What’s Up Wetaskiwin?

04/09/2026

What’s the problem with one member of council “just sharing ideas”?

I keep seeing this question, and to be clear: issue is not the ideas themselves. Like… of course people in that role are going to have ideas. We want them to have new and exciting ideas, and would be disappointed if they didn’t.

I think where it starts to go sideways is how it comes across once it’s said out loud in a more official or public setting, especially when people are there expecting to hear what the City is actually doing or planning, not just ideas being kicked around.

Most community members aren’t sitting through council meetings or following every agenda. They’re catching bits and pieces. So when something gets said publicly in that kind of setting, it doesn’t really land as “this is just something I’m thinking about.” It lands more like “this is something the City is working on.”

And from there it takes on a life of its own.

People start talking about it, it gets shared around, media might pick it up, and pretty quickly it turns into “the City is planning this” or “this is happening,” even if nothing has actually gone through any kind of process yet.

That’s where it gets tricky.

Because now you’ve got people forming opinions, getting excited, getting concerned, whatever it is, all based on something that might not even be real yet. And if it doesn’t go anywhere, then it feels like something was promised by council and then didn’t happen, even if that was never actually the case.

in a smaller community like ours, that kind of thing moves fast. One comment turns into a whole conversation, and then it’s everywhere before anyone has a chance to clarify it.

So, it’s not about shutting down ideas or saying an individual on council can’t be enthusiastic about something.

There is a difference between one person simply having an idea, and putting it out there in a way that sounds like it’s already moving forward, because most people aren’t going to know the difference.

Anyway, just my two cents watching this all play out. What are your thoughts?

04/07/2026

The Government of Alberta is introducing rules for ethics on municipal council and the proposal appears to be getting a warm reception.

The Councillor Accountability Framework was announced earlier this month by Minister of Municipal Affairs Dan Williams.

“Proposed changes to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) would set clear, province-wide standards for councillor conduct and establish a consistent process to address complaints,” stated a Mar. 26 press release from Municipal Affairs.

“These changes would help ensure local decisions are made with integrity and in the best interests of the communities councillors serve.

“If passed, the new Councillor Accountability Framework would set consistent standards of conduct, misuse of influence, unauthorized use of municipal assets, disclosure of confidential information, and serious misconduct.

“It would also preserve councillors’ ability to speak openly and represent their communities while upholding transparent and professional conduct.”

The proposal appears somewhat similar to a subdivision development appeal board: an independent third-party board with neutral membership that hears disputes and issues a decision. Previously, individual councils could pass their own conduct bylaws resulting in a wide range of standards across Alberta.

Town of Drumheller Mayor Tony Miglecz agreed a system to handle ethical complaints is needed, but suggested it must be practical.

“We were elected to serve our community with good judgement, honesty, and a strong sense of responsibility,” stated Miglecz.

“We are expected to make decisions in the open and do right for Drumheller. A big part of that means having the right checks and balances in place.

“If something were to go awry, there needs to be a fair and clear process to deal with it and ensure elected officials are held accountable.

“At the same time, the system needs to be used responsibly. Those costs fall back to municipalities, which could very well impact our local taxpayers. It is important that these processes aren’t overused, misused, and that they are applied fairly when truly necessary.”

Village of Munson Interim Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Tyler Gandam, also a past mayor of the City of Wetaskiwin and past president of Alberta Munis, acknowledged:

“I was happy to hear that Minister Williams and the Government of Alberta are working on developing a new framework for a Council Code of Conduct.

“There is an expectation that our elected officials conduct themselves with integrity, accountability, and respect. The new code of conduct, with clear investigation guidelines, will ensure voters know their mayors and councillors are being held accountable, which would help to increase public trust in those they elected.”

Village of Big Valley Mayor Clark German stated that he sees the proposed framework as healthy and productive and bases that on experiences he’s had as a councillor and mayor.

“I personally support the concept,” said German, adding that a high standard should be held for councillor conduct. German stated that the concept of “council can police itself” just doesn’t work in practice.

German stated from his experience, councils could place sanctions in some situations but there’s always the issue of ensuring the sanctions are followed.

German observed the previous system for councillor conduct didn’t seem to have a lot of teeth and he was even a bit surprised when first elected the Government of Alberta had no provincial process in place for councillor misconduct.

German stated that it would be known that instances of misconduct wouldn’t just stay in the council chambers, and such a system has the potential to address all sorts of issues ranging from councillor disrespect to another councillor, councillors not being approachable to the public, conflict of interest and others.

03/30/2026

Council met March 24 with the Mayor still attending virtually, with early agenda changes causing multiple re-votes.

There was some discussion centered on the Third Party Independent Advice based on the March 2nd Special Council Meeting pertaining to how to handle violence, threats and harassment against Administration, Staff, and Council.

The Wetaskiwin Women’s Society announced an Easter event at Jubilee Park on April 4.

Council received the 2025 Enforcement Services Report and a Fire Services update noting a rise in fire calls.

The 2026–2029 Strategic Plan was approved. In a close 4–3 vote, the maximum funding per applicant group through the Community Grant Program was reduced from $10,000 to $5,000.

An amendment to the Land Use Bylaw to add a Community Support Services use to specific areas in the city was defeated. Council members received emails from concerned citizens prior to the meeting.

A technical issue cut audio after a closed session, leaving the final portion of the meeting unavailable. Leading to conspiracy theories.

Council also passed a 5–2 motion restricting cellphone and personal device use during meetings.

Wendy Hoyle has been sharing information publicly and addressing questions despite criticism and being targeted.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=801315926366471&id=100094642117450

03/24/2026

Today is Council Day please check out,lots going on!

https://wetaskiwin.civicweb.net/portal/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQvcGpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xNzM4NDc2NDI2NzAzNzAAAR7O0jYo1iDWEAEr8r4ohk_fGLZ8oVqx-AU3_kIZRcX2rIzOi4NVsFB81TNANw_aem_oT9oYWEGrSVH3uWNRLUvHg

03/18/2026

03/11/2026

Something important happened at council that most people probably missed.

Yesterday’s council meeting was packed, and judging by social media most of the conversation is focused on the Mayor and Sue’s contract.

Fair enough — it was dramatic.

But while everyone was watching that, another decision quietly passed that most people probably missed — and it could have much longer-term impacts on our community.

During second reading of the Community Support Services Bylaw amendment to the Land Use Bylaw, council passed an amendment removing downtown, other commercial districts, and the Urban Services Zone as possible locations. Instead, these services were limited to Light Industrial and Highway Commercial areas.

Community Support Services are defined in the bylaw as developments providing social, non-profit, or community services, including food banks, individual or group support services, community programs, and outreach services.

In practice, this could include seniors support programs, family resource centres, youth drop-in programs, counselling services, Indigenous community organizations, newcomer support services, employment readiness programs, and other non-profit agencies connecting residents to support.

These services are usually located where people live — in accessible, walkable parts of the community. Restricting them to light industrial or highway areas raises real questions about accessibility and inclusion.

Some organizations currently exploring downtown or other commercial spaces may now find those options unavailable.

This could affect organizations looking to locate community services in central, accessible parts of the city where people already gather and connect.

This isn’t just a zoning technicality — it affects which services we integrate into the heart of our community, and which ones we push to the edges.

There is still one more reading of this bylaw, and council can still make changes before it is finalized.

If this issue matters to you, you may want to share your thoughts with council members before the next meeting.

Sometimes the most important decisions at council meetings happen quietly — in the middle of long agendas.

This might be one of them.

03/10/2026

Tomorrow at 9:00 AM, City Council will meet to discuss a few items that have suddenly become very “urgent” for certain corners of Facebook.

One particularly enthusiastic organizer has been rallying her followers to show up and “let their voices be heard.” Civic engagement is great, of course. It’s even better when people actually understand the issues they’re being mobilized about, but we’ll take what we can get.

Councillor Elder has put forward a request to ensure the vote on the CAO’s contract happens in public session. Apparently the goal is for everyone to see exactly who votes which way. Transparency is important… especially when some folks are very eager to keep score and figure out who’s officially on “Team Sack Sue.”

Also on the agenda is a proposed amendment to the Land Use Bylaw that could allow for developments such as a Friendship Centre. For reasons that are still a bit puzzling, this has become a rallying point for opposition. One might think that recognizing the cultural and economic contributions our Maskwacis neighbours have made to Wetaskiwin would be something worth supporting, not organizing against. But apparently that’s controversial now.

And then there’s Councillor Billingsly’s notice of motion to prohibit council and staff from using cell phones or personal devices during meetings, regardless of location. Which naturally raises the question… what exactly happened that made someone feel this rule was suddenly necessary? Was someone receiving a little coaching from the stands? Or maybe someone has a Candy Crush addiction…

So if you’re looking for a little live civic drama, tomorrow morning’s meeting might be worth your time. Just remember: sometimes the loudest voices in the room aren’t necessarily the most informed ones.

https://wetaskiwin.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=646

03/03/2026

Once again. Well said, Lady W!

My dearest Wonkinites, your Lady Whistlewonk has toiled this afternoon, wrestling with how to summarize the Special Council Meeting.

Alas, a confession: I find myself utterly downtrodden. The current state of our fair city, and the shocking displays of ill-temper some deem acceptable, weigh heavily on my spirit. Yet, to stand idly by is to embolden the very bullies we should despise. Thus, I proceed, though apologies are due for the noticeable absence of my usual wit. The subject matter, alas, demands a more somber approach.

A heartfelt thank you to Councillors Aberle, Hoyle, Nielsen, Billingsley, White, and Elder, for their attendance and thoughtful discourse. The meeting was marked by a grave tone, yet a fierce determination burned bright within those present—a desire to lead as our community so desperately needs. I implore you, watch the recording for yourselves. A mere hour reveals the unwavering commitment to address this worrying matter and seek tangible resolutions.

Gratitude is extended to the citizen whose letter stirred the council; sentiments echoed by many, I assure you.

Attached, you'll find the motion, passed with unanimous accord.

Fear not, my dears, the sarcasm shall return in due time. Remember, if you're unwilling to seek a solution, you are decidedly part of the problem. Good night, neighbours.

03/01/2026

It's been announced that a special meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 2nd at 12:00 PM in council chambers, and the agenda is generating considerable interest. The list of council members who have confirmed their attendance is also noteworthy, as is the absence of certain members, which is bound to raise some eyebrows.

Online conversations have recently become increasingly heated, with warnings, threats, and misinformation spreading rapidly, because the internet is a breeding ground for hysteria. When do individuals' words cease to be merely expressive and become actual threats? Should individuals be held accountable for spreading unfounded rumors that damage someone's reputation and/or livelihood?

Let's hope the council can provide some clarity on these issues and determine an effective approach, before the situation spirals out of control.

Tune in tomorrow and hear straight from the horse’s mouth rather than the whispers and shouting that abound online. I’ll post the video link in the comments when it’s available.

**Edited to add link to the video and agenda!

https://wetaskiwin.civicweb.net/document/97080/?splitscreen=true&media=true

02/24/2026

The word of the day is BIAS. What does it mean? How do we see it playing out in today’s Council meeting?
Can we talk about Mr. Elder’s motion for a minute? He began to say that he could not speak for the rest of council, but that he had made the wrong decision in voting to ban Mayor Branco from City Hall. He moved that an independent third party be hired to do a second investigation in order to remove from the equation any bias which the CAO (yes, that’s the same thing as the City Manager, for those who don’t know) may have towards Mr. Branco. I am attaching two videos in the comments. Make sure you watch them in the correct order. Watch out for the plot twist! Who was possibly blinded by their own bias in this case?
As for the other notice of motion he put forward- it still reads like word salad, and we will have to wait on the edge of our seats until it is discussed two weeks from today! Stay tuned!