Linking Canada's Capitals

2026 Annual Conference

AbLeg Summer2
CCCO-OCC-Logo-Dark-EN
2026 Annual Conference
Edmonton, Alberta
June 8 to 10, 2026

Accommodations

Matrix Hotel

10640 100 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB

A block of rooms at the Matrix Hotel has been set aside from Sunday, June 7 until Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

The room rate can also be applied to a limited number of rooms from Thursday, June 4 until Saturday, June 6, 2026 if you are planning to go to FCM and would like to stay in the same hotel the entire time.

Rate: $175 + taxes for Deluxe King.

All reservations must be made and guaranteed by May 5, 2026 in order to qualify for the group rate.

Booking link: Canadian Capital Cities Organization – Reservations

Program in development

Draft program highlights below.

Please note that the program is subject to change is it develops

For more information, contact secretariat@ccco-occ.ca.

2026 CCCO Conference Edmonton Alberta

Sunday, June 7, 2026

6:00 pm - 8:00 pmDinner Reception (Optional)

Loft 106 (in Matrix Hotel)

Monday, June 8, 2026

8:00 amMeet in Matrix Lobby

Travel: A staff member escorts delegates from Matrix to QEII Building

8:15 am - 9:00 amWelcome and Breakfast

Continental Breakfast in Boreal Forest Room (QEIIB 2nd Floor)

9:00 am - 10:15 amBusiness Session 1
Boreal Forest Room

Visitors as City Builders: The Role of Tourism, Events and Partnerships in Shaping a Vibrant Capital City

  • Discover the importance of tourism, the impact of the visitor economy and learn how partnerships enhance tourism initiatives in capital cities. Featuring presentations from Explore Edmonton and Destination Greater Victoria.

  • Presenters: Amanda Krumins, Executive Director, Communications and Marketing, Explore Edmonton and Paul Nursey, Chief Executive Officer, Destination Greater Victoria.
10:15 am - 10:30 amBreak
10:30 am - 11:15 amCapital Exchange Presentations – Grassland/Parkland Rooms

Jurisdictions share innovative approaches, best practices and lessons learned regarding local initiatives, public programming/events or policy development.

11:15 am - 12:15 pmCCCO Planning Meetings & Breakout Sessions - Boreal Forest Room and Aspen Room

Led by CCCO President, Councillor Krista Loughton.

12:15 pm - 1:15 pmLuncheon

Capital View Room, QEII Building

Delegates will be joined by Shannon Dean, Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, and Assistant Clerk and Executive Director of Parliamentary Services, Dr. Philip Massolin. 

Announcement regarding 2027 Annual Conference. 

1:20 pm - 1:40 pmTravel

Walk to Legislature Building through indoor Pedway

1:20 pm - 1:40 pmOfficial Photo on the Grand Staircase

Delegates assemble for the official Conference Photo. 

1:40 pm - 2:00 pmHighlight Tour of Legislature Building
2:00 pm - 3:15 pmBusiness Session 2
Legislature Chamber

Citizen Engagement and Outreach

A dynamic discussion on effective engagement strategies, reaching unengaged citizens, balancing diverse perspectives, and building partnerships in outreach. 

Panellists: 

3:15 pm - 3:30 pmTravel

Walk to Matrix Hotel

3:30 pm - 4:15 pmBreak

All delegates must be in the Matrix Lobby at 4:15 pm. Visitor Services staff will meet delegates for transport to the Edmonton Convention Centre at that time. Please wear comfortable walking shoes for the evening site visits. 

4:15 pm - 5:30 pmSite Visit

River Valley & Medicine Wheel Garden 

5:30 pm - 6:00 pmTravel

Walk to Little Brick (Uber available for those who do not wish to walk)

Walking Presentation: Conservation & Tourism in the River Valley

The walk from the Edmonton Convention Centre to Little Brick Café will be led by representatives from the River Valley Alliance, including a presentation on balancing tourism development and environmental stewardship in Edmonton. 

Presenters:

6:00 pm - 7:45 pmDinner with Edmonton City Councillors

Little Brick, 10004 90 St NW, Edmonton, AB, T5H 4P4

7:45 pm - EODTravel

Uber pick up and return to Matrix Hotel

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

8:00 amTravel

Delegates walk to QEIIB and meet a staff member in lobby

8:15 am - 8:45 amBreakfast

Continental Breakfast in Boreal Forest Room

8:45 am - 9:00 amWelcome and Announcements

Boreal Forest Room

9:00 am - 10:15 amBusiness Session 3
Grassland/Parkland Rooms

Option 1: Building Community the Edmonton Way with Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues (EFCL)

Parkland Room, QEII Building

Discover how Edmonton's Community Leagues strengthen neighbourhoods by fostering connection, organizing inclusive programs and events, and advocating for local needs, creating vibrant, engaged communities that enhance quality of life for all residents. 

Presenters:

Option 2: Increasing Vibrancy in Edmonton's Downtown Core

Grassland Room, QEII Building

Explore the downtown economy, including the initiatives, challenges, and successes shaping vibrancy in Edmonton's core. This session will highlight the role of the ICE District in revitalization and its impact on urban tourism, local businesses, and community life. 
Presenters:
10:15 am - 10:30 amBreak
10:30 am - 12:00 pmCapital Exchange Presentations Cont’d

Grassland/Parkland Rooms

Jurisdictions share innovative approaches, best practices and lessons learned regarding local initiatives, public programming, events or policy development. 

12:00 pmTravel

Walk to Legislature Streetcar Stop

12:15 pm - 12:50 pmStreetcar with Interpreter to Strathcona Whyte Ave stop

Presentation from Streetcar Interpreter during ride from Legislature to Strathcona-Whyte Avenue Stop. 

12:50 pm - 1:00 pmTravel

Walk to MEAT Restaurant
(8216 104 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 4E5)

1:00 pm - 2:00 pmLunch

MEAT in Old Strathcona

2:00 pm - 2:10 pmTravel

Walk to Edmonton Public Library Strathcona Branch
(8331 104 Street, Edmonton, AB T6E 4E9)

2:15 pm - 2:55 pmHeritage Presentation – Edmonton Public Library: Strathcona Branch

Heritage is a Verb: Grassroots Action and Civic Memory

A dynamic presentation and moderated discussion featuring voices from volunteer-run organizations. This session will explore how communities actively preserve and engage with heritage through efforts like research, storytelling, programming, and advocacy, highlighting heritage as both protected and lived. 

Presenters:

Kelsey Kendrick, President, Edmonton & District Historical Society

An introduction to the various community-led programs and an overview of the role heritage plays in community advocacy. 

Matthew Dance, Past-Chair, Edmonton Naming Committee

What would you name a place you'd just stolen? Power, policy, and intangible heritage in Edmonton.

Kyle Schole, Past Vice-Chair, Edmonton Historical BoardHeritage as a Living System: Three Edmonton Examples Exploring cultural heritage in Alberta's Capital City.
Moderator: Erin McDonald, CCCO SecretariatCultural Asset Strategist and Appraiser, Erin has served as Chair on both the Edmonton Naming Committee and Edmonton Historical Board. Erin is the current Vice-President of the Edmonton & District Historical Society
3:00 pm - 4:15 pmBusiness Session 4

Edmonton Public Library, Old Strathcona Branch

Year-Round Festivals & Events in a Winter CityFestival/Event organizers discuss how Edmonton, known as "Festival City," and its festivals thrive year-round.
Presenters:
4:15 pmEnd of Day

Travel: Option to Uber back to the Matrix Hotel

Delegates may dine on their own, or can stay in Old Strathcona to eat/explore. A Selection of Nearby Dining Options:

  • Julio's Barrio Mexican Restaurant (10416 82 Avenue NW): Contemporary Mexican-inspired classics.
  • The Next Act (8224 104 St NW): Comfortable, casual neighbourhood pub in the MEAT group of restaurants.
  • Pip (10335 83 Ave NW): Chef-led, casual fine dining.
  • Marlo Tacos (10403 83 Ave NW): Mexican-street food-inspired cantina.
  • Spotlight Cabaret (8217 104 St NW): Rooftop patio, restaurant and bar with live stage shows.

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

8:00 amTravel

Delegates walk to QEII Building

8:15 am - 8:50 amHot Breakfast

Boreal Forest Room

8:55 am - 9:00 amWalk to the Education Centre School at the Legislature Classroom

Walk indoors through the Pedway system. 

9:00 am - 9:30 amBusiness Session 5

School at the Legislature Classroom

Engaging Youth Through Civic Education Programs: Inquiring Minds NetworkDiscover how site schools like School at the Legislature and City Hall School foster hands-on learning and inspire active citizenship among Alberta's youth.
Presenters:
9:30 am - 10:00 amTour Visitor Centre

Delegates tour and explore the Visitor Centre in the QEII Building, including the Pehonan Theatre, Democracy Discovery Centre, Borealis Gallery, and Capital Gifts Store. 

10:00 am - 10:15 amBreak
10:15 am - 11:45 amCCCO Board Meeting

Parkland/Grassland Room

11:45 am - 12:00 pmConclusion

Closing Remarks from CCCO President, Krista Loughton, and Conference Host, Erin Camponi