OPP Investigation Concluded

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In 2013, the Town of Collingwood became aware of the launch of an OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) criminal investigation being conducted through its anti-rackets branch on various concerns brought forward from the public on alleged inappropriate actions undertaken by individuals representing the Town. The concerns brought forward were substantial and included matters considered in the Collingwood Judicial Inquiry (CJI) in 2018. 

While a judicial inquiry can proceed in parallel with a criminal investigation, the purpose of a judicial inquiry is not to determine criminality but to help communities to recommend changes to public policy or processes to better serve the public in the future. A judicial inquiry has powers beyond that of a municipality, such as the ability to compel the release of information. 

The Town was extremely cooperative and liaised with the OPP Detectives who were undertaking the investigation over the past 10 years.  However, the OPP has advised the Town that its investigation has now concluded and that the findings were not sufficient to proceed with criminal charges given the high standard for initiating such proceedings and the associated evidentiary challenges. 

“I am disappointed that no individuals are being held accountable for their unethical behaviours as evidenced through the Report of the Judicial Inquiry. The concerns documented in this Report, and the financial hardship and duress that have been inflicted on our community as a result of these behaviours are significant” says Mayor Yvonne Hamlin. “However, as a result of the Inquiry, Collingwood is now focused on being an open and transparent government. The Town has implemented many policy changes to enhance our ethical standards and improve accountability to regain public trust. These changes will help ensure that this never happens again”.

“I am extremely proud of the work Council and Staff have done to address all of Justice Marrocco's recommendations for municipalities, which has strengthened and enhanced our governance, accountability, and ethical framework. I ask that the Province also act on the recommendations in the report that require legislative changes,” says Chief Administrative Officer, Sonya Skinner.

To view more information about the Justice’s findings and recommendations as well as subsequent Town initiatives, please visit: https://www.collingwood.ca/council/judicial-inquiry

The Town of Collingwood is poised as a high-performing customer-centric 21st Century organization, supporting a healthy, strong, and vibrant community, that is setting the tone for the benefit of future generations. The Town of Collingwood continues to advocate for legislative change to the Province, municipal associations, and others, and will continue to share the learnings, practices, and policies that Collingwood has implemented because of the Inquiry. We remain committed to being one of the highest ethically governed municipalities in Ontario and the Country.  

Background 

The Judicial Inquiry into the 50% share sale of Collingwood Utility Services Corporation to PowerStream Inc. was requested by the Town of Collingwood by Resolution 042-2018.

    

The Collingwood Judicial Inquiry’s mandate was to inquire into the sequence of events leading to the sale transaction, the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, fees and benefits paid to anyone in relation to the sale transaction and contracts entered among the parties. The Inquiry also investigated the allocation of proceeds of the transaction for recreational facilities at Central Park and Heritage Park and any fees or benefits paid to any person or entity involved in the creation of the recreational facilities. The Inquiry examined the impact of these events on the ratepayers of the Town of Collingwood as they relate to the good governance of the municipality. The CJI Report included recommendations the Associate Chief Justice considered appropriate and in the public interest.

For further background information on the Collingwood Judicial Inquiry, including the report from Associate Chief Justice Frank N. Marrocco and the number of Town initiatives undertaken since 2013 to ensure accountable and transparent policies and procedures, please visit: https://www.collingwood.ca/council/judicial-inquiry