City of Sault Ste. Marie

The Ombudsman received a complaint about a closed meeting held by council for the City of Sault Ste. Marie on July 13, 2020. The complainant alleged that council decided to purchase land while in closed session contrary to the open meeting requirements of the Municipal Act, 2001. The Ombudsman’s review found that council’s discussion related to the purchase of land was permissible under the acquisition or disposition of land exception (s.239(2)(c)). The Ombudsman’s review found that council directed the Mayor, an officer of the municipality, to continue negotiations regarding the proposed acquisition of land in accordance with the Act.

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