Collingwood integrity commissioner: Lloyd should have declared conflict

AWARE News Network

Robert Swayze, Collingwood’s integrity commissioner, has found that Deputy Mayor Rick Lloyd violated the town’s code of conduct when he voted on a matter involving the Admiral Collingwood Development Corporation (ACDC), owned by Steve Assaff, who is also the fundraising chair of Lloyd’s 2014 election campaign.

Background provided in Swayze’s decision, part of the October 20 town council agenda, states: “ACDC had commenced construction of a five-story building in 2007 but discontinued it after excavating for the foundation. To date the excavation has not been filled in and the hoarding surrounding it was in need of repair. The Town commenced proceedings under the Property Standards By-law and pursuant to an agreement executed by the developer, for site remediation. The developer requested a two-year extension. This matter came before Council on May 26, 2014 and the extension was granted on a 5-4 vote. The Deputy Mayor voted in favour of the motion.”

Lloyd’s participation in the vote was “inappropriate,” and he should have declared a conflict and bowed out, Swayze writes. “The Code requires him to abide by the “spirit” of the MCIA (Municipal Conflict of Interest Act) and he has risked the public perception that Mr. Assaff served as his fundraising chair as a quid pro quo.”

However, Swayze does not recommend any sanctions against the deputy mayor, because he believes that Lloyd’s participation in the debate and vote was an error in judgment.

Link to report (scroll down to page 119 on agenda)