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Want to know what businesses will be forced to relocate because of the Yellowhead Trail freeway conversion project? Good luck.

Officials are keeping that information under wraps, arguing the City of Edmonton could be forced to pay more if landowners know too soon how city plans affect them.

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City of Edmonton officials cited that financial risk when they denied two requests made under freedom of information legislation for the list of properties the city will need to acquire for the 10-year, $1-billion highway overhaul.

It’s left Ward 7 Coun. Tony Caterina confused.

“That’s not right. That’s not even ethical,” he said, hoping for more answers. “Expropriation — there are a lot of rules behind it and it has to be a fair process.

“I’m really surprised the information is that secretive,” added Caterina, who represents many of the affected businesses in the northeast area of the city. “People should know, especially if it’s their livelihood. And for employees, too … If it means relocating or closure, what’s the affect on everyone else who relies on the business to pay their mortgages?”