Public Spaces 2: Electric Boogaloo

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 public behaviours including drug use, panhandling and protests
• News Release: Edmonton first in Canada to consolidate municipal bylaws to protect inclusion, enable public safety, eliminate redundancies
• Community and Public Services Committee - Feb. 10, 2025
• Episode 251: Public spaces (just not for you, specifically)
• Feb. 2024: Public space bylaws can't fix what community can, advocates say
• Ashley Salvador AMA on Reddit

Surplus school sites

• Residents object to parcel of community park being designated as surplus, developed for housing
• 'We have a need': Edmonton city council debates affordable housing sites

Water and AI

• On the agenda: EPCOR Water Services operational plan
• Engineers Used 'Frozen' Animation Code to Solve Dyatlov Pass Mystery

Edmonton Food Faves

• EdmontonFoodFaves.ca
• Printable passport PDF
• 2022 edition
• Linda Hoang
• Sharon Yeo

From the Taproot newsroom

• Flying Canoë Volant wants to transition to a 'culture of contribution'
• Second payment system in three years always part of plan, ETS head says
• Intent Coffee team returns with Balay Coffee pop-up
• Business Roundup: Jan. 31, 2025

Rapid fire

• Danielle Smith announces new Crown corporation to oversee Alberta's rainy day fund
• Alberta pension manager fires 19 employees, including DEI program lead
• Fast-growing pickleball clubs short on space pitch new facilities in the Edmonton region

Speaking Municipally is produced by Taproot Edmonton, the most reliable source of intelligence about what's happening in the Edmonton region. Through curiosity-driven original stories, tailored and useful newsletters, a comprehensive and innovative events calendar, and thought-provoking podcasts, we inform, connect, and inspire a more vibrant, engaged, and resilient Edmonton region.

Sign up to get The Pulse, our weekday news briefing. It's free!