This is Edmonton

As Alberta students headed back to class this fall, teachers went to the bargaining table, the government tabled new guidelines around books and letters went out to female athletes and their families requesting verification of sex at birth. How is all of this affecting Edmonton’s teachers and students? CBC provincial affairs reporter Janet French joins the podcast to make sense of all the news.

Tik Tok has become a hugely popular app, but its impact is going beyond doom scrolling and into diagnosis. Its unique algorithm is helping a new generation of women identify ADHD and reach out for support. The CBC’s Emily Fitzpatrick dove into the reasons why this app became so powerful, and the way this new community is making mental health a priority.

We all go somewhere when we die. Whether you’re partial to cremation or a coffin you require a bit of room and that’s becoming a problem for cemeteries in rural Alberta. While some local cemeteries expand, others are searching for more space. It’s raising real questions about what the graveyards of the future could look like.

The Edmonton International Fringe Festival is a staple of the summer, and it’s grown to the largest fringe festival in North America. But how did we get here? And what makes Edmonton such a theatre-forward, fringe-friendly place? Host Clare Bonnyman heads to the fringe grounds to meet Gerald Osborn, the first official Edmonton Fringe historian, to talk about the festival’s place in our city.

South of Edmonton, a new space is creating inclusive ceremonies for two-spirit and trans youth. The four-day fasting camp happens at The Humble Lodge, a space led by Dr. James Makokis, and is meant to reconnect Indigenous youth with traditional health systems. Host Clare Bonnyman went to visit the camp earlier this summer, and shares some of the work being done on the land and the lives it’s changing.

Perogies, green onion cakes and Alberta beef all make the list for top Edmonton foods — but with a food scene that is more and more diverse, what is the most Edmonton dish you can eat? Host Clare Bonnyman sits down with food writers Phil Wilson and Sharon Yeo to talk about the ins and outs of Edmonton’s food culture.

It’s a key element of Edmonton summers — driving out to see some big stuff. Roadside attractions are huge across the province and they’re hard to miss, even in our city. And why would you want to? From pumpkins to mushrooms, a giant perogy or a sausage link, there is something for everyone. Big stuff expert and CBC producer Adrienne Lamb joins host Clare Bonnyman to talk about attractions near and far and dig into why we love them so much.

Living in Edmonton is a weird, wonderful and sometimes frustrating experience. Every Wednesday This Is Edmonton brings you the most Edmonton stories you've never heard, and the context you need to understand what's going on in our city. Host Clare Bonnyman gets into it all, unpacking the essential, random and occasionally shocking things that are uniquely Edmonton.

One year ago, a devastating wildfire burned through Jasper. Around a third of structures in the mountain town were destroyed. Thousands of residents and workers were pushed out of their homes. So, how much can be done in 365 days? CBC reporter Liam Harrap and producer Ariel Fournier asked that question, and dug deep into what it looks like to recover from a wildfire. They share what they learned with host Clare Bonnyman.

Edmonton has always been a hotbed for arts and theatre, but our comedy scene is unmatched. Improv, standup and sketch have been a huge part of the scene for a long time, but in recent years, new comedy theatres and troupes are making their mark on the city. This week, host Clare Bonnyman dives into the capital city comedy scene with Bryon Martin and Jules Pepin of the Grindstone Comedy Theatre to talk about what makes this community tick.

Edmonton is known as a festival city, but our music-focused festivals really shine in the summer months. So, what kind of work goes into making a great music festival, and how are current geo-political tensions influencing musicians and the industry at large? Host Clare Bonnyman digs into Edmonton’s music ecosystem with Aimee Hill, one of the founders of Interstellar Rodeo, and an arts and culture worker in the city.

Indigenous dancers from across the Prairies spend the summer visiting communities for powwows. But it takes a lot of time, and a lot of work to prepare your skills. An Edmonton group hosts weekly practices to make sure dancers are in tip-top shape. This week, host Clare Bonnyman visits an inner-city powwow practice and speaks with dancer Danni Okemaw about her own dancing journey.This episode first aired June 12, 2024

Students from the University of Alberta are advocating for Edmonton’s first 'Houseless Intensive Care Unit'. The idea is to provide 24/7 wrap around health-care for people experiencing homelessness, a demographic that disproportionately relies on emergency services. Host Clare Bonnyman sits down with two of the graduate students involved to talk about the project and the impact it could have.

Edmonton has a big place in Canada’s 2SLGBTQ+ history — but it doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. Now, there are people trying to change that. In recent years, projects highlighting Edmonton’s queer history and stories have gained traction, and there is work being done to preserve decades of activism and community for the next generation. Host Clare Bonnyman sits down with Ron Byers of the Rainbow Story Hub, to talk about Edmonton’s queer history and what’s so unique about our city’s story.

So the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers are in the Stanley Cup final — again. For the second year in a row, the city is full of blue, orange and cheers to bring Lord Stanley’s Cup home. But can they do it this time? Host Clare Bonnyman digs into how the playoffs pump our city up year after year. CBC’s Mark Connolly is in Florida talking with Clare about taking down the Panthers, once and for all.

Wildfire season has begun in Alberta, and already more than 4,500 people have been evacuated from their homes. There is planning and preparation across the province for these kinds of situations, but what do they look like in an urban setting? CBC producer Tanara McLean dug deep into Edmonton's plans and the many elements that make up preparation for a wildfire in the city.

Cadomin Cave has been closed to the public for more than a decade, but once a year researchers are allowed in to count the number of bats hibernating in Alberta’s largest bat cave. This yearly count has become increasingly important as a deadly fungus puts populations at risk. CBC reporter Wallis Snowdon hiked into the cave’s twisting chambers to bring us an exclusive look inside.

In April, the Alberta government brought in a $15 flat-rate fee for daycare. It’s a partnership with the federal government and the province that is meant to help parents pay for affordable childcare. But parents say the plan isn’t actually more affordable — instead they’ve been hit with additional fees and fewer options. Host Clare Bonnyman sits down with CBC reporter Sarah Reid who’s been following the changes to Alberta’s system.

Construction season is in full swing, especially in Edmonton’s northeast. But The 132 Avenue Collector Renewal Project has a stick in the spokes: residents are speaking out against construction. On top of the regular headaches from dust and noise, some residents and business owners say they aren’t happy with the city’s bike lane plans for the area and communication. Host Clare Bonnyman sits down with CBC Edmonton producer Pippa Reed, who spent some time in the area to hear what residents are saying.

Everyone knows the cliched image of ballroom dancing, but have you heard about the underground queer subculture version? It is where people "walk", perform, model, dance and lip-sync in a diverse range of categories. First created by Black and Latina queer and trans folks in the U.S., ballroom culture was built as a welcoming space that allowed participants to be themselves and celebrate each other. Producer Tahirih Foroozan gives us a closer look at YEG Ballroom, a part of the Fruit Loop Society of Alberta, and their upcoming Kiki Ball.

In the downtown core, a new series of cooking classes is connecting neighbours, rethinking where food comes from and feeding some of the city’s most vulnerable residents. A tall order for one group, but multiple not-for-profit organizations are banding together to put on Cooking 4 Community, a monthly series held in Boyle-McCauley. This is Edmonton’s Clare Bonnyman went to visit one of the classes, and hear about how collaboration is fueling action for young Edmontonians.

In less than a week, Edmontonians will cast their ballots in the federal election. It’s been a national campaign like no other, especially as our country faces tariff threats from the United States. But what other issues are Edmontonians thinking about? Host Clare Bonnyman sits down with CBC reporter Madeleine Cummings, who has been covering Edmonton’s election issues. We also hear from a panel of young, first time voters.

There are so many tragic stories when it comes to a family fighting to save a loved one battling addiction. Angie Staines’s son, Brandon, is one of the lucky ones. After suffering from addiction, he’s now living a healthy and fulfilling life. His mother embraced harm reduction to help get him to the other side. We’ll hear their story on this week’s episode of This is Edmonton.To hear the full documentary produced by CBC's Tanara McLean mentioned in this episode go to https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-1337-helluva-story/clip/15955518-unconditional-love

The rising cost of rent is an issue across Edmonton. This week, we zero in on the Southwoods Village Townhomes complex in Hazeldean. Since new management took over, rent has increased for many tenants. Some by hundreds of dollars. The company says the increases are needed to bring units up to market value but it’s leaving some tenants with few options but to look elsewhere.

For years now, CBC Edmonton AM host Tara McCarthy has been sharing Alberta music on her weekly Provincial Playlist segment. Now, that weekly column came to life on stage. The first ever Provincial Playlist Live show at Felice Café featured three musicians playing music and sharing stories with Tara. We bring you some of that live show, with artists Caylie G, Kija Lado and Jessie Bird.

Young Albertans who grow up in the child welfare system age out at 18. Should they die anytime up to the age of 22, the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate will conduct a review of the death. Now, the Alberta government is proposing legislation that would see death investigations conducted only on a discretionary basis for former child welfare clients between the ages of 18 and 20, and none for those who die older than 20. This week on the podcast we hear a conversation with three young Edmontonians who grew up in care and aged out. They share their experience and reactions to this proposed legislation.

A federal election could be called at any moment, and it’s almost certain that our next elected prime minister will be from Alberta. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is from Calgary, and Liberal Leader Mark Carney was raised in Edmonton. This is Edmonton host Clare Bonnyman discusses the implications for Alberta with CBC writer Jason Markusoff, producer and co-host of the House Party podcast.

Francis the Pig became part of Alberta’s history more than three decades ago when the rebellious swine escaped from a slaughterhouse. The ham on the lam inspired a generation with his freedom loving spirit. He was immortalized in bronze but recently the statue seemingly went missing. Hear more about Francis’ legacy and the Edmonton sculptor who helped keep Francis’ story alive on this week’s episode.

Companies and institutions are moving away from equity, diversity and inclusion policies, including here in Edmonton. Many felt compelled to make a commitment after the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests. Now many are choosing to back away. We’ll look at what’s behind the changing attitudes toward the policies. 

Looming U.S. tariffs have many Edmontonians taking a closer look at where the products they purchase are coming from. We take a look at this change in behaviour and what Trump tariffs could mean for the local economy. Listen in to our chat with Heather Thomson, who's with the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

Edmonton’s public spaces bylaw sets out what’s allowed and what’s not allowed on our city streets. This week on This is Edmonton we’ll look at some of the proposed changes meant to protect public safety and businesses. We’ll also hear from those who say the changes target the city’s most vulnerable.

Redeveloping neighbourhoods with increased density and affordable housing is a contentious topic here in Edmonton. Everyone has their opinion of what the city needs and what they want and don’t want to see in their communities. From skinny houses to new condos to affordable living —we’ll wade into the debate.

Many people’s relationship to alcohol is changing. Some people are choosing to drink less or do away with it altogether. There’s never been more options for people with the rising popularity of mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. But what does our changing relationship with alcohol mean for our social lives?

Neutrality groups are popping up all over Canada.The organizations petition councils to get rid of certain crosswalks and flags –and they are changing laws in some Alberta communitiesClare Bonnyman speaks with CBC reporter Liam Harrap about the rise of these groups and the reasons behind their concerns. 

Edmonton homeowners received their property tax assessments in the mail. The city has seen a lot of change over the last few years with so many new faces calling the city home. So, what does it mean for homeowners, those looking to get into the market and affordability? On the latest episode of This is Edmonton host Clare Bonnyman hears from a resident in Central McDougall about what a huge property value increase could mean for the community. She sits down with Tahirih Foroozan, who reached out to a realtor to talk about all the changes the city has seen over the last few years, and what that means for homeowners, those looking to enter the market and affordability.  

The new year opened with reports of intimate partner violence leading to homicides in Edmonton, Calgary, Halifax and other places in Canada. Where did the bump in cases come from? And how do we tackle this issue, which doesn’t seem to let up? In this episode we hear from the daughter of a woman in Edmonton who was a victim of intimate partner violence last month, and talk to the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters about what needs to happen next. Non-emergency resources and hotlines available in Edmonton:Family Violence Information line call or text 310-1818.The provincial abuse helpline call 1-855-443-5722The Police Non-emergency line call 780-423-4567 or text #377For web resources, go to acws.ca

Last year was the worst on record for frostbite amputations in Edmonton, and 2025 just kicked off with a cold snap. So what have we learned from the data? What are experts calling for to break the pattern? We sit down with investigative reporter Taylor Lambert to look at the factors that lead to frostbite, and hear about a locally made prototype hoping to tackle the problem.

CBC Edmonton’s Make the Season Kind campaign raises food and funding for food banks while sharing stories of kindness from the community. This year, our stories also focused on food insecurity. It’s an issue being felt across the country and here at home. This is the final episode of This is Edmonton for 2024. Stay tuned in January for more stories about our city. You can always send ideas to us at [email protected]

Alberta is facing a growing drug crisis and a new idea is on the table. The provincial government calls it compassionate intervention. Legislation set to be tabled this spring would allow the province to detain people involuntarily for addiction treatment. A CBC team travelled to Washington state where an involuntary-treatment law is already in place. Producer Kory Siegers and reporter Julia Wong share what it looks like and what they learned.

This is the season of Christmas markets and #shoplocal, but why are there so many Edmonton themed T-shirts, and shops that sell them? Does our city have a brand? We meet the designer behind Cosmodemonic Telegraph Company to talk about how we wear Edmonton on our sleeves.

Rent is high and supply is low, especially in smaller communities surrounding Edmonton. In Alberta in general, finding an affordable place to live is a struggle many are experiencing. CBC producer Pippa Reed shares the story of one Albertan and what she’s had to sacrifice to find a place she can call home.

Fewer people are having kids in Canada. Right now our country's birthrate is among the lowest in the world, but what’s driving this trend depends on who you ask. CBC Edmonton producer Emily Williams spoke to some women about what drove their own decisions to have kids or not.

An Edmonton theatre is letting you set your own price for tickets. Workshop West Playwrights' Theatre is testing a "pay what you will" idea in the hopes of filling theatre seats. This week, host Clare Bonnyman sits down with Workshop West general manager Jake Tkaczyk, to find out how it all works.

Alberta has introduced three new bills that relate to the health care, educational and recreational rights of transgender Albertans. But what is actually in these bills, and how are groups across the spectrum responding? We break it down with CBC reporter Madeleine Cummings.

The fall sitting of the Alberta legislature began this week with the government's introduction of proposed amendments to the Alberta Bill of Rights. We break down what we can expect as Bill 24 goes to debate.

When there are concerns about Alberta teachers, people need somewhere to complain. Alberta's UCP government decided teachers should no longer police themselves and introduced the Alberta Teaching Profession Commission in 2023. CBC reporter Janet French tells host Clare Bonnyman how those changes are going, and why this new system isn't getting straight A's.

Edmonton is facing a very Canadian crisis. We have a serious shortage of ice time in the city at the start of hockey season. CBC producer Emily Williams joins host Clare Bonnyman to break down the issue, and why it matters so much to families. Plus we visit a possible solution, a private rink south of the city that’s offering a premium skate experience.

In hard times, Edmontonians step up, and recently in the city there have been lots of stories of locals helping out kids and youth so they can access sport. Host Clare Bonnyman shares two stories of people making activity accessible for children and teens in the city.

What does reconciliation in action look like? And how can we use the way we eat, to fuel it? This week, This is Edmonton explores the soft ways we can take “reconcili-action” with host Clare Bonnyman. She talks to the owners of a new restaurant putting Indigenous representation in the spotlight and receiving recognition from across the country.

Community leagues are a quintessential part of Edmonton. The groups form across the city, advocating for and running events to serve their neighbourhoods. But why did the community league model start? And why has it been such a success here in Edmonton? This week, host Clare Bonnyman aims to answer a listener's question, and sits down with the executive director of the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues.