Taproot Edmonton

Two men pose with bottles of Zyra vodka

Tech marketer makes a splash in beverage industry

The founder of Zyra Premium Vodka has used his tech-marketing playbook to build his beverage brand into a spirit of choice for elite Edmonton venues ahead of a public launch on July 25.

A screenshot of Coun. Reed Clarke

No easy answers for city budget, says rookie councillor

So far, Edmonton city council's budget process has taught Coun. Reed Clarke that there aren't as many levers to pull as he thought when he ran for office.

About 60 cyclists ride past a group of people on the sidewalk

Province seeks input on bikes lanes, cyclists push back

The provincial government launched a portal to submit concerns about bike lanes in municipalities on July 15, a day before Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen met with concerned residents about a proposed bike lane in Capilano.

A graphic shows the proposed location of a youth centre in the west part of Kinsmen Park in Leduc

Your turn: BGC Leduc, resilient landscaping

This week's batch of calls for public engagement includes outreach about a proposed youth centre from Boys and Girls Club Leduc and climate-resilient landscaping in Edmonton.

The Pulse

Tuesday, July 21

In this edition: Tech marketer makes a splash in beverage industry; Edmonton activates poor air quality response; and more headlines and happenings

Roundup

Food Roundup: July 21, 2026

With news from Taste of Edmonton, Sea Change Brewing Co., GRETA Bar, Bündok, Zymo, 7 Summits Snacks, Fuge Sausage, Ying Fat Foods, KDays, and more.

Roundup

Tech Roundup: July 21, 2026

With news from KDays, Technology Alberta, Rich Sutton, Amii, AltaML, U of A, Zelse, ERIN, Startup TNT, Start Alberta, PCL, and more.

Speaking Municipally

Reed between the line items

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.


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A newspaper clipping of classifed ads, including one indicating that Hermitage School was ready to receive students

A moment in history: July 17, 1886

On this day in 1886, the Hermitage homestead was accepting students into one of Edmonton's earliest schools.

A playground with a wide, gently sloped ramp into the play area

City would benefit from more inclusive playgrounds, says advocate

As Edmonton city council gets ready to set its next four-year budget, playground reviewer Jill Footz has a wish.

Two people in formal wear seated at a dinner table

D-Spice inventors seek to make all diners feel welcome

An Edmonton-based couple who came up with a way to make spicy food less painful to eat without sacrificing the flavour will get a chance to further develop their innovation.

A phone displaying the opening screen of Oops Social

No swiping or texting on Edmonton-made dating app

Annie Poirier was fed up with typical dating apps like Hinge and Tinder.

Taste of Edmonton serves up winners, rain or shine

Taste of Edmonton continues at Churchill Square until July 26, whether there be rain, shine, wind, or thunder.

Innovation at KDays includes startups, video games, and robots

Hop off the midway or emerge from the beer garden into the air-conditioned Edmonton EXPO Centre and you'll find all manner of innovation on display at KDays.

Pacific Northwest economic leaders return to Edmonton after 20 years

The Pacific Northwest Economic Region is bringing its flagship event back to Edmonton for the first time since 2006.

Pop girlies descend on Fan Park

This week, we're highlighting an event pick by Taproot reporter Colin Gallant.


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Taproot members and stories

Food Roundup: July 21, 2026

With news from Taste of Edmonton, Sea Change Brewing Co., GRETA Bar, Bündok, Zymo, 7 Summits Snacks, Fuge Sausage, Ying Fat Foods, KDays, and more.

Tech Roundup: July 21, 2026

With news from KDays, Technology Alberta, Rich Sutton, Amii, AltaML, U of A, Zelse, ERIN, Startup TNT, Start Alberta, PCL, and more.

Business Roundup: July 17, 2026

With news from Pacific Northwest Economic Region, Pathways, D-Spice, Oops Social, Avison Young, YEG, Explore Edmonton, RWI, uHacks, Amii, and more.

Events Roundup: July 16, 2026

Featuring an event pick from Taproot reporter Colin Gallant and a listing of markets that you can add to your calendar.

Arts Roundup: July 16, 2026

With news from Whyte Avenue Art Walk, Purple City, Edmonton Mural Festival, Silver's Wind, Citadel Theatre, Rayanne Haines, EAC, Kaleido, and more.

Regional Roundup: July 15, 2026

With news from Meta, Capital Power, ERA, Aksis, Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB, AIRmarket, Avison Young, Royal Alberta Museum, BILD, and more.

Health Innovation Roundup: July 15, 2026

With news from RNARevive, Amii, Somagen Diagnostics, U of A, Future Fields, Antigoni Studios, RWI, Alberta Blue Cross, and more.


Speaking Municipally

Aaron out the budget concerns

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.

Speaking Municipally

Schrodinger's lodging house

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.

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.

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.


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.