July 12, 201912 July 2019
The Ombudsman received a complaint regarding a closed meeting held on April 29, 2019. Council for the Township of Springwater closed the meeting to the public to discuss a legal letter. The complaint alleged that council’s discussion during that closed session did not fit within the closed meeting exception for litigation or potential litigation found in the Municipal Act, 2001. The Office’s review determined that council considered litigation or potential litigation against a named individual during the closed session. The review also determined that council discussed personal matters about an identifiable individual, another exception in the Act.
February 13, 201713 February 2017
The Ombudsman reviewed a closed meeting held by council for the Municipality of Brockton to discuss a matter related to the legality of the Walkerton Business Improvement Area’s (BIA) practices and structure. During the meeting, council considered a letter written by the solicitor of a local business owner raising concerns about the BIA and formally requesting that the BIA take corrective action. The Ombudsman found that litigation was a realistic possibility. Accordingly, the discussion fit within the litigation or potential litigation exception.
June 28, 201328 June 2013
The Ombudsman reviewed a closed meeting held by council for the City of Oshawa to discuss a matter involving the disposition of municipally owned lands. The meeting was closed under the acquisition or disposition of land exception. Council discussed a staff report that provided information on the property and correspondence from the lawyer of an interested buyer. Council also discussed how to proceed with respect to the disposition of the lands. The Ombudsman found that council’s discussion fit within the acquisition or disposition of land exception.