The Ombudsman reviewed a closed meeting held by council for the Municipality of Bluewater that relied on the litigation or potential litigation exception to discuss a by-law to address building fees for wind turbines. During the meeting, the municipality’s solicitor gave advice about the resolution of a dispute with various wind turbine companies, and the steps the municipality needed to take to avoid a lawsuit. The Ombudsman found that the discussion fit within the litigation or potential litigation exception.
Municipality of Bluewater, December 19, 2013
Read the LetterThe Ombudsman reviewed a closed meeting held by council for the Municipality of Bluewater that relied on the exception for solicitor-client privilege to discuss a by-law related to building fees for wind turbines. During the meeting, the municipality’s solicitor was present and provided legal advice to council about the resolution of a dispute with various wind turbine companies, and the steps the municipality needed to take to avoid a lawsuit. The Ombudsman found that the discussion fit within the solicitor-client privilege exception.