Wasaga Beach fire chief retires in wake of alleged cover-up
One month after an exclusive CTV News report into allegations of a coverup in the Town of Wasaga Beach following an investigation of an inappropriate sexual relationship between the town's fire chief and a female employee, Fire Chief Mike McWilliam announced he is retiring.
The long-time fire chief cited personal and family reasons for his retirement.
In late July, the female employee's mother told CTV News that after leaving the town's employ in 2020, her daughter attempted to take her life at least twice.
The former employee claims the fire chief mistreated and harassed her after their consensual extra-marital relationship ended.
CTV News obtained confidential town documents outlining the woman's concerns before coming forward to the human resources (HR) department with her complaint, fearing reprisal and backlash based on the close working relationship of the town's mayor, CAO and fire chief.
The document revealed the fire chief asked his female staffer to share intimate pornographic images and videos; while he did the same, including pictures of his genitals.
The memo states the CAO, George Vadeboncoeur, ordered a second legal opinion following an initial HR lawyer's investigation.
The document disclosed a second lawyer determined the initial lawyer's recommendations were "excessive," and the fire chief ultimately kept his job.
McWilliam was suspended with pay during the lengthy investigation.
The woman's mother told CTV News her daughter was stressed, lost her hair and couldn't function in her job. She took medication to cope.
Unable to work under McWilliam, the woman left the town after accepting a financial package but not before signing a non-disclosure agreement.
Following a workplace health and safety complaint over alleged harassment, the Ministry of Labour was called to investigate the Town of Wasaga Beach, issuing six orders last month.
The ministry found the town's workplace violence and harassment policy hasn't been reviewed in nine years.
A statement issued on Friday from CAO Vadeboncoeur regarding McWilliam's retirement reads in part, "I'm saddened that Chief McWilliam is retiring under these circumstances. These comments his family and him have endured from some over the last four weeks since CTV Barrie Newschose to air a one-sided story have been despicable. We wish him the very best in his retirement."
In the statement, Vadeboncoeur also thanks the fire chief for his 33 years of service and notes his time as the town's health and safety manager.
An email to staff said McWilliam had asked the town to hold off on throwing him a retirement party until after the municipal election in late October.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.