Taproot Edmonton

A smiling woman sits at her desk, resting her head on her hand

Readers share what this year's Canada Day means to them

On the occasion of Canada's 159th birthday, we invited Taproot readers to tell us how they're thinking about Canada Day in this very strange year.

The Canadian and Albertan flags flap in the wind

O Canada? Patriotism in the time of Alberta separatism

Most Albertans are still on the same page when it comes to Canada Day, despite growing talk of separatism, says a researcher who explores the province's sense of identity.

A fireworks show at city hall

On the agenda: Indigenous engagement, megaphones, fireworks

This week, council will consider its policy for engaging Indigenous groups regarding river valley development, review regulations for megaphones in public spaces, and discuss Diwali celebrations and the use of fireworks.

Two newspaper clippings, one headlined 'Winnie Martin Announces Whe Will Wed Soon' and the other headlined 'Grads Were All Feted During Toronto Stay'

A moment in history: June 26, 1924

On this day in 1924, the captain of the world-famous Edmonton Grads basketball team shared the news of her engagement.

The Pulse

Wednesday, July 1

In this edition: Readers share what this year's Canada Day means to them; Edmonton closes low-lying trails amid rising river levels; and more headlines and happenings

Roundup

Health Innovation Roundup: July 1, 2026

With news from Alberta Innovates, API, Gummy Nutrition Lab, the University of Alberta, End Poverty Edmonton, Skills Society, Action Lab, and more.

Roundup

Regional Roundup: July 1, 2026

With news from Gibbons, Champion Pet Foods, API, Teledyne MEMS, Strathcona County Tourism, Pembina Pipeline, City of Leduc Youth Council, and more.

Speaking Municipally

I like big bins

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.


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A map of the Prince Rupert area with several pins along 114 Avenue

Your turn: Towards 40, playground, Leduc annexation

This week's batch of calls for public engagement includes surveys about road safety in three Edmonton neighbourhoods, a draft design of a playground in Hawks Ridge, and a survey about Leduc's proposed annexation of land from Leduc County, among other matters.

Two people seated across a table from one another in a workspace.

End Poverty Edmonton starts next chapter with question marks

An organization with a mandate to fight poverty is refocusing on its roots and adding coworking to its mix as funding from the City of Edmonton slips through the hourglass.

A woman sitting in front of a white house reading a book

Resistance to book restrictions is built on community

The curator of a new banned-book subscription service says it's important to not only read books that are commonly banned, but also get together and talk about them.

A man wearing a rainbow toque and mitts holds a back that reads 'Edmonton Queer History Project'

Retirement home for queer seniors makes crucial progress

An affordable housing project led by the Edmonton Pride Seniors Group and Right at Home Housing Society now has land and nearly $9 million in provincial funding to build a safe, inclusive development in The Quarters.

Provincial funder seeks healthtech that's ready to level up

Alberta Innovates has opened its Accelerating Innovations into Care (AICE) program for 2026 applications, with two intake cycles starting June 29.

Gibbons votes to remain a town

Gibbons will not dissolve and become a hamlet within Sturgeon County after 68.5% voted in a plebiscite to keep the municipality as a town. A total of 937 valid ballots were cast, representing 49% of the electorate.

Burger fest brings budget-friendly wagyu to the table

At least eight restaurants in the core are serving $12 burgers made with local wagyu beef from July 2 to 11 as part of Downtown YEG Burger Fest.

Global hiring startup wins pitch competition

Kemi Bolatito of fintech company Rolla gave the winning pitch at the Battle of Business Pitch competition on June 26 at the Citadel Theatre.


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Regional Roundup: July 1, 2026

With news from Gibbons, Champion Pet Foods, API, Teledyne MEMS, Strathcona County Tourism, Pembina Pipeline, City of Leduc Youth Council, and more.

Health Innovation Roundup: July 1, 2026

With news from Alberta Innovates, API, Gummy Nutrition Lab, the University of Alberta, End Poverty Edmonton, Skills Society, Action Lab, and more.

Food Roundup: June 30, 2026

With news from YEG Burger Fest, Ayco Cafe, Odd Burger, El Cafesito by MexiCánada, JACEK, Waffle Bird, Sea Change, Okie Dokie Smokies, and more.

Tech Roundup: June 30, 2026

With news from Rolla, The Nod, Aeternum, Amii, AHS, U of A, Teledyne MEMS, Sarcomere Dynamics, ATB, Alberta Innovates, Melamoon Edmonton, and more.

Business Roundup: June 26, 2026

With news from PlayWright, Teledyne MEMS, Champion Petfoods, Circular Materials, Porter Airlines, Edmonton Unlimited, API, The Nod, and more.

Events Roundup: June 25, 2026

Featuring an event pick from Taproot curator/reporter Stephanie Swensrude and a listing of outdoor events that you can add to your calendar.

Arts Roundup: June 25, 2026

With news from the Sterling Awards, Down by the River, Edmonton Arts Council, The Works, Freewill Shakespeare Festival, Lit Resistance, and more.


Speaking Municipally

Maybe it is a municipal responsibility

Council approved $925,000 to fund winter day spaces, even as the conversation about jurisdiction continues. Plus, the Southeast Transit Garage will be a little bigger, and we look at what Edmontonians told the Edmonton Police Commission about the next EPS operating budget.

Speaking Municipally

Vroom, vroom, vroom went the trolley

We're joined by Taproot reporter Colin Gallant, who tested out Edmonton Explorer, the new hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour "trolley" from Explore Edmonton. Plus, the city is taking over operations of the Valley Line LRT, and we discuss upcoming changes to parking at attractions.

Speaking Municipally

No way four way

We've got a little update on Bridgegate, and we talk about the impact of major construction projects on businesses. Plus, we go on a bit of a deep dive into a southeast neighbourhood that was designed with only one way in or out. What could go wrong?

Speaking Municipally

Stop trying to make a tree bylaw happen, it's not going to happen

Edmonton city council has approved what has been described as an alternative to a private tree protection bylaw. Plus, we take a look at proposed changes to Jasper Avenue and Whyte Avenue. But don't worry, they're not funded yet.


Taproot wins award for excellence in journalism

Taproot wins award for excellence in journalism

We have wonderful news to share: Taproot has received the Dr. Eric Jackman Award for Excellence in Journalism for our 2025 election project.

Taproot at 10: Celebrating the beginning

Taproot at 10: Celebrating the beginning

Ten years ago this week, we took our first step toward finding out whether Taproot was worth building.

Accessibility and design improvements across Taproot

Accessibility and design improvements across Taproot

Delivering reliable intelligence to our community means thinking about how to serve the entire community. With the help of our readers, we identified accessibility and design as key areas for improvement.