is Tim Cartmell the Next Mayor of Edmonton? Edmonton Coun. Tim Ca…

1
The fiscal gap makes for a SOBAring budget discussion 37:48

10M ago37:48

37:48

This week, budget season has begun. Troy and Stephanie guide you into the start of our year-end busy season, and explain how this will lead into next year's busy season, the election. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Budget Edmonton city council looks for cuts to lower 8.1 per cent tax hike eyed for 2025 Edmonton city councillors quest…

1
Please stand clear of the vanishing doors 42:00

11M ago42:00

42:00

Taproot Edmonton reporter Colin Gallant joins us to discuss making Edmonton's housing more financially accessible, the Valley Line LRT's first anniversary, and the future of retail downtown. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Updates News Release: Fifth case of Dutch elm disease confirmed in Edmonton News Release: City launches Assisted …

1
There's no I in DIP 52:08

11M ago52:08

52:08

The Downtown Investment Plan remains a hot topic of discussion. This week, we speak with Shani Gwin, a Métis woman, downtown business owner, AI entrepreneur, and DBA board member, for her take. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guests Shani Gwin on LinkedIn pipikwan pêhtâkwan Downtown Investment Plan Downtown Investment Plan (PDF) New…

1
Snow time like the present to talk about ice 1:01:17

11M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

This week, we're getting an early start on winter by talking about snow and ice control. We speak with Mark Beare and Val Dacyk from the City of Edmonton about service standards for clearing roadways and active pathways, how much people love the snow plow map, how big the snow clearing operation is, what it would take to clear sidewalks, where your…

1
Just one more downtown plan bro, I promise it’s the last one 58:43

11M ago58:43

58:43

A new report published by a coalition of business leaders calls for nearly $500 million of investment in Edmonton's downtown. We talk with the report's authors, Alexandra Hryciw and Jason Syvixay, about the action items, and what they hope to achieve. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Guests Alexandra Hryciw on LinkedIn Downtown Revital…

1
If it's not from the Deficit region of Canada, it's just generic "fiscal gap" 40:01

12M ago40:01

40:01

Council heard more about the fiscal gap, though no action was taken yet. Plus, the latest transit ridership numbers, the Stadium Station redesign, whether to continue planting elm trees, and how this winter's approach to encampments will look a lot like last winter's despite increased need. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Fiscal gap E…

1
Taxes for you, but not for U CP 36:39

12M ago36:39

36:39

Edmonton is going to have to pay much more for elections, but we can't say why without risking a $787 million settlement. Plus, we've got some news about district planning. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Property tax Sohi launches campaign to ask province for more municipal support Edmonton, other municipalities ask province to pay i…

1
Come for the risk-taking, stay for our sign 37:58

1y ago37:58

37:58

This week, we discuss the new Edmonton sign, a new poll about the mayor and city council, new crashes into the LRT, and a new report on Canada's municipalities. Plus, updates on ChargeStop, homelessness, and the 2021 mayoral race. Here are the relevant links for this episode: ChargeStop ChargeStop builds Canada's first dedicated EV station in Strat…

1
A fair shake for fare gates faces delay 36:47

1y ago36:47

36:47

Council has decided to keep their representatives on the police commission, at least for now. Plus, we talk LRT station fare gates, EVs, bike lanes, and more. Here are the relevant links for this episode: Police commission Edmonton won't remove city councillors from police commission, for now Alberta hiring CEO for 'massive' new agency to investiga…