LAURIE WEIR
Coun. Dawn Quinn will not face penalties after a tied vote on Feb. 18 defeated a proposed 10-meeting ban from in-camera sessions.
Quinn was under investigation by Integrity Commissioner Tony Fleming for an alleged breach of the municipal Code of Conduct related to a closed council session in July 2024. Fleming’s report, presented to council on Feb. 10, found that Quinn “likely” leaked confidential information, though there was no direct evidence. The investigation concluded that Quinn was the probable source based on a balance of probabilities. Quinn did not outright deny the allegation, stating, “I don’t think I was.”
Fleming did not recommend sanctions due to the circumstantial nature of the evidence, but council had the authority to impose penalties.
Coun. Peter McKenna proposed barring Quinn from the next 10 in-camera meetings, a motion supported by Mayor Shawn Pankow and councillors Jay Brennan and Chris McGuire during the Feb. 10 meeting, citing the need to maintain public trust and confidentiality. Councillors Jennifer Miller and Steve Robinson opposed sanctions, arguing the case lacked conclusive proof.
Council initially supported McKenna’s recommendation, bringing it forward for a final vote on Feb. 18.
During the meeting, Brennan said he carefully considered the issue but ultimately could not support sanctions without a direct recommendation from Fleming. Robinson and Miller stood by their earlier stance and also voted against the sanctions.
The tie vote resulted in a lost motion, meaning no sanctions will be implemented. Brennan said he felt the Integrity Commissioner’s report, which will remain on the town’s website for five years, was enough of a deterrent.
Quinn excused herself from the discussion.
