CBC News: Collingwood mayor’s brother paid by casino, power companies

By Dave Seglins, CBC News  Mar 8, 2013 

CBC News has learned the Ontario Provincial Police are probing complaints of potential conflict of interest involving the town council in Collingwood, Ont., and politicians’ ties to a lobbyist involved in a multi-million dollar sale of a local utility and on a proposed new casino.

Paul Bonwick, a former Liberal MP and now a lobbyist and president of Compenso Communications, was hired last fall by a group of investors — including the owners of the Georgian Manor resort — who wanted to bring a 300-slot machine facility to town.

Two citizens have complained to police that they fear some members of council are being improperly influenced by Bonwick and are failing to disclose their close relationships with him — amounting to a lack of transparency, or at worst a conflict of interest.

The CBC has found no evidence anyone violated any laws.

Bonwick was hired last October, and offered $20,000 as an initial retainer with the prospect of receiving $480,000 over two years if the town green-lighted the casino project and Georgian Manor won the slot contract from Ontario’s Lottery and Gaming Corporation, according to a number of sources.

Bonwick confirms he was hired for strategic consultations — but tells CBC he did not lobby anyone. Bonwick stated explicitly he would not lobby any elected officials but instead gave the group advice on how specific council members might vote and might be swayed.

Bonwick is the brother of Mayor Sandra Cooper. He is also a close family friend of Deputy Mayor Rick Lloyd. And Coun. Ian Chadwick is a contract employee with Bonwick’s company.

In early November, Collingwood council voted 5-4 to reject hosting an OLG slot machine facility. The mayor and deputy mayor both voted in favour, never publicly discussing Bonwick’s involvement.