Auditor General Tables Report Related to an Investigation of Allegations Related to Planning Activities for the Conservancy Development

Ottawa – Today, Auditor General Nathalie Gougeon tabled a report based on allegations related to the City’s planning activities for the Conservancy Development in Barrhaven.  

The investigation highlighted gaps in City processes including: 

• Exclusion of specific key City specialists from certain steps of the application review process;
• Issuance of a letter of support to the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) to continue work which had already been paused as a result of a preliminary assessment conducted by the City and the RVCA; and
• Not informing Council about the decision to pause work that was initiated as a Council direction. 

Furthermore, the investigation highlighted that City management issued a letter to the RVCA supporting the developer’s proposed course of action (i.e., cut and fill application). The Auditor General outlines in her report that this action was inappropriate as the City should not take an advocacy or endorsement position for any specific developer or development.  

The Auditor General’s investigation report included three recommendations to the City. All recommendations were approved.  

A full copy of the report is available on the Auditor General’s website, www.oagottawa.ca. 

For further information, contact:
613 580-9602
OAG@ottawa.ca