The Ontario Ombudsman has ruled that Centre Wellington council did not violate open meeting rules during a closed session held June 16, 2025.
A complaint alleged council improperly discussed and decided on a matter in closed session that also appeared on the public agenda. In a report dated December 9, Ombudsman Paul Dubé found the meeting complied with the Municipal Act.
Council moved into closed session to receive legal advice from the township’s solicitor, citing the solicitor-client privilege exception. The Ombudsman determined the discussion involved confidential legal advice and that no votes were taken and no direction was given to staff during the closed portion of the meeting.
Council later returned to open session, reported nothing to disclose, and publicly debated and voted on the matter after hearing from delegations and staff.
The Ombudsman’s report will be shared with council and made available to the public ahead of an upcoming meeting.
