The Ombudsman found that council for the Municipality of Callander contravened the Municipal Act, 2001 on December 12, 2023 and January 9, 2024, by failing to provide sufficient information about the general topic of discussion for a specific agenda item in its resolution to proceed into closed session at each meeting.
Municipality of Callander, August 7, 2024
Read the LetterMunicipality of Callander, September 20, 2023
Read the LetterThe Municipality of Callander acknowledged that, due to an oversight, notice of a training session held by the Committee of Adjustment was not provided in accordance with the procedure by-law and terms of reference. The Municipality has since posted a calendar at the municipal office that provides notice of this Committee’s meetings. The Municipality also amended its website to remove outdated information and correctly reflect when several committees (the Culture, Heritage and Tourism Committee; the Events Committee; and the Implementation and Beautification Advisory Committee) meet. The Municipality also began consistently posting notice of meetings on its online portal and at the municipal office. The Ombudsman determined that it was unnecessary to proceed with an investigation, given the steps that the Municipality took to address the concerns raised.
The Municipality of Callander previously did not publish agendas for meetings of several committees (the Culture, Heritage and Tourism Committee; the Events Committee; and the Implementation and Beautification Advisory Committee). It has confirmed it will do so going forward. The Ombudsman determined that it was unnecessary to proceed with an investigation, given the steps that the Municipality took to address the concerns raised.
The Ombudsman found that while broadcasting in-person meetings increases the accountability and transparency of municipal decision-making, the Municipal Act’s open meeting requirements are satisfied if the public can attend meetings in person.
Municipality of Callander, June 19, 2020
Read the LetterThe Ombudsman reviewed a series of emails exchanged by members of council that refers to an informal interaction between members of council on a prior date. Based on the information gathered during interviews, the Ombudsman was satisfied that no informal meeting took place.
Municipality of Callander, October 31, 2018
Read the LetterThe Ombudsman reviewed a special meeting of the committee of the whole for the Municipality of Callander. The municipality was unable to provide evidence that the notice of the meeting was provided to the public in accordance with the municipality’s procedure by-law which required that notice be posted at least 48 hours before the meeting online and in the municipal offices. The Ombudsman found that notice was posted less than 36 hours before the meeting.