The Ombudsman reviewed a complaint alleging that council for the Town of Wasaga Beach improperly held a closed meeting on September 22, 2021. An invite-only ground-breaking ceremony was held at the site of a new twin-pad arena/library recreation complex. All council members were present but only certain members of the public were invited. The Ombudsman found that the ceremony was not considered a “meeting” under the Municipal Act, 2001 as there was no discussion between council members during the ceremony and therefore, no municipal business was advanced.
The Ombudsman reviewed a closed meeting held by council for the Town of Fort Erie at an off-site location to participate in a program aimed at improving communication and team-building skills. The meeting was closed under the education or training exception. Any council business was only discussed in a minor way to illustrate points being discussed. The Ombudsman found that the discussion fit within the education or training exception.