While the Integrity Commissioner did not find Councillor Veronica Charrois culpable of harassment, it was his view that she did clearly violate the Code of Conduct for Town Council. Pictured: Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan and Ward 3 Councillor Veronica Charrois. Photo Credit: Town of Grimsby.
A long-standing confrontation between Grimsby Mayor Jeff Jordan and Councillor Veronica Charrois reached its climax over the past two weeks following the release of a report from Integrity Commissioner Michael L. Maynard, who found that Charrois violated the Council Code of Conduct when she questioned Jordan’s association with Harley Valentine of Castlepoint Numa, a Toronto-based real estate development company, during a council session last year.
While the incident in question took place this past November, the background of the issue can be traced back as far as two years ago.
In March 2022, Jordan supported working with Castlepoint Numa on a proposed Woolverton development project, at 13 Mountain Street and 19 and 21 Elm Street, in Grimsby. Jordan was adamant that he did not have a personal relationship with Valentine, who serves as a partner at Castlepoint Numa. He did confirm, however, that they knew each other through professional settings. A proposed development plan that involved Castlepoint Numa was voted down by Grimsby Town Council on March 21, 2022, in spite of Jordan’s support.
The following day, Charrois, who was not yet a member of council, posted on Facebook what has been described as an accountability check directed at those who voted to support the potential deal. Jordan argued that this action represented “the emergence of a pattern of harassing behaviour” on the part of Charrois toward Jordan himself, as well as those who spoke in favour of the development proposal, and that it has continued to the present day.
Valentine contributed $1,200 to the Jordan campaign during the 2022 Municipal Election. The donation was recorded on the Mayor’s Form 4 Financial Statement.
Castlepoint Numa appealed the decision of Grimsby’s Town Council to reject the proposed development to the Ontario Land Tribunal. A new proposal was subsequently submitted to the Municipality’s Planning and Development Committee, for which Jordan serves as Chairman.
Following a closed-session meeting, which was held because of the live appeal process that was also taking place, a new post-election council voted in favour of the updated development proposal. Jordan explained that he supported the new plan “not only because this was recommended by staff and our legal counsel, but like the original project, it also promises to bring much-needed rental units to the community and preserve two important heritage buildings.”
Following the vote, Charrois, now serving as a Ward 3 Town Councillor, recited terms from Procedural By-law 20-74, which addresses pecuniary and on-pecuniary conflicts of interest. She concluded her statement by saying: “So, this is directed to the Mayor, I am just wondering if you consulted with the Integrity Commissioner given your donation from the party we’ve voted on.”
“You can’t do this, because this is something… you are welcome to file an IG complaint against me, and I welcome it, because I will fight it because I did nothing wrong,” Jordan replied. “And again, you’re attacking me, it has nothing to do with the meeting. I can declare a conflict of interest and obviously will if I feel I had one…” Charrois then questioned Jordan a second time, to which Jordan replied that he did not believe he needed an Integrity Commissioner’s opinion in this matter, arguing that each member is responsible for declaring her/his own interests.
Jordan then filed a complaint against Charrois, saying that her accusatory questions resulted in negative and misleading press regarding himself and the project, particularly as Charrois doubled down on her comments without what he considered to be just cause or evidence of wrongdoing.
After comprehensive research, discussion, interviews, and responses, Maynard made his decision. While he did not find Charrois culpable of harassment, it was his view that she did clearly violate the Code of Conduct for Town Council.
“I have determined that Councillor Charrois contravened sections 4.1(a), 4.1(b) and 4.1(i) of the Code of Conduct,” which requires a member to exercise her/himself in good faith and respect, while not questioning the motives of other members without adequate knowledge, he stated on Page 16 of his report.
Maynard recommended a 15-day suspension of Charrois’ remuneration, explaining that the Municipal Act (2001) provides the Town with the needed authority to do so. The Town Council voted 5-2 to proceed with this disciplinary action.
Charrois was compensated a total of $26,126.21 in salary and benefits (expenses not included) in 2023, according to the Town of Grimsby’s 2023 statement of remuneration and expenses. Charrois, in response, did apologize for not discussing the issue with Jordan privately, and said she would utilize the report as a “learning tool” for going forward. With that being said, she believes that the complaint process was “flawed.” Charrois is not expected to appeal her suspension.
NOTE: The Niagara Independent reached out to both Mayor Jeff Jordan and Town Councillor Veronica Charrois for further comment and did not receive a response from either official as of press time.
Nick Redekop completed his Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Labour Studies at Brock University. He has previously served in municipal and federal politics. In his free time, Nick enjoys following sports, taking part in outdoor activities, and reading biographies. Nick resides in Niagara Falls
