RIDEAU LAKES — A proposal to record all Township of Rideau Lakes council, committee and board meetings, including video directed toward the public gallery, was defeated Monday during committee of the whole following debate around transparency, cost and implementation.
The motion, introduced by Coun. Debbie Hutchings, called for all municipal and board meetings to be recorded and made publicly available for viewing.
The proposal also requested the township purchase a camera system “specifically facing the public gallery” to provide a record of any incidents involving staff, councillors or members of the public during meetings.
Mayor Arie Hoogenboom opposed the proposal, calling it “far too difficult to implement” and warning it would create a “make work project” for staff.
“It would be incredibly expensive and time consuming to do,” he said.
Hoogenboom also argued recordings could discourage volunteers from serving on township boards and committees, as people volunteer for some of these committees, but don’t want to be recorded.
He further objected to the proposal to direct cameras toward the public gallery rather than council members participating in meetings.
“Those viewing the tape at a later date do not want to watch other members of the public who might be in attendance,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Sue Dunfield questioned how broadly the motion would apply, noting several municipal boards could be affected, including the library board, Lower Beverley Lake Park board and municipal heritage committee.
Township CAO Shellee Fournier told council she was not aware of legal barriers preventing meetings from being recorded if council chose to proceed.
During debate, councillors interrupted with points of order as discussion shifted between transparency, public participation and implementation concerns.
In the end, motion was defeated with support from only Hutchings, Coun. Jeff Banks and Coun. Paula Banks.
Voting against the motion were Dunfield, Coun. Linda Carr, Coun. Marcia Maxwell and Coun. Ron Pollard, along with Mayor Hoogenboom. Coun. Dustin Bulloch was not in attendance.
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I think that this would have been a good idea, transparency is the word these days and this council is in great need for some.
The excuse that it would be expensive is just that an excuse, it was very expensive to support WTC with cash to assist in spreading high speed internet, for the select few,, still not reached my house but who cares.