Transparency lacking regarding former GM lands

Re: Former GM lands being patrolled by city-hired security company, March 11

In response to a 2,000-signature petition demanding immediate cleanup action on the former General Motors site, in January St. Catharines city council allocated $125,000 toward this end. One of the most significant elements of that motion was the allocation of $40,000 to engage an external law firm to advise the city on its legal options in effecting timely rehabilitation of the site.

Needless to say, we’ve waited anxiously to hear what the consultant had to report.

We only learned in May that the law firm of Gowling WLG had been engaged for this purpose and had presented its report on March 6.

However, since the briefing took place in camera and no public statement on the content was released, only those present know what options were outlined.

A letter questioning the decision to hear the report in camera and requesting as much information as could be released was submitted and discussed at the June 3 council meeting — in camera.

An emailed response from the city solicitor stated, “With respect to the matter of discretion to waive solicitorclient privilege to release the advice provided by legal counsel, council has declined to do so.”

So much for transparency.

While it is understood that parts of the briefing might be restricted for legal reasons, a general summary of the report would provide encouragement and hope to the thousands of St. Catharines residents who have expressed their concern about this ongoing catastrophe.

It seems likely that any timely solution will be initiated by the city, and the information provided by the legal consultants — paid for with taxpayers’ money — will be key in determining the most expedient, and effective course of action.

Don Sawyer St. Catharines