‘I can speak my mind’: Wasaga Beach committee chair steps down so he can voice opinion during election campaign

Editor’s note: This story was updated from its original version on July 8, 2022 so that the Town of Wasaga Beach could explain several points related to its code of conduct. The story was further edited for clarity.

The former chairperson of Wasaga Beach’s committee of adjustment has resigned rather than be silenced during what he calls a “critical election.”

Arv Sestokas stepped down from the committee after he was told by town hall officials he couldn’t express his opinion on candidates he’s supporting during the municipal election.

Doing so is contrary to the town’s code of conduct, which specifies members of adjudicative boards cannot participate, endorse, or donate to an individual’s municipal election campaign.

His resignation set off resignations by the majority of committee members. The committee oversees minor variance applications to the town’s planning department.

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