The Ombudsman of Ontario investigated complaints that the Town of Mattawa's Ad Hoc Heritage Committee and Council held improperly closed meetings regarding the potential heritage designation of an old hospital and other matters.
The Ombudsman found that the Ad Hoc Heritage Committee held a series of improperly closed meetings in contravention of the Municipal Act, 2001, failing to provide public notice or keep records.
The Ombudsman also found that Council held an improper closed meeting at a local museum.
While closed sessions held by Council on January 25 and February 8, 2010, to discuss personal matters about identifiable individuals were permitted under the Act, the Ombudsman noted procedural deficiencies, including inadequate resolutions and record-keeping.
The Ombudsman made several recommendations to improve the Town's meeting practices and update its procedure by-law.
