Investigation Report: Ombudsman Act – Rural Municipality of Whitemouth
investigations & monitoring
municipal / local body
Summary
A group of citizens in the Rural Municipality of Whitemouth (the RM) complained about the RM’s decision to rebuild the Water Street Bridge. Specifically, the complainants alleged that there was a lack of public consultation regarding the project and inadequate information for ratepayers. They also alleged that the RM did not follow its purchasing/procurement policy, did not have the authority to reallocate Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) funds and that a councillor was in a conflict of interest situation. Our office found that the RM did undertake the proper procedures in approving the project and providing public consultation opportunities. We did not find maladministration with respect to conflict of interest in a vote by a specific councillor. However, we did conclude there were issues related to following the purchasing/procurement policies and a lack of clarity in the use of DFA funding for the bridge. Our office made four recommendations to the RM of Whitemouth.
Case 2014-0164