The Ombudsman reviewed a closed meeting held by council for the Municipality of Magnetawan to discuss negotiations to purchase land from a private property owner. The discussion involved the Municipality’s bargaining position and strategy, including the potential use of expropriation. Accordingly, the closed session discussion fit within the open meeting exception for acquisition or disposition of land.
Municipality of Magnetawan - March 30, 2026
Read the LetterMunicipality of Magnetawan, June 24, 2015
Read the ReportThe Ombudsman reviewed a meeting held by council for the Municipality of Magnetawan. The Ombudsman found that the minutes for the meeting did not include any information about the substance of council’s discussion. The Ombudsman recommended that the municipality ensure that its meeting record is complete and accurately reflects all of the substantive and procedural items that were discussed. The Ombudsman also recommended that council discussions be audio recorded.
The Ombudsman reviewed a closed meeting held by council for the Municipality of Magnetawan. After conducting an investigation, the Ombudsman found that the resolution to proceed in camera did not state the exception that was relied upon. The Ombudsman noted that it was not required to cite the specific exception authorizing the closed session, but that it was recommended as a best practice fostering transparency.
The Ombudsman reviewed a meeting held by council for the Municipality of Magnetawan. The Ombudsman found that council did not report back in open session after meeting in closed session because the public rarely attended council meetings. The Ombudsman recommended that council follow a practice of reporting back publicly after closed sessions even where the public does not attend the open portion of the meeting.