The Wetaskiwin City Council has called a special meeting for Monday, April 20, 2026, to hold a closed-door session regarding matters related to the Access to Information Act. The meeting is set to begin at 9:00 am in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
This session was called by Deputy Mayor Wendy Hoyle. While provincial law allows local governments to hold private meetings under specific circumstances, the public will not be permitted to attend this session.
The upcoming meeting follows an ongoing period of tension at City Hall, as Mayor Joe Branco has been barred from the building since January 14, 2026. This restriction was the result of a 6-1 vote by council members following an in-camera discussion. Since that time, the mayor has participated in council meetings through virtual means.
The city has stated that the decision to restrict the mayor’s access stems from confidential personnel matters that are protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Robert Noce, a lawyer representing Mayor Branco, has previously requested access to the investigation report connected to these events, though the city has not provided the document.
Residents interested in following the city’s council proceedings can review the agenda package through the City of Wetaskiwin portal. The city has indicated that further information regarding the meeting’s outcomes may be released at a later date.
