Taproot Edmonton

A tattoed woman wearing vibrant colours speaks into a microphone while gesturing upwards

Edmonton Unlimited reveals Launch Party startups

The 10 companies to be showcased at Launch Party during Edmonton Startup Week span health, food, fibre, aviation, defence, and — of course — all things AI.

A trail is blocked with trees and deadfall.

Volunteers start looking at repairs for unpaved trails in river valley

Edmonton's unpaved trails have seen extensive damage due to the record rainfall so far this summer, says the head of the volunteer group that maintains them.

Two men in black-tie dress next to a podium on a stage with the word "Connect" displayed behind them

ASTech Awards pilot seeks to bring investors to the party

A new program called Alberta Capital Connect is meant to open doors for early-stage companies in addition to celebrating them at this year's ASTech Awards.

A black and red naloxone kit

On the agenda: Chinatown BIA, City Plan, naloxone

This week, Edmonton's city council returns from its summer recess to discuss the financial statements from the associations that oversee business improvement areas, potential updates to the City Plan, and the implications of allowing city employees to administer naloxone while working.

The Pulse

Wednesday, Aug. 12

In this edition: Volunteers start looking at repairs for unpaved trails in river valley; councillors consider stricter rules for e-scooters; plus more headlines, happenings, and the daily crossword

Roundup

Health Innovation Roundup: Aug. 12, 2026

With news from API, Alberta Innovates, the 24/7 Crisis Diversion Team, Alberta Capital Connect, ERIN, Melamoon, AI4Good Lab, BCBigs, U of A, and more.

Roundup

Regional Roundup: Aug. 12, 2026

With news from Sturgeon County, Capital Power, U of A, ERIN, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Energy City Cactus Rats, Myanm's Noodle, and more.

Speaking Municipally

Talking about Rossdale

We're joined by an archeology expert and an advocate with experience in Indigenous relations for a deep dive on Indigenous engagement in Rossdale, and across the river valley.


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Tree branches in the sky

Your turn: Tree canopy, landscaping, LRT art

This week's batch of calls for public engagement includes two surveys about trees and shrubs, as well as an opportunity to give input on art along the Valley Line Southeast LRT.

A newspaper clipping of an an for Stage West's production of Mors Draculae with Victor Buono

A moment in history: July 24, 1979

On this day in 1979, Edmonton's successful dinner theatre was putting on a production by a celebrated local playwright.

A sign in the foreground says "No parking except during ballpark events," with a puddle-filled parking lot in the background

Rossdale debate reflects differing worldviews and capacities, advocates say

Decisions such as the land-use changes that Edmonton's city council recently made in Rossdale tend to draw imaginary lines as if they are real, says an Indigenous relations expert.

A chef using chop sticks to toss a noodle dish in a bowl

Chameleon food brand summers at Bibo

Greg Sweeney's evolving HOM Street Food is an occasional pop-up restaurant, a catering and prepared meals service, a packaged food brand, and now the resident operator at Bibo Strathcona.

API facility moves forward as Life Sciences Week approaches

Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation has reached another milestone toward bringing the Critical Medicines Production Centre online, completing a factory acceptance test for a downflow booth used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Sturgeon County declares agricultural disaster

Sturgeon County is sounding the alarm for its farmers after record rainfall soaked the Edmonton region this summer.

Alberta producers invite cityfolk (and others) to the table

Alberta Open Farm Days returns on Aug. 15 and 16 with more than 60 destinations to experience, including a swath in the Edmonton region.

Province showcases AI approach at symposium

The provincial government convened 100 in-person participants and 600 virtual viewers on July 28 for the Velocity Symposium, a showcase of the Velocity White Papers.


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Taproot members and stories

Regional Roundup: Aug. 12, 2026

With news from Sturgeon County, Capital Power, U of A, ERIN, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Energy City Cactus Rats, Myanm's Noodle, and more.

Health Innovation Roundup: Aug. 12, 2026

With news from API, Alberta Innovates, the 24/7 Crisis Diversion Team, Alberta Capital Connect, ERIN, Melamoon, AI4Good Lab, BCBigs, U of A, and more.

Food Roundup: Aug. 11, 2026

With news from Open Farm Days, Alberta on the Plate, XIX Nineteen, DRTY Ice Cream, The Gardens, Coliseum Steak & Pizza, Little Bon Bon, and more.

Tech Roundup: Aug. 11, 2026

With news from the Technology and Innovation Ministry, Alberta Capital Access, Amii, Zero Point Cryogenics, Wyvern, Future Fields, and more.

Business Roundup: July 24, 2026

With news from PNWER, Gregg Distributors, AEC, Zero Point Cryogenics, The Paramount Theatre, DealCloser, Amazon, EPL, Startup TNT, and more.

Events Roundup: July 23, 2026

Featuring an event pick from Taproot co-founder Karen Unland and a listing of tasting events that you can add to your calendar.

Arts Roundup: July 23, 2026

With news from the Sterlings, Loud in the Pines, Double Lunch, Edmonton Arts Council, Rapid Fire Theatre, Gather Co., EPL, Neon Skies, 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.

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.


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.