Truce in Pelham Region rift
Both sides in dispute encouraged to work together by ministry
After more than a year of fingerpointing and accusations, the Niagara Region and Town of Pelham appear to have buried the hatchet.
A motion was brought forward for consideration at Thursday’s meeting of regional council expressing “disappointment” and “significant concern” regarding an audit by KPMG about the town’s land deals associated with building a community centre. It also called on the Minister of Municipal Affairs to direct the Ontario Municipal Board to look into Pelham finances related to the East Fonthill development.
But Grimsby Coun. Tony Quirk said that motion is now moot.
“In the spirit that has been offered by the Town of Pelham and (Mayor Dave) Augustyn, we feel that this motion and the recommendations there are probably moot at this point,” said Quirk, who heads the audit committee that initially supported the motion.
“Other discussions have come to the forefront through the process, and we appreciate where we have gotten information. We realize there is other information that is still outstanding, but that’s between the citizens of Pelham and their council.”
Earlier during the meeting, Augustyn referred to a letter from Minister of Municipal Affairs Bill Mauro saying the province will not conduct an audit of the town, and encouraged the town and regional council “to work together to address these issues locally.”
“It is heartening, and I think it’s something that we should take to heart,” Augustyn said. “We should be working together. It’s when we come together and work together that we’re the strongest.”
Augustyn said the town has incurred more than $165,000 in audit costs and legal fees, dealing with the Region’s scrutiny of the town’s debt — “roughly a pointand-a-half on our local tax base.”
He said Pelham councillors discussed a recommendation to send Niagara Region a bill for that expense at a meeting this week.
Pelham councillors, however, voted against doing so.
“We took the advice and encouragement of the minister and said, ‘This would be a good time to end this issue,’” Augustyn said.
“We look forward to moving on to opportunities where we can actually work together for the benefit of Niagara,” Augustyn added.
Chair Alan Caslin agreed, but added that should also include “working together with residents so they don’t show up here and making sure they have all the answers.”