Sprawlcast
Sprawlcast
The Sprawl
Calgary’s in-depth municipal podcast. A show for curious Calgarians who want a deeper understanding of the city they call home.
The Deerfoot Divide
In the 1970s, a new freeway cut one side of Calgary off from the other. We dig into why the city remains divided when it comes to amenities and infrastructure on each side of Deerfoot Trail.
Mar 22, 2025
29 min
The Battle Of Glenmore Landing
We dig into a 60-year fight against density by the reservoir shores in southwest Calgary. It's a saga about class, conservation and community politics. History is repeating itself at Glenmore Landing—but with some new twists.
Feb 15, 2025
55 min
How The UCP Is Rejigging Calgary’s Next Election
Will municipal parties strengthen local democracy or undermine it? We speak with some of the candidates and parties that will be on the ballot—and dig into how the 2025 election will be different.
Dec 7, 2024
28 min
The Politics Of Property Taxes
City hall's decision to close Inglewood's swimming pool left many Calgarians scratching their heads. We dig into why city council cut inner-city pools in the first place after oil prices crashed a decade ago.
Nov 9, 2024
32 min
The Tycoons Reshaping Calgary-Area Transit
When it comes to rail projects in Alberta, the Green Line is one piece of a larger puzzle. We dig into who's been setting the agenda when it comes to these projects—and to what extent they are complementary or competing with each other as Calgary city hall's Green Line plans collapse.
Sep 28, 2024
34 min
The Downsizing Of Calgary's Green Line
A week after the groundbreaking for the new Flames arena, city hall cut the Green Line nearly in half. We dig into the Green Line's delay-plagued history—and how one city megaproject has affected the other.
Aug 10, 2024
34 min
The Fragility Of Calgary's Water Supply
Where does our water come from—and how is climate change altering that water source? We zoom out from the feeder main that broke in June, following a drop of water from the Rocky Mountains and glaciers west of Calgary, into the pipes beneath our feet, and out the taps in our homes.
Jul 13, 2024
33 min
The Real Costs Of Calgary's New BMO Centre
City hall went big—and is feeling the pinch. We dig into what it really cost to build a new convention centre building and what it means for the city's finances.
Jun 8, 2024
35 min
Bill 20 And Danielle Smith's Municipal 'Power Grab'
It's not unusual for Alberta governments to tinker with municipal election laws. But Bill 20 is far more than the usual tinkering. We dig into the evolution of municipal elections in Alberta and look at what Bill 20 means for local democracy in Calgary—and beyond.
May 18, 2024
25 min
The Rumble Over Rezoning in Calgary
Should neighbourhoods set their own direction? Should city hall impose it from the top down? Or is there a role for both? We go to Inglewood, Calgary's oldest neighbourhood, in search of answers.
Apr 13, 2024
33 min
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