Report Confirms On-Going Probe Into Planning Department

The City may not have released any documents nor admitted that a review was even ongoing but the Consolidated Financial Statements for 2025 confirm there is in fact an on-going review within the Planning Department.

To be released to Council this coming Tuesday there is a lengthy paragraph on the subject admitting the City could be headed into financial and legal liability because of work done by the department.

According to a note on page 35 of the 2025 Consolidated Statement “On February 26, 2026, City Administration became aware of potential concerns related to the manner in which its Building Officials were processing Building Permits and whether they were in compliance with the City's bylaws, legislative and regulatory requirements, and inspection practices.”

SCREENSHOT OF REPORT WHERE IT REFERS TO ON-GOING REVIEW AND THE POTENTIAL LIABILITIES TO THE CITY

Just how much the actual review and other liabilities will cost is unknown at the time the Consolidated Financial Statement documents were produced.

“As at the date these consolidated financial statements were authorized for issue, the scope, timing, and cost of the consultant engagement, as well as any potential financial, legal, or regulatory impacts, had not been determined and could not be reasonably estimated,’ the Statements read.

The note also continues to state the costs - if any - would be reported to Council as they become available.

MJ Independent broke the story of the internal review going on in the Planning Department in the May 29th article “Planning Department Under Review.”

A attempt was made to have Mayor James Murdock comment on the issue. After first indicating there would be a comment none was given.

The City has yet to publicly comment on the issue.