Wasaga Beach CAO makes allegations of a cover-up by the previous administration
Wasaga Beach's chief administration officer (CAO) dropped a political bombshell in council on Thursday, with allegations the previous administration engaged in questionable behaviour.
The Town's CAO, Andrew McNeill, alleged the previous administration destroyed or erased hundreds of thousands of town records and documents in the days following the election last October.
"What were the officers of the corporation and, more specifically, the CAO trying to hide?" McNeill said. "This went well beyond standard policies and procedures. It's actually not allowed to do what was done here, so yes, I do believe that there was something that was attempted to be covered up."
- Download the CTV News app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
The alleged document destruction is said to be connected to the previous council's dealings concerning the business park, beachfront development, and arena and library real estate, dating back to 2018.
McNeill suspects his predecessor directed and carried out the destruction of records and wiping of servers to conceal certain information.
The Town said it's believed the previous council was misled regarding negotiations, appraisals, and the values of town lands being sold to developers.
Wasaga Beach Mayor Brian Smith disclosed that the total discrepancy meant a loss for taxpayers ranging from roughly $8 million to $30 million.
The mayor said the information came to light when staff members raised concerns, prompting an investigation.
"I don't believe at this point there's anyone currently employed that may have been involved in any of this," Smith noted. "There are people currently employed that balked at the whole idea and spoke up and disagreed with it."
Wasaga Beach Ratepayers Association President Peter Gribbin said the organization knew some things "didn't look right" with the last council.
"But we didn't have any real opportunity for public engagement or questioning because we were shut down. But hearing today what we've heard, I think we're just shocked," Gribbin said.
The Town now wants the Attorney General to investigate the alleged destruction of records and pursue charges if appropriate - this as the OPP reviews the evidence and the claims that the previous administration may have broken laws in its dealings with developers and the alleged destruction of records at town hall.
CTV News' attempts to reach the town's former CAO, George Vadebonceour, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7029443.1725744633!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
Trump campaigns in Wisconsin just days ahead of debate with Harris
With just days to go before his first — and likely only — debate against U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris, former U.S. president Donald Trump leaned into his familiar grievances about everything from his indictments to the border as he campaigned in one of the most deeply Republican swaths of battleground Wisconsin.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.
Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula to win the U.S. Open for her third Grand Slam title
Aryna Sabalenka got past Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in a rollicking U.S. Open women’s final Saturday to win her first championship at Flushing Meadows and third Grand Slam title of her career.