Harold G. Elston

The former Executive Director of the Downtown Port Perry BIA filed a complaint against two municipal councillors, alleging they repeatedly and unjustifiably questioned the integrity of the BIA's financial management and governance, damaging her reputation.

The Integrity Commissioner investigated and found that the councillors' actions were disproportionate, damaging, and in violation of the Code of Conduct.

The Commissioner concluded that the councillors falsely injured the professional and ethical reputation of the complainant and recommended a reprimand and a 30-day suspension of remuneration.

A complaint was filed against a municipal councillor alleging he improperly used the influence of his office to secure a three-way stop at an intersection as a favour to a former colleague.

The Integrity Commissioner investigated and found that the councillor was acting within his official duties to address traffic safety concerns.

The Commissioner concluded that advocating for the stop signs at Council did not constitute an improper use of influence for private advantage, as the matter affected a broad class of persons.

The complaint was dismissed.

The complainant alleged that a municipal councillor breached the Town's Code of Conduct by operating an illegal business, failing to pay associated fines, and failing to repay personal loans.

The Integrity Commissioner found that while the councillor's operation of an illegal business and failure to pay fines breached the general conduct provisions of the Code, the complaints regarding these matters were submitted outside the six-week limitation period and were therefore dismissed.

The Commissioner further found that the councillor's conduct regarding unpaid personal loans was a private matter outside the scope of the Code.

The Commissioner recommended that no penalty be imposed.

The Integrity Commissioner investigated complaints made by a resident against the Mayor of the Township of Georgian Bay, alleging breaches of the Code of Conduct including bullying and intimidation of councillors.

The Commissioner dismissed two complaints for lack of jurisdiction as the alleged events occurred before the Code was enacted.

After interviewing the complainant and several councillors, the Commissioner dismissed the remaining complaint, finding no direct evidence of misconduct and concluding that the issues were conflicts of personality and leadership style rather than intentional intimidation.