Your City Hall: The Secret Meeting, and Who's Paying for Calgary Stays

You know, sometimes you look at City Hall proceedings, and it’s like watching an Oilers power play: you expect a lot of movement, maybe a bit of razzle-dazzle, but then it’s just... the same two guys passing it around. The Agenda Review Committee on April 14, 2026, certainly had that vibe. According to the recent council motions, Councillors Stevenson and Wright voted 2 to 0 to adopt the agenda, approve minutes, and then, rather interestingly, meet in private. Yes, a private discussion on item 2.1, "pursuant to section 29 (advice from officials) of the *Access to Information Act*," before voting 2 to 0 to meet in public again and amend the draft agendas. It’s enough to make you wonder what exactly needed that specific, temporary opacity.

Meanwhile, we’ve got some early numbers on council expenses for the 2025 Alberta Municipalities Convention in Calgary. Councillor Clarke expensed $825.88 for accommodation and $685.00 for registration. Councillor Elliott had the same accommodation cost, $825.88, but added $348.00 for food and incidentals. Always interesting to see where the public purse goes. It’s a good reminder that even municipal governance involves a bit of travel, even if it's just down the QE2 to Calgary.

Honestly though, it makes you think about what advice required that private huddle. We'll be keeping an eye on how those "amended draft agendas" manifest in future meetings.

Darren Fedoruk (@deepnorth_yeg)

Edmonton doesn't need your approval. Never did.

Honestly, the Morning Wire crew will be picking apart what Section 29 really means for your average Edmontonian. Tune in live at mornings.live.