Georgian Bluffs council has determined the punishment for one of their own, after a councillor was found to have spent years intimidating property owners over a bylaw dispute.
Councillor Cathy Moore Coburn had her pay suspended for 30 days following an Integrity Commissioner report that said she overstepped her role in an ongoing battle between a short-term rental accommodation and its neighbours.
The report found Moore Cobourn did not give equal consideration to both parties, siding with neighbours and even directing staff to carry out actions against the property owners.
Moore Cobourn acknowledged that she overstepped, but didn't express remorse for her actions.
"Council colleagues, we are well aware that this situation has been long standing and increasingly problematic for our municipality, and also quite costly," she said. "I have had serious concerns about the escalating conflict and significant community disruption, as copious complaints were being submitted over many years. I was simply trying to do what I felt was the right thing."
The Councillor's dispute with a short-term rental accommodation near Wiarton has reportedly been going since 2020.
The Commissioner wrote that Moore Coburn also used her position and influence to gain confidential information from the local Conservation Authority and Ministry of Natural Resources, info that was then passed on to individual ratepayers.
At council Wednesday, Deputy Mayor Grant Pringle recommended doubling the IC's recommended suspension of 15 days.
"I do believe we have to set some sort of precedent on this, I would like to see at least 30 days," he said. "I hope we never go down this road again, I never want to be back here to do this ever again. This has been hard on all of council and anybody that's here in council chambers. This is a four year deal that we need to have put to bed."
The Commissioner also noted that given the fight Moore Coburn put up throughout the process, her apology was "somewhat hollow and disingenuous," a statement she took exception too.
"As for the apology that I offered in writing on more than one occasion and some time ago, I find it unfortunate that it was characterized as insincere," said Moore Coburn. "This was certainly not the case. I offer the same apology now, and just as sincerely, as I understand the complainant perceived my actions as singling them out.
To avoid future issue, Georgian Bluffs has launched a hotline to specifically deal with issues related to short-term accommodations.
The service will begin May 17, in time for the long weekend, "aiming to enhance community safety and support good neighbour relationships."
The 24/7 hotline can be reached at (226) 909-2060. For more information, visit here.
Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Councillor Moore Coburn had been suspended for 30 days. Only her pay was.