BC’s Ombudsperson has concluded an investigation following a complaint about the process the City of Powell River followed in closing two meetings to the public.
The complaint was about strategic planning meetings held for the purpose of preparing an annual report. After investigating, the Ombudsperson found the city followed a reasonable process in closing the meetings to the public.
“Our analysis was that fell appropriately under a section of the Community Charter allowing closed meetings,” said Mac Fraser, the city’s chief administrative officer. “The Ombudsperson confirmed that, and I think importantly went on to note that it appeared the city developed a draft corporate strategic plan in the meetings.”
The strategic planning meetings were held in advance of preparing the annual report. The city held a public meeting to give the public the opportunity to comment on the strategic priorities developed during the closed meetings. The strategic priorities were incorporated into the annual report as the city’s objectives and measures for the upcoming year.
Fraser said this was an example of how at times discussions are closed to the public. “But this council remains committed to open and transparent government in that the outcomes of those discussions were discussed at a public forum before being finalized,” he said.
