Your city hall committee met, and what they talked about is a secret

You know, sometimes I think City Hall operates on a principle akin to quantum mechanics. We know things are happening, but the exact observation of *what* is happening can change the outcome, or in this case, just disappear behind a closed door.

Last week, the Agenda Review Committee, comprised of Councillors Knack, Stevenson, Wright, and Tang, met on April 28, 2026. According to the official motions, they initially voted 4-0 to meet in public. That's a good start, right? Transparency, the whole nine yards.

* Then, immediately after, Councillor Tang moved to meet in private.

* That motion also carried 4-0.

* The stated reason for this sudden shift? Section 29 (advice from officials) of the *Access to Information Act*.

Honestly though, it always makes you wonder. What kind of advice is so sensitive it can’t be discussed openly, especially by a committee whose job is to review agendas? It feels a bit like when the Oilers trade a fan favourite and the official line is "it's a hockey decision." We know that, but we'd like to hear the actual reasoning, wouldn't we?

We’ll have to wait and see if any public-facing decisions emerge from whatever was discussed behind those closed doors. Edmonton doesn't need your approval. Never did.

Darren Fedoruk (@deepnorth_yeg)

My colleagues are probably already debating this and more on the Morning Wire; hear what they're saying at mornings.live.