The Loop

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 lamb 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 thisisyeg@cbc.ca

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.

The back-to-school season is almost over. But for Jasper students, their studies are just beginning. After wildfire ripped through the community this summer, destroying a third of all buildings in the townsite, there was a big focus on getting the two school buildings back up and running. Provincial affairs reporter Janet French sits down with host Clare Bonnyman to talk about the return to class and some of the big issues facing Alberta and Edmonton students this school year.

The Canadian Country Music Awards are back in Edmonton for the first time in 10 years. While the city isn't always considered the most countryfied city on the Prairies, our love for country music runs deep. CBC's Tristan Mottershead joins host Clare Bonnyman to break down the CCMAs and the national country music scene.

Podcasts about religion are gaining popularity in Edmonton – faith-based shows that broadcast sermons and dig into subjects that matter to the communities they serve. One of these is Upfront with the Archbishop, a biweekly podcast from the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton. This is Edmonton host Clare Bonnyman sat down with producer Matthew Bodnarek and producer/host Jenny Connelly about creating the show and tackling big conversations.

This summer we're speaking to other local podcasters about the stories they tell and how they do it. This week Mack Male and Troy Pavlek of Taproot's Speaking Municipally join us to talk about covering city hall, adding just the right amount of spice — and why they care so deeply about our city.

This summer we're speaking to other local podcasters about the stories they tell and how they do it. This week we speak to Nadine Bailey of Haunted Canada. The Edmonton-based show takes a countrywide view on ghost stories, haunting and mysteries. Nadine shares how her background running Edmonton Ghost Tours pushed her into podcasting.

This summer we're speaking to other local podcasters about the stories they tell and how they do it. This week we speak to Craig Baird of Canadian History Ehx, a show with more than 550 episodes exploring Canada's history. Craig talks about the amount of research that goes into these stories and where his passion for Canadiana got sparked.

Connecting people with basic needs. That's the goal of the Edmonton police HELP team. The Human-centred Engagement and Liaison Partnership Unit has been around since 2021, pairing police officers and social support workers. CBC's Pippa Reed went for a ride along with the HELP team and joined host Clare Bonnyman to talk about the role these crews play in our community.