Edmonton has transparency problems too

Edmonton Journal columnist Elise Stolte feels the frustration Ottawans are going through trying to get information about the LRT. Here’s an excerpt of her experiences in her own city:

I win, but I’m still losing. Turns out my methodical approach to pry open the secret filing cabinets of city hall was doomed from the start. My game plan was this: Ask for documents the public has a right to see; appeal if the city denies access; win the appeal and repeat.

But the city holds all the cards; it will outlast me.

My latest win involves Valley Line LRT construction. The City of Edmonton tracks TransEd’s performance by filing a non-conformance report each time it finds a deficiency. This provides accountability and transparency on a $1.8-billion piece of infrastructure being built through a contentious public-private partnership.

I asked for the reports — the city’s assessment of construction — in May 2018, after TransEd fell behind schedule. When city staff refused, I filed a request through the city’s freedom of information co-ordinators.

The co-ordinator took three months to deny it as well, saying the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act prevents the release of third-party information, supplied in confidence, that would cause harm if released.

I appealed to the provincial commissioner. Then the waiting really began. Monday this week, 15 months after the initial application, I got the result.

Senior information commissioner Catherine Taylor decided I’m right. The public does have a right to see this information. Unfortunately, I still don’t have the non-conformance reports. The city now has until Sept. 9 to say whether it agrees with Taylor’s assessment.

In the meantime, I need to submit a new $25 information request for non-conformance reports since May 2018, or any information I get will be hopelessly out of date ...