This is Edmonton
How well do you know our city? Learn about the quintessential, random, and occasionally infuriating things that make Edmonton, Edmonton. One story a week, about the city we love. Hosted by Clare Bonnyman, every Wednesday.
Wed, April 16, 2025
From addiction to recovery: Angie’s fight for her son Brandon
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
Wed, April 09, 2025
A rent increase is pushing these families out of their homes
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.
Wed, April 02, 2025
Celebrating Alberta’s music scene: CBC’s Provincial Playlist Live
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.
Wed, March 26, 2025
Government moves to ditch investigations into deaths of young adults in care
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.
Wed, March 19, 2025
Will having a prime minister from Alberta be good for our province?
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.
Wed, March 12, 2025
Where is Francis the Pig?
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.
Wed, March 05, 2025
The shift away from equity diversity and inclusion
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.
Wed, February 26, 2025
How do tariff tensions affect Edmonton consumers?
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.
Wed, February 19, 2025
What’s okay in our public spaces?
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.
Wed, February 12, 2025
Density
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.
Wed, February 05, 2025
Sober City
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?
Wed, January 29, 2025
Are Neutrality Groups Really Neutral?
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 communities Clare Bonnyman speaks with CBC reporter Liam Harrap about the rise of these groups and the reasons behind their concerns.
Wed, January 22, 2025
Property taxes: How do Edmonton neighbourhoods compare?
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.
Wed, January 15, 2025
Why are we seeing so much intimate partner violence?
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 1-855-443-5722 The Police Non-emergency line call 780-423-4567 or text #377 For web resources, go to acws.ca
Wed, January 08, 2025
The battle against frostbite
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.
Wed, December 18, 2024
Making the season kind(er)
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
Wed, December 11, 2024
Using involuntary treatment to combat the addiction crisis
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.
Wed, December 04, 2024
Designing the most Edmonton T-shirt
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.
Wed, November 27, 2024
Finding affordable rent in rural Alberta
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.
Wed, November 20, 2024
Having kids, is it still a thing?
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.
Wed, November 13, 2024
Can pay-what-you-will pave a new way forward for theatre?
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.
Wed, November 06, 2024
Here’s what we know about Alberta’s proposed gender policies
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.
Wed, October 30, 2024
Breaking down proposed changes to Alberta's Bill of Rights
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.
Wed, October 23, 2024
A slow start for the Alberta Teaching Profession Commission
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.
Wed, October 16, 2024
Finding ice time in Edmonton sucks
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.
Wed, October 09, 2024
Edmontonians step up for sport
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.
Wed, October 02, 2024
A recipe for representation
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.
Wed, September 25, 2024
Why Edmonton loves its community leagues
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.
Wed, September 18, 2024
Jasper students head back to class
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.
Wed, September 11, 2024
YEG-haw, anyone?
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.
Wed, August 28, 2024
Podcast deep dive: Upfront with the Archbishop
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.
Wed, August 14, 2024
Podcast deep dive: Speaking Municipally
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.
Wed, July 31, 2024
Podcast deep dive: Haunted Canada
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.
Wed, July 17, 2024
Podcast deep dive: Canadian History Ehx
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.
Wed, July 03, 2024
Riding along with an Edmonton police team that pairs officers with social workers
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.
Wed, June 26, 2024
Hockey, the great equalizer
Love or hate sports, nothing has brought a community together quite like the Edmonton Oilers and their 2024 Stanley Cup run. Covering the Cup is itself a journey. This week, host Clare Bonnyman speaks to CBC reporter Sam Samson and producer Kory Siegers about the excitement and challenges that come with traveling between Edmonton and Florida to cover the final. They share what it’s been like to witness the playoffs and see the country rally behind our team.
Wed, June 12, 2024
Preparing for the powwow trail
Indigenous dancers from across the Prairies spend the summer visiting communities for powwows. In Edmonton there are 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.
Wed, June 05, 2024
Can the Oilers end Canada's Stanley Cup drought?
Play La Bamba baby. The Oilers are in the Stanley Cup final for the first time in 18 years and could be the first Canadian team in three decades to hoist the cup. But what are the storylines from this season, and how are fans feeling in the city? Host Clare Bonnyman talks to two Oilers faithful as they prepare for the final round of the playoffs this weekend.
Wed, May 29, 2024
Buying into Blatchford
Blatchford was to be the first of its kind — a new, sustainability-focused community in the heart of Edmonton. It’s been 10 years and counting and some say the development is moving way too slowly. But people are choosing to call Blatchford home. This week, host Clare Bonnyman sits down with one resident to talk about living the Blatchford dream.
Wed, May 22, 2024
The Prairie mustard monopoly
Did you know that Canada is one of the world’s leading producers of mustard? This week we share an episode of Good Question Saskatchewan, where host Leisha Grebinski explores how the Prairies became a top creator for the condiment and why we don’t process as much on our own.
Wed, May 15, 2024
Edmonton’s big little potatoes
Step aside Prince Edward Island; Alberta wears the Canadian potato crown. This week, host Clare Bonnyman sits down with CBC Edmonton reporter Liam Harrap to hear about a massive potato processing plant just south of the city that’s one of the contributors to Alberta’s potato prowess.
Wed, May 08, 2024
Don’t count out DVDs just yet
Edmonton is having a DVD resurgence — sort of. A little free library functioning as a neighbourhood Blockbuster is on a lawn on the north side. And if internet popularity is a sign of anything, it’s going to be popular. Host Clare Bonnyman digs into the analog media available in the city, and how locals are using old-school formats today.
Wed, May 01, 2024
Dogs and dating apps: Will fido get you more likes?
Spring is in the air, and one researcher has a whole new strategy for dating apps: dogs. Host Clare Bonnyman speaks to Maron Demecillo about his research at MacEwan University into “dogfishing”, or the practice of using a cute dog in a dating profile to try and lure a potential partner.
Wed, April 24, 2024
Digging into Edmonton's food scene
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.
Wed, April 17, 2024
Does Edmonton need an entertainment district?
The city is looking at making downtown more fun. New reports are looking at how to improve our night time economy, and plans are in place to create a formal ‘Entertainment District’ on Rice Howard Way. Host Clare Bonnyman goes to check out the proposed district, and hear from the city and business owners about the difference this new space could make.
Wed, April 10, 2024
Support your local DJs: EDM in YEG
Edmonton’s relationship with electronic dance music hasn’t always been a good one. Host Clare Bonnyman with DJ David Stone dive into Edmonton’s EDM history, and what the community looks like today.
Wed, April 03, 2024
What’s next for Edmonton’s craft beer industry?
In neighbourhoods all over Edmonton you can see the growth of the craft beer industry. So what is our craft beer identity? Host Clare Bonnyman grabs a pint with beer educator Jason Foster and brewer Chelsea Tessier to learn about how these (mostly) small businesses are navigating a challenging landscape.
Wed, March 27, 2024
This Is Calgary: Don’t feed the coyotes
This week we’re taking spring break, and sharing an episode about coyotes from our colleagues at This Is Calgary. Coyotes are a problem we know well in Edmonton, and as we enter pup-raising season it’s a good reminder to take care around our scruffy neighbours. Calgary podcast host Anis Heydari speaks to an Alberta coyote expert about how we can coexist more peacefully.
Wed, March 20, 2024
How do you become a children's entertainer?
Edmonton has a long history of creating high-quality art, music, television and literature for kids. But what does it actually take to make content that resonates with fans of all ages? And what makes Edmontonians so good at it? Host Clare Bonnyman sits down with two experts in the matter — Juno-nominated musician Beppie and playwright and author Marty Chan — to talk about the magic of entertaining children and the power of nostalgia.
Wed, March 13, 2024
Managing our eco-anxiety
Edmonton has had a weird winter and spring hasn’t even started yet. Already the province is preparing for drought, wildfire season and whatever the weather might throw at us. CBC’s climate reporter Stephanie Cram joins host Clare Bonnyman to look at the forecast, and then Clare heads to Gold Bar Park to meet with a University of Alberta researcher who can help us manage our feelings around climate change.
Wed, March 06, 2024
Why does waking up suck?
The mornings are getting brighter. So why are you still waking up on the wrong side of the bed? Host Clare Bonnyman talks with two people — an Edmonton sleep doctor and baker who's a certified morning person — about tossing and turning as Alberta springs forward to daylight time this Sunday.
Wed, February 28, 2024
Edmonton’s weird condo market
Edmonton’s condo market is well … different. As real estate markets heat up across the country our apartment-style condos remain some of the most affordable in Canada. Host Clare Bonnyman meets with a local real estate agent in one of these condos to find out what they’re seeing. Plus, CBC business reporter Madeline Smith looks at why we’re seeing this unusual market and whether things will stay this cheap.
Wed, February 21, 2024
The movement movement
There are a thousand different ways to work out, but the biggest trend in fitness right now is less about exercise and more about movement. Host Clare Bonnyman explores how scientists and researchers are looking at movement’s ability to support patients through things like cancer. Plus, Bonnyman visits Edmonton’s Antidote Movement Club, to see what it feels like to just ... move.
Wed, February 14, 2024
Beating the single stigma
In honour of Valentine’s day host Clare Bonnyman and guest host Tahirih Foroozan dig into an overlooked, and underappreciated relationship status: being single. Where do our stereotypes around being single come from? And what kind of pressures face the more than 30 percent of Edmontonians who happen to be single right now?
Wed, February 07, 2024
What does 'parental rights' actually mean?
New proposed policies from the Alberta Government would mean sweeping changes to medical care for trans youth, and inclusion policies in schools. Part of the argument, is the rights of parents to know and have a say in their child’s education and healthcare. But what are parental rights? And is it that simple? Host Clare Bonnyman digs into perspectives from across the province.
Wed, January 31, 2024
Edmonton’s encampment crisis
Over Christmas, Edmonton’s encampment clearings made national headlines. CBC News reporters Paige Parsons and Wallis Snowdon sit down with This Is Edmonton host Clare Bonnyman to discuss what happened then, where we are now and how the city’s approach to people living on the streets has shifted.
Wed, January 24, 2024
The most Edmonton thing you can do
Edmonton is home to a lot of public art, installations and murals that range from contentious to celebrated. What does it take to keep our public art shiny and attractive? And how did a private mural downtown become one of the most infamous walls in the city? In the first episode of This Is Edmonton, host Clare Bonnyman tries to answer the question: “What is the most Edmonton thing you can do?”
Trailer · Wed, January 17, 2024
Introducing: This is Edmonton
Living in Edmonton is a weird, wonderful and sometimes frustrating experience. This Is Edmonton explores the essential, random, and occasionally shocking things that are uniquely Edmonton. There’s no story too big or small - host Clare Bonnyman gets into it all.
Fri, November 24, 2023
The Last Loop
The Loop podcast signs off. Host Clare Bonnyman looks at the past three-and-a-half years of conversations, connections and community on the show.
Fri, November 17, 2023
Deck the downtown
If you love holiday music, the most wonderful time of the year has begun. This week on The Loop, host Clare Bonnyman finds out why downtown celebrations have a different feel every year — and why Christmas music is so divisive.
Fri, November 10, 2023
The most Edmonton train you can ride
This week it felt like the whole city was jumping on the hype train — literally. The Valley Line Southeast LRT has been serving Edmonton commuters all week, and we talk about opening celebrations, accessibility and what it means for the city at large.
Fri, November 03, 2023
118 deaths in three months on Edmonton streets
This week, the city confronted two problems at once: drug poisoning and the housing crisis. These two different issues are converging on some of Edmonton’s most vulnerable communities, with devastating effects. Reporter Paige Parsons talks about remembering lives that were lost — and how the community hopes to move forward.
Fri, October 27, 2023
Halloween rising
Alberta has a long history of witchcraft and Pagan communities—but what do those look like today? We dig into the supernatural and the stars with Milo Offerein, an Edmonton witch and owner of Inner Nature Astrology.
Fri, October 20, 2023
Dinner plate politics: challenging Canada’s horse meat industry
There are a lot of foods to try if you’re an adventurous eater—but horse meat is rarely mentioned. Yet Canada, even here in Alberta, is home to a thriving industry with thousands of horses slaughtered every year for eating. . CBC Reporter Walis Snowdon talks with Clare Bonnyman about the debate in Canada’s horse meat industry, and the issue of live exports.
Fri, October 13, 2023
Zooming in on zoning
Edmonton’s zoning bylaw renewal is up at council next week. So who’s on either side? CBC producer Emily Senger walks us through residents' concerns from across the city, and the Infill Development in Edmonton Association digs deeper into the potential.
Fri, October 06, 2023
From desk space to new digs: Converting Edmonton’s old office towers
With the third highest office downtown vacancy rate in Canada, Edmonton seems ready for a makeover. But what does it take to convert our old office towers into apartments? And can they be the answer to affordable housing? CBC reporter Min Dhariwal walks us through a possible incentive program.
Fri, September 29, 2023
Affordability in Alberta: who’s paying what?
This week, what the price of a house costs up and down the QEII. Reporter Madeline Smith breaks down why affordability looks different across Alberta, and the influences affecting our housing market.
Fri, September 22, 2023
How do we talk about inclusive education?
This week, hundreds gathered in the city, to protest sex education and LGBTQ rights — and many counter protested, to show their support for LGBTQ youth. In this episode we look at the actual program people are divided over and explore how we talk about inclusive education. Alexandra Marshall, education co-ordinator at the fYrefly Institute for Gender and Sexual Diversity in the Faculty of Education at the U of A, helps us move the conversation forward.
loading...