A busy few weeks. Here’s a catch up linkblog, mostly of stories and issues I reasonably expect I will reference in the future.
Independent investigation states Vancouver Mayor misusing his office to launch personal attacks: Vancouver Mayor Kim Sim continues to be a disgraceful liar.
An independent investigation has concluded that Mayor Sim harassed a councillor and falsely suggested they were antisemitic. The personal attacks by Mayor Sim against the councillor are part of a continuing pattern of grossly unethically behaviour.
A few stories which provide comprehensive background and context. BIV’s initial story (May 14) Investigation concludes Vancouver mayor misused influence of office to ‘personally attack’ city councillor at news conference.
Earlier this year, Sim apologized for a lie accusing the councillor of distributing illicit drugs on Christmas Day.
Vancouver Mayor responds to libel suit, following his false and defamatory statements: In February, Mayor Ken Sim falsely told Chinese-language reporters that Councillor Sean Orr was handing out illicit drugs on Christmas Day. It was an explosive and damaging accusation, one that Sim later admitted was baseless and false. Orr filed a defamation lawsuit. In his defense filing, Sim claims he did not act “deliberately, maliciously or in bad faith” and that his comments “would not lower (Orr’s) reputation in the community.” The Canadian Press reports.
British Columbia to implement standardized municipal code of conduct: A B.C. government press release states the NDP government there is “introducing legislation to strengthen conduct standards for local elected officials so people throughout B.C. can count on local governments that work respectfully and focus on serving people.”
I will try to watch this legislation, especially as the Ontario Conservative government continues to promise to implement standards here.
Province issues MZOs for Oakville GO parking lots: The Ontario Conservative government issued four Minister’s Zoning Orders (MZOs) to permit 6,800 residential units to be constructed on provincially-owned parking lots and low density uses surrounding the Oakville GO Station. The buildings will be limited to 38-storeys, a concession to local opposition against the original plan for buildings between 46 and 59-storeys in height. The MZO has been posted to the Environmental Registry of Ontario.
Rideau Lake’s Mayor and Council members are suing each other: One of Ontario’s most dysfunctional councils will now settle their differences in court. Postmedia reports. (The council now meets by video conference, following incidents detailed in the linked story)
Sarnia Council Votes 5-4 to Continue Opposing indwell Housing Project: Sarnia’s Committee of Adjustment voted against permitting a 35-unit, five-storey supportive housing project. The proposal was recommended approval. Following the denial, Indwell appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal. Sarnia Council voted 5-4 to fund the costs of arguing to uphold the decision.
OPP Investigation into North Bay Mayor Ends With No Charges: Mayor Peter Chirico will not be criminally charged for misappropriating public funds related using a corporate credit card to pay for over $16,000 in personal expenses.
Sudbury Councillor Formally Charged for Violating Municipal Elections Act: Bill Leduc has been charged with nine violations of the MEA. Leduc is one of Ontario’s worst municipal politicians, and in keeping with our shameless age, plans to run for mayor.
Lougueuil’s Mayor Attends Council Meeting With 10-Day-Old Baby: An added benefit of videoconferencing is that local politicians can better balance other requirements, such as being a new mother.
Lone Councillor Remains in Salmon Cove, NFLD: “The municipal affairs minister has directed the lone member of the Salmon Cove town council to run the community until a by-election is held in the coming weeks.”
Links
- David Boghosian is now Belleville’s IC, as well as IC for Durham Region, and the City of Oshawa
Production Details
v. 1.0.0
Published: May 16, 2026
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Author: Joey Coleman
Update Record
v. 1.0.0 original version
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