The Pulse: Jan. 20, 2026

A smiling man crosses his arms next to hot dog and hamburger buns inside a meat shop.

Low and slow: Okie Dokie charts course for meaty success

Jan. 20, 2026
By Colin Gallant

The man behind a new handmade sausage shop has ambitions to turn it into a destination for barbecue in Edmonton, but for now he's making sure he doesn't bite off more than he can chew.

"We weren't sure how it would catch on," said Jarrett Gauthier, the chef at Okie Dokie Smokies, which opened at 7345 104 Street NW in December. "We definitely wanted to start smaller."

Okie Dokie operates from Thursday to Sunday, offering hot foods and prepared goods, including handmade sausage, pulled pork, burger patties, and more. The shop marks Gauthier's first time running a restaurant or retail concept.

"The space became available, I knew the right people, and so I'm using Okie Dokie as a stepping stone to be able to work for myself one day," he told Taproot. "It's currently a one-man show."

Okie Dokie supplies restaurants such as Sugarbowl, the neighbouring High Dough, and Little Wolf. The latter's Shaun Hicks is an owner of Okie Dokie alongside a silent partner that both Hicks and Gauthier declined to name. Hicks told Taproot he hopes Gauthier will buy a stake in the business as he transitions from employee to operator.

Having multiple revenue streams — serving both restaurants and walk-up customers — allows for measured growth and stability, Gauthier said.

"Part of the thing that makes us unique and special in Edmonton is that we're able to do all these different things," he said. "Right now, especially with the weather, we're focusing a lot on sausage-making and supplying to restaurants."

The shop is at the Strathcona Junction location where Modest Meats operated from 2023 to early 2025. Gauthier said Okie Dokie's business model is different from that of its fellow meat purveyor.

"Modest Meats focused on ultra-local, whole-animal butchery," Gauthier said. "With Okie Dokie, right now we're focusing more on sausage … so we definitely don't have the high labour cost of breaking down whole animals for a premium."

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Headlines: Jan. 20, 2026

Jan. 20, 2026
By Mariam Ibrahim

City of Edmonton officials say that 90% of residents are ignoring parking bans, despite fines increasing to $250 in 2022. The city's five dedicated enforcement officers issued more than 2,600 tickets in the week ending Jan. 18. David Plamondon of the Alberta Avenue Business Association argued the high fine disproportionately affects lower-income households. Coun. Michael Janz noted only 4.3% of Edmonton's population uses the 311 notification service, suggesting the city seek provincial vehicle registry access or implement mandatory street parking registration to improve communication. A full review of Edmonton's parking enforcement strategy is scheduled for May.
The Winspear Centre is seeking the City of Edmonton's help to address a revenue shortfall, which stems from lost parking income due to its expansion integrating the downtown district energy hub. The project replaced a 97-stall surface lot, which generated $575,000 annually, with only 67 paid stalls. A report going to city council's executive committee on Jan. 21 presents three options: a parking funding agreement, leasing the Century Place parkade, or a $5 million grant. Coun. Keren Tang and Coun. Anne Stevenson highlighted the project's connection to other civic initiatives and the need to ensure the Winspear's financial sustainability.
In an op-ed published in Postmedia, Rowan Hanf of the City of Edmonton Youth Council reviewed the Ribbon of Green Strategic Plan, which will guide the future management of Edmonton's river valley and ravine system. While the plan prioritizes ecological integrity, Hanf emphasized the need to balance environmental protection with expanded infrastructure for accessibility, transit, and recreation. Key recommendations include stronger waste management, thoughtful design and security measures to enhance safety and inclusion for vulnerable groups, and ensuring programming enhances rather than overwhelms the valley. Improving public access and connectivity to neighbourhoods and transit is also crucial, Hanf wrote.
The City of Edmonton invites resident input into various projects and policies, including the Climate Action Plan until Jan. 30, proposed Child Care Services Zoning Bylaw changes until Feb. 4, and the Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Waste Roadmap until Feb. 6. Input on the Wîhkwêntôwin Neighbourhood Renewal draft design is open until Feb. 8, with engagement events on Jan. 26, Jan. 29, and Jan. 31.
The murder trial for Justin Bone, 40, began on Jan. 19 for the May 18, 2022, killings of Hung Trang, 64, and Ban Phuc Hoang, 61, in Edmonton's Chinatown. Prosecutors argue Bone had "significant mental capacity," presenting CCTV footage and DNA evidence. The Crown alleges Bone fatally attacked Hoang at his Universal Electronics and Video shop and Trang at Albert's Autobody. The defence plans an abuse of process application regarding the RCMP transporting Bone to Edmonton days before the killings, violating a release order. The Edmonton Police Commission is also reviewing the circumstances surrounding Bone's arrival and police involvement.
An Investigative Journalism Foundation report from Edmonton-based journalist Brett McKay identified Prolife Alberta leader Murray Ruhl as the author and podcaster behind an online persona that promotes hardline traditionalist Catholic views and rejects democratic governance. Writing and broadcasting under the name Allan Ruhl, he has described democracy as illegitimate and advanced ideas aligned with the religious right's anti-democratic ambitions. The investigation contrasted Ruhl's low public profile as a party leader with his far more explicit online commentary.
Edmonton-Strathcona MP Heather McPherson, a candidate in the federal NDP leadership race, slammed the Alberta UCP during a campaign stop in Calgary. McPherson criticized Premier Danielle Smith's government for its "attack on our healthcare system," use of the notwithstanding clause, and "dangerous" flirtation with separatism. If elected party leader, McPherson said she aims to address the cost-of-living crisis and push for job creation, infrastructure investment, and high-speed rail in Alberta. The new federal leader will be announced on March 29 in Winnipeg.